Used truck blues

[Ms Grumpy]

I am going crazy ! I have not been around for a while because I have been shopping for a used vehicle to replace our van. We decided not to replace the motor in the van so we have spent hours and hours looking on line and driving to look at vehicles.

Since we need a larger vehicle, I have a hubby and 2 teenagers that are over 6' tall and the youngest is not far behind. If I was looking for a car I would have already bought one. But we are looking at the Suburban, Avalanche, Yukon, and Tahoe. But we have found that each has their own set of problems.

We thought we found what we wanted, a Suburban at a dealership (we really want to buy from an individual and avoid the extra costs that come with buying from a dealer) but the Carfax showed the odometer reading 6 months ago a lot higher than what it says now. It had a few other problems but that just didn't sit right. Well last night I found out that it is not uncommon for the instrument cluster to need to be replaced. This may be what happened but not sure.

Then the 2003-07 Avalanches can have major problems with the rocker panels rusting really bad and the brakes having issues. Test drove one last night and the brakes were extremely soft and we were told that they had just replaced all the brake lines and brakes. Maybe there was air in the line, but the guy said they have always been like that. I did find that many of the trucks did have the softer brakes except those that came equipted with the hydroboost. I have been driving an Astro van that did have the hydroboost so maybe I am just over reacting. But I am going to put my family in this vehicle and I need to be confident that they are going to be safe.

For those who wonder why I just don't buy a new vehicle, I just don't want the payment. So I am just going to have to keep looking. Just had to vent.

[BillsCamino]

Too bad you're not closer.
I looked over a Suburban parked out in front of a local O'Reillys Auto parts store earlier this week.
It's a '99 model 2500 truck, white in color, three row seating, dual F&R A/C, towing package, all leather in tan color, 8.1L Vortec. Newer Michelin tires, totally rust and damage free GA vehicle. VERY clean!
Truck has 143K miles but engine replaced 42K ago (saw paperwork).
Selling for $3500 cash

Trying to take my bro-in-law into buying for his Dad who lives in Pittsburgh and drives a rusted out older Chevy pickup.

[shadowgray396]

Just be patient, the one you want will come along. Looking for use cars is not easy.

[flash]

I HATE car shopping . Good luck .

[BillsCamino]

Originally Posted by flash

I HATE car shopping .

Me?? I love it!! Obviously...

I bought Anne a new Buick Verano last Sunday at Carl Black. Was giving the Salesman fits...that's the best part.

[Ms Grumpy]

I have a lead on a Suburban owned by someone in the NOCC club. I am having another member go and take a look at it considering I am about 3 hrs away. Low miles, well maintained, I got a list of all repairs done and I was told by the member going to look at it for me that he has personal knowledge that this vehicle has been well cared for.

I still have appointments to go to today cause we have to.