I'm looking at buying a 2004 Silverado but I have some concern about the mileage.

It has roughly 180,000 miles on it. I know the original and only owner and trust them. They've told me it is nearly all highway miles and that they have rigorously followed the maintenance schedule, taking it to the dealer for maintenance regularly. It also has had the transmission replaced due to the dealer's mistake (nothing was wrong with the original to warrant replacement but it was done anyway). I don't know when that was done.

They want ~$6500 for it, including a topper. The truck is immaculate with the exception of the speedometer which doesn't work (they informed me this is a recent development that they decided not to fix since it was going up for sale). Would you be concerned about a truck with this many miles and is that a fair price?

 

This truck is also 11 years old. A newer truck will be more reliable, more available parts, less worn and get better fuel economy.

 

As a matter of co-incidence, I own a 2004 2500HD, with 182K miles upon it.

The gauge issue was a matter of bad stepper motors in the gauge

bodies themselves for that year.

I personally lose a waterpump every 35K or so. Might just be

my truck. As to price, it sounds close, but see what others are

going for on the internet before making a decision.

These trucks have a great ride, but aren't cheap. I just went

through a set of lower ball joints and had a tire issue which wound

up costing me 1500$ in parts and labor.

But if you need a large pickup, you won't find a better ride for

the money.

 

One other additional detail is that it is the Z71 model.

My primary concern is how long I can expect the thing to run. I know at that mileage reliability will start going downhill but is it unreasonable to expect another 30,000 out of it without too much trouble?

 

At 180K, it would be a crap shoot with
any truck. I have heard of original
Chevy drive trains going over 300K
without any major issues.

IMHO, the question you should be asking is "Do I want to spend more
for the better reliability of lower mileage, or take the discount of
the price of this truck against the
higher probability of a breakdown?"

With this truck you could leave some
of your money in the bank, but that's
where I would leave it; in the
event you do have a mechanical
difficulty.

I am sorry, I am sure this isn't the
answer you wanted to hear.

 

If, unfortunately, you have the need to replace a part be ready to go through some trouble finding it... It's 2004 you know. However, it's not that old, but some parts are not very reachable.