gonna be buying a new truck...

[chevyk1500geek]

I have a couple of chevy trucks picked out i would like all of you to comment on. I would like to hear your opinions on them as in price, condition, etc. Like is the price good for the miles, or are there to many miles on it...

1) http://tinyurl.com/3atv8e
2) http://tinyurl.com/2opvwd
3) http://tinyurl.com/3dm48d

These are just a few i have been looking at. Please let me know your thoughts.

[jveik]

between 1 and 2, i would get 2 because it is a real truck, as in reg cab long bed. looks like it wasnt used a lot for hard work because of the still decent paint on the bed floor. less miles too. i think a 350 would be better than that 305 motor but at least it's not a 4.3.

[Philscbx]

The
1998 Chevrolet 1500 - $7,995

Dealer: Morries Mazda of LaCrosse
Here's what I'd do, because this price seem a bit high for the miles and I just did a deal with Morries recently, and you have to be on your toes.

Do as much research on blue book pricing and compared samples on ebay. Lets say you see the average best deal going is $55oo.oo, then send the sales manager a email of your bottom cash deal out the door. I only do cash deals.
It could take 3 days for them to respond. Toy with them till they beg you to come in to take it for a test ride. And they just more than likely will take your offer. But wait till mail confirms it.

It's very possible the truck has been sitting around a while, and they get antzy to get rid of them.

If your near the dealer, go there on Sunday when no one is around to survey the vehicle. If you can't find it on the lot, be wary. They like to hide problem vehicles and then they appear out of no where when you inquire.

There's much more to this if you pursue it.
Don't answer the phone....Disconnect your voice mail is a must.
Force them to email you so you have a tracked trail...

[chevyk1500geek]

ya ive driven past there a few times in the last week and noticed their 3 chevy 1500s, but not close enought to go over and look over the pickup. the '97 cheyenne was reduced by 1000 within the past week. my thoughts are that it has been there a while and they wanna get rid of it. that is a very good idea on the 98 tho. thx. I was looking at kbb, and what value am i supposed to be using. the private seller, retail?

[Philscbx]

Originally Posted by chevyk1500geek

I was looking at kbb, and what value am i supposed to be using. the private seller, retail?

Use the vehicle information as if you were selling it to get the options of results.
You will see wholesale to retail. The dealer more than likely took it in on trade and in some cases will have at most $100 in it based on how they padded the deal.

Private listed values will be more in-line to it's worth.

Some dealers won't even change the oil, very retarded, as it's the first thing I check, but they will torch off the trailer hitch.
This is why I stated you need to research a lot of ads to figure out bottom line number you are willing to offer.

You need to start a blank document, and fill it with all the info you find for the same vehicle from every site from truck trader, to MSN autos.
Print it out, and have it with you to add any further info to it.

If you have memo feature on your phone, add a file there as well.
Keep in mind, the vehicle at this age may need major brake work, to cooling system, to A/C issues. So be prepared to inspect with a fine tooth claw. Is the fluid mud? Regardless the source.

It's wise to also test drive the vehicle straight to a free brake inspection shop, to exhaust. When it's in the air, grab wheels to test bearings, etc.
Have those shops logged in to get there while they are slow before noon, if that's tipical.
They don't have to know it's not yours. But you will reschedule to have the work done, and is all they need to hear. You are free to go.
Have Fun

[chevyk1500geek]

this is gonna sound really stupid, but what do u mean by bearing? thx for the info btw. Is there actually a book called kelley blue book, or is that only on the web? another question lol. In that pic, the 98 looks like it has a short bed right? or is just me? it says z71 on the side, what does that mean? as you can see, i know a little but not much lol. srry.

[Philscbx]

Originally Posted by chevyk1500geek

this is gonna sound really stupid, but what do u mean by bearing? thx for the info btw.

Doesn't matter what kind of vehicle.
It can be a everyday car to wheel barrow.
You can get instant feel for the condition of the wheels bearings if they are sloppy. You do this when the weight of veh is off the ground.
It's just part of a general safety inspection.

You don't head off across country on a 4000 mile tour without doing so, or purchase unknown conditions that may not be safe but are not obvious standing there.

We just had an incedent where victim was killed in oncoming freeway traffic, when truck heading the other way and wheel bearings failed and wheel separated and flew through victims windshield and killed him instantly. Like a scud missle.

Same reason you see peoples vehicle, trailer are on the side of the road and entire wheel and bearing spindle are sheared off.
When I take sport fans to major Super Bike events with trailer on 1200 mile round trip, I can garrantee non stop chaos free tour.
Of course anything is possible, but the obvious is kept from Murphy as much as possible.

When you inspect aircraft everyday loaded with 500 people, you signed on the dotted line that they will return. I signed them. It makes no difference if it has wings or wheels to me.

So kicking the tires is more than airpressure.
Later...

[Philscbx]

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jump to: navigation, search
Z71 is the name given to the option code of a special off road suspension package offered by General Motors. This option first appeared on the 1988 to 1998 generation Chevy/GMC trucks. In 2000, Z71 became an option package on Chevrolet Tahoes. Exterior features included 4 Wheel drive and optional 2 Wheel Drive, on/off road tires, a limited slip differential, color-coded bumpers, fog lamps, a grill guard, tail lamp guards, tubular side steps, a skid plate, special 5 spoke aluminum alloy wheels, and distinctive "Z71" badges. The inside received distinctive two-tone leather appointments. "Z71" Tahoes could be ordered in 5 colors: Sport Red, Bermuda Blue, Silver Birch, Black, or Summit White. With the success of "Z71" as a separate model rather than just a suspension package, Chevrolet Tahoes and soon after Suburbans continued this option and it is still available on current Tahoes, Avalanches, and Suburbans.


And with the extended cab, it more than likely is the short box.
I'd prefer this model. Having the access for gear behind the seats is a major plus.

[Philscbx]

Originally Posted by chevyk1500geek

Is there actually a book called kelley blue book, or is that only on the web?

Yes, every book store has the Kelly book, as well as every dealer.
They are not always Blue.

[chevyk1500geek]

lol thanks alot. i will look at b&n the next time i go. I looked on wikipedia and couldnt find z71. thanks alot for the help, and for actually responding. it seems like ppl look but dont respond.

[Philscbx]

It could be those who don't, don't have a good answer, and that's better than getting the wrong information.
I do the same, if I'm not familiar with the topic, I'd rather leave it to those who know.
Even My GPS lies to me at times lately. It can make that hour miserable.
So I check on-line current mapping before trusting him to the fullest.

[wafrederick]

Some places you have to pay for an inspection done and I heard $35.00 out of one place so far.I know of two in my area that sell vehicles that were wrecks and are not fixed right most of the time.Watch out for that too.

[chevyk1500geek]

thanks. what state are you talking about?

[Philscbx]

It really doesn't matter what state. Hack style shops will purchase from auctions a pile of crap, and possibly under water, then get it re-titled. Sell it on the corner, and nightmares for that person.
So I stay away from sites and sales from those zones.
I use my mapping software to mark zones that were under water.

Up North, we get the hail damage vs the flooded issues.
But that doesn't eliminate the totalled out wrecks peiced together.
So close inspection may be necessary to see welded in 1/4 sections.

Payed for inspections would be worth while even at 100-200 if it's done to certain details and documented. If I'm investing $8000, I want the future told upfront.
If the report shows already clean gear boxes, and basically fresh exhaust and brake calipers, and the frame is clean, then I know this is in my favor.
So if you can't do it yourself, By all means take advantage if a local shop offers it, you may have to deal with their time.
I rather give up 200 than deal with an 8000 pain in the neck, then spend 2000 just to update.

That's why I mentioned brake and muffler shops that offer free inspections.
It's quick on the spot, and now you know. You have digital camera with to shoot details to look at further.

[wafrederick]

I am taling about the Muskegon,Mi area.The two places that I mentioned are Mackie's and AutoWorld that buy wrecks and are not fixed right.