Michigander Checking In

[Lemonader83]

Hello all!!!

Just got my first "truck" a few weeks back and looking forward to forum'ing in here with everyone. Picked up an 02 Tahoe Z71 stocker.... Struggled with the decision at first as I wanted to keep my car around, but didn't want to buy a brand new one or close to that as the cost jump is insane between 02-12(especially since I'll still have the car bills), even with the same odo reading. Not to mention, I kind of like the older ones aesthetically. Bought it strictly because I could anty up the coins for it and the new one would have required a little help from the bank.

Anyways, it's got 150k miles on it with some rust, but the interior is spotless. Still runs like a champ too. Not much less torquey than some of the newer models I drove. This forum has been great for seeing ideas on worthwhile and over the top mods, and I must say.... you folks have awesome trucks!

My question for you all is; I bought an old truck as a cost saver and know it's not going to "live forever", but now that I have read up on all the awesome things one could do to it, am I possibly correct in thinking that if I do all of those things, I would have a "better than new" 2002 Tahoe? -or- Do I just replace things as I go and just keep it alive, then when it dies buy a newer one that's already loaded?

I prefer option number one, but before I spend a dime I thought I would ask for more tenured input.

Thank ya

 

[NathanJax]

 

[busterbrown]

If you find a well-maintained older vehicle and the price is right, a few initial costs up front (to get it road worthy and strengthen it's life into its senior years) is well worth it. In five years, most vehicles (on average) depreciate to about "one third" of what the MSRP was originally. Back in the day when 100,000 miles was the upper operating limit of most powertrains, a linear correlation between mileage and operating years was predictable.

Advancement in automotive fluids and technology have lengthened a vehicle's operating life quite a bit over the last 10 years. This is especially true of cars and trucks that are routinely maintained.

So with that said, if a vehicle's depreciation rate remains constant and it's life cyle doubles, it's a win-win for the second-hand buyer (ie YOU)

This is why I purchased a 2005 Buick Lacrosse from an original owner with 100k miles for $5,000 and my newest vehicle, a 2008 Yukon XL Denali with 83K miles for $23,900.

I did have some initial maintenance costs for each vehicle (fluids, CV axle, hub assembly, brakes, tires, outer tie rod, etc, etc). But when you add up all these costs compared to purchasing a new car or truck, it only makes financial sense do what you (and I) just did.

As far as your question, I would recommend completing all your 100,000 mile interval stuff including fluids, tune up, and evaluate the safety of your brakes, suspension components, and steering components. Parts are cheap and readily accessible on sites like Amazon and Rockauto. Not to mention, if you're somewhat of a weekend wrencher, youtube can be your bible for those self-motivated.

Good luck and welcome.