I’m sure many of you look at this 1997 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and think, “Hey, I remember when you could buy one of those off the lot.” This can sometimes diminish our appreciation for a vehicle if we were of driving age when it was new, but like so many other 90s-era cars and trucks, a short-bed Z71 pickup from the middle of the decade is now a hot commodity. The seller is offering this clean, Washington State survivor with no reserve and he notes that he’d drive it anywhere in heartbeat. Bidding currently sits at just under $8,000.
This was certainly a peak era in GM truck building. I see the early to mid-90s as simply a wonderful era in both foreign and domestic automobile manufacturing, as this was the last hurrah for anyone who wanted a vehicle that was largely uncluttered inside but still had basic safety features like an airbag and ABS, along with standard power and convenience options. A short time later, we’d see the arrival of bulbous A and B-pillars stuffed with airbags and cluttered center stacks dominated by touchscreens. This Z71 has 130,000 miles on the clock but certainly looks like it’s been pampered for most of those miles.
The 5.7L 350 engine is known for being quite reliable and it puts out a healthy 255 horsepower, more than enough to move this short wheelbase pickup out of its own way. The engine bay is clean with no signs of modifications aside from an errand red wire of unknown origins, and the seller notes that the standard automatic transmission shifts perfectly. There’s no recent maintenance listed but outside of fluid changes and the occasional belt or spark plug replacement, this truck shouldn’t ask much of you. The Chevy also comes with the factory tow package.
The combination of the short bed with the flared / stepside fenders makes this a very good looking rig, and the aftermarket tonneau cover doesn’t hurt, either. The seller apparently had a Buy-It-Now on this 1500-series pickup at one point in time, with the listing noting that he’d take $13,800 for it. That’s not a bad price for one of these, as a Chevy pickup of this vintage and with these options is always going to have a following. If you’re in the mood to buy the truck you lusted after in high school, check it out here on eBay.
Sadly, the type of truck they don’t make any more. Short bed, two door. If I had this I’d lower it slightly and call it a day. Of course it would be a driver too!
Best check the reviews of the seller’s previous sales. I’d say he cannot be trusted.
If I was interested I ‘d take a look at it, since the seller is in my home town.
The 1990s were emerging as a new performance age. As said the vehicle does benefit from some basic safety features but is not encumbered by too much technology. It’s still a vehicle that you can drive. Hopefully the new owner will care enough to get another 1 or 200,000 miles. BTW, don’t buy a Z71 to lower it. SMH
After looking at it on ebay I fing its a darn very nice truck. It’s definitely been taken care of. These make very good rides.
Worth sharing that he has some reviews on EBAY that should cause some further investigation before opening up your checkbook. While this truck may be this nice, when I see bad reviews (with a consistent theme), I think it is best to walk the other way.
The negative feedback is very negative and detailed. Would agree that its a warning sign.