Hey everyone. So I recently met this gentleman selling his 97 Gmc sierra with 145000 miles on it, automatic transmission. He says the transmission needs some work, ac went out(which isn't that big of a deal because windows exist) says it's a really good work truck and wants to sell it for $1400 but says he'll go lower. Idk much about vehicles so I wanted to get some opinions on if it's a worthy buy or not. Ty!
The thing is, you say that you "don't know much about vehicles" and it this case you can't drive it before you buy it (bad transmission).
You can get those 4L60e transmissions complete with a torque converter (5 year warranty) or around $1500.
But in your case you'll probably need someone to swap it out. (add another $1,000). Call some shops. Get some estimates BEFORE you buy the truck.
Still, under 4 Grand for a good condition pickup with 145,000 miles on it is a good deal.
But if there's an engine problem with compression (rings or valves), or a head gasket leaking, that changes everything.
If you do the math after getting a transmission estimate and it sounds good, watch some of Scotty's videos on doing a compression test (rings & valves) and testing for combustion gasses in the coolant (bad head gasket).
Be sure to crawl under it and check for rust/corrosion. (deal breaker).
Look for leaks in the power steering under the truck. That can get expensive if you don't do your own repairs.
It's a 1997 so bring a scanner with you and see if it's got any codes stored. Let it warm up. Look at the fuel trims. (Replacing intake manifold gaskets gets expensive if you don't do your own work).
You can watch youtubes on all this stuff from changing out the transmission, to compression testing, to combustion gas in the coolant testing, to interpreting fuel trims.
If you go into this with your "eyes open", you may be able to get a nice truck at close to a steal.
Thanks for the advice. I'm willing to replace it all myself. I know my way around tools and I have have close family that know more on the subject of replacing parts on vehicles that would be willing to help me. And yes, I was going to bring a scanner with me just in case. So if it's only that and nothing thing super majored I'll fix it up on my own time
how handy are you? Capable of swapping trannies yourself? If not then keep looking.
No, I haven't done it before. But I've replaced other parts on vehicles myself and have close relatives nearby that have more knowledge than I do that are willing to help.
ok. doing a transmission is a major job. Not easy to do in the driveway, so watch a video on it first.
Absolutely. Never mistook it once for an easy job
Look for something else. 1400 is nothing for a car but then you have to spend way more than that to get that car running fine.
Compared to what, spending $45,000 on a new truck? Sorry, make that $55,000. I could buy a truck like that, put in a new engine and transmission, get it painted and upholstered and drive it for 200,000 miles for about $20K. It depends if it's worth it to you. If not, there's always that $55,000 you could spend.
compared to another affordable used truck from this millenium which runs well, and tranny isn't about to give up. (and costs a lot less than $20k)
Exactly, Joe, but I would like the fun of doing the work on it.
when somebody says " Idk much about vehicles", they have a very different idea of fun than you.
Their loss!
No, I don't have that different of an idea on it. I love working on things and having the satisfaction in getting it working myself. And I have knowledgeable people on the subject who are willing to help me. So I should be good. Depending on what work needs to be done all together. I'm bringing a family friend who is a mechanic to come inspect the vehicle when I go look at it so I'll see what he says