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I am looking at a high mileage GMC 1500

S

Stifko

Diamond Member
Should I bother looking at such a high mile vehicle? The seller seems to have taken good care of it. It has the z71 package, 350 engine and a 5 speed manual trans.
 
It's been said "A chevy will run poorly longer than most run at all". The good news is that the parts are so easy to find that if you go to an auto parts store you can probably rebuild the truck from thier stock room. The transmission is a pretty reliable one if the prior owner didn't jack up the shift forks and synchros, but you'll know that in the first mile you drive it. Just check the basics like bushings and making sure everything functions.
 
Thanks, but which bushings? the shifter bushings? it was a Wyoming truck. If it feels solid and the engine pulls strong, I should just buy it, eh?

here is the text from his ad:

1995 GMC 1500 pickup short bed
5 speed, V8, 4x4
two-tone paint: teal/silver
extended cab
179k- same owner for eight years
new clutch, brakes and tires
tow package
Z71 offroad
new performance exhaust
xm radio/cd player
air/tilt/cruise
power windows/mirrors/locks
rear window defroster
diamond plate delta tool box
bed liner and diamond-plate rails
custom rims
hood scoops and moon visor
tinted windows
custom grill and crome rocker panels
tail-light covers and bug-deflector
no dents and no rust
PRICED TO SELL!!! (under the blue book value)

 
Suspension bushings, like ball joints and such. With that age and milage things are likely to be worn. (take possibly having them replaced into account on the price)
 
Thanks again, I will see how it feels later today.
Maybe he will have some wiggle room on the price.
 
Well it is a 4x4 so there are no ball joints 😉

He lists a new performance exhaust and it is something I dont think would be done if the engine was on its last leg. Go check it out. Thing with gm engines, 4.3 v6, 305, and the 350 is they will shoot out a puff of smoke at first start up when cold. Its no big deal, just a little oil that got past the valve seals, nothing to worry about as long as the smoke clears up right away, meaning right after it starts and the first puff. Other then that check the crank for smoke. Pull the oil cap off. If you see smoke coming from where you put the oil in it is a sign the rings are worn out and the gasses are getting past the rings during combustion and coming out through the block. If it is very slight it would be normal for that many miles, if it is bellowing out of there that engine is worn out and will need a new one. Good news is you can pick up a long block 350 for around $500 and in a truck is a easy job to install.

Aside of that just look for leaks around the engine, diffs, and transfer case. Also look at the ujoint where the wheels turn at the front axle to make sure the seals are not leaking, that can be costly to get replaced on some trucks.
Check those things out and if it passes you should be good to go. Manual tranny means you just have to replace clutches so it should last you a long time.
 
Originally posted by: funboy42Manual tranny means you just have to replace clutches so it should last you a long time.
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He just put a clutch in before driving East. Thanks for the advice, I will look for the things you listed.

I think I am going to buy it.
 
Originally posted by: Stifko
Thanks, but which bushings? the shifter bushings? it was a Wyoming truck. If it feels solid and the engine pulls strong, I should just buy it, eh?

here is the text from his ad:

1995 GMC 1500 pickup short bed
5 speed, V8, 4x4
two-tone paint: teal/silver
extended cab
179k- same owner for eight years
new clutch, brakes and tires
tow package
Z71 offroad
new performance exhaust
xm radio/cd player
air/tilt/cruise
power windows/mirrors/locks
rear window defroster
diamond plate delta tool box
bed liner and diamond-plate rails
custom rims
hood scoops and moon visor
tinted windows
custom grill and crome rocker panels
tail-light covers and bug-deflector
no dents and no rust
PRICED TO SELL!!! (under the blue book value)
Click to expand...

Sounds like a high school/redneck bubba truck that's most likely had the ever loving crap run out of it.
 
Originally posted by: vi_editSounds like a high school/redneck bubba truck that's most likely had the ever loving crap run out of it.
Click to expand...

I can see why you would think that, but after talking to this guy I did not get that vibe. He sounds like a pretty responsible person and one that would not beat the piss outta his truck. I got the feeling that he really loves this truck and hates to sell it.
 
Originally posted by: iamwiz82
It better be damned cheap. Trucks usually dont depreciate below a certain point unless they stop running.
Click to expand...

How cheap is damned cheap? What would you pay for that truck?
 
So what's the price on it?

My dad just sold his 99 Silverado 4.3 V6 5-speed. It was very clean with about 102k miles. He let it go for $4500. It'd say that's damned cheap. It was a regular cab short bed. 4x4 but not Z71.
 
wow that is cheap for a 99, was your dad's a crew cab?
he wants $4900 for this one, and I was gonna offer $4k, but I dunno now.
 
Originally posted by: Stifko
wow that is cheap for a 99, was your dad's a crew cab?
he wants $4900 for this one, and I was gonna offer $4k, but I dunno now.
Click to expand...

What?!

Woah, that's insane. I wouldn't pay more than $1500, but maybe my area is different. Craigslist pulls up literally dozens of cheaper Chevies of the same era near me.
 
There's a 3500 dually turbo diesel for that price in Detroit. There is also a 99 with 100,000 (2wd though) for the same price.
 
Originally posted by: iamwiz82
Originally posted by: Stifko
wow that is cheap for a 99, was your dad's a crew cab?
he wants $4900 for this one, and I was gonna offer $4k, but I dunno now.
Click to expand...

What?!

Woah, that's insane. I wouldn't pay more than $1500, but maybe my area is different. Craigslist pulls up literally dozens of cheaper Chevies of the same era near me.
Click to expand...

$1500 for an 8 year old car? I sold an '87 Volvo 240GL with something like 350,000 miles on the odometer for that a couple years ago.
 
Trucks hold their resale and always go for big money vs cars of the same maker and year. OP after re-looking at your listing I dont think he is that out of line, even with the miles, because how many LIKE NEW, rust and dent free, 1995 pick up trucks are you going to find, with all the other stuff he has put on that is a Z71 4x4?

Yes you may find some cheaper with less mile, that have rust in and out and all around, but he seems to have a mint truck on his hands, aside of the engine miles, and frankly GM parts are cheap and replacement engines are even cheaper then anything else on the road. Just my opinion, you want good, you have to pay for it, you want crap, go find something else that is cheaper but not near as nice looking or rust dent free. I know for a fact if you took that rust free truck he has to Chicago you get close to half of what he is asking for it. Lots of people in that area would die for a rust free older car in near mint condition and pay out the ass to get it.
 
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