What Do Think

bronco2454 · October 18, 2008

The 1996 ford has a 302 automatic reg cab short bed. It has 131k on it and is starting to slip transmission wise. I paid 300 bucks for it in May 08 and it does run very well other than the tranny issue.

The 1998 GMC 1500 is a sle and z71 package extended cab. 4x4 with push button. It has a 5.7l in it and the only bad part is it has 188k on it. It also has keyless entry and cd player and a mirror with the direction and green tint deal like the riv. I have heard that this is not a lot of miles for this type of gm truck.

I have always wanted a gm truck and just never could find I could afford or was available when I was looking. I love this body style of trucks I do not know why but to me they just scream I'm a bad truck pick me pick me. The gmc would set me back 2800 and the f150 ths includes all transfer fees and such. I dorve the gmc all over tonight the dealer let me have it for the weekend and it does drive very well. What does everyone think does it sound like a good deal? Also pictures below sorry for such a long post just want to make sure I am doing a good thing if I take this deal.

Is there anything I should know about the GMC?

svensk · October 18, 2008

Buy it. You can still keep the ford...That '98 gmc is really quite an upgrade.

bronco2454 · October 18, 2008

If I get this the ford has to go it is 4500 without my f150 as trade. I drove this around for like 3 hours tonight in town just seeing what I thought and there was nothing better to do. It used less than 1/4 tank of gas which i found good and it never really had any thing I would call an issue. My only concearn is the 188k or I would be sold already. Is this a lot of miles for this type of truck? Are there any things I should get fixed or looked at right away before I start to really drive it just to be safe.

DofD · October 18, 2008

Depends on how well it's been maintained or abused. If it's been well maintained then the mileage should be fine. I would get the truck well warmed up and then let it sit for a while in a spot where you can check for leaks. If there are no leaks, then go for the GMC.

pennzoil29 · October 18, 2008

Depends on how well it's been maintained or abused. If it's been well maintained then the mileage should be fine. I would get the truck well warmed up and then let it sit for a while in a spot where you can check for leaks. If there are no leaks, then go for the GMC.

+1 You could pull off a valve cover and see if there is any sludge build up. That would give you an idea of how often the oil was changed. My '99 has 168k on her, and the 5.7 still runs like a top. Of course, I change the oil every other month, and she looks like this.

dietz4ibanez · October 18, 2008

If I get this the ford has to go it is 4500 without my f150 as trade. I drove this around for like 3 hours tonight in town just seeing what I thought and there was nothing better to do. It used less than 1/4 tank of gas which i found good and it never really had any thing I would call an issue. My only concearn is the 188k or I would be sold already. Is this a lot of miles for this type of truck? Are there any things I should get fixed or looked at right away before I start to really drive it just to be safe.

My 99 Z71 Same exact truck as you are looking at has 200k on it and it still runs like it did from day 1 minus the part that it is a lot louder now with exhaust...

MS3DALE · October 18, 2008

The GMC looks like a nice truck.

I can tell you that something was done to the tailgate,Both emblems are in the wrong place,They should both be down lower and closer to the edge,especially the GMC emblem on the left side,Its up way too high and too far over.

Zembonez · October 18, 2008

The GMC looks like a nice truck.
I can tell you that something was done to the tailgate,Both emblems are in the wrong place,They should both be down lower and closer to the edge,especially the GMC emblem on the left side,Its up way too high and too far over.

Plus - Why is the LP on the gate? ODD!

Either one seems like a good truck. I of course would lean towards the GMC myself. Milaege doesn't scare me. After a vehicle is 5 years old I look at condition more than anything.

bronco2454 · October 18, 2008

Plate is on the tailgate held on by magnets since it is just a dealer plate and doesnt go to the truck. I parked it after drivng it around for a while and there are no visble spots underneath the truck. I do really like this truck I just want to know if these trucks have any problems that could be lurking around the corner that are very common problems.

Zembonez · October 18, 2008

Plate is on the tailgate held on by magnets since it is just a dealer plate and doesnt go to the truck. I parked it after drivng it around for a while and there are no visble spots underneath the truck. I do really like this truck I just want to know if these trucks have any problems that could be lurking around the corner that are very common problems.

Driving it and putting it in the air to have a good look under it would be my main criteria. Check and see if everything works and make note of what doesn't for negotiating purposes. At that mileage anything could go wrong, but these are pretty solid trucks. Many of the little things that happen to trucks would have likely been addressed miles ago.

If it drives good, shifts & stops good, and doesn't pour any fluids, I'd say that is about 80% of the battle won.

Good luck!

bronco2454 · October 18, 2008

Yea so far I have not found anything that does not work. I guess my next question is the price. Does 2800 sound like a good deal for what I am getting. I have to fight the urge to think I am making money off the ford since the sticker of the gmc is 4495. So that means I am getting 1695 trade for a truck I paid 300 for. Also this includes tax and title which probably be about 300 6.5% plus plate fees and transfer fess.

Zembonez · October 18, 2008

If you can get a decent, clean, good driving GMC for 2800 (plus your original 300) it sounds like a sweet deal to me. Like anything, you have to consider that it is a used vehicle and it may need work down the line but that's such a small price compared to new... I see nothing wrong with that.

bronco2454 · October 18, 2008

I went to take it back today to the dealer and he asked me what I thought I told him I wasn't sure. He told me to keep it till monday to decide. I am really liking it. It looks so much nicer than my ford.

Darkanion · October 18, 2008

I went to take it back today to the dealer and he asked me what I thought I told him I wasn't sure. He told me to keep it till monday to decide. I am really liking it. It looks so much nicer than my ford.

Based on what you've said and the other feedback you've received, I'd say go for it. $2800 + the trade.. You're going to be hard pressed to beat that...

bronco2454 · October 19, 2008

I am thinking I will take it. Just a few observations the GMC truck seems to be more play than work has a lot more creature comforts. The Ford seems to be more about work. It seems like GMC wanted you to enjoy your truck and have fun while Ford seemed to think it was for work and didn't need a lot of options. The GMC I have noticed idled rough when I first took it from the dealer now it idles smooth as silk and also seems more responsive. I am willing to right this off as just old gas. It had a little below 1/4 when it left the lot. I have put about 200 miles on it and 40 bucks worth of 90 octane in it. Does this sound like the answer? Also I have some more pics below. I find it hard that GMC has 188k on it looks way to nice inside and outside for a minnesota truck with that many miles.