Used truck with high mileage

[IronJack]

Well, I got back form Scotiabank bank last night (I only have the 'Net at work though so I couldn't report in sooner). I had previously been advised by CIBC about the 35,000/year or less.

Scotiabank has approved me for a 15,000 dollar loan AND 6,000 dollar line of credit. I told them I'd take the credit for now; if I had 15 grand I'd be years paying it off and the interest s brutal compared with the Line of Credit.

So, that gives me a budget of 10,000 dollars with which to go shopping.

I've got a few private sales lined up on Winnipeg; once I get 10 posts I'll post links to get some opinions

You guys have been invaluable in this process, and I really appreciate it!

Cheers
Craig

[Trainman]

 once I get 10 posts I'll post links to get some opinions

Go ahead, make that one more post.  Come on, you can do it      

$10,000 should get you a pretty decent truck.  I would stay away from ex-government and company trucks as the (ab)use they get can be pretty bad (I know, I am in forestry and have seen what happens to those  ).

[IronJack]

Okay, I guess I can do one more...

(Mods, forgive me, I know this type of 'post spamming' is likely frowned upon but in this case I think you'll understand!)

Cheers
Craig

[Trainman]

(Mods, forgive me, I know this type of 'post spamming' is likely frowned upon but in this case I think you'll understand!)

Good Ho old chap!.  Now you are one of us   

As long as it is reasonably on topic and is not troll-like posting, the mods won't have any issues with these kinds of posts, especially as you started the topic 

[IronJack]

Okay so here are the trucks I'm looking at.

First:

This is an off-Auction truck, and the guy claims hes a ticketed mechanic and says the truck is in good shape. I trust as far as I can throw; so I am being wary. It's got 245,000 KM

http://www.canadatrader.com/result/detailinfo.aspx?ID=27626945

Second:

This is the Manitoba Resource truck; he says it was used around the parks and stuff for the attendants to get around the campsites. Now, again, my theory: It's only 2WD so it likley wasn't off roaded that much, but I don't really know. This one will require a VERY strict inspection.

http://www.canadatrader.com/result/detailinfo.aspx?ID=28748525


Third:

This is another GM-auction truck. He says there's no rust, and the truck overall is very clean. It's got 220,000 kms on it.

http://www.buysell.com/root/detail/Manitoba/2003_Domestic_Trucks_Vans/3508/59449939/2003_GMC_SIERRA_1500_SLE_4dr_Extended.aspx


Fourth:

This one, he says, was recieved off a dealer on a trade. He has no maintenence record and he is unsure if it has been rustproofed.
It's slightly over my budget but if its clearly the best choice then I can probobly scrape together a bit more cash.

http://www.buysell.com/root/detail/Manitoba/2002_Domestic_Trucks_Vans/3510/59808235/2002_CHEVROLET_SILVERADO_1500_LS_EXT.aspx


That's all for now. I know deciding how good a truck is from a classified ad is a bit like pulling hen's teeth; But I'd appreciate it if you folks could tell me if anything jumped out at you. Besides, I'm guessing the majority of you fellas love looking at vehicles--Now, though, you can blow the 'morally superior' horn because it's for charity

Cheers
Craig

[tortoise]

I'd take Artic's advice and buy privately.   At lot of trucks at this age/mileage will be dumped onto the used market for a reason.   

You'll have better odds finding out why it's being sold from the actual owner. 

Plus you'll save the GST.

Maintenance records a MUST!

[Trainman]

Keep looking.

A quick search on the Buy and Sell for BC has these examples (BC used prices tend to be higher than back east)  (I know, some are 4wd but your best deal may be on a 4wd):

2000 FORD F-150 XL Super Cab, 4 doors, RWD, V6, 4.2L, auto, 184000 km, pw, pb, ps, dual air bags, tilt steering, inter wipers, hitch, cruise, ABS, am/fm stereo, cass, hard cover, very clean, exc cond, no rust, $9300.

2000 CHEVROLET 1500  204000 KMS 4 dr. ext. cab. Long Box. 4.8L 4sp auto. Local driving only. $9,950.00. obo. langley.

2000 FORD F-150 F150 SUPERCAB XLT, 4dr, Extended Cab, Red, Automatic, RWD, 4.2L, Cylinder 6, Gas, 4th Door, Air Conditioning, All Equipped, Alloy Wheels, AM/FM Stereo, Anti-Lock Brakes, Anti-Theft, Box Liner, Cassette, CD Player, Cruise Control, Dual Air Bag, Intermittent Wipers, Keyless Entry, Power Brakes, Power Locks, Power Mirrors, Power Steering, Power Windows, Rear Sliding Window, Short Box, Tilt Wheel, Tinted Glass, LIKE NEW 1 OWNER LOCAL TRUCK WITH NO DEC'S !!!!!!!! FULLY SERVICED AND FULLY LOADED V6 AUTOMATIC ALL POWER OPTIONS CD !!!!!!!!! BED LINNER AND ALLOY RIMS , RUNS GREAT AND NEED'S NOTHING !!!!!!!! HARD TO FIND THIS CLEAN AT THIS PRICE !!!!!!!!! WE HAVE GREAT FINANCING FOR IN TOWN OR OUT OF TOWN BUYERS !!!!!!!!!!! Stock#07-100  $9,950.00 Type:Extended Cab

1999 FORD F-150, 160000kms, 4dr, Super Cab, White, 4.6L, Cylinder 8, Gas, Anti-Lock Brakes, Driver Air Bag, Power Steering, passenger air bag Stock#UT063065  $9,995.00 Type:Super Cab

1999 FORD F150 xl, 4x4, a/c, auto, wht, AirCared, camper pkg w/air bags, reg cab. 185,000 kms, nice shape, 1st 9,000 obo takes, $9000 obo


You get the idea 

[IronJack]

Well, not much luck in the 'Peg with private sales--Everybody and their brother seems to be a dealer. I've found some promising ones in the GTA though so I'll post them here once I find out if they are still available/in the running.

I know a truck should be saftied before buying, but whats all this jazz with e-certs? Is that hard to get? Should I be worried if a truck less then 9 years old isn't e-tested? I should think it would pass with minimal work, but you guys would know more then I!

Cheers
Craig

[Trainman]

I know a truck should be saftied before buying, but whats all this jazz with e-certs? Is that hard to get? Should I be worried if a truck less then 9 years old isn't e-tested? I should think it would pass with minimal work, but you guys would know more then I!

Wouldn't know as there is no e-cert (AirCare in BC) required outside the Greater Vancouver area in BC.  But I am sure someone with ON experience will add their bit.

[Trainman]

You are right about that 4th truck, it looks like it may be a winner.

Just get it inspected really well by a mechanic you trust (ie that is highly recommended by someone you trust) and get a GM dealer to run a history to see what warranty work has been done and to make sure all the re-calls (if any) have been dealt with.

A good mechanic should be able to tell if it has been well maintained or not.

You are getting closer 

[PJungnitsch]

It's good too that the fourth truck is 2WD. If you really don't need 4X4 you can be potentially saving yourself a lot of aggravation. New, 4WD is great, used it is a lot of extra stuff to go wrong.

Helped a few buddies change transfer cases on their 4WD 'deals' and it is never a fun thing.

[IronJack]

OK, Here are the Private sales from near Toronto:

First:

http://www.trader.ca/Search/Details.asp?UID=07F74396A75348C086B96840A0756CFF&adid=6203367&ads=6203367%7C&BackLink=1

I REALLY like this one--I don't know if I should be suspect of something owned by a GM mechanic? It's pretty clean looking and, if what he says is true about the work/towing, it's a pretty good buy. I'm just waiting to hear back from him about maintenence.

Second:

http://www.trader.ca/Search/Details.asp?UID=07F74396A75348C086B96840A0756CFF&CAT=1&adid=6230043&ads=6230043%7C&BackLink=1

I'm telephoning this guy in about 5 minutes, so we'll see the details on that one. Again, a nice, clean looking truck.

Cheers
Craig

[IronJack]

Just got off the phone:

The Rockwood truck is a 2WD with all of the following been replaced: windshield, brakes, driveshaft, feul pump.

Comes with new tires & aluminum rims; has a hitch but he never used it save for towing a motorcycle on occassion.

He's had it rustproofed every year. He says its a nice clean truck.

There's alot that has had to be replaced (apparently the winshield was an accident just last week involving a careless teen *ahem* not that I know any of those *ahem*)--This could mean that a) it's in good shape or b) it's been abused like mad/is a lemon.

He has not owned it since new.

Thoughts?

Thanks
Craig

[articsteve]

Does the Rockwood truck come with a safety certificate and when was it last E-tested?  It sounds reasonable. 

The 99 GM also seems OK, but I don't like the ad that much.  It has a ring of "reseller" to it.   Always wary when private sellers put in descriptions like "COME SEE IT" and use a hotmail account.  How long has the guy owned it I wonder?

[2hondas1BMW]

2000 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab

EDIT: LINK CORRECTED

http://www.trader.ca/Search/Details.asp?mknm=745&Region=-1&subcategory=203&CAT=2&ADID=6205767&ADS=6205767%7C

4X2/3.3LV6/silver/black-auto/air/power windows/locks/mirrors/cruise/CD/keyless entry/ABS/ARE bed cap/all synthetic fluids/alloy wheels/thule roof basket & net/cert./e-tested. 194,000 km. $9,500

[barrie1]

I would look for one with the 5.3 engine if I was buying a used GM truck They are very reliable and the best bang for the buck as well. If its going to be a 4 whl drive model look for the one with the shifter on the floor for the 4x4 option as its a much better style to work with then the ones with the switchs on the dash. The 2003 and up are a excellent build and should last you for many years. The older ones may have the 5.7 engine which is the 350 and another great design for its day as well. A private purchase will probably be the best bet and most of them in this vintage will still be in real good shape body wise and probably mechanical as well. My taste is the older ones from the 70's but that is another design by itself.   From the ones you posted the white truck is a 4 whl drive unit which will run you more fuel then a 2 whl drive truck of course even with it not engaged. A lot of these trucks are coming in off of lease and theres many dealers who grab them if they have been privately used. Most of them are in good shape. I have a dealer near my home in London here who sells nothing but GM's and Dodge trucks and all are 4 whl units for prices from around $10,000 to approx $15,000. I have stopped and window shopped a no. of times and his stuff does look good. I like that vintage of GM trucks as they have a really nice design to them in my mind and I know the reliability is quite good on them as well. The 4dr extend-a cab doesen't start until the year 2002 so keep that in mind if you want the 4 door model.

[Trainman]

2000 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab

http://www.trader.ca/Search/Details.asp?mknm=768&Region=-1&subcategory=203&CAT=2&ADID=6231133&ADS=6231133%7C

4X2/3.3LV6/silver/black-auto/air/power windows/locks/mirrors/cruise/CD/keyless entry/ABS/ARE bed cap/all synthetic fluids/alloy wheels/thule roof basket & net/cert./e-tested. 194,000 km. $9,500

Sounds good but the link is to a 1995 TOYOTA  TACOMA SR5 for $8,200:



not a Fronty 

[2hondas1BMW]

Haha, oops.

Here is the correct link.

http://www.trader.ca/Search/Details.asp?mknm=745&Region=-1&subcategory=203&CAT=2&ADID=6205767&ADS=6205767%7C

[IronJack]

Hey Guys,

Sorry about my absence--I left my home 7 hours north of Thunder Bay on Friday and I got into Toronto area yesterday, with no net access till now.

I had a look at the Rockwood truck; it is very well maintained, really clean, and the guy seems a pretty striaght shooter. It's going into a CAA-certified garage for the full treatment tomorrow: Brand new safety, bumper to bumper inspection, etc.

It stops. It goes. It shifts. It isn't rusty. Seems ok so far!

Only thing is, the CAA garage can't do E-cert testing. This leads me to another couple of questions:

1) How likley is this to be a problem on a 2001 truck? What could possible cause a truck so 'young' to not pass?

2) My 'permanent' address is in northern ontario, at my parents place, as I'm still a Student. So, odds are I'll be registering it up there too--And, up there, we aren't required to E-test our vehicles. Is this an easy out? It seems TOO easy, so I feel like maybe I'm doing something wrong!

I would look for one with the 5.3 engine if I was buying a used GM truck They are very reliable and the best bang for the buck as well. If its going to be a 4 whl drive model look for the one with the shifter on the floor for the 4x4 option as its a much better style to work with then the ones with the switchs on the dash. The 2003 and up are a excellent build and should last you for many years. The older ones may have the 5.7 engine which is the 350 and another great design for its day as well. A private purchase will probably be the best bet and most of them in this vintage will still be in real good shape body wise and probably mechanical as well. My taste is the older ones from the 70's but that is another design by itself.   From the ones you posted the white truck is a 4 whl drive unit which will run you more fuel then a 2 whl drive truck of course even with it not engaged. A lot of these trucks are coming in off of lease and theres many dealers who grab them if they have been privately used. Most of them are in good shape. I have a dealer near my home in London here who sells nothing but GM's and Dodge trucks and all are 4 whl units for prices from around $10,000 to approx $15,000. I have stopped and window shopped a no. of times and his stuff does look good. I like that vintage of GM trucks as they have a really nice design to them in my mind and I know the reliability is quite good on them as well. The 4dr extend-a cab doesen't start until the year 2002 so keep that in mind if you want the 4 door model.

Thanks for all the info--Ideallly, the 2WD is my preference but I'm not married to it...I figure, if it gets bad enough in the places I drive to need 4 wheel drive, all that means is with 4X4 engaged I'll just get stuck 100 feet further into the mess Plus I plan to put a Powertrax Locking Diff in the 2WD so that should help.

One thing though--this he says is a 2001, but it's got 4 doors--Is it possibly a 2002? Or late model 2001? Or was it maybe an option on 2001s?

2000 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab

EDIT: LINK CORRECTED

http://www.trader.ca/Search/Details.asp?mknm=745&Region=-1&subcategory=203&CAT=2&ADID=6205767&ADS=6205767%7C

4X2/3.3LV6/silver/black-auto/air/power windows/locks/mirrors/cruise/CD/keyless entry/ABS/ARE bed cap/all synthetic fluids/alloy wheels/thule roof basket & net/cert./e-tested. 194,000 km. $9,500

Thanks for the link! Thats a nice looking truck. One of the reasons, however, I wanted to stick with GMs is a) My dad has owned GMs for years, the first new truck he bought was (I think) a 2001. Since he was used to buying old and fixing along the way, he always stocked up on parts for all of his trucks, and his '01 was no different. He has since upgraded to an '07, which uses far different parts, with many of the '01 parts unused--As such, there are a bunch of 'free' parts sitting in my garage for GM vehicles that I can use should I need them. b) And the parts that are not in my garage are fairly easy/cheap, and from what I heard any import vehicle will be expensive.

Cheers
Craig

[barrie1]

I think thats a good move on your part personally as having parts that will fit sure helps down the road when and if they are needed. I believe the 2001 with the 4th door may have been a option at that time but its a nice one to have when carrying a load of friends. Check the line build sheet which may be on the backdoor of the glovebox as to wether it already has the posi rearend in it as that was a very common option that most came with as standard equipment. Usually was a 373 ratio which is a nice gear ratio to work with especially with the 4spd overdrive tranny. If it hasen't then I would suggest a Auburn Brand of posi as they are virtually indestructable.