Need some advice on a 2005 Z51 purchase...
03-14-2009, 05:47 PM
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Need some advice on a 2005 Z51 purchase...
So it's a black 2005 with the Z51 package, 34,000 miles, one owner, and a 6 speed. Outside of the car is perfect only issue is the car was involved in a crash about 2 years ago. Apparently the driver lost control after heavy rain and slammed into a guard rail. Luckily the entire crash was concentrated on the front right tire and ended up cracking the rim. The owner disclosed this information to me almost immediately.
Today I took the car to a shop and had it on a lift... my mechanic discovered that the tires are wearing unevenly and the front axle is, I guess off center by millimeters. The car doesn't pull any which way and keeps its alignment and rides super smooth. The mechanic did a quick measurement with his fingers against the tire and fender. He found that the left hand tire stands out more than the right tire. I also stumbled upon a leaky transmission which I believe is a common problem for the 05's. The gentlemen is asking $26,000 which is well below what everyone else is asking...
From your guys experience is this a deal breaker???
Today I took the car to a shop and had it on a lift... my mechanic discovered that the tires are wearing unevenly and the front axle is, I guess off center by millimeters. The car doesn't pull any which way and keeps its alignment and rides super smooth. The mechanic did a quick measurement with his fingers against the tire and fender. He found that the left hand tire stands out more than the right tire. I also stumbled upon a leaky transmission which I believe is a common problem for the 05's. The gentlemen is asking $26,000 which is well below what everyone else is asking...
From your guys experience is this a deal breaker???
03-14-2009, 05:56 PM
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St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13, '16-'17-'18
Walk away.
You can find other '05s that haven't been crashed, for less.
You can find other '05s that haven't been crashed, for less.
03-14-2009, 05:59 PM
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Walk away. That car may never be right again. Why do that to yourself?
For that money, you should be able to find a nice '05, maybe even a low-option 2006, if desired. I got my '06 last July for 32K, and it had been pampered and was 99.99% flawless.
Keep looking, you'll be fine (and happier). GOod Luck.
For that money, you should be able to find a nice '05, maybe even a low-option 2006, if desired. I got my '06 last July for 32K, and it had been pampered and was 99.99% flawless.
Keep looking, you'll be fine (and happier). GOod Luck.
03-14-2009, 06:05 PM
#5
I tend to agree with the consensus, here. But as a question, can the frame be straightened? It it's off by a few millimeters, can a shop get it closer, or is it pretty much as good as its going to get?
03-14-2009, 09:27 PM
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St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
Supposedly, a minor accident like what's described can be fully and completely corrected. It sounds like that hasn't been done. Further work is needed.
From your location, it's not as if you're in rural America and can't/won't find other examples of '05s, if that's the year you want and can afford. From wht you're saying, I would keep looking; this is not a good example unless it's further corrected. And even then, the price might be a little above what it could be.
From your location, it's not as if you're in rural America and can't/won't find other examples of '05s, if that's the year you want and can afford. From wht you're saying, I would keep looking; this is not a good example unless it's further corrected. And even then, the price might be a little above what it could be.
03-14-2009, 10:39 PM
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So it's a black 2005 with the Z51 package, 34,000 miles, one owner, and a 6 speed. Outside of the car is perfect only issue is the car was involved in a crash about 2 years ago. Apparently the driver lost control after heavy rain and slammed into a guard rail. Luckily the entire crash was concentrated on the front right tire and ended up cracking the rim. The owner disclosed this information to me almost immediately.
Today I took the car to a shop and had it on a lift... my mechanic discovered that the tires are wearing unevenly and the front axle is, I guess off center by millimeters. The car doesn't pull any which way and keeps its alignment and rides super smooth. The mechanic did a quick measurement with his fingers against the tire and fender. He found that the left hand tire stands out more than the right tire. I also stumbled upon a leaky transmission which I believe is a common problem for the 05's. The gentlemen is asking $26,000 which is well below what everyone else is asking...
From your guys experience is this a deal breaker???
Today I took the car to a shop and had it on a lift... my mechanic discovered that the tires are wearing unevenly and the front axle is, I guess off center by millimeters. The car doesn't pull any which way and keeps its alignment and rides super smooth. The mechanic did a quick measurement with his fingers against the tire and fender. He found that the left hand tire stands out more than the right tire. I also stumbled upon a leaky transmission which I believe is a common problem for the 05's. The gentlemen is asking $26,000 which is well below what everyone else is asking...
From your guys experience is this a deal breaker???
03-14-2009, 11:09 PM
#8
Melting Slicks
A lot of people here will tell you to walk away from an '05. I have an '05 and have been extremely happy with it, but in this case, I think I would continue my search and walk away from this one. Although the price is very good, I would be concerned about the "accident" issues. The mileage isn't bad for on '05, but I think you can find a better deal.
(Sorry if the seller is a member here!)
(Sorry if the seller is a member here!)
03-14-2009, 11:11 PM
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Nonono
Walk away and don't look back. I got my 05 3lt 26000 mile for 29000 in great shape. He wants to much.
Last edited by MR. Johnny; 03-14-2009 at 11:13 PM.
03-15-2009, 03:54 AM
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One word...NO!
Walk away and forget you ever seen it or read about it.
You will find a better purchase with less miles for the same $$. And it will not have been wrecked. The seller wants to unload this car for a reason.
Troy
Walk away and forget you ever seen it or read about it.
You will find a better purchase with less miles for the same $$. And it will not have been wrecked. The seller wants to unload this car for a reason.
Troy