Hi-
First time poster, considering my first diesel purchase. Need some advice.

I've found a 1995 GMC Yukon SLT (2-door) with the 6.5L diesel, 4WD, Auto, HD tow package, leather, all power, black exterior, grey interior. The catch is that it has 197,000 miles. It has been a one owner vehicle, it was the personal vehicle for the owner of a local Diesel service shop. He has all records and all the usual problems have been addressed. No major issues in the past 30k miles.

The truck is in good shape with minimal rust, but to my knowledge is entirely stock (original motor, transmission and drive train). Should I be concerned with the high mileage? What is the expected lifespan of these stock components?

As far as price is concerned, I have gotten him down to $3300. My budget is actually higher, but I have not been able to find another 2 door diesel Yukon/Tahoe. Do you think this is reasonable?

Thanks,
Z

:drop_moutWOW, that is one clean machine for 197,000, I think $3300 is still a little too high (maybe 3000), but I wouldn't past it up; looks and sounds like it has been well taken care of, I think it would do well for you!

:welcome2:..... to the Diesel Place!

Well, it has a lot of miles, but diesels do tend to be able to run for 300-400K without rebuilds if properly maintained and not run too hard (e.g. over temp, towing heavy loads, excessive RPM).

If it is all stock, then I assume it has the S intake and crumpled-from-the-factory downpipe and the pump mounted FSD. IF you get it, you would want to do longevity mods and fix all that.

What's the service history?

It sounds "OK", but I would be very wary of rust.

-Rob :)

If the guy runs a diesel shop and kept it that long i would say it's a fairly safe bet. Get him to have a oil analisys done on all fluids. That is standard for all big rigs and not that expensive. He should not have a problem with that if it has been maintained and he has nothing to hide. All service records also. THe 2 doors are diffecult to find. As a compairison there was one on minneapolis craigslist with over 200,000 miles with a bad starter and broken windsheild from the south for $5000

Sounds like a reasonable price to me, they arent making any more of them!

The seller has all service records since mileage 0. It was under extended warranty coverage until 125,000 miles so 2/3rd's of the records were from warranty service. Here is a snapshot of some service from 125k miles;

It had it's injection pump replaced just before the 120k mark with what the guy called a "3rd generation pump" under GM recall.

Brakes were rebuilt at 185k (rotors, lines, fluid).

OBD upgrade performed by GM at 155k miles (not sure what this is but cost $650).

4WD harness and actuator replaced at 160k miles.

Hood was repainted due to chips at 145k miles.

Starter mounting bolts replaced at 160k miles (flywheel inspected found to be OK).

A/C recharge and valve replacement at 147k miles.

exhaust studs, gaskets, upipe replaced at 120k miles.

wiper control module replaced at 155k miles.

Passed NY State inspection on 4/2008

It looks like it had alot of work around 150k miles and then hasn't had much go wrong up to the current 197k mark.

One thing I find odd, looking at the original window sticker, it only has a 3.42 ratio rear axle. I intend to occasionally tow a light boat or compact tractor (4k lb load max). Will I have any problems towing this relatively low amount with the 3.42?

Thanks,
Z

No problem towing that little weight. Were the injectors replaced? these are 100,000 mile items.Also cdr valve should have been replaced at least 3 times. It sounds like it was taken care of. Did you ask about the oil analsys? That is the best way to find out what is going on inside the engine.

If that was anywhere within 4 hours of me id buy it right now.

Hey guys- I decided to pass on this one, wait to find with lower miles and with a little less rust. If anybody is interested, I can forward on the owners email. He is a nice guy. You can contact me via PM if your interested.

I just bought a Mint 1997 2dr tahoe in colorado for $3500. (diesel) 166k Miles. I have put around $600 in it to get it to my liking. Runs like a top. Was a ski vehicle for a couple here in town, so it wasnt used a whole lot so I had some minor neglect issues to deal with. Good luck and keep looking but im telling you, that was a good deal. I assume mine to be worth about $6500 to the right buyer now that the kinks are worked out. These 2doors are ULTRA rare. Less than 1% were diesels! I guess the RUST would have made me run and hide too, so I hear ya. Mine has ZERO rust.

Hey, is that GMC still for sale?