used silverado

There is a 1995 silverado z71 that I am interested in buying. It is a nice package, is an extended cab 4x4, with tow package. However it has 295,000 kilometers on it (185,000 miles). I have some questions I am wondering if anyone can help me with.

1) What do you think the value of this truck is? (USD or Cdn since this truck is in Canada but I can do money conversions :))

2) Before I buy it, is there anything I should be looking out for?

3) If I do buy it, what kind of maintenance should be done immediately and what can I expect to go or what should be replaced?

If you need any further amplifying details I can do my best...

Here's a picture:

http://nmanley.012webpages.com/silverado.jpg

I'd suggest taking it to a local mechanic that you trust and having him check it out. I would guess that the biggest potential problems that would make a purchase questionable would be the transmission and the 4wd system, and both of those would probably require a qualified eye to diagnose unless there's a glaringly obvious problem. While I like to think that I'm somewhat knowledgeable about cars, I always prefer to spend a little money and have a true professional look them over in detail before I spend my hard-earned money. The mechanic could also suggest things that may need routine replacement or repair, which can be factored into your decision and may get the seller to lower the price somewhat.

Assuming that it's in good condition I'd guess that it'd go for something in the neighborhood of $6,500-$8,500 (US) around here. Although I personally would shop for lower miles (under 100K would be my goal), a Chevy truck with that many miles isn't at all uncommon, so assuming it's mechanically sound and is what you're looking for I'd see it as a good buy.

I took the truck for a good long test drive and put it through its paces. I was specifically testing all the gears in the transmission and I didn't hear anything unusual at all. It went into 4 wheel drive very smoothly indeed. There was no unusual sounds when I hit the gas at any speed.

I am of course going to get a mechanic to take a look at it, but I always try to familiarize myself with the issues as well.

The interior is very nice (all leather), and it is fully loaded. There is no body damage at all (no scrapes or anything, almost perfect), and the rust only appears to be surface rust. (Welcome to Canada, where rust is inevitable, no matter what you do). I suspect the truck was used for long haul towing, as it has a 8000 lb hitch on the back and the body is in excellent shape. I checked for warping or any towing damage but I didn't see any.

So I figure I can get this truck for around $8000Cdn, or $6000-6500 USD. It is definitely what I am looking for, I just wanted to get a feeling from some people who knew Chevrolets a little more than me.

Hi Nick,

I just traded in my 1995 silverado. It had 189,000 miles on it and ran like new. However, it was getting hard to shift into 4 wheel drive, and the transfer case had a small leak. I have been told that the transfer case will get these leaks, but as long as the gasket gets replaced in time you'll have no problems.

The factory exhuast is a bit flemsy, so take a good look at the entire system from the engine all the way back for rusted out spots.

The seat mounts on the drivers side also have a tendancy to snap at the left front corner as well.

Also, look around the door handle trim on the outside. If the outermost trim ring is broken, it has been broken into. These trucks are extreamly easy to bust the trim ring and pop open the door.

It should be holding about 25 too 30 lbs of oil pressurer at an idle, and run up as high as 50 pounds at driving speeds.

It looks like a nice rig. I got $5700.00 out of mine so it sounds like your in the neighbor hood!

Good luck!!

Ed Crabb
Molalla Oregon USA
[email protected]

I have run all my chevs upto 350kms and higher with no major problems. You should definitly have 4x4 checked. Sounds like good deal though.

I'm a huge fan of the Silverado's. I own a 95 z71 as well. I have 73,000 miles on mine and the onlything that has ever gone wrong was the 4wd actuator on the front axle only cost $60. My dad also has one with 280,000 miles and has never had problems either.

Things I'd look would deal with the brakes, I know some people have had problems with the ABS control units going bad. And they are not cheap ($900). So, I'd really get on it when braking and see if anything acts out of normal.

Another common problem with these trucks has been the tranny. They are a little weak in shifting, but if they have been taken care of there should be no problems. Ask the seller how often he has had the fluid/filter changed in the tranny. And if you can take it to a shop have them drop the pan and check for metal shavings.

I think if all checks out you will love the z-71, they are great trucks and fun to drive on and off road!!!

Hi Nick just to let you know trucks in Canada are going for $$10,000-12,000 in that year with that amount of klm. IF it is loaded and the owner will cert. and etest[must be done in Canada not sure about USA] than that's a great buy happy motoring :smokin:

For sure, take it to a trusted mechanic. The trannys and 4-wd systems are the weak link on these. Good luck to ya, sounds like a good one.

I would love to know where DSANDAHL got an actuator for 60 bucks.