2004 Z71

[1969ohio]

I have a chance at a 2004 Z71. Nice vehicle but I'm a little worried on the mileage. It has 157k and recently had new wheel bearings installed. I can get this at around 8k, what are some issues to look at with that many miles?

 

[clkelley]

Welcome to the neighborhood!

Make sure to check all the fluids, fluid condition, up to and including power steering and brake fluid can tell you a LOT about how the truck has been maintained and a poorly maintained truck is likely to have problems.

Also check the steering linkages, ie: idler and pitman arms, upper and lower control arm bushings, ball joints, etc. Make sure the shocks look good. As well as how it drives overall. Mileage could be high due to highway mileage which isn't bad in all cases, as long as it has been maintained properly.

Also, perform either a carfax or autocheck report to determine accident and other history.

Then take the VIN # to a dealer service department and request a "VIS" report. This report will tell you all dealer servicing done over the life of the vehicle and any major repairs that show up on it more than once may provide hints toward a recurring issue that may never be truly solved.

Other than all that, take it to a "Trusted" independent shop for a check up. With the mileage on it, it would be a good idea to get an extra second opinion on the overall condition of the vehicle before jumping into it.

If all of that checks out then you may have found a great deal indeed.

Good luck and let us know how it goes...