SpitShine_PL
Newbie
Some background here: I'm not in the States, I live in Europe (Poland, specifically), and out on the market for a nice GMT400 K1500 SUV now.
Not many options here, most of the finds are downright sh*tboxes 2 wheels in the junkyard, the remainder is very overpriced, with the condition/rebuild from borderline satisfactory to very, very nice (with the high end price tag of... 25+k USD, so big oof).
I decided to browse the Euro market for a unit that is dailied or at least a one that sees regular operation, and I found a 6k USD '98 K1500 with 237k miles on it. The car came in to Germany from California three years ago, so it's likely it's as rust free as the current owner says (Germans are incredible sticklers when it comes to safety and smog checks). I've only raked up info from the owner remotely, as I have a ~1,000 mi roundtrip to where the car is (south of Hamburg).
What I know:
(1) A/C works, both zones blow cold.
(2) The driveline works - 2WD, 4WD Hi and 4WD Lo switch over as commanded and supposedly have no issues. The transmission shifts OK.
(3) New timing chain and new water pump installed. All fluids replaced. Will need an engine oil change in 1,500 miles.
(4) Somehow, the owner had the cyl head gasket replaced one year ago - this _probably_ means both gaskets, but he said 'gasket' in singular - I wonder why? I know the L31 may require some more-than-average upkeep and parts replacement at this mileage.
(5) "No warning lights, everything runs fine". Huh. It's probably still gonna need some new bulbs in the dash. All gauges work tho.
(6) Emission systems must be OK, otherwise the German vehicle safety system wouldn't let it pass inspection.
(7) The interior is EEEEK. It needs new driver's seat leather (doable, I can have a whole mint seat installed), a ton of interior cleaning. Turtle Wax, and a power foam cleaner. With lots of foam to it, LOL.
What I need to know:
Basically, what the subject says. With these things done as listed above, what should I expect to replace at a mileage this high? I don't count in personal mods I'd go with (aggressive front rotors and pads, 3.5" shoes from the 10,000lb package truck, and 1999 Sierra 3500 DRW truck front brakes...)
I know the 4L60E can easily grenade itself if the cooling is poor and/or sees overheating often and/or the tranny fluid is not changed on schedule (or more frequently). The owner says it's a "workhorse" (which explains the interior...); the 3rd row is usually out of the car and he hauls stuff in the back. The more I'm concerned with the tranny's health.
Anything else to look for, driveline-wise? Anything else beyond that?
Not many options here, most of the finds are downright sh*tboxes 2 wheels in the junkyard, the remainder is very overpriced, with the condition/rebuild from borderline satisfactory to very, very nice (with the high end price tag of... 25+k USD, so big oof).
I decided to browse the Euro market for a unit that is dailied or at least a one that sees regular operation, and I found a 6k USD '98 K1500 with 237k miles on it. The car came in to Germany from California three years ago, so it's likely it's as rust free as the current owner says (Germans are incredible sticklers when it comes to safety and smog checks). I've only raked up info from the owner remotely, as I have a ~1,000 mi roundtrip to where the car is (south of Hamburg).
What I know:
(1) A/C works, both zones blow cold.
(2) The driveline works - 2WD, 4WD Hi and 4WD Lo switch over as commanded and supposedly have no issues. The transmission shifts OK.
(3) New timing chain and new water pump installed. All fluids replaced. Will need an engine oil change in 1,500 miles.
(4) Somehow, the owner had the cyl head gasket replaced one year ago - this _probably_ means both gaskets, but he said 'gasket' in singular - I wonder why? I know the L31 may require some more-than-average upkeep and parts replacement at this mileage.
(5) "No warning lights, everything runs fine". Huh. It's probably still gonna need some new bulbs in the dash. All gauges work tho.
(6) Emission systems must be OK, otherwise the German vehicle safety system wouldn't let it pass inspection.
(7) The interior is EEEEK. It needs new driver's seat leather (doable, I can have a whole mint seat installed), a ton of interior cleaning. Turtle Wax, and a power foam cleaner. With lots of foam to it, LOL.
What I need to know:
Basically, what the subject says. With these things done as listed above, what should I expect to replace at a mileage this high? I don't count in personal mods I'd go with (aggressive front rotors and pads, 3.5" shoes from the 10,000lb package truck, and 1999 Sierra 3500 DRW truck front brakes...)
I know the 4L60E can easily grenade itself if the cooling is poor and/or sees overheating often and/or the tranny fluid is not changed on schedule (or more frequently). The owner says it's a "workhorse" (which explains the interior...); the 3rd row is usually out of the car and he hauls stuff in the back. The more I'm concerned with the tranny's health.
Anything else to look for, driveline-wise? Anything else beyond that?
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