Is this too much for an 02 Z71?

[02ncHoe]

I looked at an 02 Z71 today that was in better than good condition. Rig has 223k on original engine and tranny. It’s a three owner and current owner has owned it since 2006. Has been meticulously maintained. All services performed and documented. No leaks. Interior looks like new. Outside has a few scratches and blemishes but no rust, dents or dings. Asking price is 6200. Road test was exactly what you’d expect from a maintained vehicle. No whine or noise from rear diff, no clunking putting in gear or shifts when driving. Everything inside works as it should. 5500 is where we are now. Looking at average price on KBB, Edmunds and Carfax, that is way too much. I’d actually feel better the closer to 5k I got. Is that still too much? I’ve looked at several 04-06’s that are around the same price and mileage but have issues. Is this totally out of the park to consider?

 

[Larryjb]

The skid plate can hide leaks. It may be leak free, but leaks are very common as they age. Have you done a VIN claims search? If you have access to a coolant pressure tester and pressurize the cooling system when the engine is cold, then look to see how much it drops in 1/2 hour. If it drops at all, there is a coolant leak somewhere. (If you test it while the engine is even slightly warm it will drop as it cools.

For 223k and 3 owners, my gut says too good to be true for condition. I would love to be proven wrong though.

 

[02ncHoe]

Thanks Larry. That’s what I’m thinking. Wish I could post some pics but I didn’t take any. The current owner just bought a 2018 z71 suburban. He said his dad is a mechanic so anything the 02 needed it got. Mostly maintenance. I’m sure there is something it will need at some point, but it won’t be my daily driver anyway.

 

[Larryjb]

I've heard the story "I know a really good mechanic who has done all the work on my car" so many times I don't listen to that talk anymore. On one such car, the core of the thermostat was cut out and as a result it never got up to operating temperature in the winter. On another car, cheap window regulators were used that would only last a couple of years. Maybe his Dad is a good mechanic. Can you see the work that was done? Were quality parts used?

it is common for the rear main seal to leak. If you can get a mirror underneath and look at the top of the skid plate to find evident of caked oil, or oil leaking from above anywhere.

 

[swathdiver]

I looked at an 02 Z71 today that was in better than good condition. Rig has 223k on original engine and tranny. It’s a three owner and current owner has owned it since 2006. Has been meticulously maintained. All services performed and documented. No leaks. Interior looks like new. Outside has a few scratches and blemishes but no rust, dents or dings. Asking price is 6200. Road test was exactly what you’d expect from a maintained vehicle. No whine or noise from rear diff, no clunking putting in gear or shifts when driving. Everything inside works as it should. 5500 is where we are now. Looking at average price on KBB, Edmunds and Carfax, that is way too much. I’d actually feel better the closer to 5k I got. Is that still too much? I’ve looked at several 04-06’s that are around the same price and mileage but have issues. Is this totally out of the park to consider?

$500 is not worth worrying over for a good truck, it's practically a 1-owner vehicle. You'll spend 5X as much trying to get the others up to the same level.

 

[OR VietVet]

IMO, it also depends on where you are located. I am in Oregon and full time Oregon rigs just don't have rust on them and my 02 doesn't either. They can be higher here because of that.

 

[02ncHoe]

$500 is not worth worrying over for a good truck, it's practically a 1-owner vehicle. You'll spend 5X as much trying to get the others up to the same level.

This is what I’m thinking. I’ve looked at some junk with obvious issues that will take a couple grand to get it where I’m happy with it.

 

[02ncHoe]

IMO, it also depends on where you are located. I am in Oregon and full time Oregon rigs just don't have rust on them and my 02 doesn't either. They can be higher here because of that.

I’m in central North Carolina. Rigs here don’t typically rust unless they spend time in the mountains or near the coast.

 

[Larryjb]

I'd agree that if it is truly in good shape, don't let it pass for the sake of 500 bucks. But I would look it over very carefully. Do the VIN search, look for signs of repainting, get a scan tool and look for stored and pending codes, stuff like that.

 

[02ncHoe]

I'd agree that if it is truly in good shape, don't let it pass for the sake of 500 bucks. But I would look it over very carefully. Do the VIN search, look for signs of repainting, get a scan tool and look for stored and pending codes, stuff like that.

Definitely. VIN search done. Will
check for codes. Rear main isn’t leaking, but hasn’t been replaced in 14 years which I found hard to believe. Shocks haven’t been replaced either.

 

[02ncHoe]

https://greensboro.craigslist.org/cto/d/burlington-2002-chevrolet-tahoe-z71/7050372851.html

just figured out how to post link

 

[OR VietVet]

This is one that I am going to look at tonight. I have already told the guy there is no way I am paying his listed price ad then he says, "Just come and see it and tell me what you think". I have wanted a silver Tahoe and leather. If I was to get this one I would sell my 02 but will swap the tires and wheels from one to the other.

https://eugene.craigslist.org/cto/d/eugene-2004-chevy-tahoe-z71/7050328673.html

 

[02ncHoe]

This is one that I am going to look at tonight. I have already told the guy there is no way I am paying his listed price ad then he says, "Just come and see it and tell me what you think". I have wanted a silver
Tahoe and leather. If I was to get this one I would sell my 02 but will swap the tires and wheels from one to the other.

Nice truck. I have on 02 silver LT. I’ve always wanted a white Z. I know exactly what you’re talking about.

https://eugene.craigslist.org/cto/d/eugene-2004-chevy-tahoe-z71/7050328673.html

 

[StillEnjoyLegos]

https://greensboro.craigslist.org/cto/d/burlington-2002-chevrolet-tahoe-z71/7050372851.html

just figured out how to post link

Looks like it's been well taken care of, re-doing the seats, keeping it maintained with records, new audio, mats, etc. I'm no expert but it definitely seems like an owner who cared about his truck. In saying that, the price still seems a little steep to me, but I'm in MA and we are used to rust so it may be worth it in your area if no rust.

 

[wjburken]

Definitely. VIN search done. Will
check for codes. Rear main isn’t leaking, but hasn’t been replaced in 14 years which I found hard to believe. Shocks haven’t been replaced either.

I have asked the seller to let me pay for an oil change at a place if there choosing so I can see what the oil looks like when it comes out. Most the time they are fine with it. A couple got a little squirrelly on me and I walked away.

 

[swathdiver]

Both are really clean, would buy either one! Alex, those tires look pretty new, that alone is worth nearly a grand.

 

[02ncHoe]

Both are really clean, would buy either one! Alex, those tires look pretty new, that alone is worth nearly a grand.

Yes sir. Easily

 

[OR VietVet]

Both are really clean, would buy either one! Alex, those tires look pretty new, that alone is worth nearly a grand.

Just came back from looking at the 2004 Tahoe Z71 silver paint. 4-5 scratches in the paint and a couple of rub marks in the clear at the rear bumper-each side. Looks like could be buffed out but I am not sure and the scratches are very small. Had to look real hard to find on top of the hood. Both trans cooling lines leaking. Coolant low and slight sludge in the bottle. Lots of sludge under the oil fill cap and shows a rust color where the cap threads are that spin in to the tube. Volume and seek button on the steering wheel do not work and has at least one of the air pressure sensors, for the tires, that does not work. 285/70R17 tires look great. The screen, aftermarket, in the dash where the radio used to be, is not working on Bluetooth. He has the oe radio and will give it to me if I want it. Engine starts right up and is very quiet and clean under the hood but is not detailed to hide things. Could not see any oil leaks top or bottom. Inside is great and driver's seat is in great shape. Now I have to think on it overnight. I told him I am interested but need a roadtest. Was raining pretty good so I did not roadtest yet. If he still has it I will roadtest this Sunday.

 

[rgosart]

That z71 looks like it is in great shape. Look for sludge in the oil cap and any major leaks like others have said. Im in ENC out past Greenville and I know that truck would sell for that price out here. Show up with $5k in $100 and I bet you would own it. If you really want it, keep the other $500 in your back pocket in case you need it. If I was in the market I would definitely consider it...

 

[Larryjb]

The sludge you see could be a result of a cracked head. I had a long thread on this regarding my own truck.