High Miles??

[covetsthesun]

My 2004 Silverado has over 370K "official" miles on it. The engine was replaced at 189K and trans was just replaced (brakes, alternator belts, hoses, rotors replaced at various times).

I've noticed that some of you have been looking at older trucks and suvs. What is considered high miles these days? I looked at a 2018 Traverse with 60,000 plus miles. We could put 40 on that puppy in less than two years and be facing another repair/replace scenario. Also looking at trucks...with the same questions. What is high miles? DH and I are not DIY's and use dealer services.

We're also past our "best by" date...Him late 70s and me at 70. Thanks in advance for advice and experience! CTS

[wowens79]

I’ve had my truck for 18 years and 250,000 miles. It has been towed one time when the fuel pump went out.
I think most vehicles are pretty reliable to 150k, and some much longer. We took and accord and a pilot to 250k with no problems. My kids both drive 18 year old jeeps with over 100k on them.

I’d have no hesitation in buying a vehicle in good condition with 50-100k miles. Just read up on issues for that particular model to learn of any issues.

[wanderingaimles]

Grit dog wrote:
If the OP is looking at midsize front wheel drive unibody suvs, so not sure where a 3/4 ton Ram comes in to that picture, but?

The OP started out about replacing a 2004 Silverado, I know Chevy's are considered lightweights by some but "Midsize front wheel drive unibody" seems a little demeaning.

And some of the suv's are capable of towing.

And i didnt see anything limiting the frame of the question to SUV's.
My old 2500 Ram is still going, neighbor bought it a few years ago, just rolled 300k the old transmission gave out at 250k other than that and two water pumps it's been reliable.

[fj12ryder]

Very true. A hundred thousand miles on a car from the 50's and 60's was nearly unheard of without some kind of overhaul or serious work being done. Now a hundred thousand miles is common and unremarked upon.

[covetsthesun]

fj12ryder wrote:
Kind of reminds me of the guy that was selling Abe Lincoln's original ax, original except the handle had been replaced twice and head once. 🙂

LOL! Except I'm not selling...just getting ideas about mileage. Several decades ago people thought 65k was extremely high mileage. Today? That's what I'm interested in.

[covetsthesun]

gbopp wrote:
Average Mileage per Year

Thank you! This is very helpful.

[fj12ryder]

Kind of reminds me of the guy that was selling Abe Lincoln's original ax, original except the handle had been replaced twice and head once. 🙂

[Grit_dog]

If the OP is looking at midsize front wheel drive unibody suvs, so not sure where a 3/4 ton Ram comes in to that picture, but?

OP, you answered your own question pretty much. You got about 200k out of the engine and over 300 out of the transmission and axles it appears.
“Most” other common components, front end parts, engine accessories, brake systems are going to last for 150-200k miles.
“Reliable” is relative. A $20/20minute to replace part can leave you sitting on the side of the road just as easily as a $2500/20 hour part.
Personally I wouldn’t have spent any real money on the old truck after it had so many miles. Gotta know when to hold em and when to fold em.
Regardless of this or any advice, just get the lowest miles best condition you are ok with paying for. Can’t do any better than that and you’re admittedly not the folks to be gambling on high miles.

[gbopp]

Average Mileage per Year

[wanderingaimles]

How heavy a trailer are you towing?
If you are looking used and need a 12-15k pound tow cap, check out 2018 Ram 2500's.
Plenty of power and the new 8 speed seems to be getting high marks.

[covetsthesun]

carringb wrote:
I have 497,000. I did throw in a factory reman at 460k after burning up a valve seat (low fuel pressure + tune) but my transmission is still original. I would still have zero hesitation doing a cross-country trip.

My only tows have been 1) broken motor mount (motor flopped over far enough to break away the exhaust y-pipe from manifold collector and 2) sheared pinion gear (now I have a bigger rear axle).

FWIW - I bought my van from Enterprise with 105,000 miles. It came with an extended warranty until 150k but never needed to use it.

WOW!!! Well ok then. Enterprise has some interesting vehicles and deals to offer. I'm still trying to wrap my head around 497k miles. Wow.

[carringb]

I have 497,000. I did throw in a factory reman at 460k after burning up a valve seat (low fuel pressure + tune) but my transmission is still original. I would still have zero hesitation doing a cross-country trip.

My only tows have been 1) broken motor mount (motor flopped over far enough to break away the exhaust y-pipe from manifold collector and 2) sheared pinion gear (now I have a bigger rear axle).

FWIW - I bought my van from Enterprise with 105,000 miles. It came with an extended warranty until 150k but never needed to use it.

[covetsthesun]

colliehauler wrote:

covetsthesun wrote:
We are getting a second "newer" vehicle. Our 04 truck just can't be trusted on a long haul trip anymore. We'll keep this truck for a local driver even though it's already sucked up $5k this year. Just want something a bit more reliable to take long trips. Truck or SUV.

I think you have answered your own question (when you don't trust them anymore).

Well...370k miles is a bit much. The truck is fine for local. What I don't know...is is 60k low? 80? I've read posts where the OP is looking at a truck with 100K miles.

[colliehauler]

covetsthesun wrote:
We are getting a second "newer" vehicle. Our 04 truck just can't be trusted on a long haul trip anymore. We'll keep this truck for a local driver even though it's already sucked up $5k this year. Just want something a bit more reliable to take long trips. Truck or SUV.

I think you have answered your own question (when you don't trust them anymore).

[covetsthesun]

We are getting a second "newer" vehicle. Our 04 truck just can't be trusted on a long haul trip anymore. We'll keep this truck for a local driver even though it's already sucked up $5k this year. Just want something a bit more reliable to take long trips. Truck or SUV.

I've been running down all kinds of recalls and reported issues! Wow! I asked earlier about Chevy Shake and now Ford Death Wobble?? Yikes!

[midnightsadie]

as long as your doing good maintance, keep on going ,buying new is just buying all the recalls .