Trucks for my neighbor

[kevm14]

Clean but high mile 1/2 ton option: http://providence.craigslist.org/ctd/4860320916.html

I actually like this. With 200k highway miles I'm sure it does drive pretty well. Still, this would use up most of the budget (assuming $5k isn't firm) and it would be prudent to plan for some repairs over time. Worth looking at.

[kevm14]

Another one for consideration. 1998 Chevy Silverado 1500 - $4000: http://providence.craigslist.org/cto/4849225465.html

I am selling my 1998 Chevy Silverado that is in great shape; both physically and mechanically. It has new wheels and tires, cap with ski rack, tow package, too much to list. The truck runs like a top, and I had a Magnoflow side exhaust system installed and has a brand new K&N cold air intake system.
Please call me with any questions. There are approx. 181K miles and the inspection sticker is valid until 9/2015.
I am asking $4000
This won't last at this price, it's WINTER!

This would give a little more for the initial repair budget and I believe these are pretty reliable.

[kevm14]

2004 Chevrolet Avalanche 4x4 - $4995: http://providence.craigslist.org/ctd/4876860361.html

169k is a little better I guess. It's at a dealer FWIW.

2004 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE- Runs and Drives Great, One Owner Bought NEW, 169k miles, Full 4 door, Fully Powered, power locks and mirrors, power seat, Cd player, 8 cylinder, 5.3 VORTEC, 4 good tires, Truck comes FULLY INSPECTED with a WARRANTY........ WE ACCEPT TRADES.....

Also I dunno what the warranty is. 90 day probably. The issue with the Avalanche is you can't store stuff in the higher than the rails and still have it be covered. With the 98 linked above, it comes with a matching cap, which gives you twice the height of dry hauling. And a longer bed. The Avalanche will drive better and get better gas mileage...

[Bob]

Looks like the Avalanche could be a good buy due to it not being a real truck. Depending on the use requirements, it could be worth considering. Unloved vehicles are always worth considering in the used market.

[kevm14]

That's the thing. Trucks are always pretty valuable because they actually can be used to make money. SUV type things (and an Avalanche which was intended to be a family car basically) are "unloved" when gas prices rise because the people who buy vehicles to make money don't need or want something like a Tahoe or Avalanche. But people will always need pickup trucks.

[Bob]

I think the Avalanche is even more unloved due to its appearance. The Tahoe and Yukon probably trend a little better just because their bodies aren't half covered in gaudy plastic

[Bob]

Just looked at the Avalanche pics - it isn't too bad actually. Now that I remember, I think they toned it down after the first year or two.

[kevm14]

That's correct. The GMT-900 Avalanche is actually handsome, with those nice Tahoe wheels that they got.

http://images.gtcarlot.com/pictures/15215893.jpg

[Bob]

Yeah, I think all of the GMT-900 SUVs look pretty nice. It looks like gas is headed back up again so maybe now is a good chance to find a deal.

[bill25]

That is my plan for the snow removal route if I go the Truck/Avalanche/SUV route. I am going to wait until the summer usually when gas prices are at the maximum, and buy the biggest thing at the best discount possible. I don't care much about mileage for this because I will be using it at very limited runs, either for plowing or picking up large items.