2000 Silverado, Repair Of Replace?

[piscator]

My 2000 Silverado (1500LS, Z71, 5.3, ext cab) has been worked pretty hard and now needs body-work, paint, tires, brakes, upholstery and various other repairs. I got estimates from two reputable GM dealers and it looks like $3k to $4k.

 

I love this truck - but I can buy a newer 1500LS, LT for not much more than the cost of the repairs + trade-in. Repair? Replace? Any suggestions?

 

Also, I like the styling of the older GMT800 series and find it hard to reach into the bed of the newer GMT900 trucks. I've also found several 2007 'classic' that are pristine. It would cost a bit more, but should I 'invest' in the 'last of my favorite truck version'? Are the later GMT800's significantly 'better' than the 2000-2002 models?

 

Finally, my daughters are just edging into their teens and I'm wondering if I'll need the 'Crew Cab'. I like the Ext Cab and don't like giving up the 6' bed, but the girls won't get smaller! I need to take them along...and all the the bicycles, kayaks and gear they seem to require :-)

 

I'd really appreciate any 'Repair or Replace' advice you might have.

 

Thanks, piscator

[BuckFeverZ]

My 2000 Silverado (1500LS, Z71, 5.3, ext cab) has been worked pretty hard and now needs body-work, paint, tires, brakes, upholstery and various other repairs. I got estimates from two reputable GM dealers and it looks like $3k to $4k.

 

I love this truck - but I can buy a newer 1500LS, LT for not much more than the cost of the repairs + trade-in. Repair? Replace? Any suggestions?

 

Also, I like the styling of the older GMT800 series and find it hard to reach into the bed of the newer GMT900 trucks. I've also found several 2007 'classic' that are pristine. It would cost a bit more, but should I 'invest' in the 'last of my favorite truck version'? Are the later GMT800's significantly 'better' than the 2000-2002 models?

 

Finally, my daughters are just edging into their teens and I'm wondering if I'll need the 'Crew Cab'. I like the Ext Cab and don't like giving up the 6' bed, but the girls won't get smaller! I need to take them along...and all the the bicycles, kayaks and gear they seem to require :-)

 

I'd really appreciate any 'Repair or Replace' advice you might have.

 

Thanks, piscator

 

All sounds like typical maintenance except for the body work. How many miles are on your truck? If the mileage is pretty low, repairing it wouldn't be the worst idea, but if you are getting up there, you might as well move on before you have major repairs such as your tranny.

 

If you do decide to replace it, now is the time to do it. You can get some amazing deals if you are willing to walk away from a truck or two. You should be able to get an '07 classic for around $17,000 I would think.

[2000DV4.8]

I'd say try to do as much of the work yourself as possible, and keep the truck, but only if it makes sense for YOU to do so. Mileage would be a good thing to know.

[piscator]

Thanks DV and Buckfever,

 

My Silverado only has 98,000 miles on the clock, but she's been 'run hard and put away wet' It's not a bad truck, mechanically, but the repairs required are expensive ones that I wouldn't do myself. The 'dings and dents' for example, really amount to a total paint job. The front seats need new upholstery. Brakes, shocks, etc. I can do myself, but that's not where the bulk of the cost is.

 

On the one hand, I could put $5k into this truck and get a 'show-stopper' paint job and better leather seats than any factory option.

 

Or, the other hand, I could buy a low mileage GMT800 like the 2007 'classic' and be done with it!

 

The kicker is the possible need for the Crew Cab. We take long trips with our 9 and 10 year old daughters, travel up through Maine and drag the canoe along. The extended cab was perfectwhen they were younger, but it's starting to get a bit cramped.

 

Thanks for your help, there's certainly lots to think about!

 

piscator

[ALange]

Thanks DV and Buckfever,

 

My Silverado only has 98,000 miles on the clock, but she's been 'run hard and put away wet' It's not a bad truck, mechanically, but the repairs required are expensive ones that I wouldn't do myself. The 'dings and dents' for example, really amount to a total paint job. The front seats need new upholstery. Brakes, shocks, etc. I can do myself, but that's not where the bulk of the cost is.

 

On the one hand, I could put $5k into this truck and get a 'show-stopper' paint job and better leather seats than any factory option.

 

Or, the other hand, I could buy a low mileage GMT800 like the 2007 'classic' and be done with it!

 

The kicker is the possible need for the Crew Cab. We take long trips with our 9 and 10 year old daughters, travel up through Maine and drag the canoe along. The extended cab was perfectwhen they were younger, but it's starting to get a bit cramped.

 

Thanks for your help, there's certainly lots to think about!

 

piscator

 

Hello Fisherman,

 

It sounds like the need for more legroom wins. Daughters never get smaller. Neither do wives for that matter. You will find plenty of deals. Trade up and enjoy.

[Porter_]

Thanks DV and Buckfever,

 

My Silverado only has 98,000 miles on the clock, but she's been 'run hard and put away wet' It's not a bad truck, mechanically, but the repairs required are expensive ones that I wouldn't do myself. The 'dings and dents' for example, really amount to a total paint job. The front seats need new upholstery. Brakes, shocks, etc. I can do myself, but that's not where the bulk of the cost is.

 

On the one hand, I could put $5k into this truck and get a 'show-stopper' paint job and better leather seats than any factory option.

 

Or, the other hand, I could buy a low mileage GMT800 like the 2007 'classic' and be done with it!

 

The kicker is the possible need for the Crew Cab. We take long trips with our 9 and 10 year old daughters, travel up through Maine and drag the canoe along. The extended cab was perfectwhen they were younger, but it's starting to get a bit cramped.

 

Thanks for your help, there's certainly lots to think about!

 

piscator

 

Hello Fisherman,

 

It sounds like the need for more legroom wins. Daughters never get smaller. Neither do wives for that matter. You will find plenty of deals. Trade up and enjoy.

 

 

 

i second this. you've got several reasons to trade up.

[Nick The Great]

Thanks DV and Buckfever,

 

My Silverado only has 98,000 miles on the clock, but she's been 'run hard and put away wet' It's not a bad truck, mechanically, but the repairs required are expensive ones that I wouldn't do myself. The 'dings and dents' for example, really amount to a total paint job. The front seats need new upholstery. Brakes, shocks, etc. I can do myself, but that's not where the bulk of the cost is.

 

On the one hand, I could put $5k into this truck and get a 'show-stopper' paint job and better leather seats than any factory option.

 

Or, the other hand, I could buy a low mileage GMT800 like the 2007 'classic' and be done with it!

 

The kicker is the possible need for the Crew Cab. We take long trips with our 9 and 10 year old daughters, travel up through Maine and drag the canoe along. The extended cab was perfectwhen they were younger, but it's starting to get a bit cramped.

 

Thanks for your help, there's certainly lots to think about!

 

piscator

 

Hello Fisherman,

 

It sounds like the need for more legroom wins. Daughters never get smaller. Neither do wives for that matter. You will find plenty of deals. Trade up and enjoy.

 

 

Zing!

 

 

I can see the OP's dilemma. It kinda depends on his situation though. Some repairs can wait. Paint, dents, upholstery, that can all wait if need be. Not so much brakes and such. He'll spend less money to fix the old one, but sounds like it may be a good time to upgrade anyway. If your family rides in the truck more than once a month, they'll appreciate the legroom.

 

Probably ought to start pricing at least. I don't know about the difference between the 2000 and 2007 trucks. There were some slight styling changes in 2003, but I can't say about interior. Though a 6 or 7 year newer truck will be less worn.

 

Good luck.

[2000DV4.8]

My truck is proof that I'm all for keeping a vehicle as long as possible and making it better, but in your situation, it sounds like a new truck would be the smarter option. 3-4k in a truck that's over 9 years old is quite a lot of money, probably more than the truck is worth, and you'll probably end up regretting putting the money into the truck if a couple years down the road you need more room. Not to mention the repairs that are likely to pop up on a truck with almost 100k.

[66nova]

If you can afford to replace it, I say replace it! You are talking about spending more money than that truck is worth and more than likely you will not keep it long enough to recoup the investment because you will end up wanting a crewcab in a couple years.

 

Get a crewcab and don't think about it anymore! You won't be sorry.

[superjim]

I have to agree with Robert and several others.

 

The way prices are right now... I have never seen a better time to upgrade and move to a newer one.

 

If you can afford to replace it... I think that is the smartest thing to do. I would not put much money in a vehicle with 100,000 miles on it.

If you need to trade it in, so be it.

If you can afford to keep it...just for a beater...since you are going to get almost nothing for it on trade in.. I would also consider doing that.

You could still use the old one for the DIRTY JOBS and keep your newer one looking new longer and keep some miles off of the new one.

[98 Z71 SLT]

Trade it in, and get yourself a 2005-2007 Classic Crew Cab - Silverado or Sierra

 

I suggest to stick within these model years...why??

 

Electric Cooling Fans (GM ditched the fan clutch)

 

Better Rear Brakes (went back to drums on certain models)

 

Shop right, and these models can be bought in the $$ LOW TEENS $$

[ZZ327]

if you can get a good enough deal on a newer crew cab. Go for it!

[piscator]

I think you guys are right, so I 'demoed' several crew-cabs today.

 

I found two 2006 LT's that I'd like to make offers on. Both have +/- 30,000 miles, 5.3 engines, 4wd, leather interior, and come 'fully equipped. One has the Z71 package.

 

Asking prices are $22,995 and $24,500

 

Any suggestions on what I might offer?

 

I's been 8 years since I purchased a vehicle, so I'd certainly appreciate your advice! These prices seem in line with trucks I've found on 'cars.com' but I don't 'follow the market' as carefully as you guys do.

 

Originally, I planned on spending around $15,000 but I like the older body style, so maybe it's best to spend more on the 'last year' GMT800 series. The price is a little bit of a stretch, but 'do-able' especially if I can get closer to $20,000.

 

P.S.

 

Hawghauler, congratulations! Only one other person has figured out my screen-name!

 

As for the 'dimensionality' of daughters and wives -- You're right, but since I don't like sleeping outside -- I'm with Nick -- "no comment" Very funny though!! LOL

 

Nick, DV, 66nova, TexasJim, ZZ, I really appreciate your comments!

 

Superstealth, thanks for the specifics on 2005-2007 mechanicals, it's a big help. I've been targeting low-mileage trucks, so most have been mid to high teens.

 

Thanks to all! Piscator

[superjim]

I think you guys are right, so I 'demoed' several crew-cabs today.

 

I found two 2006 LT's that I'd like to make offers on. Both have +/- 30,000 miles, 5.3 engines, 4wd, leather interior, and come 'fully equipped. One has the Z71 package.

 

Asking prices are $22,995 and $24,500

 

Any suggestions on what I might offer?

 

 

I always make a REALLY, REALLY low first offer.

 

My reasoning is ... I can always go UP ..if need be... but... if I make an offer and they just jump on it...I will know that I could have got it for less.

 

Then I will be pi$$ed at myself for offering too much.

[2000DV4.8]

I think you guys are right, so I 'demoed' several crew-cabs today.

 

I found two 2006 LT's that I'd like to make offers on. Both have +/- 30,000 miles, 5.3 engines, 4wd, leather interior, and come 'fully equipped. One has the Z71 package.

 

Asking prices are $22,995 and $24,500

 

Any suggestions on what I might offer?

 

 

I always make a REALLY, REALLY low first offer.

 

My reasoning is ... I can always go UP ..if need be... but... if I make an offer and they just jump on it...I will know that I could have got it for less.

 

Then I will be pi$ed at myself for offering too much.

 

 

Agreed, the worst thing that can happen, is they say "no".