Shopping for an SS and need some opinions.

[Daffypuck]

I have been shopping for a while now to try and pin down the values on these trucks. But it seems to me that the prices are all over the place. Im looking for a low mileage model, so its tough to know where I should start with my offers. I found one with 71k/$15,500, but it sold before I could even pick up the phone. That seemed like a really good deal. Now Ive got my eye on a 33k/$21,500 and a 49k/$23,500 ('03-'04). Based on prices Ive seen, those both seem to be a bit high. I was thinking more around $19,500-$20,500. Some say that those are fair market prices, but Ive seen many with 60k-90k go for $5,000-$7,000 less. Is 20k miles really worth $5,000 more in value?? 

[Silverado_George]

15 hours ago, Daffypuck said:

I have been shopping for a while now to try and pin down the values on these trucks. But it seems to me that the prices are all over the place. Im looking for a low mileage model, so its tough to know where I should start with my offers. I found one with 71k/$15,500, but it sold before I could even pick up the phone. That seemed like a really good deal. Now Ive got my eye on a 33k/$21,500 and a 49k/$23,500 ('03-'04). Based on prices Ive seen, those both seem to be a bit high. I was thinking more around $19,500-$20,500. Some say that those are fair market prices, but Ive seen many with 60k-90k go for $5,000-$7,000 less. Is 20k miles really worth $5,000 more in value?? 

Well I got mine a little over a year ago for $20,500, it had 32k on the clock and a few minor bolt-ons and little do dads but overall I think it was a great deal  I looked for 2 years before I found mine and yes the prices will vary because of the rarity of the vehicle, it ultimately doesn't have a stable value, it's worth what someone will pay for it, Good luck 

 

 

George

[SuperStock]

On 6/23/2019 at 8:28 AM, Daffypuck said:

I have been shopping for a while now to try and pin down the values on these trucks. But it seems to me that the prices are all over the place. Im looking for a low mileage model, so its tough to know where I should start with my offers. I found one with 71k/$15,500, but it sold before I could even pick up the phone. That seemed like a really good deal. Now Ive got my eye on a 33k/$21,500 and a 49k/$23,500 ('03-'04). Based on prices Ive seen, those both seem to be a bit high. I was thinking more around $19,500-$20,500. Some say that those are fair market prices, but Ive seen many with 60k-90k go for $5,000-$7,000 less. Is 20k miles really worth $5,000 more in value?? 

Welcome to the site, and congrats on trying to purchase one of the best GM trucks ever built! What year do you want (03-06/Intimidator), 2wd or AWD, also color. I assume all stock. This all has a factor on the price. They are definitely out there and I have seen a few nice ones on Craigslist with around 20k-40k mileage for decent price. Any updates on the hunt!? 

[Daffypuck]

I prefer an AWD/Black. Just when I think I have the fair mkt prices down, I hear contrary. Right now, I found one with 31K for $22500 and then another with 35k for $17k. Thats a pretty big gap. Also, other than normal things, is there anything specific I should look for before buying one?

[03_SS]

I would suggest looking for an owner, or evidence of one, that appears to have given a sh!t about and cared for his SSS. Mileage can vary, but responsible ownership is a must find. Otherwise, your hard earned $$$ will be forced to make up for the negligence of the previous owner. Instead of spending on improvements you'll be spending on unforeseen/neglected maintenance.

I was on the hunt for well over 1 year. Had a 2001 GMC Sierra C3 w/ 150K and some rust issues (bought it cheap (($12.5K w/ 75K mi in 2008)) in PA). GM's 1st attempt at a luxury sport p/u. Very similar and even more rare. However, I must admit, not as holistically well executed in design as the SSS. Found my SSS 2 months ago in MD. 1 owner 82.5K mi. Very well maintained, bone stock, and very very clean. Needed nothing. Asking $17.5K. I brought cash. $15K made it mine. All of my transferable upgrades (20" wheels/tires, tonneau cover, K&N, big stereo, ...) from my C3 were able to directly (and some eventually) be applied to my SSS. So all things considered, I am a happy man.

FMV on these disappearing vehicles is highly subjective. None of the value guides available will be able to accurately steer you right on price. They are literally worth what someone is willing to pay. Period. For example, the last SSS I looked at prior to my purchase was a 2004 Arrival Blue, garage kept, 1 owner, never seen snow, never seen rain, 42K mi cream puff. It was absolutely stunning. I wanted it. He wanted $28K. He wasn't flexible. He kept saying, "Go find another one." IMHO - Fundamentally what he said was right, but financially it didn't make any sense to me. Some of what he had to say rang true. But it wasn't $28,000 worth of my hard earned $$$. I walked away. No regrets. That deal wasn't for me. He did call a few weeks later to inform me that he sold it for $26.5K. Good for you, but whatever. I have no desire to be blindly/massively upside down in a vehicle.

I do believe good quality SSS's are currently going back up in value. However, I wouldn't want to be so deep into 1 that I'm waiting 5-10 years to break even with a whole lotta luck (read without unforeseen expenses) being involved. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate all 4 of my vehicles and treat them with loving care. I simply have no desire to hold onto and pour my $$$ into any 1 of them for more than they are worth.

So for what it's worth, my advice is to be patient, be persistent, and don't force yourself into settling for something rather than nothing. The perfect deal you are looking for is out there... you simply have to find it. Best of of luck.

Edited January 2, 2020 by 03_SS (see edit history)