Looking at a "new to me" truck

[page2171]

Like the title says, I am looking at getting a truck...actually have been for a while. I think I found the one, a 2005 Chevy Silverado 1500 Crew Cab, 5.3L V8, 2wd. Anybody have one or something similar? Any experiences/advice to share? Any problems to look for?

On a related note...I was horrified walking around the dealer's lot today. It was nice and sunny and everywhere I looked there were swirls. My wife thought I was going to lose my mind.

[Tuck91]

Re: Looking at a "new to me" truck

My Dad has the same truck except its a 2006 and has 4x4.

He uses it as a work truck and it has held up nicely. Its been in the shop once though because the air conditioning went out.

[jmakado]

Re: Looking at a "new to me" truck

I had an 03 1500HD 4X4. I bought it at 60k miles IIRC. Two gauges on the dash went out, right front wheel bearing, idler and pitman arm, two shocks leaked....I think that's it. That was before it hit 70k.

On the upside it started every day no matter how cold and it was a beast for a 1/2 ton. I had 2000lbs of rock in the bed, towed a car trailer, boat, etc. and it didn't bat an eye. The brakes where REALLY good. Best I have ever experienced in a truck of any size actually. The seats where very comfy and it rode great on the highway. Nice and quiet regardless of speed.

It was a slug even with the 6.0 and returned around 10MPG in city/suburbia driving. All in all it was a good truck, but not a great one. I sold it last November and have not missed it. By the same token I wouldn't be heart broken if I still had it though. I did enjoy driving it very much.

As far as things to look for:
1. Make sure it doesn't have CC failure. Almost all I have seen from this era have it on the hood and roof.
2. Make sure the gauges all work as they are supposed to. When they start to go bad they will be really finicky and give false readings. Some days they work, some days they don't. GM has extended the warranty on them to 70k miles...I got my letter at 72k miles and they wouldn't cover it (no joke, 2k miles over on a known problem and they said "no"!!!) Replacing them is expensive but you can do it yourself with some basic electrical knowledge and a couple tools.
3. Idler and pitman arms tend to wear on these around 50k miles. The steering will feel loose. But if you don't know what it is supposed to feel like you may not know it's loose. Ask them to put it up on a lift and try to shake the wheels with no weight on them. If they shake, plan on new parts and braces to help extend the life of the new parts. Best money I spent on that truck was replacing them and adding braces. Truck was completely different.

Those are the only common issues I can think of.

[page2171]

Re: Looking at a "new to me" truck

Thanks guys!

I picked up the truck yesterday. I got it at CarMax...just didn't feel like dealing with hassle of haggling. I can haggle with the best of them and maybe could of gotten a better deal, but just didn't feel like dealing with the hassle. So, I got the truck for $17k. After TTT&L, my trade in, and cash down I am financing $12k. I don't have any pics yet, except for one off the dealer's website.



The paint is in better shape than many of the other vehicles I saw on the lot. However, due to good timing in my purchase, I will have a long weekend to give it some TLC. I will post more pictures then.

[Tuck91]

Re: Looking at a "new to me" truck

nice truck,

next step is to Meguiarize it

[Andy's Pro Detailing]

Re: Looking at a "new to me" truck

Big Congratulations on the new truck!

I have a feeling you are going to be busy for the next couple of days

[BlueZero]

Re: Looking at a "new to me" truck

Congrats on the new ride!

[page2171]

Re: Looking at a "new to me" truck

I'm excited about the work. Can't wait for the weekend. I've never worked on a vehicle this color before, but I have my G100 and my supplies ready to go.

[page2171]

Re: Looking at a "new to me" truck

Didn't get to work on it today. My wife dragged me out shopping. So, I used being out shopping as an an excuse to pick up some Gold Class to try on the truck. I usually use NXT, but have been wanting to try Gold Class and this seemed like a good time.

[page2171]

Re: Looking at a "new to me" truck

Here is a pic of the truck all cleaned up. I took a total of about six hours (including a lunch break) to do it. There is a thread in the Recent Details section with more pics. But, here is the end result...

[Tuck91]

Re: Looking at a "new to me" truck

Here is a pic of the truck all cleaned up. I took a total of about six hours (including a lunch break) to do it. There is a thread in the Recent Details section with more pics. But, here is the end result...

I occasionaly use Gold Class Liquid Wax once in a while,

it looks good on your truck