Newb With A Buying Question... Older Model Gm

Silverton · March 4, 2009

Looking at an older truck for a daily driver/commuter, anywhere from 15 to 45 miles a day, one way. Money is tight and I don't want to take on a payment, but damn I want a truck! So, I've been looking at what's available under $6k. What's the conventional wisdom on a 97 or 98 (or 99+) model GM truck, 4x4 ext cab? Most I see seem to run 4-6K in price, anywhere from 100-175k miles. Some answers before the questions... yes, I want 4x4, it will get used for hauling wood, trips to Lowe's, etc. I can do some of my own wrenching, like oil, brakes, the usual driveway stuff. So what do I look for? Is a 97 or 98 with 150k something to be scared of even if it looks taken care of? I'm also looking at Dodges, they don't hold resale like the GM trucks do and you can get "more truck" for the buck, BUT they seem to have a lot of issues, like dashboards, plenums, brakes, etc., and they seem to drink enough gas to make GM's look like camels. Any previous/current Ram owners feel free to chime in. One thing I won't even search autotrader for is Ford *spit*. Been in too many, hate everything about them from the buttons to upholstery to looks.

mattjulien · March 4, 2009

I'd say if it looks well taken care of your good to go. See if the tranny fluid has been changed. Also the most common problems of the GMT-400's are the intake manifold gasket and fuel pumps. And I would dodge the dodge if I were you

there are plenty of 97 or 98 Z71's around my area for sale under 6 grand so i'm sure you won't have any problems finding one.

Zembonez · March 4, 2009

99 up with a 4.8 or 5.3 is pretty dependable mechanically. If you found one that had been taken care of, I would not be afraid to jump in. Find one for 5 grand and sink a little into what ever's wrong with it and drive!

NFSGamerUSA · March 4, 2009

I got my '98 K1500 Cheyenne nearly a year and three months ago with I think 136k miles. It's about to hit 142k miles, and besides an electrical issue with the brake lights and turn signals, I've had no trouble. I recently replaced the lower intake manifold gasket because it was burning a coolant gradually (typical of GMT400s with this age and mileage), but there's not much else to look out for. Just make sure there aren't any major leaks or rust spots and you should be good to go.

Also, I suggest getting a truck in better running condition rather than one with nicer features/options. I looked at a '97 K1500 Silverado Z71 that had leather, power seats, etc., but it also had VERY loose steering (possibly due to slightly oversized tires), a huge dent on one side of the bed with surface scratches (possibly on the cab, too). My Cheyenne, on the other hand, is just a plain 4x4 (better ride quality than Z71, BTW) with nearly base everything (it's a step up from the W/T; it has carpet and alloy wheels), but it was in much better shape. I can't remember the price of the two, but if anything I think the Silverado Z71 was a bit higher priced and had higher mileage.

Silverton · March 4, 2009

Thank you for the replies, folks, it's all good advice. I've been watching the used prices over the last few months and they seem to be coming up again. A truck that was $5-6k 3 months ago is now closer to $8k, asking price. I guess with new car sales tanking, the used market is taking off. Aside from stealership lots and private sales, there's a lot on the buy here pay here lots, too. Anyone have any experience with those?

99 up with a 4.8 or 5.3 is pretty dependable mechanically. If you found one that had been taken care of, I would not be afraid to jump in. Find one for 5 grand and sink a little into what ever's wrong with it and drive!

I noticed in a post somewhere you sell cars, is that correct? Got any insider advice for when a person steps onto a car lot? Back in the late 80's I knew a former car salesman who told me that whatever the asking price is on a used vehicle, take 2k off and start negotiating from that point, especially if the car has been on the lot over a month.

66nova · March 4, 2009

All good advice you are getting. I just want to add the GMT400 platform of trucks were great. I still have a 1995 that has a 175,000 miles on it. I bought it in 1997 with 25001 miles. I have had very few problems with it. EXCEPT the transmission, but from what I understand, 95's were known for transmission issues.

As said before, look for one that has good maintenance records and looks/drives like it has been very well maintained.

The 99+ trucks with the 5.3 are great, but it is hard to beat the old 5.7. That motor is time tested and sure footed.

Good luck with your search and we need pics as soon as you get it.

Silverton · March 4, 2009

I just realized I probably should have posted this thread in the older truck forum... mods, feel free to move it if you want.

Zembonez · March 4, 2009

Thank you for the replies, folks, it's all good advice. I've been watching the used prices over the last few months and they seem to be coming up again. A truck that was $5-6k 3 months ago is now closer to $8k, asking price. I guess with new car sales tanking, the used market is taking off. Aside from stealership lots and private sales, there's a lot on the buy here pay here lots, too. Anyone have any experience with those?

99 up with a 4.8 or 5.3 is pretty dependable mechanically. If you found one that had been taken care of, I would not be afraid to jump in. Find one for 5 grand and sink a little into what ever's wrong with it and drive!

I noticed in a post somewhere you sell cars, is that correct? Got any insider advice for when a person steps onto a car lot? Back in the late 80's I knew a former car salesman who told me that whatever the asking price is on a used vehicle, take 2k off and start negotiating from that point, especially if the car has been on the lot over a month.

I don't sell cars at all. I buy for other companies. As far as dealer markup goes, many times the car sells for a few hundred over what the guy has in it. Obviously they like to do better than that if they can. I'd say most honest ones average 800 - 1200 profit on a late model vehicle sale. I know those not in the car business like to believe they are making $2000 on every $6000 car they sell... That may happen on rare occasion, but it isn't like that in daily life. It costs a lot of money to operate a decent clean late model lot. Between costs of running the business, employees, advertising, vandalism, theft, and refurbishing used vehicles, there are a lot of ugly and expensive problems that can crop up.

Like any other business, the few bad ones make the rest look bad. There are a lot of good honest car dealers (and some not so good).

Rudy35 · March 4, 2009

I had a '97 Chevy 4x4, ext cab, 5.7l, Z71 for 8 years and 75,000 miles. Wish I still had it! My problems with it were a head gasket, fuel injector and fuel pump, all fixed under warranty, I was over on time, but still under the 36,000 miles. I towed a bike trailer or a heavy camp trailer, plenty of power, I just kept it in 3rd.

pennzoil29 · March 5, 2009

I have a '99 with the 5.7, and I love it. The normal thing's have gone out, fuel pump, water pump, etc, and I had the infamous intake gasket go out. It has 174+K on her, and still run's strong as hell. Good luck.

rogerf · March 5, 2009

I just realized I probably should have posted this thread in the older truck forum... mods, feel free to move it if you want.

No, you came the right place.

Know you don't want to hear this but if money is tight, would think long & hard about how much you need 4wd. You will get a much less complicated and less expensive to own truck by getting a 2wd. My last older truck was a 2wd '97 C1500 W/T. Great truck, cheap to maintain and can't beat the V-6 for cheap to run. As for the Dodge, borrowed a mid-90's vintage Ram from my boss before buying the 1500. Wasn't impressed, he had tranny problems from new, body rotted badly and the bulky body was difficult in parking lots. I much preferred the Dakota I owned from the same era.

Silverton · March 5, 2009

I just realized I probably should have posted this thread in the older truck forum... mods, feel free to move it if you want.

No, you came the right place.

Know you don't want to hear this but if money is tight, would think long & hard about how much you need 4wd. You will get a much less complicated and less expensive to own truck by getting a 2wd. My last older truck was a 2wd '97 C1500 W/T. Great truck, cheap to maintain and can't beat the V-6 for cheap to run. As for the Dodge, borrowed a mid-90's vintage Ram from my boss before buying the 1500. Wasn't impressed, he had tranny problems from new, body rotted badly and the bulky body was difficult in parking lots. I much preferred the Dakota I owned from the same era.

Yeppers, that's why I decided (at the moment) to look for an older vehicle I can pay cash for - assuming I still have some left, lol - and avoid a payment, but nothing will be purchased until I get my arse back to work and the income is there to fix things if needed. Figured for a truck that would be driven daily but never very far, a previously loved oldie I can care for would do the trick. I'm fairly particular with oil changes, cleaning, minor repairs, etc., and I have friends who are good at wrenching and they take beer as payment. Got this forum for help, too!