Another truck advice buying thread 2004 Sierra

[Joshy_Squash81]

I'm going to look at this 2004 Sierra SLT ext. Cab tonight and was looking for any tips or advice for the test drive and inspecting the truck. I know the basic stuff to look for but looking for advice specific to the Sierra. It has 87,000 miles and has a leveling kit with 285's. Supposedly in mint condition and most receipts and maintenance record from previous owner. The only big thing I noticed that wasn't mentioned is no new fuel pump. $12,500 Firm book value is $1000+ more. Truck isn't up for sale but owner is willing to sell to me he says he wants another duramax. Thanks in advance for any advice

 

 

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[oldscsc]

Fuel pumps typically don't go out until the 120-150k mile range. At 87k miles, you should be solid until the 150k mile range. At that point I'd have money put away for a new front end, the aforementioned fuel pump, and a trans. On the other hand, you may not need any of that stuff until 225k. I don't want to scare you away from buying the pickup, I just want you to be prepared for what is likely to fail at some point in the future.

 

As with any used vehicle, check all the fluids, both condition and level, all the body seams for equal clearances, check for paint oddities, signs of frame repair, etc. Also, it would be interesting to know if the current owner wants a DMax for work or fun. Might give you an idea of what kind of working life the truck has had.

[RyanbabZ71]

Steering shaft clunk

 

 

Ryan

[gapost]

I'd be concerned that it might have the castech heads which crack. Symptom is slow loss of coolant. Maybe ask if he ever has to add coolant. Best option is to pull the valve covers and see how it looks. I think too, that most of the bad heads have the 706 casting number, but not positive about this. For sure, the 862 heads should be good.

[Rich2011SierraSLE]

You do want to specifically look at the brake lines along the frame under the driver's door, especially if your prospective truck comes from one of the "snow" states. There have been many issues with severe corrosion at this point causing the line(s) to rupture with complete loss of braking. So far, GM isn't recalling or helping with the repairs. Replacement of these lines seems to be running in the neighborhood of $1100-$1500. Several threads about this failure on this forum.

[Rich2011SierraSLE]

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/148105-brake-line-replacement/

[Joshy_Squash81]

Fuel pumps typically don't go out until the 120-150k mile range. At 87k miles, you should be solid until the 150k mile range. At that point I'd have money put away for a new front end, the aforementioned fuel pump, and a trans. On the other hand, you may not need any of that stuff until 225k. I don't want to scare you away from buying the pickup, I just want you to be prepared for what is likely to fail at some point in the future.

 

As with any used vehicle, check all the fluids, both condition and level, all the body seams for equal clearances, check for paint oddities, signs of frame repair, etc. Also, it would be interesting to know if the current owner wants a DMax for work or fun. Might give you an idea of what kind of working life the truck has had.

Just got back from looking at it, man this truck is absolutely beautiful and rides great too, all new brake lines as well. He want a duramax because he fishes tournaments and wants something better suited for towing his bass boat. He's had the truck 6 months and his work is only 2 miles away so it hasn't been beat on too hard about 4k miles in that time. Bought from original owner who was an older guy and lift and tires have only been on for a few months. Cleanest truck I've ever seen for year and price range. Also appeared to have a newer driveshaft which I forgot to bring up. My buddy I brought with me recognized his old sled in the sellers garage and it turns out they know a bunch of the same people. I think this truck is the one I've been looking for a long time.

 

 

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[Rich2011SierraSLE]

Sounds (and looks) like a fine truck. Congrats!!

[Joshy_Squash81]

Havent been on here for a while but I did end up getting her and I love it!! I'll be posting alot more soon!

[txab]