5 owners for a 2001?

[FancyLlama]

Hi,

Carfax

how many owners would you consider too many? I've found a 2001 SR5 with 146k. However, its got 5 previous owners and "minor damage." It seems odd that the Owner 1 only had it for 3 months and Owner 2 had it for 1 month. Owner 4 had it for less than a year and Owner 5 had it for less than 2 years.

Dealer is asking $7500.

Thoughts? Red flags?

 

[LandCruiser]

Run.

 

[GaRunner86]

Not sure of what they are selling for up in MN, but assuming by the carfax, its a chevy dealer that more than likely got it on a trade in, i think the price for one is a bit high. All else aside, have you actually driven the truck, Take it to a mechanic that you trust, if they will let you ( most do around where i am). It was obviously dependable for 10 years for one owner, and the damage was from hitting an animal prior to this owner, and it looks like it was retitled several times after that, possibly an auction vehicle, who knows. I'd just do like i said and get it checked out if you really feel its worth the time, and try and talk them down a bit, seeing as how they probably only gave someone 2-3 k at best for the trade in.

 

[mnofpeace]

A simple KBB price check says its about 1500 north of what it should be. With that many owners, i would keep looking. This seems to be a 5K truck at best.

sorry...:sorry:
me no likey out:

 

[FancyLlama]

Thanks for the replies.

I had the same thoughts you all mentioned. Im going to pass.

 

[Ezlife45]

I bought a 2 year old benz with a carfax that said "minor damage" Tranny made strange noises for a few years. Then, coincidentally right as the car goes out of warranty (certified pre-owned) the transmission goes out. We got a small break after much negotiation and managed to get the tranny replaced for a mere $7500.

Last time I buy anything used that doesn't have a clean record.

 

[JBurt]

My 97 is a salvage title with 7 previous owners and little maintenance history. It's a crap shoot at best but I've been happy. Read the buyers guide really well and know what to look for. If you're not doing a pre-purchase mechanical inspection I wouldn't go for it.

 

[MN4RNR]

Hey FancyLlama. If that is the one in Forest Lake it looks pretty clean. At least from the pictures. Hard to see 14yrs of use in those images. I guess I would be inclined to get a very, very thorough independent inspection, and then see if you could rent it for a week, see if anything pops up. Definately make sure everything is clear about that 2 week return policy in case you find a terminal issue. Looking at prices it is higher price than I would pay especially with that murky history. Looks like 5-6k for other 2001s in the area. There are a couple 2002s in the area, Forest Lake and Farmington that are same price or cheaper. Take your time.

 

[FancyLlama]

@%1;

Yes, this is the one in Forest Lake, and yes, it does look clean in the pictures. Given the price, questionable history, and the fact that I can take my time, Im going to pass on this one. Dealer said they would be getting another one in trade this week. There are some others around here but it seems like the good ones go so fast. There was a 2001 with 130k miles posted Thursday of last week. It was gone in less than 24 hours. There are a couple with higher miles but its hard to get rid of my car (2000 Lexus ES300 with 123k miles) for something with 170k+ mileage.