Getting ready to buy a Tahoe

[jfout]

Just registered here at the forum, been lurking for a while, good stuff from people who know their stuff. So here is the deal, I've been looking at Tahoes for the last couple of months(I've always been a Chevy man and need a fullsize to pull my toys around, 20 ft Pontoon, 4-wheeler, etc.) and have been really picky, but I think I've found a very decent one at a decent price. I would appreciate any feedback you guys have, so here is the ad.

2004 Chevrolet Tahoe LT. This truck has all the bells and whistles! It is Black with Shale grey leather interior. The options are as follows:
*5.3 liter V-8
* Automatic Transmission
* Air Conditioning
* Rear Air
* Rear Radio/ AC/ Heat Controls
* Dual Power Seats
* Heated Leather Seats
* Power Steering
* Third Seat - Seating for 7
* Power Windows
* Power Door Locks
* Tilt Wheel
* Cruise Control
* Moon Roof
* Adjustable Pedals
* AM/FM Stereo
* Multi Compact Disc -6 Disc in-dash
* Roof Rack
* Privacy Glass
* Running Boards
* Premium Bose Sound
* Towing Pkg
* Integrated Phone
* OnStar
* Alloy Wheels
* Video System
* Dual Front Air Bags
* Front Side Air Bags
This truck has 92,000 miles on it and runs 100% the transmission shifts smooth as it should. Following maintenance on this vehicle:
Within the last 12 months:
Changed Front and rear axle fluids
Changed the Transmissions and Transfer case Fluids
Replaced both inner tie rods
Replaced the pitman arm and idler arm
Replaced all the belts with Goodyear Gatorback belts
Tuned the truck up- All new Iridium Spark plugs and new ignition wires
Installed a new Interstate Battery
Within the last 2 years:
4 New Tires
New Front and rear Rotors and pads

This was all preventive maintenance and not performed when broke. I use this vehicle as a family mode of transportation. It is regularly serviced and no expense is spared to keep it mechanically flawless. With that said, my wife did put a scratch along the passenger side rear quater panel last Summer. It is in nice shape, but would need that repaired and a buuf job to be in excellent condition. It's not bad at all, no dent or crease. I am just trying to be honest. I also added Catch-all floor mats from the front to back, including the cargo area. I have over $350 in these alone. I would drive this truck anywhere!

Pics looks good beside scratch but is not a real big deal, I have a cousin who owns a body shop.

They are asking $12,000 for it. I have not test drove it, because it is a 2hr + drive for me. So do you guys think it worth a test drive. Any feed back would be highly appreciated.

Thank,
Justin

 

[jdpromo33]

Just registered here at the forum, been lurking for a while, good stuff from people who know their stuff. So here is the deal, I've been looking at Tahoes for the last couple of months(I've always been a Chevy man and need a fullsize to pull my toys around, 20 ft Pontoon, 4-wheeler, etc.) and have been really picky, but I think I've found a very decent one at a decent price. I would appreciate any feedback you guys have, so here is the ad.

2004 Chevrolet Tahoe LT. This truck has all the bells and whistles! It is Black with Shale grey leather interior. The options are as follows:
*5.3 liter V-8
* Automatic Transmission
* Air Conditioning
* Rear Air
* Rear Radio/ AC/ Heat Controls
* Dual Power Seats
* Heated Leather Seats
* Power Steering
* Third Seat - Seating for 7
* Power Windows
* Power Door Locks
* Tilt Wheel
* Cruise Control
* Moon Roof
* Adjustable Pedals
* AM/FM Stereo
* Multi Compact Disc -6 Disc in-dash
* Roof Rack
* Privacy Glass
* Running Boards
* Premium Bose Sound
* Towing Pkg
* Integrated Phone
* OnStar
* Alloy Wheels
* Video System
* Dual Front Air Bags
* Front Side Air Bags
This truck has 92,000 miles on it and runs 100% the transmission shifts smooth as it should. Following maintenance on this vehicle:
Within the last 12 months:
Changed Front and rear axle fluids
Changed the Transmissions and Transfer case Fluids
Replaced both inner tie rods
Replaced the pitman arm and idler arm
Replaced all the belts with Goodyear Gatorback belts
Tuned the truck up- All new Iridium Spark plugs and new ignition wires
Installed a new Interstate Battery
Within the last 2 years:
4 New Tires
New Front and rear Rotors and pads

This was all preventive maintenance and not performed when broke. I use this vehicle as a family mode of transportation. It is regularly serviced and no expense is spared to keep it mechanically flawless. With that said, my wife did put a scratch along the passenger side rear quater panel last Summer. It is in nice shape, but would need that repaired and a buuf job to be in excellent condition. It's not bad at all, no dent or crease. I am just trying to be honest. I also added Catch-all floor mats from the front to back, including the cargo area. I have over $350 in these alone. I would drive this truck anywhere!

Pics looks good beside scratch but is not a real big deal, I have a cousin who owns a body shop.

They are asking $12,000 for it. I have not test drove it, because it is a 2hr + drive for me. So do you guys think it worth a test drive. Any feed back would be highly appreciated.

Thank,
Justin

Hey Justin and welcome to the forum. A great place as you probably know for advise on Tahoe's.

IMO from what you described the price sounds about right. Maybe you could try and get it for $10K or $11K but not a big deal at $12K if it's in great shape in and out

Obviously you need to road test it and give it a good inspection. These trucks are really quite solid and durable but you need to check the tranny function and any noticeable noises or rattles.
As you know the gauges can be problem but not much else should be an issue.

I'm sure others here will further advise you.
Good luck to you

John

 

[Cartwright]

Offer him 10 if you really like it and its in good shape.

 

[olsonk_89]

I would think that you could get it for a little less. I bought mine two years ago this coming March (04 LT, same options, 89k, new tires, plus its 4WD) for $12,500. I thought I got a steal at the time, but with the years passing and with used new style ones becoming more available I would think somewhere in the $10,500-11,000 if it it's really nice.

 

[Eagle]

That's what i paid for my 03 2wd. 4x4s were cheaper/more plentiful.

my only concern would be that 20' pontoon. That sucker is like driving around with a parachute. For that reason alone you might want to look at a Denali or Esky with the 6.0.

 

[blueflamed03]

welcome to the site.

Me, I wouldn't be as worried, a pontoon boat weighs nothing, and my buddy tows his race car, in an enclosed trailer with his truck with a 5.3.

If you like it, get it and offer the $10K just to see. If they flinch, be willing to drive off, even if it's to go get something to drink to 'think about it'. Any real seller won't want you to leave, even IF you say you'll be back. Chances are, when they leave, they don't come back. Make the offer, if they freak, say your going for a pop to think about it.
Chances are they'll counter with a small increase, but not $12K.

Overall, sounds like a good buy.
The only thing that I would question, is IF the tranny has ever been rebuilt. At 92,000, if it hasn't, chances are your running on luck. The 4L60E is the weak link, and can cost $800-$1500 to be rebuilt and installed.

Good luck, and welcome to the site.

 

[Eagle]

the weight isn't the issue.

 

[olsonk_89]

That's what i paid for my 03 2wd. 4x4s were cheaper/more plentiful.

I need to move/buy vehicles from wherever you live then. It seems like any functioning 4WD in Western KS will bring you $5000. The 2WDs that do come in around here don't seem to sell very well. All depends on the market I suppose.

Anyways back to the Tahoe at hand. You're getting good advice. If you leave, with intentions of coming back (they would never know for sure), you might be setting yourself up for a better deal. That means offer low initially. Threaten to walk and "think". Either they will counteroffer right then, they will when you return momentarily, or they are set on their price. If it is required for you to go back, counter with the amount you would be willing to pay the most for it without kicking yourself later (offering $500 less than you're willing to pay and having them reject is something you are going to have think about forever) so be comfortable with a price BEFORE you make your final offer. I've watched my father use this approach for many years and it does always seem to work out. Best case scenario you buy a vehicle at a price you're willing to pay, worst case you go home with nothing, but still have the dough to throw out at another deal, because they will come.

 

[Effeckt]

Welcome to the forum. That price sounds about right to me. You can probably get it down a little lower but the price is pretty fair. I paid 10k for my 01 with 88k miles on it about 6 months ago with a few less features.

 

[jfout]

yeah, If I could get it for 10k, I think it would be a decent deal. But I'm still looking. The only thing that bothers me is the 92k miles, so i might just keep waiting awhile till I find something cherry and then pounce. You guys rock thanks for the info.