Then pay for it and keep your fingers crossed or walk away. I never buy a used vehicle without maintenance/repair documentation unless it is just a screaming deal with low mileage and I check it myself and just can't live without the vehicle.
Buying a 04 Tahoe z71 with 250k input please
- Thread starter Mbz03
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doylee4693
Tahoe User
while I agree with that , it took me almost 4 months to find the right hoe, no accidents, no rust, maint records, right price,non castech heads,low miles and no rips in driver seat. not everyone can be that picky tho, maintinance records definatly is last on my list of deal breakers. If the exterior and interior have been maintained and mechanic checks it out id feel comfortable enough. I end up taking it home to do fluid changes regardless of maintanance records anyway!
Yea, I understand. We each have our thresholds that make or break a deal. It would also depend on how dependable the current vehicle is. I rented a vehicle for about 2 weeks over 15 years ago when I was looking for just the right rig at the right price. I found what I wanted and pen to paper I still came out ahead but I was getting to the point where I almost jumped at a couple of rigs that were not what I wanted. I want a Tahoe and own an Avalanche now that is doing fine but I know what I want. I have been looking for about 4 months now.
doylee4693
Tahoe User
yeah, i know what its like to be so meticulous. And I know what you mean about settling, I almost picked up a gold colored obs because snow was just about to fall And I had been waiting for so long I was just going to take any rust free tahoe and bam a 03 tahoe with 85k popped up with no rust ( rare in ny) so I took it the next day. rust free vehicles sell sometimes the same day listed on craigslist so I had to jump on it. I got it from a super meticulous chevy owner. Im very proud of my find tho!
Good job! The gods were looking down on you that day. When you buy brand new you expect it to be perfect but rarely is, back and forth to dealer. You buy used to save money and unless you are forced to spend all you have extra on that rig then I always want a little nest egg of money in case my new/used rig needs something asap. I really thank God that I have lots of know how, know just enough to be dangerous, and the tools to do the work myself. But as I get older I get lazier.
At 250K the main thing I'd be concerned is pretty much just tranny and rear main seal. I, personally wouldn't be too concerned about the engine. Unless it leaks all over, makes all kinds of funny noises amd stuff. You can pretty easily tell whether it has been taken care of or no.
My 03 just turned 251K and the engine is good as it can be. No leaks, internal noises etc. 2-3 shift is starting to be a bit iffy sometimes, but it can last another 2 years before it goes out (just like in my 03 Silverado), or it can go out next week.
As long as you recognize the possible issues and are prepared to tackle them, go for it.
I was also a bit hesitant when buying, but the pros overruled the cons for me and if I have to drop in 700-800 bucks for a tranny rebuild, I think I 'm still in good shape.
My 03 just turned 251K and the engine is good as it can be. No leaks, internal noises etc. 2-3 shift is starting to be a bit iffy sometimes, but it can last another 2 years before it goes out (just like in my 03 Silverado), or it can go out next week.
As long as you recognize the possible issues and are prepared to tackle them, go for it.
I was also a bit hesitant when buying, but the pros overruled the cons for me and if I have to drop in 700-800 bucks for a tranny rebuild, I think I 'm still in good shape.
scoobyxj
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I bpught my 04 Z71 with 220 something thousand on it. I paid $3500 for it, and don't think I got a steal, but also don't think i got ripped off. I however know the maintenance history of it (basically they did nothing to it except for a water pump, and a wheel bearing, and routine maintenance). Not knowing the history I'd start of closer to $2000 and maybe go no higher than $3000. I would have offered three when I bought mine, but the PO helped me out of a jam, and let me make payments to him (was family) so I didn't haggle for the gift horse...
Chads93GT
Full Access Member
Those miles aint nothing
That is awesome! lol
All things aside if it is in your price range and it is clean on the inside and underneath, I would just think about with the idea that you may end up spending some money on it once in awhile to fix the problems should they arise.
These motors are a great platform
Chads93GT
Full Access Member
That being said, crawl under the truck and look at the rear inner quarter panels. These things fill up with dirt from driving, get wet and solidify, trapping moisture. The drivers rear quarter on my 01 is rusted out from this, the rocker is rusting bad too. My 04 Z71 has a rotten quarter panel on the passenger side from clogged drain holes. These need to be washed out regularly if you drive gravel roads at all. Not sure what I will do about the rusted quarter...........gonna cost a few bucks to fix if I feel like it. 235k on the 04 Z71 as well.
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