Battle of Higher Miles

"MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner" (montegoman562)
02/12/2016 at 12:10 • Filed to: None

Hey guys, I’ve posted a view times about potentially getting a Yukon or GM 1500 truck. My 07 Milan has 102,000 miles and it started a small oil leak from the back of the motor. I suspect it’s just the valve cover gasket which are a common problem. It’s not expensive parts wise, but a bitch to get apart because sideways V6.

The battle really is, which do we trust more with higher miles? I found a great deal on a GMC Sierra 1500 Z71 from 2004 with 124,000 miles on it. That’s 22k more than my car but I would trust the 1500 with a 5.3L to ride a lot longer than the Mercury, which is a solid car in it’s own right.

So let’s vote.

Which would you pick to trust more on the positive side of 100k miles?

Sierra or Milan?

DISCUSSION (93)

Sam > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
02/12/2016 at 12:17

Sierra by a long shot. Though if you truly want a reliable car to take to high miles, get a 4Runner or a Tacoma. Our 98 4Runner currently has 255,000 with no major problems.

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
02/12/2016 at 12:18

Is that a late Vulcan V6? Being a bit superstitious on those, perhaps the Sierra.

ThatGuyToolingAroundInTheShitbox > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
02/12/2016 at 12:24

“High miles”... “124,000"...

Kinja'd!!!

390k on one vehicle, 240k on another. The 240k one is my daily driver.

CalzoneGolem > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
02/12/2016 at 12:25

Milan because Mercury.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
02/12/2016 at 12:27

Sierra. But make sure those rockers and cab corners are in good shape/have been fixed properly.

Also, check the brake lines. Thoroughly. That’s about the only big deal I’ve found about these trucks from a reliability standpoint. The rockers/cab corners are only a big deal when you have to register it for the first time or if your jurisdiction has annual inspections.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht
02/12/2016 at 12:33

It’s the 3.0 Duratec DOHC with VVT

Very complex motor for 07

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > CalzoneGolem
02/12/2016 at 12:34

Biggest selling point right now.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Sam
02/12/2016 at 12:35

no way on a toyota, not going to bash them but I stick to the Big 3 (or 2.5 I guess)

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer
02/12/2016 at 12:35

nah no inspections and they don’t even look at it during the first registration lol.

(MICHIGAN!)

I only see one spot of surface rust on the chrome bumper near the license plate.

Oh, the truck is only listed at 7800

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > ThatGuyToolingAroundInTheShitbox
02/12/2016 at 12:36

hahahaha

Also, it’s only 7800 which seems like a great price.

Urambo Tauro > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
02/12/2016 at 12:37

I believe that pickups can be more varied in wear than passenger cars, because they receive a wider range of use. Some are used for little more than grocery-getters, while others are all-out work trucks. So I’m hesitant to judge a truck by its odometer. Milans, however, are a bit more predictable.

For what it’s worth, I’m slightly inclined towards the Sierra. Ż\_()_/Ż

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Urambo Tauro
02/12/2016 at 12:39

That’s a wise perspective that not many have offered up, thanks for your thoughts on it.

Because you’re right, for all I know someone used it to tow 8000 pounds every day for 100k of those miles.

Or they just drove it to work and back.

ThatGuyToolingAroundInTheShitbox > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
02/12/2016 at 12:40

Of the two, get the Sierra for sure.

Party-vi > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
02/12/2016 at 12:43

The engine in that Sierra is bullet-proof, but I don’t think the transmission is going to have much life after 150k miles unless you service it regularly. Also, check for rusty-ass brakes lines.

acarr260 > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
02/12/2016 at 12:44

Can someone give me the rights to author posts on oppositelock? I am looking at buying a car, and I’d like some insight. Also, I promise to write up some cool stuff as well.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Party-vi
02/12/2016 at 12:45

Yeah I’ve heard about these brake lines...

Transmission could be a concern. It IS a 5.3L, not the 4.8 btw. I took that to the vin decoder to double check.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > ThatGuyToolingAroundInTheShitbox
02/12/2016 at 12:45

Well, I already HAVE the Milan. I’m just not excited about fixing it because it’s not worth much on blue book.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
02/12/2016 at 12:47

So:

Clean (which is odd for these, the rockers/corners are generally rotted)

Under 200,000 km (just)

5.3

Z71

7800 seems a BIT high, considering I was seeing clean-ish examples around 6k, but they were a little higher mileage and by owner instead of from a dealer. If you can knock them down at all I say NP on this one.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Party-vi
02/12/2016 at 12:48

someone asking for authorship elsewhere on this post, thought I’d just bump it to you as I know about your supreme powers.

http://oppositelock.kinja.com/can-someone-gi…

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > acarr260
02/12/2016 at 12:48

I passed your comment to someone that is a moderator, only they can give permissions.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Party-vi
02/12/2016 at 12:49

Tranny should be ok if you don’t beat it. That said I’m just waiting for mine to go so I can build it the way GM should have in the first place

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer
02/12/2016 at 12:50

Yeah I’m going to try and knock them down for sure because I believe from the pics that it needs tires.

and for 124k miles with 4x4, a 5.3L and not hunks of metal falling off it it’s actually a crazy deal. There’s snow flurries outside so people are flocking to trucks (not why I’m getting one, it’s an added benefit but the Milan has done just fine in the snow)

mazda616 > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
02/12/2016 at 12:50

Main issues with the truck will be rust, the gauge cluster, and the transmission. If those are all taken care of or have already been fixed, it ought to be great.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > mazda616
02/12/2016 at 12:50

Never heard of the gauge cluster issue, what happens with them?

Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
02/12/2016 at 12:53

They stop working completely.

My sister in law has an 04 with that issue.

CalzoneGolem > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
02/12/2016 at 12:56

Kinja'd!!!

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection
02/12/2016 at 12:59

WAT that’s insane

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > CalzoneGolem
02/12/2016 at 13:00

Are you trying to encourage me to be a 2 Montego house hold?

GordonBombay > Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection
02/12/2016 at 13:00

As a GM truck owner - here’s a link to a guy who can work through the dash issues even ahead of time for you. He can even add in the transmission temp gauge!

http://www.fixmygauges.com/

CalzoneGolem > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
02/12/2016 at 13:02

Yes. Is it working?

Party-vi > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
02/12/2016 at 13:03

Transmission is a concern. My parents’ ‘00 Silverado with the 5.3L has gone through three transmissions/rebuilds in 200k miles.

Somethin' 'bout a truck > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
02/12/2016 at 13:03

Honestly that truck looks great. Those Chevys last a looooonnnnnggggg time. Like@Mazda616 said, if it’s clean and had some work done already it could be a great buy!

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > CalzoneGolem
02/12/2016 at 13:05

lol

The main problem is that it’s almost the same car I have now, but with the 3.5 instead of the 3.0 and a smidge bigger. Also, a ton of them were sold as CVT’s which is a deal breaker. Finding a normal Trans is a challenge.

Somethin' 'bout a truck > Urambo Tauro
02/12/2016 at 13:06

Great thoughts. If it’s not lived a life of pulling then it would be great. The nice thing with trucks is that they are built to be abused. Seems like they can endure a lot of miles if they are treated right and not beaten like a red headed step child.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Party-vi
02/12/2016 at 13:06

geeez

That probably costs thousands every time

Urambo Tauro > Somethin' 'bout a truck
02/12/2016 at 13:08

I’ve seen some of those poorly treated examples. Half-tons that were treated as one-tons... just brutal. I wouldn’t touch them with a 39˝ foot pole.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer
02/12/2016 at 13:09

HMM is that a bit of cab corner rust and a rusty gas door?

how is it ALWAYS the gas doors?

Kinja'd!!!

Party-vi > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer
02/12/2016 at 13:12

what way is that?

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
02/12/2016 at 13:13

O shoot. It looks not too bad though, may you can catch it before it’s gone too far?

Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
02/12/2016 at 13:16

Apparently it’s an issue with the wiring to the BUS and it’s a pretty cheap fix once you get the instrument panel off. She had a quote for $150 including pulling the panel.

The only thing that works on her instrument panel is the gear indicator.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Party-vi
02/12/2016 at 13:17

Speaking of the 4l60e, they should never have been put in anything with more than a 4.3 V6. Basically the same things GM did to make the 4l65 and 4l70 (5-planet carriers instead of 4, upgraded clutch packs), and also performance servos and a different computer tuning. Or, T56 swap.

ThatGuyToolingAroundInTheShitbox > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
02/12/2016 at 13:19

Or be excited about it because its a Mercury..

Ew.

Even $GenericTruck has more character than that thing..

acarr260 > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
02/12/2016 at 13:23

Much appreciated!

acarr260 > Party-vi
02/12/2016 at 13:25

My 2000 Tahoe has had the tranny rebuilt twice. It’s over $2k each time too.

Party-vi > acarr260
02/12/2016 at 13:26

FOOLISH MORTAL, WHO ARE YOU TO ASK FOR SUCH POWER!?

donezo. Don’t be a dick.

Party-vi > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
02/12/2016 at 13:27

yessir

acarr260 > Party-vi
02/12/2016 at 13:33

Thanks! I’ll try not to abuse my new powers too much.

Coffey_stain > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
02/12/2016 at 13:36

They just start to bug out, like speedo says youre going 90 in park.

Coffey_stain > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
02/12/2016 at 13:41

My “winter beater”for not using the dually when I don’t have to is a 2006 Sierra Crew Cab z71. Second owner with 173,542 miles as of this morning, never experienced the common problems such as trans and dash cluster issues. Just basic maintenance and shes a runner. Great for a truck that sits in the garage most of the time.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer
02/12/2016 at 13:43

HMMMMMM

now it’s probably over priced.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
02/12/2016 at 13:54

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/…

In Canada, but from the US originally so probably no trouble. Pics suck though. Or

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/…

So yeah, overpriced.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > ThatGuyToolingAroundInTheShitbox
02/12/2016 at 14:04

whoa no hating on mercury on my posts sir.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Party-vi
02/12/2016 at 14:06

lol

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer
02/12/2016 at 14:16

This one is cheaper but not as many options in it:

https://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/ctd/541996…

ThatGuyToolingAroundInTheShitbox > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
02/12/2016 at 14:17

They’re so uninspiring!

Well, these days, anyway...

My desire for a clone of Stallone’s Mercury Coupe from ‘Cobra’ is well documented. Freaking awesome car...

shop-teacher > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
02/12/2016 at 14:18

I think you’d be ale to tell if it was beaten that had. For my high mileage money, I’d say the Sierra.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > shop-teacher
02/12/2016 at 14:32

I think I may have spotted a touch of rust on the cab corner and the gas door :(

Kinja'd!!!

shop-teacher > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
02/12/2016 at 14:34

Balls! :(

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > shop-teacher
02/12/2016 at 14:36

looks like it to you too right?

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
02/12/2016 at 14:50

What options does the first one have?

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer
02/12/2016 at 14:54

Steering wheel controls and a center console instead of a bench seat.

I also doubt the craigslist one has dual zone temperature control (but can’t confirm based off pictures)

JR1 > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
02/12/2016 at 15:03

Come on man get real!

http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/…

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > JR1
02/12/2016 at 15:14

Don’t think I haven’t thought about it!

I don’t trust the 5.4L longevity as much as I do the 5.3L in the GM’s unfortunately.

JR1 > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
02/12/2016 at 15:19

Ours went to 160,000 in our 2000 F150 before we needed to do anything and even then tin was just an alternator and a faulty wire.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > JR1
02/12/2016 at 15:22

Well one of them you just sent was 160+ and one was way out of budget

shop-teacher > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
02/12/2016 at 15:27

It does. If it’s close, I’d go see it in person, because it could just be road gunk. If it’s far, I’d ask for some better photos.

JR1 > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
02/12/2016 at 15:27

The 07 Navigator? Yeah I couldn’t help myself I love those things

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > shop-teacher
02/12/2016 at 15:42

yeah it’s about an hour from home.

This one appears to be in better overall condition but lower options

https://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/ctd/541996…

This one is real close too

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > JR1
02/12/2016 at 15:43

buuuuudget

http://www.jeffbensoncarco.com/2004-Lincoln-N…

shop-teacher > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
02/12/2016 at 16:10

Condition is everything. As long as leather isn’t a must have, that second one looks a lot better. Personally, I prefer the bench seat. I had never had one before my Sierra, and I love it.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > shop-teacher
02/12/2016 at 16:21

It was more about the dual zone climate and the steering wheel controls. I think I’m going to call on this one and see if it’s still available. I may have to give up a few features for a much better condition.

I wish I had more budget there’s an amazing one on one B Lot nearby for 12,800, completely loaded Silverado.

shop-teacher > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
02/12/2016 at 16:25

Yeah, that’s too bad about the budget.

You could always ask for better pictures on that first one. Can’t hurt to ask.

The World of Vee > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
02/12/2016 at 16:30

C’mon Montego Man, do it right

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/…

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > shop-teacher
02/12/2016 at 16:34

Haven’t heard back yet.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > The World of Vee
02/12/2016 at 16:35

If I had that budget I would TOTALLY rock an MKT I love their interiors.

shop-teacher > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
02/12/2016 at 16:39

Maybe when the seller gets home from work or something. My guess is those pictures are taken at such a steep angle to obscure the rust, but hopefully I’m wrong!

The World of Vee > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
02/12/2016 at 16:40

ahhh I dunno the budget but that’s a fully loaded 1st gen with really low miles...i’m sure you could get one with more miles for much less.

We love our refreshed mkt, best interior under 70k!

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > shop-teacher
02/12/2016 at 16:55

Yeah they just responded (it’s a dealer btw) saying there does appear to be some “corrosion” on the gas door. I replied back with this attached picture saying - is it JUST the gas door, what about this part circled? Can I get a better image of this area?

Kinja'd!!!

So we’ll see, i’d like to see that before driving all that way.

The truck is in flint michigan, they probably washed it

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > The World of Vee
02/12/2016 at 16:58

people can make comments that they look odd, but those people have never sat in one. Once you do, it all changes haha

Yeah I can’t find a single one within 100 miles that’s remotely close to budget.

I wish though.

shop-teacher > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
02/12/2016 at 17:57

Ha!

Yeah, I wouldn't drive all that way without seeing a better picture of that area.

The Compromiser > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
02/12/2016 at 18:47

Mercury, you goddamned traitor!

JR1 > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
02/12/2016 at 19:50

Do it! Do it! Do it! Navigate the world!!!

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > shop-teacher
02/15/2016 at 10:03

They didn’t send a picture so I didn’t drive up to see it.

They also surprisingly didn’t call saying hey where are you? when I didn’t show for the appointment.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > The Compromiser
02/15/2016 at 10:04

If I sell the Mercury now it will go down in history as the least repaired most solid vehicle I have EVER owned.

If I keep it I have to spend money on a bunch of things to keep it in good shape and it loses it’s title.

The Compromiser > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
02/15/2016 at 10:32

So you want it to go out on top? Like a champ? Seeing as the brand went out kinda like a chump, that could be difficult.

Of course, as a Dodge guy, I am next on the list it seems...

shop-teacher > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
02/15/2016 at 11:29

Well, that’s all you need to know then. No need to waste your time on a rusty truck.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > The Compromiser
02/15/2016 at 12:12

Well if I sell it this weekend (possibility) it goes out as the undisputed champ.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > shop-teacher
02/15/2016 at 12:17

Yep, I have 6 other potentials lined up. None have rust (that I can see in the pics)

https://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/ctd/543470…

(Oddly enough I really like the hood on this one)

http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/…

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/…

shop-teacher > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
02/15/2016 at 12:41

Yeah, I’d be fine with the hood on that first one, so long as the paint matched and the body gaps are good. The prices on those are all over the road. Personally I never cared for the look of the “angry eyes” Silverado, which is why I got a Sierra.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > shop-teacher
02/15/2016 at 13:07

Haha, depends on the color for the angry eyes. I prefer the Sierra as well, but with a tiny budget I take what I get.

shop-teacher > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
02/15/2016 at 16:17

Yeah, that’s undertandable. I’d have gone ahead for a Chevy if I had gotten a better deal, but I practically stole the Sierra as it was.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > shop-teacher
02/15/2016 at 16:43

Yeah, and like you said prices are ALL OVER on these things.

Click on one, ok it’s at 140k miles with high options 8 grand. OK

Next one - 175k miles low options 10 ground.

Is something wrong with the 14ok one or is everyone insane?

Based off all the posts - they’re all insane.

shop-teacher > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
02/15/2016 at 16:45

Some of them are regular crazy, some of them are bat-shit-crazy-pants!