Wanting to but a 99 Sierra

GMCinHouston · November 15, 2006

I was wanting to get some recommnedations on whether to buy this truck or not. It is a '99 GMC Sierra 1500 Externded cab. I think its an LS. Its got 99,500 miles on it. And the previous owner is my Dad. He is the original owner as well. This truck has been great for him. No problems, just very minor electrical.

He is wanting only $7500 for it and it sounds like a good deal to me. The exterior is immaculate. Two-tone red/silver. Has a bed liner and cover, etc etc. Get gets compliments regularly on how the truck still looks new. Interior is good. The only thing I don't like are there are a few rattles and squeaks inside. Alittle more than I care to have. But what can you expect with a 100k mile car.

Anyway, I trust my dad, but after telling a friend about it, he advised me not to buy it. He says that chances are I will have to replace the transmission soon with that many miles.

My question is: Is he right?

I really don't want to fork out the dough for a new tranny. I only want this truck for a year or two until I can afford a brand new one.

I posted this in the technical section because I figured a GM Technician will have the best opinion on these types of issues.

Thanks

carneyman · November 15, 2006

I was wanting to get some recommnedations on whether to buy this truck or not. It is a '99 GMC Sierra 1500 Externded cab. I think its an LS. Its got 99,500 miles on it. And the previous owner is my Dad. He is the original owner as well. This truck has been great for him. No problems, just very minor electrical.

He is wanting only $7500 for it and it sounds like a good deal to me. The exterior is immaculate. Two-tone red/silver. Has a bed liner and cover, etc etc. Get gets compliments regularly on how the truck still looks new. Interior is good. The only thing I don't like are there are a few rattles and squeaks inside. Alittle more than I care to have. But what can you expect with a 100k mile car.

Anyway, I trust my dad, but after telling a friend about it, he advised me not to buy it. He says that chances are I will have to replace the transmission soon with that many miles.

My question is: Is he right?

I really don't want to fork out the dough for a new tranny. I only want this truck for a year or two until I can afford a brand new one.

I posted this in the technical section because I figured a GM Technician will have the best opinion on these types of issues.

Thanks

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I sold my 99 regular cab with 130k miles and a rebuilt tranny for $9k, so that sounds like a pretty good deal to me. As for replacin the tranny, it just depends on how your dad drove it and if he did any heavy towing with it. For the price your getting it at, you could wait for the tranny to go out, get it rebuilt (cheaper than a new one), and it would last you a good while longer. If your not going to do a whole lot of driving and your dad wasn't rough on it, then it should last you till you sell it.

gmcjoe · November 15, 2006

If it wasn't your dad, I was going to tell you to shop for at least a 2000.

Price sounds good for what you are getting IMO

What type of electrical problems does it have? Those can be the worst to trace and repair if it hasn't already been done.

Transmissions should be good on these until 120K or so. Mine went at just over 155K. You are much better off buying this truck knowing the history then a truck from a stranger with less miles on it IMO.

1999-2000 NBS pickups had a couple of very common problems like faulty fuel sending units and faulty ABS sensors. Not to mention 1999 had the lowest HP rating for the 4.8l and 5.3l motors.

GMCinHouston · November 15, 2006

What type of electrical problems does it have? Those can be the worst to trace and repair if it hasn't already been done.

Fuel gage comes and goes, mostly goes. It sounds like you've already highlighted what might be the problem...the sending unit.

Transmissions should be good on these until 120K or so. Mine went at just over 155K.

I'll be happy to get 20-30k miles out of this truck.

Do you have a rough figure on what a rebuilt trans might cost? (installed)

You are much better off buying this truck knowing the history then a truck from a stranger with less miles on it IMO.

yes yes yes

I've been driving this truck around all week and I'm already in love with it. This will be my first truck and I'm already finding it very useful. I think based on your opinions I'm going to go ahead and buy it. It has the same wheels as yours. Both y'alls trucks are nice

Thanks for the advice!!!

GMCinHouston · November 15, 2006

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I sold my 99 regular cab with 130k miles and a rebuilt tranny for $9k, so that sounds like a pretty good deal to me. As for replacin the tranny, it just depends on how your dad drove it and if he did any heavy towing with it. For the price your getting it at, you could wait for the tranny to go out, get it rebuilt (cheaper than a new one), and it would last you a good while longer. If your not going to do a whole lot of driving and your dad wasn't rough on it, then it should last you till you sell it.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

He towed around an old classic car that he used to take to car shows. Other than that, very little towing. He is 65 years old but drives like an 80 year granny. He he.

I am very excited about buying it.

Thanks!

99silveradoz71 · November 15, 2006

You're definitely in a good spot being that it's your dad and you can kinda figure how the truck was used.

gmcjoe · November 16, 2006

What type of electrical problems does it have? Those can be the worst to trace and repair if it hasn't already been done.

Fuel gage comes and goes, mostly goes. It sounds like you've already highlighted what might be the problem...the sending unit.

Transmissions should be good on these until 120K or so. Mine went at just over 155K.

I'll be happy to get 20-30k miles out of this truck.

Do you have a rough figure on what a rebuilt trans might cost? (installed)

You are much better off buying this truck knowing the history then a truck from a stranger with less miles on it IMO.

yes yes yes

I've been driving this truck around all week and I'm already in love with it. This will be my first truck and I'm already finding it very useful. I think based on your opinions I'm going to go ahead and buy it. It has the same wheels as yours. Both y'alls trucks are nice

Thanks for the advice!!!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

1 -Sounds like the fuel sending unit in the tank for sure