[jcole]

I've wanted a nice truck for a few years now, and have finally mustered up some courage to pull the trigger. I'm hoping I don't get buyers remorse. The seller and I have agreed on $25,000 cash for the truck. I already am starting to feel anxious about making the purchase now that I see him turn the Facebook sale to 'pending'.

Here's some pictures of the vehicle.
Spoiler (Click to View)







Have you ever gone to purchase something that you deem expensive and got worried before or after purchasing?

[M2K]

The truck looks clean, yes its a big purchase but its also a nice truck, as long as the history is all good, i dont see why you should worry.

[Omniscient]

Did you have a mechanic check the vehicle before you bought it?

How many miles? What year?

Any purpose for the business vehicle that you needed an actual truck?

Did you consider a full EV?

At face value it appears to be a good purchase but if you say this truck has 100k+ miles, much less so.

[jcole]

The truck looks clean, yes its a big purchase but its also a nice truck, as long as the history is all good, i dont see why you should worry.

I like it a lot, and history looks good on it too.

Definitely more than acceptable to feel anxious about making big purchases.

I just upgraded both mine and the wife’s vehicles, $30,000 for my truck and $36,000 for her SUV in cash.

The money in the account looked better but the truck was a business purchase and the SUV is a nice safe vehicle for our family, so it’s a win win.

Go for it man, nice truck!

I agree on the money looking better in my account. I had a tough time clicking sell on some holdings and moving it in a wire.

Did you have a mechanic check the vehicle before you bought it?

How many miles? What year?

Any purpose for the business vehicle that you needed an actual truck?

Did you consider a full EV?

At face value it appears to be a good purchase but if you say this truck has 100k+ miles, much less so.

It's sight unseen so far. Really looking forward to meeting up with the seller this weekend and getting to drive it and take a look at it. Definitely going to be room for more negotiation when I see it in person.

It's a 2015 Chevy 1500 High Country 4x4 with 89,000 miles. I live in West Texas and don't see the use for an electric vehicle personally.

[Omniscient]

I live in West Texas and don't see the use for an electric vehicle personally.

Never buying gas ever again.

I did a Texas compare of gas vs electricity. Texas has slightly lower than avg electric costs but actually very low gas costs. So the price effectiveness may not benefit you as much .

Honestly, though, until you've had an EV you don't know how great it is.

Never having to go to a gas station is a huge plus. Also EV's have much less maintenance costs.

AI Quote:

The maintenance costs of an electric vehicle (EV) are generally lower than those of a gas-powered vehicle, but the difference depends on several factors including the model, mileage, and driving habits.

---

🔧 Average Maintenance Costs (Per Year)

| Type | Average Annual Cost |
| ------------------------- | ------------------- |
| Electric Vehicle (EV) | \~\$330–\$500 |
| Gas Vehicle | \~\$800–\$1,200 |

---

⚙️ Why EVs Are Cheaper to Maintain

✅ Fewer Moving Parts

EVs have about 20 moving parts in the drivetrain vs. 2,000+ in internal combustion engines.
No oil changes, timing belts, spark plugs, or fuel system maintenance.

✅ Regenerative Braking

Reduces brake wear, meaning brake pads can last 2–3x longer.

✅ No Transmission Fluid or Exhaust System

EVs typically use a single-speed gear system, eliminating many transmission issues.

---

🔧 Gas Car Maintenance Includes:

Oil changes (3–4 times/year)
Brake pad replacements
Air/fuel filter changes
Spark plugs
Exhaust system repairs
Transmission service

---

⚠️ EV Maintenance Costs to Consider

| Component | Notes |
| ----------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Battery Replacement | Rare but expensive (\$5,000–\$20,000+), usually after 8–15 years |
| Tire Replacement | EVs are heavier, so tires may wear faster |
| Coolant for battery | Some EVs require periodic battery cooling system flush |
| Software Updates | Often remote/automatic, some may be paid services |

---

📊 Long-Term Study (Consumer Reports 2020)

EVs cost \~50% less in maintenance and repairs over the vehicle’s lifetime.
Projected 10-year maintenance cost:

EV: \~\$4,600
Gas Car: \~\$9,200

---

✅ Summary

| Feature | EVs | Gas Vehicles |
| ------------------- | --------------------- | ---------------- |
| Oil changes | ❌ Not needed | ✅ Regular |
| Brake wear | ❌ Low (regen braking) | ✅ Moderate |
| Battery replacement | ⚠️ Rare, costly | ❌ Not applicable |
| Annual maintenance | ✅ Lower | ❌ Higher |

EVs have lower routine maintenance but may have high-cost repairs (like battery) down the road. Still, most owners save money overall.

Let me know if you want a comparison for a specific model like Tesla vs Honda Accord.

[jcole]

Never buying gas ever again.

I did a Texas compare of gas vs electricity. Texas has slightly lower than avg electric costs but actually very low gas costs. So the price effectiveness may not benefit you as much .

Honestly, though, until you've had an EV you don't know how great it is.

Never having to go to a gas station is a huge plus. Also EV's have much less maintenance costs.

Spoiler (Click to View)

AI Quote:

The maintenance costs of an electric vehicle (EV) are generally lower than those of a gas-powered vehicle, but the difference depends on several factors including the model, mileage, and driving habits.

---

🔧 Average Maintenance Costs (Per Year)


| Type | Average Annual Cost |
| ------------------------- | ------------------- |
| Electric Vehicle (EV) | \~\$330–\$500 |
| Gas Vehicle | \~\$800–\$1,200 |

---

⚙️ Why EVs Are Cheaper to Maintain


✅ Fewer Moving Parts


EVs have about 20 moving parts in the drivetrain vs. 2,000+ in internal combustion engines.
No oil changes, timing belts, spark plugs, or fuel system maintenance.

✅ Regenerative Braking


Reduces brake wear, meaning brake pads can last 2–3x longer.

✅ No Transmission Fluid or Exhaust System


EVs typically use a single-speed gear system, eliminating many transmission issues.

---

🔧 Gas Car Maintenance Includes:


Oil changes (3–4 times/year)
Brake pad replacements
Air/fuel filter changes
Spark plugs
Exhaust system repairs
Transmission service

---

⚠️ EV Maintenance Costs to Consider


| Component | Notes |
| ----------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Battery Replacement | Rare but expensive (\$5,000–\$20,000+), usually after 8–15 years |
| Tire Replacement | EVs are heavier, so tires may wear faster |
| Coolant for battery | Some EVs require periodic battery cooling system flush |
| Software Updates | Often remote/automatic, some may be paid services |

---

📊 Long-Term Study (Consumer Reports 2020)


EVs cost \~50% less in maintenance and repairs over the vehicle’s lifetime.
Projected 10-year maintenance cost:

EV: \~\$4,600
Gas Car: \~\$9,200

---

✅ Summary


| Feature | EVs | Gas Vehicles |
| ------------------- | --------------------- | ---------------- |
| Oil changes | ❌ Not needed | ✅ Regular |
| Brake wear | ❌ Low (regen braking) | ✅ Moderate |
| Battery replacement | ⚠️ Rare, costly | ❌ Not applicable |
| Annual maintenance | ✅ Lower | ❌ Higher |

EVs have lower routine maintenance but may have high-cost repairs (like battery) down the road. Still, most owners save money overall.

Let me know if you want a comparison for a specific model like Tesla vs Honda Accord.

Overall for me an EV just isn't in my budget. I need a truck and an electric truck just isn't affordable for me because I'm looking to purchase cash from a private seller. No doubt there are reasons to buy EV over internal combustion engines. Fuel prices here in West Texas average $2.76 per gallon while the national average is $3.19 per gallon.

Among these options:

Chevrolet Silverado EV: Starting at $73,100, it offers up to 460 miles of range and a towing capacity of 12,500 lbs.
The Verge
+4
Chevrolet
+4
Business Insider
+4

Ford F-150 Lightning: The most affordable mainstream electric truck, starting at $49,975, with a range between 240–320 miles.

Rivian R1T: Priced from $71,700, it offers a range of 314–400 miles, catering to adventure enthusiasts.

Tesla Cybertruck: Currently, the base model is priced at $99,990, offering a range of 318 miles.

GMC Sierra EV Denali Edition 1: A luxury option starting at $97,500, with a range of 440 miles and features like CrabWalk.

GMC Hummer EV Pickup: Starting at $104,650, it boasts up to 1,000 hp and a range of 381 miles.

Slate Truck: An upcoming budget-friendly option, expected to start under $28,000, with a range of 150–240 miles.[aiq]

[Omniscient]

Gas in Vegas is $4.50 for Premium which I have to buy for my vehicles. Tank of gas for my SRT is about $80 and I can blow through that in a week and I don't even drive to work daily. Just run errands and golf.

It's nuts. But forward thinking now that I have a Plugin Hybrid I'm totally sold on the value. We fill up the Jeep 4xe like twice a month. No big deal to get home and plug it in.

[jcole]

Gas in Vegas is $4.50 for Premium which I have to buy for my vehicles. Tank of gas for my SRT is about $80 and I can blow through that in a week and I don't even drive to work daily. Just run errands and golf.

It's nuts. But forward thinking now that I have a Plugin Hybrid I'm totally sold on the value. We fill up the Jeep 4xe like twice a month. No big deal to get home and plug it in.

I've seen pictures of your Challenger. Sweet looking car overall. Running high octane fuel can break the wallet. I bet it guzzles gasoline. I drive a company truck 5 sometimes 6 days out of the week with a fuel card so filling up is never an issue for me. EVs are practical and useful for a lot of individuals, but not for me currently.

[Omniscient]

I've seen pictures of your Challenger. Sweet looking car overall. Running high octane fuel can break the wallet. I bet it guzzles gasoline. I drive a company truck 5 sometimes 6 days out of the week with a fuel card so filling up is never an issue for me. EVs are practical and useful for a lot of individuals, but not for me currently.

Company gas card, I'll STFU about EV's. Nice truck, hope your purchase goes well. :)

[Prepper]

Biggest issue with these is AFM lifter failure, if you catch it early it is not an insane repair cost, but you might want to run an AFM disabler, keep in mind it doesn't prevent the issue completely from happening it just helps prolong it from happening.

Also the 8L90 transmission is known to be problematic, especially the torque converter causing shudder issues, if it was not maintained and serviced and has over 100,000 miles consider skipping it, otherwise if it shifts fine and the transmission fluid is not burnt then consider servicing it ASAP.

[goodys2m]

Looks nice but I hope u did safe drive the Vehicle before purchase

[Omniscient]

Biggest issue with these is AFM lifter failure, if you catch it early it is not an insane repair cost, but you might want to run an AFM disabler, keep in mind it doesn't prevent the issue completely from happening it just helps prolong it from happening.

Also the 8L90 transmission is known to be problematic, especially the torque converter causing shudder issues, if it was not maintained and serviced and has over 100,000 miles consider skipping it, otherwise if it shifts fine and the transmission fluid is not burnt then consider servicing it ASAP.

That's imho a huge issue with American made transmissions. They go around 100k miles, which often is near the warranty period. And next thing you know it's a $5 fix.

Seems like $25k is the right price for the truck. That's good at least.

[jcole]

Company gas card, I'll STFU about EV's. Nice truck, hope your purchase goes well. :)

I appreciate that Omni. Been awhile since I got something nice for myself.. Other than these awesome awards I've gotten on here.

Biggest issue with these is AFM lifter failure, if you catch it early it is not an insane repair cost, but you might want to run an AFM disabler, keep in mind it doesn't prevent the issue completely from happening it just helps prolong it from happening.

Also the 8L90 transmission is known to be problematic, especially the torque converter causing shudder issues, if it was not maintained and serviced and has over 100,000 miles consider skipping it, otherwise if it shifts fine and the transmission fluid is not burnt then consider servicing it ASAP.

There is a big checklist I've made to test through certain things that will bring me concern.
Spoiler (Click to View) 1. AFM Lifter Failure
Problem: Active Fuel Management (AFM) lifters can stick or collapse, causing ticking, misfires, or total lifter failure.

Cost: $2,500–$4,500+ if camshaft also damaged.

Spot It:

Cold start: listen for ticking near the top of the engine.

While driving: cruise at 25–40 mph, light throttle — feel for vibration or loss of power (AFM trying to activate).

Use an OBD2 scanner to check for pending misfire codes (P0300–P0308), even if CEL is off.

⚙️ 2. 6-Speed Transmission (6L80) Issues
Problem: Harsh shifting, clunks between 1st–2nd or 2nd–3rd, “garage shift” delay, or slipping.

Cost: $3,500–$5,000+ rebuild/replacement.

Spot It:

Accelerate gently from a stop: note any jolts or delays between gears.

Reverse–Drive transition should be smooth, not delayed or jerky.

Ask for fluid change history (should be serviced every ~50–60k miles).

❄️ 3. A/C Condenser Leaks
Problem: Common early failure — cracked condenser or discharge line results in weak/no cooling.

Cost: $800–$1,300 to replace.

Spot It:

Set A/C to MAX, fan HIGH: should blow <45°F in under a minute.

Look for green/yellow dye residue or oily spots on the right-front frame rail.

🛑 4. Brake Vacuum Pump Failure (Special Coverage N182202780)
Problem: Weak braking assist at low speeds due to worn pump — covered by GM for 10 years/150,000 miles.

Spot It:

Test drive at low speed (parking lots or stop-and-go).

Brake pedal should be firm but not hard, and braking should feel normal.

Any “Service Brake Assist” message = red flag.

📉 5. Oil Consumption or Dirty Oil Issues
Problem: The 5.3L with AFM can burn oil if improperly maintained.

Spot It:

Check dipstick: oil should be clean, not black/burnt.

Ask for full-synthetic Dexos oil change history (every 5k miles or less).

Excessive carbon buildup around exhaust may also hint at oil burning.

🔎 Bonus: Quick Pre-Buy Checks for the 5.3L
Task What to Look For
OBD2 Scan Pending misfires, readiness monitors, stored codes
Idle Vibration Suggests AFM misfire or failing mounts
Tailpipe Soot Excess may mean oil burning or rich mix
Dash Warning Lights Even briefly lit, ask seller to explain
Magnetic Ride Suspension? If equipped, check for bounce & leaks

Looks nice but I hope u did safe drive the Vehicle before purchase

Of course! Got to test drive a vehicle before you buy it.

[Prepper]

That's imho a huge issue with American made transmissions. They go around 100k miles, which often is near the warranty period. And next thing you know it's a $5 fix.

Seems like $25k is the right price for the truck. That's good at least.

Around 2007 is when GM started really going downhill with transmissions and they also introduced AFM in the trucks around that time.

People hate on the old 4L60E transmissions, but maintain them and they will run 300,000+. Not this new garbage.

[Phantom_NiNja]

I've wanted a nice truck for a few years now, and have finally mustered up some courage to pull the trigger. I'm hoping I don't get buyers remorse. The seller and I have agreed on $25,000 cash for the truck. I already am starting to feel anxious about making the purchase now that I see him turn the Facebook sale to 'pending'.

Here's some pictures of the vehicle.
Spoiler (Click to View)







Have you ever gone to purchase something that you deem expensive and got worried before or after purchasing?

Is it a used truck? If so why buy used? I am current in a middle of selling my old SUV and buying a new one.