looking at a 99-06

[Low87]

I'm about to the point of selling my K5 and getting back to a pickup DD. A few reasons that are pointless to this thread.

I used to have a 98 ext cab. I sold it for the K5 because I could only get one car seat in the ext cab (in the middle, no room for little legs behind the driver or pass seat).

I've been looking at the crew cabs online, but can't tell how much extra room is back there. Anyone have experience fitting a carseat behind the front seats?

I know NOTHING about this style. I do notice differences between some years, and between Chevy & GMC. I prefer GMC just because, but wouldn't pass up on a good deal Chevy.

Any quirks on these to look for? I remember my friends had an '06 Tahoe that had some instrument problem. Could only be fixed by a dealership since the speedo had to be touched, and cost like $600. Anything similar in the pickups?

Any help is appreciated.

[jchav62]

I own a 2004 Silverado z71 ext. cab. It's been a great truck! I've had it for over 5 years and it's recently turned 100k miles and I've had no issues with it... except for the instrument cluster problem. It's a do-it-yourself fix if you can run a soldering iron. The stepper motors go bad but they are available on line for pretty cheap.

Other than that, mine has the 5.3..plenty of power, decent MPG for a full size 4x4, comfortable, nice ride. I recommend it..

Good luck... JC62

[Low87]

Thanks Joe.

I see some really good deals on 200k+ mileage trucks. Do these things last? Still trying to find something with at least half that, but...

[cubber]

i just bought an 06 GMC crew cab. The back seat is huge. The guy I bought it from had 2 carseats back there with no problem. the truck has 167k on it, but was dealer serviced the whole time. I think a PROPERLY MAINTAINED 200+ truck could be ok, but I'd be real interested in the maintenance history. If it runs good and the trans shifts good, you are off to a good start. I also pull the dipsticks and look at and smell the oil and trans fluid. If they aren't (especially trans) overly discolered or burnt smelling, then you have a good chance of being ok. Also, the weaker link is the trans, and a rebuild is fairly cheap, so if you are getting a good deal and have to do some work to it eventually, you still may come out ahead.

[Low87]

Thanks Matthew, good info!

[cubber]

No problem, Greg! keep me posted on your search, and I'll help however I can.

[Boog]

This sounds so familiar. I had a K5 Blazer and decided I needed a pickup more often so I sold the K5 and bought a nice shorty pickup. Later I missed the K5. In hindsite, I should have just kept the K5 and bought a small trailer for those times when I really needed to haul stuff. Of course, if it's feasible, keep the K5 and buy a pkup too.

[Low87]

Back on the hunt, had a small slowdown.

Budget is lower than I wanted, but what's new. Trying to stay around $10k, possibly max out at $15k.

Finding a CCSB 4x4 with that budget, most everything is 200k+ miles. I really don't need to buy into another problem.
Something like this is what catches my requirements, but the mileage makes me wary;
http://www.edwardsautosalesinc.com/2...reDetails.aspx

[clinebarger]

That trucks worth about 6-6500. The check engine light is on....Have it scanned.

A 150K hard loaded Crew 1500's are worth around 10K. 4X4 can run up to 12K.

[Low87]

Originally Posted by clinebarger

That trucks worth about 6-6500. The check engine light is on....Have it scanned.

I've seen so many pictures of trucks with the key at ACC showing mileage that I didn't notice the engine was running in this one. Thanks!

Originally Posted by clinebarger

A 150K hard loaded Crew 1500's are worth around 10K. 4X4 can run up to 12K.

The market is very different here. Hard to find anything below 15K.

I'll keep looking, thanks!

[ghettoluxury]

Don't let the milage scare you off. I have a 99 Z71 with 208,000 and drive it every day, with a minimum of 50 mile trips a day. With regular routine maintenance there is nothing to worry about.

[solidaxel]

Originally Posted by ghettoluxury

Don't let the milage scare you off. I have a 99 Z71 with 208,000 and drive it every day, with a minimum of 50 mile trips a day. With regular routine maintenance there is nothing to worry about.

What about the front suspension parts ??
How many times has the transmission been serviced?
I am looking at a 05 SWB also,
Thanks

[collisioncenter]

Its too bad you aren't closer to MN. I have been buying and repairing these pickups for years. I have a 2007 classic Chevy Crew Cab sitting in the shop with 84,000 miles 4x4 and in really nice shape (aside from the damage). 5.3 auto loaded, steering wheel controls, dual climate controls and power folding mirrors! I am a professional and repair these things the right way, no cutting corners. I've sold a ton of these to local people and have had no complaints! I'm thinking this will run around 15k when done. On another note, the back seat has plenty of room for kids seats, very little known common problems other then the stepper motor already discussed. There a great pickup and properly cared for will last a long time! Good luck with your searches!

[ghettoluxury]

Originally Posted by solidaxel

What about the front suspension parts ??
How many times has the transmission been serviced?
I am looking at a 05 SWB also,
Thanks

When I first got the truck I replaced the wheel bearings, they were the originals and you could feel a little vibration when turning. Every part on the front end is original and still in decent condition. The truck drives straight as an arrow and has no shakes. I will replace things within the year, just because I plan on keeping it for some time. The fuel pump will be one of those things just because of the milage.

Tranny has never been gone through and the fluid looks great.

I did have to replace one of the rear calipers and both E-brake shoes when I went through the brakes. With almost 200,000 on the clock when I got her, these things were to be expected.

All I am trying to say is that the 99-up trucks with high milage are just fine as long as they have been taken care of. Most car guys can tell if something has been taken care of or just dolled up for a quick sale.