Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire What do you think of this truck?

I'm not in the market for it so can't say about the price, but I can say a few things about some of the comments. The 454 Vortec is a pretty nice engine. It produces huge torque at low rpms and can produce fair fuel economy at highway speed. Around town they're tough on fuel, but on the highway I've had them pull 20,000+ pound loads and get 15-16 mpg. The transmission behind the 454 is their 4L80e which is significantly more durable than GM's more common 4L60e and while they can break or give problems I'd be a lot less concerned at such mileage if its been inspected. All 1/2 ton and some 3/4 ton trucks have axles that aren't designed for true hauling, but all of the 3500 series of which I'm aware have used Dana 60 series (or similar) rear axles and are practically identical to Ford or Dodge.

Seems to me the question you need to ask is do you need the hauling/towing capabilities this truck can offer and if so, at a 122K it may be a good option. As a truck that is a daily driver I'd say pass and look elsewhere.

Looks clean and equipped, drive it and have it checked out... if it'll do the job you want it too, price beats hell out of spending 50 or 60k on a new one.

Take a good look at what could be a big expense up front, running gear of course, but steering, brakes, and tires. If you can get a year or two of good use out of it without spending more on repairs, its a good to great deal.

If you like it I'd be careful about trying to get him down too much.


Phil

Pretty but worn out.

Good Lord!!! I hope I never meet one... Max towing capacity on that truck in that year is 10K..

http://www.nadaguides.com/Cars/1998/Chevrolet/C3500-Pickup-1-Ton-V8/Fleetside-Crew-Cab/Specs


Now, if what he's going to tow is within the tag limits, goferit..

how it looks underneath would be the deciding factor. rust, brakes, brake and fuel lines, front end parts, etc. trucks that age and mileage can nickle and dime ya to death.

We just bought an always garaged, looks like new '97 F-250 with the 7.3 Turbodiesel and only 136,000 miles on it for less than what you are looking at on this truck. So far really liking it. If it were me, I would wait for a good buy on a diesel rig. They are out there, but not on every streetcorner. Avoid the Fords with a 6.anything Diesel, though. If you are stuck on Chevy, save up a few more dollars and find a truck with the Duramax/Allison combo.

I have regretted every one of the big block gas trucks I have had, sooner rather than later.

It wasn't a recommendation, but rather an observation I've made from using a fleet of these trucks over many years.

I think I'd pass and keep looking. There's a better vehicle out there.

a lot of people on here dont like that truck because its a chevy, and there is a clear bias towards anything that isnt a POS toyota. That looks like a nice truck, i would try and get it for 6500 or so and drive it. Ive got family with 400+K on those trucks. If the maintenance is done they'll run a long time.

As expected, that's 90% bullshit.

Diesel doesn't always make sense. Are you towing 10,000 pounds plus weekly?
I crack up at diesels hauling lawn mower trailers. The new diesels have more expense and emissions stuff to fail.

I'm not knocking them just saying you either need the extra disposable income or be making money with the truck.

I will give you 3500 for it

At least..

True - if only a few loads here/there under 10K there should be no problem.
Well, if it's the ONLY truck ya have AND the lawn mower needs to be hauled somewhere, whattya gonna do? Rent an S10? Yes they do.. But I have to admit they sure run cleaner.. The extra maintenance can be spendy - but you get a ton of all that back if/when it's time to trade in. If the truck in the OP's pic was a diesel that price would be pretty dang cheap IMHO..

Except that a Chevy diesel of that vintage would be the 6.5 which leaves a lot to be desired. Given the choice I'd take the 454 gas guzzler over the 6.5

Okay turned out I ended up picking up this 2003 GMC k2500 6.0litre
140,000 miles
8000.00CDN

Forgot to mention our Black book puts it at 9600.00CDN for trade in.

Nice!

That first truck was a bit over priced. That 2003 looks good!

You made a good choice.

I am happy it has a few bells and whistles, have all the documentation from when truck was bought new, even the window sticker that was on it showing 44000.00 dollars, I like the fact it has a tranny temp gauge and you can see not only km's, but trip meter and an hour meter.

I would love that vortech 454 and HD transmission in a 2wd 1500. Fun to drive,,, hard on rear tires, but it would make me smile.