Scotty! I'm currently looking at a '96 Chevy Silverado 1500 short bed, a lotta things I like about it, but would like to know your opinion on the truck itself. Comes with a 4x4 drivetrain, V8 engine, and a beautiful frame, and looks like it's been garage kept. Seller is asking for $3200, should I buy it?
Yes.
We had a '97 Silverado 4x4 it was a great truck for us...really miss it.
What's the mileage? They're good trucks but like with anything usage creates wear.
Back then, GM made pretty good trucks but you’re talking about a 25 year old vehicle…. What’s the mileage ? If it’s already at 200k+ miles, I’d walk away from it. I wouldn’t even buy a Toyota with that kind of mileage
If the seller is mature or older, I would tend to think the owner hasn't gone mudding with the truck or otherwise abused it- especially if there are no aftermarket modifications on it. You mentioned the engine is V8, it should have the Vortec version which means it's port fuel injection, not throttle body which will give you a bit more power and MPG than previous years.
I have a '96 Chevy Cheyenne C2500 long bed standard cab with the 7.4L V8. I'm on my 5th car during my ownership of this truck. The MPG is lousy especially in town but because of it's age, it's fairly inexpensive on taxes and insurance and it's handy to have when you need to haul something large and/or heavy. Makes a good spare when the car is in the shop.
Find an independent shop with a older mechanic if possible who would appreciate pickups this vintage to check it out before you buy. He should know some of the issues that these models have and what to expect as it ages. I wish you success whatever you decide.
You lucked out on that one (the cheaper insurance/taxes), geico told me that an F250 is a huge liability so don't expect my rates to be any better despite having a clean record & less than 1k/year on the clock.
As for taxes, YIKES! Although my truck is a rot box & I've only had it on the road maybe five times since October (something breaks due to rot every time I get it back on the road & have to wait until I can afford parts/do a good weather dance), they valued it at over $3k which is even high than kbb, given the 60.21 mill rate which is being raised to 90+ this year, I'm in for a shock once the tax bill comes in despite my $1k state credit off the taxable value (given to the fully disabled which is my category, elderly & vets).
I had a blazer only "worth" $700 yet the tax bill was over $150. Its actual value was scrap as the pillars & all body panels were rotting from the inside out, had to lock the door shut with a chain & padlock while driving as the knuckle kept breaking off after I welded it from underlying rust & instead of a shifter, I had to use a cable by hand determining gear by clicks.
I tried getting the assessor to actually assess the value, they said I had to request it at the next city council meeting which is allegedly once a year & they haven't approved a request yet.
One guy had an early 80s ranger that was so rotted if we had inspections it wouldn't pass without having all metal replaced. They taxed him $4k/year & wouldn't look at the truck so he parked it on the city hall steps with a copy of his tax bill & a note saying "if it's worth 4 grand, pay me that much & you can have it!"
After that they had it towed as an abandoned vehicle but since the newspaper caught wind of the stunt, the city hall didn't want to be caught with their pants down burning everyone else on taxes so they dropped it.
Bummer you have to live there. I should be counting my blessings.