Do 88-98 model hold better value than 99+?
 

I have just been looking around for a nice 95-98 short bed step side 4wd. From the ones I have come across that look to be in good condition they are bringing more money than the newer models and in most cases the newer models have less miles. I like the older style over the newer so I was just curious on what the consensuses was on this. Thoughts? I am kind of surprised that the 88-98 models are bringing some of the money that they do. I booked a 96 for around 4700 clean retail and they were asking 8000 with 207,000 miles. Good looking truck but I thought a little high. JMO.

Re: Do 88-98 model hold better value than 99+?
 

Yeah they hold value better. 67-72's and 88-98 [esp. the 96-98's] are the gen's that bring the money. 73-87's and 99+'s are just thought of as good work trucks and thats about it from what I see.

Re: Do 88-98 model hold better value than 99+?
 

Not so sure this information is correct. Are we talking stock? It really depends on the application. For offloading, I would take a lifted 85 4WD any day over a short step side 4wd from the 88-98 series. And I am not the only one either. Most others for offloading would do the same. And I am sure most here would take a short bed 99 or higher over and TBI unit from 88-98 if we are talking stock. Now a 5.3 in a 88-95?!?!....That might turn my head.

Re: Do 88-98 model hold better value than 99+?
 

It depends on the truck and area. That first truck is way overpriced in my opinion. Around here, it would be 3500-5000.

I feel some of the 96-99 trucks are priced about the same as 99-02 trucks around here. But around here the bodies on the 99-02(06) are completely rusted. You can see through the rockers. The bed sides and fenders usually have rust too. Rust happens on the 88-98, but not as much.


And I am a firm believer that modifying a vehicle(lowering/wheels/lifting/engine swaps/stereo)does not change the price of a vehicle. I feel the best bet is mileage and condition. You do those things to a truck because you want too. Not because you want to sell it to somebody else.


I really like the 96-98 trucks myself. Nice interior, plenty of power, OBD2, and some nice options. I'm on my third and fourth right now.

The biggest pet peeve I have on the 99+ trucks is the location of the steering wheel/column. If you are sitting squarely in the drivers seat, the steering wheel is about 2 inches toward the center of the vehicle. Not perfectly centered in front of you. It drives me crazy.

Re: Do 88-98 model hold better value than 99+?
 

What is off loading? I would think typo but you did it twice.

Re: Do 88-98 model hold better value than 99+?
 

I guess maybe I should have phrased the title 96-98 since that is what I had been looking at. I had a 91 short bed z71 and really liked it but thought it was under powered so I thought I would look at the newer 96+ model. Different interior and stepping up to the vortec engine.

I do agree with having a 73-87 short bed 4wd over the newer style but this would be more of a daily driver than anything. I have an 86 K30 dually that if I get rid of then might trade for a short bed of the same vintage but that is another story.

I have always liked the 88-98 style over the 99+ even though I had an 03 2500HD crew cab 4wd. It was a good truck but I like the older style better. They just needed to have the 5.3 and 6.0 engines offered in them. The vortec is good but I like the newer engines better.

Re: Do 88-98 model hold better value than 99+?
 

correct....misspell...offroading

Re: Do 88-98 model hold better value than 99+?
 

4WD is my daily driver and my BEST friend!! BUT....I agree that the 5.3 is the way to go. Here is what I would do if I had resources. Would look for a 95 SB. Reason specifics on the 95? It has the newer interior and no ODBII. Then you drop in a 5.3 into that sled. I'd be soooo in heaven!!!! But I can see that being a hard to find 95 in good condition.

Re: Do 88-98 model hold better value than 99+?
 

I agree with the first statement. That truck is over priced. However there are close to 2 grand in rims and tires on that truck. Not to mention clean. Clean is hard to find. Is that a value? Yes....But I disagree on your value rating for year and milage. If I put in a new transmission with a new 5.3 into a 88-95, change out and upgrade the suspension, and give it a nice sound/stereo system. It does change the value. If you offered blue book, go ef youself is what I would tell you.

Re: Do 88-98 model hold better value than 99+?
 

If you put money into a vehicle, that doesn't mean you will get it back. And I feel sorry for the guy that spend 2 grand on hideous wheels. 95% of aftermarket wheels fit into that category. And most of the time, when you buy someone else's engine swapped vehicle, you are buying their hack job of a headache that they no longer want to deal with.

Kelly Blue Book value is also rigged. It is owned by Cox Automotive, who also owns Auto Trader and Manheim Auto Auction(largest auto auction in the world). They are high on their prices to give them more profit.


We are getting severely off topic here. The OP has a soft spot for 95-98. So do I. I prefer them over the newer ones.

Re: Do 88-98 model hold better value than 99+?
 

Truck interiors turned into car interiors in the mid-90's.
Due to the lines, engines that many of us can still work on and sheer number of 'em still out there, I think the GMT400 is the next "classic". Personally, I think they have the best look of any GM built. That goes double for the shortwides and crewcab duallies.

Re: Do 88-98 model hold better value than 99+?
 

I'm starting to see more 99-up trucks that 88-up in junkyards, earlier than they should be. The newer trucks rot out quicker than older ones. Course being in the rust belt doesn't help any. But I'm not a huge fan of the 99-up, save for 02 2500 HDs. Love of the look of the bulging hoods. Not a fan of the push button 4wd, but at least in the older ones it can be swapped out for a stick t-case. Z-71s had the center console, so no real place to put a magic shifter. Some people think cause they have a clean older truck that it's automatically worth a small fortune....

Re: Do 88-98 model hold better value than 99+?
 

It can be swapped to stick? did not know that. COOL!

Re: Do 88-98 model hold better value than 99+?
 

Agree on the wheels. I am a stock fan on rims. Too many problems later on. 88-98....love then all!!! :metal:

Re: Do 88-98 model hold better value than 99+?
 

Around here when it came time to either trade the 98 K3500 cc lb srw in or the 2002 2500 ex cab lwb 4x4 6.0 truck in to get the suburban my 6 drivers wanted to see the 2002 gone.
Reasons told to me were trailer towing ability, comfort and a greater feeling of security with the 98. I also heard " the 98 feels less stressed when towing or plowing"
Now if that's what you get from people who deal with them daily for work is it any surprise that the 88-98's bring a higher dollar ?

Re: Do 88-98 model hold better value than 99+?
 

Owner got screwed if he payed $2k for those tires/rims. I could care less if it has different tires/rims on it. I see all the time people asking insane money for tires/rims, when they are half worn!!!!!!

Re: Do 88-98 model hold better value than 99+?
 

stock set of Michelin's run around a grand

Re: Do 88-98 model hold better value than 99+?
 

Well I have three squares and I am thinking one too many. Maybe two too many. I am rebuilding my old 85 short bed and have an 84 short bed diesel that I am daily driving but want something more fit and comfortable for everyday driving. I am thinking about getting an 88-98 short bed step side for that.

I really liked my 91 short bed Z71 I had and have had thoughts about selling or trading my 86 K30 for another short bed 4wd. I might consider a extended cab but if I have to get something other than a regular cab for a 4wd then I might look for a short bed crew cab. I had an 03 2500HD crew cab that I liked but sold it to help fund my business. I don't need new but want something that is dependable and that I can jump in and go with no worries.

Re: Do 88-98 model hold better value than 99+?
 

I am usually a stock rim type as well. I have however not really ever liked the 88-98 4wd wheels. Some were better than others but nothing that just jumped out at me.

Re: Do 88-98 model hold better value than 99+?
 

ok...now this is just my opinion....but I think GM lost their f|_|cking brain when it came to 4WD after 87. They had the most simple 4wd trucks from 75 til 87. I particularly love how they decided to shove the front shaft to the drivers side and mash it in with the steering stuff. Would love to have a sit down with the engineers on that one.

Re: Do 88-98 model hold better value than 99+?
 

I'd toss the 86....I know several people who have sweet 85's. A popular option people are doing on those is they are using front clips from 90 and 91 suburbans with their grills. Looks really sharp.

Re: Do 88-98 model hold better value than 99+?
 

I had one like that on an 85 K30.

Re: Do 88-98 model hold better value than 99+?
 

The front driveshaft move likely came down to 2 things, the first with IFS the differential needs to be more centered, the second being its easier to relocate the oil filter than relocate the starter.
Add to that all they had to do was upsize the S10 system saved a lot of developement costs.
The IFS isn't the simple 75-87 system but the payoff in ride and handling is so good my 93 K3500 dually is smoother and handles rough roads far better than my 86 K10.

Re: Do 88-98 model hold better value than 99+?
 

that is one I would have kept!!...looks sharp!!

Re: Do 88-98 model hold better value than 99+?
 

smoother yes.......handles rough roads is a relevant term. Longevity plays a part. How many times can you go off road on the IFS with wear and tear compared to a solid axle? Parts have to be replaced more often on the IFS to keep the smooth ride and good handling. Keep both going off road without changing anything out and eventually the IFS will have a worse ride than the solid axle. But IFS does feel better when kept in good condition. As for your 93, I will bet it was a smooth ride. But it could be like this...:metal:
http://www.fourwheeler.com/features/...93-chevy-1500/ I like the bumper