Is this a deal?

[dsprik]

I found a 2002 Chevy Silverado 2500HD D/A locally for sale for $17,900. It has 170,000 miles on it. It is for sale at a small town dealership that I know will stand behind their sale. I've purchased a few vehicles from this guy years ago. I trust him.

I'd like comments on this. Is a tv with 170,000 miles worth buying? He says the body and engine are both in very good shape. Kelly Blue Book has it at $24,900 without options. I didn't put any in because I haven't seen it yet... just talked to him on the phone tonight.

I'm sure he would let me take it to a diesel mechanic to check out.

I'd like input please!

[Montana Sky]

Well Dave,
I am going to say no, it does not seem like a good deal. Especially with that many miles on the truck. Again, my opinion, keep looking around and try to find one that is still under the factory warranty so you can buy the extended warranty to cover you bumper to bumper to 100,000 miles. Or if you can swing it, buy a new 06 with the latest and greatest features.

[Thunderman]

Dave,
I would have to say no also. If you do not need 4 wheel drive, look for a 2001 or 2002 Ford F-250 diesel. You should be able to find one with a lot less miles. The F-250 crew cab, long wheel base with 2 wheel drive is one of the less popular models. I think you can find one with considerably less miles and a greater value. Good luck!

Weldon

[DHenry]

Dave, I agree with the others. The average miles driven a year on this truck is 42,500. Someone has had a lot of seat time in it. The injectors are only warrantied for another 30,000 miles. I would take the advise of the others and start looking for a lower mileage truck. Good Luck!

[Jeff Heiser]

Dave, I would say no too. When I traded in my truck with 125,000 it was traded in for a reason - IT WAS TIME FOR A NEW TRUCK. A lot of little things were going wrong with it. I would keep looking. A good used truck with low miles is hard to find but they are out there just keep looking.

God Bless America
Jeff Heiser
Merritt Island Florida

[dsprik]

Thanks, guys! A 4x4 will be a must up here in the N. Michigan snow belt area, so that does restrict my search a little, but I will keep looking for good deals. I am considering buying in November. Need to sell my two vehicles first. I have put them on AutoTrader.com.

[sreigle]

Dave, have you checked the www.napaguides.com site and put in the mileage to see their projections on value? Maybe I'm out of touch but $17,900 for 170,000 miles seems like a big gamble to me. You might come out the winner but I'd bet the odds would not be in your favor.

[dsprik]

Steve, I went to Kelly (KBB.com). It came up with an amazing $24,340 for a 2002 D/A 4x4 Crew Cab with 170,000 miles. Doesn't sound right. Just did NADA and with base package (no options), still comes to $25,600. Still not convinced of buying something with that high of mileage... why the seemingly high blue book?? Any comments?

[snowbunny]

We bought a 2001 2500HD ext. cab 4x 4 with the Duramax in excellent shape with 50,000 miles on it in 2003 for about $25k. Yours would be one year older and over three times the mileage for 7000 less. I don't think I would buy it.

[richfaa]

Those NADA and KBB prices are Ok but another factor in the price is what the market will bear in your area and what comes to my mind is if the dealer will sell it for that much under NADA/KBB that would mean that he got the truck for a super low price and wants to get rid of it quick.I mean this would be a opportunity for the dealer to make big bucks on a trade in..how come he is not???

[dannyl]

When mileage gets that high most people unload it for a reason.
When I was looking earlier this year I found 2005 Dodge 3500, cummings, for less money than the 2500's. I found three 2005's for $31000 new because the 2006's were coming out. I bought new so I could get the factory and dealer warranty. Piece of mine is worth alot.

[jerryb]

It's probably not a deal but you should at least look at it, if it's not been towing, the miles shouldn't have hurt it. I would rather have one with 170K that has been maintained than one with 50k driven around town by an old lady. The NADA site will give you the mileage deduct, and the add ons for options. Diesels are meant to be driven, miles won't hurt it until 350k+, but you will also have a problem when you want to trade it in because the next dealer will probably deduct more than book for the miles.

[Thunderman]

Get the VIN # and ask a Ford dealer to run the number thru their computer. You will get a print out of all dealer performed service.
If the tramsmission has not been replaced you are looking at a hefty expense there, probably sooner than later.
Weldon

[dsprik]

Thunderman, great idea! (I think you meant a Chevy dealer, though). I am sure they will have something on their computers. I think my Chevy dealship is open tomorrow. Wish I would have thought of that. Also... although there's a fee involved... Carfax is another source of info. I still have to sell my two vehicles first. Anyone want a 2000 Park Ave or 2000 Blazer????? Oops! might not be allowed to do that on this forum... Sorry!

[Bob Pasternak]

I wouldn't be too worried about a Cummins with that many miles, but I'd not buy a Powerstroke or Duramax with that many miles. Another thing you might consider is getting an oil analysis. That will tell what parts a failing and only costs a few dollars.

[dsprik]

Bob, who does oil analysis? Never heard of this, but seems like a good idea if you are planning on buying any used tv.

[Bob Pasternak]

Dave; Most any Cummins, Cat, Detroit or Navistar dealer will do oil analysis. You might find some automotive dealers do them too. It will cost a few dollars but will give a good indication of what condidtion the engine is in. The check is generally done at a drain interval so as to have a good sampling of the gunk floating around inside. I've not had them done on the two Dodges I've owned. The first one we traded at 50,000 miles and that was because my girl friend wanted the quiet engine. This one only has 9,000 miles on it. When I was driving the big ones they were checked about every other change. (36,000 miles). I'm sure there are others that can suggest who to get to do them.

[Dave e Victoria]

For oil analysis, go to any small airport and find a parts department. They will sell you a small vial and a mail-in box. You fil the vial with a sample of used oil and fill out a form that describes the vehicle, engine, mileage (or time) and how long since last overhaul. Mail this in and a few days later you get a printed report. The report analyzes metalic ions in the oil. The report usually suggests appropriate limits for each kind of ion encountered so is very easy to read. The neat thing is if you use the same lab each time you will build up a history on your vehicle and can spot anything going wrong real early. I'm sure, as Bob suggested, most dealers who deal with fleets have this service available. I' don't remember for sure, but I believe the cost is less thn $10.00 per analysis.

[richfaa]

Just a note..Since my retirement I drive school bus and charter bus part time.I have driven many Cummins motors with 170/180 and 200,00 miles on them.With proper maint that is no big deal..I drive a 2001 Chevy duramax bus every day now with 125,000 miles and it runs strong.dsprik.I would be more concerned about the truck falling apart than the motor. In the past 6 years I have probably driven near 300,000 diesel miles.Cummins, Navstar, Detroit, Duramax. With proper maint and they DO require proper maint more so than a gas motor.They will far outlast the truck. I would do the oil Analysis..that is a real good indicator of motor condition.

[Just148]

dsprik,I sent you private message.