Advice on selling my 2500HD

[bspeedy]

My tendency would be to keep the bigger paid-for truck, as well. It has a lot going for it. You know it's mechanical / maintenance history, you know the circumstances of the collision and the resulting damage. Plus, I am a gas pickup fan. I am also a Ford guy, but I think the 6 liter GM V8 is a great engine. There is a truck similar to yours (without the cosmetic problems) on craigslist locally for $7000 - with 315,000 miles!
I do understand the feeling of being financially pinched by a vehicle, but I think it is possible that you would regret selling this one. 4wd, maintenance history, not a ton of miles. This truck could last you 20 more years. You may someday buy a larger tractor, a boat, a camper... This truck would tow all but the heaviest. Plus, it's nice to have an old truck around. My '98 f150 is a little worn and torn. Even though I have other vehicles, it is what I drive when I go to garage sales and craigslist purchases. I think I've gotten some deals when people feel sorry for me for my old pickup.
If you really are bent on selling it, I would recommend a cheap paint job. I would never, ever buy a vehicle with mismatched panels and primer. From the sounds of it, this truck is a good runner. Having it look it's best is the best way to get the right money for it.
Good luck. Most importantly - only you know what is best for you and your family. We will all offer advice from our points of view, but you must make the best choice in the end.

 

[PsRumors]

Put it on Craigslist and see if you can find someone willing to trade for a vehicle you are looking for. I love trading and have had pretty good success.

As for Carmax, it just depends on the vehicle. I've taken 3 by them and sold only one to 'em. In 2007 I took a 2003 Dodge 3500 4x4 cummins diesel w 80k miles to them and they were about $2500 low on the value. Last August my wife's 2002 Honda Odyssey with 200k miles they offered $3000 more than any trade in offer we got and $700 more than the best offer we got to sell it. Makes no sense.

 

[paulharvey]

I think I have a plan. Going to see if step dad wants to get rid if his Toyo Highlander, ill match what he gets offered trade in for it, hes kinda mentioned trading it a couple times. If that is in the near future, ill keep the 2500. If not, I guess ill get a quote from carmax, and list it on craigslist for a bit more, ill try the market with out paint, but I might get a $300 Maacko special if I start getting low low offers.

The 2002 dodge dakota has 182,000 miles on it, 4x2, and no AC so I think im better keeping it, as I would get little to nothing for it.

 

[mikehaugen]

I personally would rather buy a truck with mis-matched panels and primer than one that used to have mis-matched panels and was covered with a cheap paint job.

 

[paulharvey]

I forgot to update, I took the truck to Carmax, and got an offer of $4000. Decided to try personal sale, so we left. On the way home, on exit ramp on I-95, transfer case "locked/froze" up, rear wheels didn't turn, and couldn't push it, cars lined up behind me, mad wife, frustrated, I put it I 4x4 and gassed it, front wheels pulled it over curb, and got it off the road. It was running freely in 2wd now, so I limped home after checking fluids, dribe shaft, brakes, ect. On closer examination, and online research, I had "pump rub" and the transer case had 3 worn holes in the rear case half. New rebuilt case $1200, new rear case half $350, or JB weld, and a "case saver" $35. Went cheap $35 for case saver, $35 for mew spees tonewheel, $8 for tail bushing, $12 for a new tail shaft bearing, $25 speed sensor. And its running. Mean time, bought 2008 Impala, $190 per month for 5 years, fuel savings ~$250 per mnth. Transfered chevy tag/insurance to car. Starting fine tuning body work for paint.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I forgot to update, I took the truck to Carmax, and got an offer of $4000. Decided to try personal sale, so we left. On the way home, on exit ramp on I-95, transfer case "locked/froze" up, rear wheels didn't turn, and couldn't push it, cars lined up behind me, mad wife, frustrated, I put it I 4x4 and gassed it, front wheels pulled it over curb, and got it off the road. It was running freely in 2wd now, so I limped home after checking fluids, dribe shaft, brakes, ect. On closer examination, and online research, I had "pump rub" and the transer case had 3 worn holes in the rear case half. New rebuilt case $1200, new rear case half $350, or JB weld, and a "case saver" $35. Went cheap $35 for case saver, $35 for mew spees tonewheel, $8 for tail bushing, $12 for a new tail shaft bearing, $25 speed sensor. And its running. Mean time, bought 2008 Impala, $190 per month for 5 years, fuel savings ~$250 per mnth. Transfered chevy tag/insurance to car. Starting fine tuning body work for paint.

Pump rub is a common issue. I know a few that have been through the same thing as you.

Chris

 

[WilliamBos]

Eric Merchant has an improved pump and case. Look up merchant automotive. Give this info to a potential buyer, or factor it into selling price.

 

[paulharvey]

I believe it was Merchant Automotive that I got the case saver from. Hard to believe GM would use that cheesy $0.10 clip when a $5.00 plate would prevent everything....

 

[Diamondpilot]

I believe it was Merchant Automotive that I got the case saver from. Hard to believe GM would use that cheesy $0.10 clip when a $5.00 plate would prevent everything....

And then go on and do it for 20 years.

Chris

 

[CJONE]

Give you a quick example on the paint job. I had a 98 olds delta 88. Car was nice except the off color door that I replaced. Tried to sell it for $2500 for over a month in a high traffic area. No calls. Got ticked and shot a quick paint job on it and had a buddy pinstripe it. Car sold for 4k the second day it was out. Appearance means too much to most people. The car/truck could be a piece of junk with a good paintjob and a cleaning it would sell. CJ