1999 Tahoe 2 Door

[Shockwav86]

So I went and looked at one I have been seeing for sale for a while. Looked nice on the outside. Had aftermarket wheels I didn't care for, Led tails, spoiler, aftermarket hood, paint was in ok shape for a '99. 145,000 miles. Checked the carfax, it was in a minor accident in '03. Everything else looked good. Always serviced by the dealer.

Upon driving (the bad): Check engine light was on for EGR fault, brakes were done (pedal very low), alignment out of whack. Under the hood (the bad): Master cylinder leak where the reservoir met the metal in the front, slight frame damage, needs 4 tires, front worn way more on the outside than the inside. Saw minor frame damage on the front passenger side. It needed an inspection. In NY you need to pass emissions.

The good, body was in nice shape, interior was decent, engine and tranny solid as a rock. No leaks underneath aside from the master cylinder. Coolant was full, oil was full and smelled and looked normal.

He was asking $2,800. I explained everything wrong and nicely offered $1,800. I thought that was a fair offer considering everything that would have to be fixed. He said he had to talk it over with his son since it apparently is his, but everything is in the father's name. Any thoughts or concerns? Should I be running away instead of making an offer? Still a nice truck.

 

[Gzes]

Personally i would walk away. Is it a southern hoe? If not then i would take a good ol trip down south and pick up a non rotted one and protect the under side

 

[Shockwav86]

It's been a Long Island truck all its life. It looks great underneath, virtually no rust and definitely no rot. That's the first thing I looked for. Seems like someone took the time to hose it down after driving through the salt.

 

[redaddiction]

I'd take it for 1800, it's due for major maintenance at 145,000 miles and it's age anyways. Take it fix the issues and enjoy it.

 

[Shockwav86]

Aside from what was already mentioned what other major maintenance should I be preparing myself for if I do indeed get the truck?

 

[SunlitComet]

For $1800 and no frame dAmage, take it and fix the rest. Otherwise let it go unless dropped more for guaranteed restoration.

 

[07Burb]

I'd certainly take it for $1800. The things you listed that were wrong are all very fixable and not a huge deal. I'm assuming the frame damage you mentioned looks to be repairable? That could very well be the reason the alignment is so far out of whack.

as for other things to check would be ball joints, u-joints, belts, fluids,.... Do you know if the tranny has been rebuilt? If so, by who and do they have receipts. If not, it will most likely need it in the near future.

 

[Shockwav86]

Fluids looked perfect. Not burnt smelling at all. I think the frame damage has already been fixed. It looks straight but one of the factory holes in the frame that you can see from the passenger side front wheel well looks a little out of round. You know what I mean? How do I check ball and u joints? Just a visual inspection? This third owner had it for the past 4 years and didn't do anything with the tranny. Didn't have any previous knowledge of the history. When I drove it, there was no slipping, very smooth and tight. Shifted perfectly.

 

[07Burb]

Fluids looked perfect. Not burnt smelling at all. I think the frame damage has already been fixed. It looks straight but one of the factory holes in the frame that you can see from the passenger side front wheel well looks a little out of round. You know what I mean? How do I check ball and u joints? Just a visual inspection? This third owner had it for the past 4 years and didn't do anything with the tranny. Didn't have any previous knowledge of the history. When I drove it, there was no slipping, very smooth and tight. Shifted perfectly.

If the tranny is shifting well then I'd continue rolling with it. It's possible that it was serviced by the owner before the current owner but these transmissions are notorious for needing rebuilt by 150k (some are lucky and go longer than that, though)

Ball joints are a visual inspection although sometimes you can tell by how the vehicle drives. If you get on the ground take a look at them and be sure the rubber "boots" aren't cracked or anything.

 

[Devs93]

2wd or 4x4 Id be all over it was a 2dr 2wd for 1800 they are like a unicorn up here