Extremely high mileage Tahoe purchase

[hooah]

Let's say the only way I could afford to get into a 2000 Tahoe is to buy one with extremely high mileage, like $3.500 for a truck with over 200k, and have the mechanics rebuilt. Even though the truck would be improved, does that sound even the slightest bit practical to anyone? I'm thinking that with that many miles, everything would be shot, not just the engine and drivetrain, but the suspension, wheel bearings, cooling system, and anything with more than one moving part. Would it be better to just pay more for a 125k miler? You guys understand the costs involved with rebuilding, better than I do, so what do you think?

 

[jgiguere17]

I just bought my yukon a little over a week ago from a seller in California with 57k for $10,000

came with running boards, 3rd row, bench front seat and dvd system for the kids in the back seat (10in screen)

 

[ac1975]

I may be jumping the gun, but here is my newly purchased truck. http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp?paId=294529360

I didn't even test it before I bought it, just grilled the dealer (in a friendly way) and read about them on their website. Got a good feeling, called them back, got a carfax (2 owners), made the deal ($3700), bought my plane ticket ($69), and flew out there this morning. I got back home today and WOW, the truck did awesome on the 550 mile drive. Like I said, I've only had the truck for a day, but with 175k, the truck drove great, and I had some pretty bad weather in some parts. The auto-trac is pretty cool.

If you can get out there and test it, even better. If not, try to get as much info as you can.

 

[Rollin Thunder]

tranny would be my only worry. They are the weak spot on these trucks. I have an 03 silverado, with about 67k miles on it. Bought it with 65k. It was used for towing, and I use it for towing. But the tranny is starting to slip from 1-2 gears. It shifts out of 1st. Then RPMs go up, then bang, in 2nd. I prolonging it. But I know whats coming. :cryin:

 

[Gordo]

200k is risky! No offense to anyone here but if its was a Toyota or Honda sure good deal but its an American Truck and thats almost the whole lifespan.

 

[boostaholic]

Buddy I work with has over 200k on his silverado with zero problems, and it has a 12" lift on 41" tires. I say you'll be fine just keep an extra $1500 or so for the trans when it goes, or just get it rebuilt asap.

 

[Rollin Thunder]

200k is risky! No offense to anyone here but if its was a Toyota or Honda sure good deal but its an American Truck and thats almost the whole lifespan.

even then its still kinda risky. If its an older toyota or honda sure. But anything Post 200k is a crap shoot for any car.

I would actully trust mercedes benz and BMW more than toyota or honda for longevity. I got a mercedes in my garage, an 84 with 110k miles on it, feels solid no rattles, everything runs great, rides better than my corvette (smoother, yet takes corners better than the corvette as well) I have driven a toyota with 240k miles on it and I was worried it was gunna shake it self apart it rattled so much. To my surprise toyota and honda use cheap interior parts, They make darn good drivetrains that last for ever, but it stops there, Again not trying to cause an arguement , these are just my observations.


But I have taken 1 k5 blazer with a 5.7 to almost 400k, and about 5 2500 suburbans to almost 350k, Never had a serious problem, power steering pump, couple of fuel pumps, and a starter were all they ever needed.


But who am i to talk, I have a yukon in the garage with 9k miles on it and a corvette in the garage with 4k miles on it.

 

[ac1975]

Well this is a good thread regardless. I am super glad to read your GMs going that far.

I used to have a '89 old school 4Runner with the 22RE engine. Bought it with 197k, sold it with 242k. The buyer had me take it to his mechanic. They did a compression test. It came back at 165-170 psi/cylinder. Brand new was 175 psi I was told. WOW, the buyer bought the truck right then and there. :yesnod:

 

[hooah]

Hey jgiguere17, that sounds pretty good. I'm a little more strapped for cash so I'm looking at a real nice 2000 for about $7k. The economy seems to have created even more of a reluctance with sellers, to lower their price, and buyers, to pay a little more. Money is tight and that middle ground is getting tricky. Thanks

 

[hooah]

ac1975, you're brave to say the least. To fly out, ready to buy, with no inspection, and then drive 550 miles, that's gutsy. I'm glad it worked out. I guess I've been disappointed in sales people, too often over the years, to take a shot like that. Good luck with your new truck.

 

[hooah]

Rollin Thunder, sooner or later I'm going to snag a Tahoe/Yukon, and it's going to be a high mileage beast, so after it's been rebuilt, what would you do to make it last for another 200k? I guess there's two area's of concern, the actual mechanics of things like adjustments and oil, and then there's the operation and how you drive. The operation is pretty clear, so what can a person do, in the mechanical area to prolong life? Thanks

 

[hooah]

Hey Gordo, I'm in your court, 200k has always been the outer limit and anything longer is just icing. That's why, when I look at the trucks in my price range, with upwards of 125k, I know a rebuild is just down the road. That's why I was considering a truck with over 200k miles, for a real good price, and then just rebuilding everything right off the bat. The down side is that the guys selling 200k plus mileage trucks seem to think their still worth top dollar. It sure would help if more people maintained their maintenance records. Thanks for the input.

 

[hooah]

boostaholic, thanks for that guidance. Before I do have any problems, the plan is to pay up the credit cards and have them on stand-by. Another plan was to spend a little with Warranty Direct, for an aftermarket repair insurance plan. It may not cover everything, and they may give you a hard time for some of the more expensive repairs, but it would help to some degree. We're still balancing the options and thanks.

 

[ac1975]

hooah, where is this $3500 truck? Is it local? How many miles are on the one for $7K?

If either of them have service records, that would help. I started diggin through the truck today and found tons of service records back to '01. WOW. I mean the previous owner took this truck to the dealer and the bigger shops. He just spent $900 on a brake job in Oct of last year. And new tires in Sep of last year. Just keep looking, I'm sure you'll find the deal that will work for you.

 

[hooah]

That $3,500 was a random number, the most I would pay for a truck if I was going to have to rebuild everything. As for the 7k truck, I actually had a $6,500 offer accepted, but he didn't want my trade-in and it wasn't quite what he had suggested. It had about 115k miles and he had picked it up at the local auction, so probably no records. At least he didn't offer any. I know from the Cadillac I once owned, if the car has been to the dealer, the national system should tell them, and now that you own the truck, they will give you the information or history. I'm glad you found all of those records, that must make you feel a little better. There have been a few good deals in my area, but I can't pay on two cars at once and nobody wants my 98 Lincoln. Two weeks now and not one person has called for a nice, clean $3,500 Lincoln. I may just have to get tire chains for it and call it even.

 

[Gordo]

Like you said if you got $7K you can definetly find one for less miles with that price. You just gotta do the shopping plus if you have the cash in hand and you spend all your day at a local dealer they will have to sell something you like for that price.

 

[hooah]

Hey Gordo, the auto auction is very big here, and not only are the dealers buying there, but it seems that everyone on the economy is buying there too, to supplement their income. So many of the cars I have looked at have no maintenance history, service engine lights on, rust, body damage, and everyone is trying to get top dollar. I have though, located a real nice looking, non-auction, 2000 Yukon, with 114k, but he wants about $7k for it. It's loaded with everything but the KBB says it's worth less. What do you think? Too much? There's also a real clean 1996, black, 2d Tahoe in the area for $4,500 and even though I have decided on a 2000 or later, the 96 looks real nice. Any thoughts?

 

[ac1975]

hooah, I think those 2 drs are friggin nice! I was in exact same boat as you... 00-04 Tahoe, but preferably an 03-04. Or a 97-99 2 dr as long as it had leather and the rear hatch door.

I was searching everywhere and was willing to travel within 850 miles. I went a looked at/drove a few 2 doors. Man, I really liked them, but they were over priced. I had just missed a 99 2 door w/100k & leather for $4500 OBO. I was really bummed, but there was no picture, so who knows. Then, I was trying to negotiate a 99 2 door w/126k & leather. They wanted $6995 at a dealer. Offered them $5500, but they wouldnt budge from $6300. Too much IMO & I had to drive 300 miles RT to get it. I was willing to spend up to $5000 for a 2 dr, $6000 for a 00-02, and $8000 for an 03-04. I was looking in different states, and they are hard to find. Luckily for me, I had time, and cash in hand. If you're not as particular as I was about the options, you'll find one sooner.

Also, another thing I came accross at many car lots: "Gas is cheap now ya know, these big trucks are cheap to drive, and the prices are going up!" Whatever, it could be true, but when gas stays at these prices for 6 mos or more, then, yeah, we'll see. Don't let that get the price increased. I'd say, if you're willing to travel even within a cpl hundred miles, that will give you a much greater market.

That '00 you're looking at isn't too overpriced, but it is a little bit. I've seen cheaper deals, but with more miles. I'd probably pay $6200 for that truck. The 2 door is priced more fairly, but if you get a '97, you get a passenger airbag (which was important to me).

 

[hooah]

ac1975, thanks, the passenger air bag doesn't bother me that much. I'm not having the tremendous social life that I had envisioned, and I'm always the only one in the truck . For that same reason, the two door seems more practical. My payments would be lower too. The 00 is really nice though, with two-tone body molding and every option. Decisions, decisions. Dealers are funny aren't they. Some would rather make no money, than make less money. I would think that they could only do that a few times before they go broke, O wait, they are going broke. That mind-set has always baffled me. Tuesday I'll look at the oo and if he won't adjust the price, closer to what you suggested, then I'll go look at the 69. Because everyone is asking so much for even the high mileage trucks, I've pretty much dismissed the idea of buying something over 225k miles and then rebuilding it. Thanks

 

[taylortech]

I am selling mine if you guys are interested. $7,000 OBO. 2001 LT - 3rd Row - 108K miles - 22" Rims and Brand New Michlen LT Tires on the Stock 16s. Both are included. Also has 9" TV in the REAR. LET ME KNOW!!

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