What to look for?

[79rustyk10]

I'm going to test drive a 03 GMC 1500 z71 Monday. It's a normal run if the mill half ton, very clean, they're asking 10 gs.

Anything to specifically to look for?

 

[Duntz00]

Rust and tow package if you plan to tow with it.

 

[79rustyk10]

I'm in the rust belt bein in mn, but even looking underneath, the frame is clean, has a receiver hitch. From what I can see no rust forming at all. It's black do it should be seen easily enough if something was coming out.

Desperately needs a brake job the salesman says, but they're doing that before it can be sold for liability reasons.

 

[thearborbarber]

Castech heads. Do a google search. There is tsb or that gen heads on the 5.3 cracking but only the ones made by castech.

 

[79rustyk10]

Thanks for the heads up on the cylinder heads.

Any brothers ever have issues with the castech heads cracking? Seems to be alot of people bitching on forums more so that GM isn't buying them new heads for a used truck with 100k plus on it.

 

[thearborbarber]

My folks are loosing coolant on there 05 just haven't pulled a valve covers yet. Used heads run 100 bucks in my area so if they are I will just get a couple and put them on.

 

[Chevy305]

How many miles on it?

Check the usual stuff as how it starts cold and how it shifts. Higher mileage LS motors have some cold piston slap so be aware. Check for leaks and play in the steering. Check the seats as they commonly tear on the driver's side from getting in and out. Check the door hinges as they wear out quick. Check that all the windows work as the regulators go bad quick too (very easy and cheap to replace but you can use it as leverage against the price.) Also check the inside of the rear bumper as they rust out first and the Inside bottoms of the doors, tailgate, and fender lips.

 

[Avery4jc]

Our oldest shop truck is an '01 ext cab 4x4 5.3 (essentially same truck you're looking at minus the frills of the GMC stuff) and it's been awesome. Has 155k miles on it and we've never been inside anything. Only done oil changes on it.
Heck original ball joints, control arm bushings, unit bearings and it still steers and feels awesome.

I don't know the market in your area due to rust issues but for $10k it better be low miles and VERY clean.

 

[79rustyk10]

With the exception of a slight scrape and a few small chips along the wheel well on the passenger side of the box, it's almost spotless. Jet black, has roll up cover and a spray in bed liner that appears never to have been used. I looked underneath, and no noticeable leaks on engine or trans.

Has 100,700 miles, but even at ten grand it's still in line with what alot of similar trucks are priced at with less to offer.

The only downfall I could tell so far is that it needs tires within a year or so.

 

[Chevy305]

The only downfall I could tell so far is that it needs tires within a year or so.

Perfect excuse to do a leveling kit and a set of 33"s

$10k is still a bit much. I bought my 2000 Tahoe for $3500 with 170k and it was immaculate. No one believes me when I tell them the mileage or year:

 

[79rustyk10]

Well the dealer was far more interested in sending the truck to wholesale than selling it to me, couldn't make a deal, but hopefully I can find something as clean as this one was.

 

[swettysblazer]

I bought my 03 for 10k with 109,000 on it, loaded. You're about on par I think.

 

[79rustyk10]

How do you like it so far?

 

[swettysblazer]

Absolutely love it... gets 20mpg on the highway, about 15ish around town if i baby it (i don't). I'm doing a leveling kit and bigger tires in the near future.