To buy or not to buy?!!

flyinthebuff · 08-23-2008, 06:08 PM

Howdy guys!

I've been out diesel shopping for a while now. I love my Chevy's and am just about 100% sure that's the route we're gonna take. Also interested in fueling 40-50% with biofuel. Now the question...I've found what I think is a great deal.

2005 2500HD Crew Cab LS LLY Engine, 5spd Allison, 3.73 locking rear...
with...186,000 miles!!? The dealer was honest and told me that it was used in the "oil field" business and that with the cosmetic issues (cracked windshield, interior is not too bad, but not immaculate, and their is some paint scrubbed off the lower valances on the sides and work bumpers) they were sending it off to the auction. I said, well I know a guy, me, that could probably handle the cosmetics, how is it mechanically? Said he didn't know, they didn't check it b/c it was on the way to the auction. So we took a DRIVE. It felt just fine. The tranny shifted into gear with no thunks or thuds and changed gears just fine. The engine sounded fine and didn't smoke excessively. Didn't see any obvious leaks. Only thing I could feel was that the steering wheel was a bit off center and had some play in it..maybe .5 inches left and right. This would be my daily family transport by the way.

You ladies and gentlemen are the experts...I defer to you. If you felt confident in your basic mechanical (carberetor and motorcycle restoration) and cosmetic fixing capabilities, would you buy it for say, $8,600?? That's WELL below the trade in on KBB that I found at like $11,500? Either way thanks for the help and reading the novel. I'm also hoping I didn't put this thread in the wrong spot. Apologies if so.

Thanks again and Cheers!

**bigdaddydiesel** · 08-23-2008, 06:16 PM

In my opinion, I would definitely buy it for that price! expecially if you can handle fixing and upgrading it yourself!!

**daddysLBZ** · 08-23-2008, 06:20 PM

Welcome to the forum!!

Refer to the for sale section we have...It's on the main page.Glad to have ya!!

flyinthebuff · 08-23-2008, 06:23 PM

Hey LBZ,

Thanks for the quick reply, but I just wanted to clarify that I wanted to buy this truck and not sell it ;-)

Thanks,

Mike

flyinthebuff · 08-23-2008, 06:24 PM

Just interested also if there's any Achille's heels to these trucks in 2005 with the Allison? I'm going to get a mechanic to look at it on Monday and then make my decision.

Forgot to mention the speedometer is not functioning...the rest of the cluster including the odometer works fine, just not the speedo. Looks like 200ish on ebay.

Thanks for all the replies and help guys!

**daddysLBZ** · 08-23-2008, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyinthebuff

Just interested also if there's any Achille's heels to these trucks in 2005 with the Allison? I'm going to get a mechanic to look at it on Monday and then make my decision.

Forgot to mention the speedometer is not functioning...the rest of the cluster including the odometer works fine, just not the speedo. Looks like 200ish on ebay.

Thanks for all the replies and help guys!

Ok!!the clusters have few issues to begin with.They are only covered to 70k though..

A junk one may be the best,cheapest option.The only LLY hangup I can think of is the overheat issue.[EASILY FIXED]!!They are great engines all around though..Just use the search icon at top of this page and look up compressor mouthpiece.Other than CLOSE attention to the fuel filter,regular oil changes,etc.,I'd say that's it!!

**daddysLBZ** · 08-23-2008, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyinthebuff

Hey LBZ,

Thanks for the quick reply, but I just wanted to clarify that I wanted to buy this truck and not sell it ;-)

Thanks,

Mike

I know,jus lettin you know...

ironcrossmike · 08-23-2008, 09:26 PM

If you feel confident in your abilities and judgement, and can afford to replace ANYTHING that can and will break, then buy it. On the other hand I work in the "OILFEILD" and our motto is "If it can't take it can't stay!" You be the judge.

flyinthebuff · 08-24-2008, 07:39 AM

Hey Mike!

That's a bit scary sounding? Any ideas on what I can expect or what the truck's daily routine was? I'm expecting shocks, bushings, probably some tie rods maybe in the front? Tranny and motor feel strong and I only do about 15,000 mi a year so I figure I'd be good for a year or two right? Whadaya think?

Thanks again guys!

ironcrossmike · 08-24-2008, 09:33 AM

Not everybody has the same attitude towards equipment. My last job had a d-max that lived for 200,000 w/ the go pedal stuck to the floor. With that kind of mileage it spent alot of time on the highway and gravel roads. Ours haul a bed full everyday. There is a difference between used and abused.