[1963PONTIACKID]

Well im making enough money that I can comfortably afford a car payment...So, been looking around at newer trucks, sick of buying 2nd or 3rd hand crap.
Took a peek at a 99 ford f250 4x4 w/ v10 triton...bit too much truck for me but damn nice..
However I am looking at a 2002 Chev, 2500 4x4 extended cab. 6.0, nice truck. Has ABS light and check engine light on, but will be taken care of by dealer. New tires, excellent shape tho high mileage (120k)..Asking price is 15k. Seems OK to me, but anything I need to know about these trucks? Common problems etc.

Will

[PITTSBURGH 64]

Will, get the 3500 (1 ton) series Chevy. Its emission exempt and very well made. I payed $21,000 for a brand new one in 02.

[1963PONTIACKID]

prices are alot different up here...that 21000 truck woulda been, oh, 45k or so up here..
Emissions arent a worry up here either...
As much as I do LOVE 3500's their a bit overkill...1500 is sufficient for me, but hauling fullsize pontiac wrecks from time to time justifies the 2500 and it will be my daily driver too so it would drink too much
All my older 80s chevs were excellently built, can I expect the depndability and quality as my late 80s chevs had? This is the first time i've been in a position to buy a NICE used truck so I want it to last

[goatless]

I dunno $15K for a 6 year old truck with 120,000 miles sounds like too much to me.
Just for kicks go take a look at new trucks. All of the manufacturers are offering sweet deals now because sales of full size trucks are down. You might be able to buy new for alot less than you think.

[1963PONTIACKID]

I would love to buy new, but I dont think I could touch a fullsize 4x4 extended cab for under 25 - 30k. All of which are musts for me. Looking to spend around the 15k mark tops....
Im curious, down in the states what would a 02 chev 3/4 ton 4x4 sell for? I know candian cars are always much higher, just curious.
Also one thing im wondering about, how good IS the 4x4 on these? I know theyre the electronically shifted pushbutton type of 4x4, are they strong? All m yother 4x's have been the old style. I use my trucks offroad once in awhile so a quality strong 4x4 is essential.

[ponjohn]

A few things, with gas prices rising the price on trucks is coming down quickly.

I would determine your needs by order of importance rated by you: economy, people carrying, towing, value.

If you plan to tow a lot I would consider a diesel. I would also not eliminate from the mix late 90's Ford diesel trucks. They are ultra reliable, turbo and more fairly priced then the Duramax trucks.

If a diesel is out but you still need to tow, then I would consider the 8100(8.1l) chevy. The fuel economy is within 2mpg of the 6.0 with significantly more tque AND in a truck you get the alison trans with the big block.

The 4x4 I use the same internals , the method of seitching is the only difference.

I just saw an 03 Suburban,100k miles, 8100, 2500, 4x4 loaded sell for 11k on Ebay. There are so many deals out there I would simply take your time in finding the right vehicle for your needs and budget.

John

[kate`s67gto]

How far away from the border are you ? If not too far, it would likely pay you to buy your truck in the US. The savings can be quite substantial, even after paying the taxes, at the border. Many people from Ontario are buying their used vehicles from US dealers, and saving thousands. You will have to secure the money prior to buying the truck in the US. For $15000.00 you will get more of a truck, in the US, than here in Canada sadly.

[cutrone]

I have a 02' Chevy 2500 4x4 extended cab short bed 6.0.

I bought it used in Jan 06' , paid about $17k had 70,000 mi.
Great truck! I drive it everyday ,about 13 miles per gal.

The ride is a little more stiff than a half ton but when its loaded with gear and I'm hauling my Pontiac on a trailer (6000#'s) It's definitely up to the task.

I wouldn't be afraid of high miles , same truck brand new would be in the $40k range.

[1963PONTIACKID]

Thanks guys...
Well I'm gonna go take it for a spin on Tuesday I think. As long as financing is decent I will probably pick it up, had my dad take a peek at it and apparently this truck is as perfect as a 120k truck can get.
I would love a diesel but I guess beggars can't be choosers. Same lot that this truck is on has a 98 Chev 1500 extended cab diesel, nice truck but 16000? I can't justify spending 16k on a 10 year old truck. With the 02 they will at least sell me a little bit of warranty.
Dream truck would be a 02'ish with leather and a standard diesel but like i said beggars can't be choosers...

[Hitman]

I was looking in the trader and 15k is too much for a truck with 120k on the clock. It will be a good truck but for 15k you should be able to get much more. If you dont have to have a 2500 that money will go a long way for a 1500.

[judgethis]

Ive got a 2000 3/4 ton chevy extended cab 8 foot bed 4x4 thats loaded, leather heated seats power everything, with same drive line as the 02. Its got 76,000 miles. 15 might be a little hi but these are hard to find. I bought mine used and payed more than book value also but was in mint condition. Ive hauled loads of 2500 lbs plus of dirt and block will no problem. When I tell the to load it up they look at me like Im crazy. The biggest problem with the 1/2 tons is the brakes. I worked as a line tech for 10 years in a GMC dealership and within 30,000 they needed new rotors. This can be expensive. The 3/4 tones averaged around 80,000-100,000. Ive still got the original brakes on mine. My buddy also got a 2000 chevy 3/4 ton with 120,000 and the original brakes. The driveline is the best GM built. If its a HD its basically indestructible. I didn't see any problems with the transmissins or 4x4 axles. Great truck. I was a state inspector and had to inspect all types of trucks and I always liked the GM's. Although I may be a little biased to the General. I think you'd be happy with the Chevy. I average around 12 miles to the gallon in the city and about 17 on the highway.

[Hitman]

There was a 2000-01 Suburban 2500 4x4 in the trader not to long ago with 89k on it for 10k to give you an idea of price.

[1963PONTIACKID]

yea, im starting to think 15 is a bit much...12.5 maybe, tops..went looking thru a lot tonight, say a 02 ford 1/2 ton 4x4 crew cab (or whatever fords 4-door trucks are called) with 57k, for 18,999. Now I prefer chevs but IF i can find a better deal in a dodge or ford I would prolly consider it...
Any thoughts on the other brands in the same year range? (say 2000-2003)
I dont wnt to jump onto a truck and get screwed on it..Im not in too big of a hurry so I can shop around..

[Old Blue 66]

Originally Posted by 1963PONTIACKID

Thanks guys...
Well I'm gonna go take it for a spin on Tuesday I think. As long as financing is decent I will probably pick it up, had my dad take a peek at it and apparently this truck is as perfect as a 120k truck can get.
I would love a diesel but I guess beggars can't be choosers. Same lot that this truck is on has a 98 Chev 1500 extended cab diesel, nice truck but 16000? I can't justify spending 16k on a 10 year old truck. With the 02 they will at least sell me a little bit of warranty.
Dream truck would be a 02'ish with leather and a standard diesel but like i said beggars can't be choosers...

You know of a bank that will finaince a used car with 120,000??? In the states, no bank will even touch that.

Being in the bussiness, my advice to you is this: I would take some of the advice here and keep looking.

[1963PONTIACKID]

yes, and dealerships also finance.

[OhMyGoat]

If you have the choice between a 6.0 and that 8100 with an Allison automatic, take the 8100. I've had one of each and the gas mileage is just about the same. The 8100 will run circles around the 6.0.

[Ram4king]

Its a shame your not down here in the states. Im in PA and Im selling my 2002 GMC Denali pick up. Have you ever seen one. Its got a 6.0 liter 325hp motor in it and is faster than most cars in this area. I bought it brand new in 02 and it has a 135k on it but still runs and looks like the day I bought it. every option you can get and it even has 4 wheel steering.
Great truck to tow a car with. Im trying to get 13k for it. I agree and think thats too much for that truck. Good luck in you search.

[TxGoats]

Thats a great truck but way too high at $15000.00, I buy those trucks here in Texas for around 10K with simular miles. You should be able to get one here in the States for aroung $12500.00 but then you have to ship it. I am a dealer so I see lots of them.
TG

[1963PONTIACKID]

ram4king..thats such a nice truck...i wish...
ya I think i have decided against this one...if it wasn't for my few-times a year buying parts cars, I wouldn't NEED this kind of truck anyways and Id stick with a smaller 4x4...but as it is, I'm sick of borrowing other peoples trucks to tow my cars home. Especially since the last time I had someone else haul one back for me we had a misfortunate chain of events that caused 750 in damage to his truck
Only thing with buying frun the US is I have to get it safetied or else I would.
OH WELL the Search continues...

["Me"]

Originally Posted by 1963PONTIACKID

Also one thing im wondering about, how good IS the 4x4 on these? I know theyre the electronically shifted pushbutton type of 4x4, are they strong? All m yother 4x's have been the old style. I use my trucks offroad once in awhile so a quality strong 4x4 is essential.

That system has an electric motor that spins the gears to speed so it will shift easily. Its a POS that is not necessary, designed so a houswife [A wimpy one] can shift to 4x4 without trouble.
As has been said the rest of the system is the same, but those electric shifters are a common repair in our shop, and the part is expensive, about $770 here.
I don't know if anyone has a lever any more though, trucks turned into cars in the last 15 years, sucks for those of us that consider them tools.

Larry