2003 Envoy to purchase

[PonokaTB]

Hi all, first post on this new forum, good to see all the familiar names. Great place to hang out. Anyway, I have a chance to purchase an2003 Envoy, fully loaded, no leather. He says the 4x4 does not function but the rest runs perfect. Excellent shape otherwise. 112000 KMs. He is asking $5500. What do you all think. Thanks for any input.

 

[Me007gold]

Why does the 4x4 not work?, does he even know? Whats the maintenance history for the truck?

 

[PonokaTB]

I am going to take it for a drive tomorrow. My concern is, is it worth $5500 with just 112000 kms, even if I have to replace the front diff?

 

[fadyasha]

I'm not that aware of prices in the US or canada but here that would be considered a good deal. A fully functional 2003 would cost somewhere between 6500-9500 USD. I agree with Me007gold you'll need to find out what is wrong exactly. The last thing you want is to get yourself into something you dunno about. These cars though great, are still a bit sensitive

 

[djthumper]

Just under 70,000 miles... If everything else was in working order and it wasn't trashed it should be worth it.

 

[PonokaTB]

Well just took it for a drive, runs smooth and quiet, straight as an arrow on the highway. Put in 4hi and could here the whine of one actuator but not the other. There was a grinding noise when I drove forward. Any ideas? Thanks all

 

[The_Roadie]

Could be front diff, could be the transfer case. Did the previous owner change the transfer case fluid every 50K miles?

A grinding front diff in 4HI will EVENTUALLY start grinding itself to pieces in 2HI, and could jam up and leave you not able to move. Very risky buying a vehicle in that condition without removing a bunch of parts and abandoning the 4WD system.

Is taking it to a mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection out of the question?

 

[PonokaTB]

Thanks for the quick response Roadie, I was hoping that yhe lack of second actuator noise would be the problem. I think I hear a little noise from second motor. Thought maybe the disconnect was only moving part way and not engaging the gears fully. What do you think. I have a spare 2002 TB that I have been taking body parts from for my roll over project.

 

[The_Roadie]

A splined disconnect problem would be on the passenger side, and they almost never fail the way you 're thinking. The diff, as you know, is on the driver's side. Get it on a lift and check it out. I can't help localize the noise any better than you can. I would be very nervous to own that vehicle.

 

[PonokaTB]

Didn't buy the Envoy, would not take $4500, sold it for $5000