2005-2006 GMC Buyers Guide

[TheMainer]

First post in here, looking to possibly pick up an 05 or 06 Sierra half-ton as my next vehicle. I've had a 95 and an 04 Grand Cherokee as my last two vehicles and they gave/have given me 170,000 miles (combined) of trouble free service. My Current 04 has just over 171,000 on the clock so it's time to start looking for something else. I've toyed around with the idea of buying brand new this time around, but I'm not overly impressed with the new pickup platform as my girlfriend has a 2015 Z71 nicely outfitted Silverado for work (with "unlimited" personal use) and in my opinion it's nothing special. I've tried a few new 2012-2015 Rams and I haven't been impressed either, especially for the price tag.

 

The 1999-2006 GMC Platform is the one I'd like to focus on as my father has a 2011 Sierra and I'm not overly impressed with his either, especially as he's had some frame rust issues even though he religiously washes it.

 

I know personally of 15 Sierras/Silverados that have gone well past 200,000 miles without hardly issues and these include everything from highway crusing to a logging contractor's daily driver.

 

What I'd like to know is what should I specifically look for in a 2005/2006 Sierra that would be the typical problem areas? I know rocker panels and cab corners tend to rust out, but everything else with these trucks seem solid. Are some of the nicer package trucks from that generation having electrical gremlins with some of the fancier features which should make me look at a stripped down version like I have with my Jeeps (Jeeps have terrible electrical gremlins in upper packages).

 

Specifically, I'm looking for a 4wd 5.3 extended or crew cab with under 100,000 miles for hopefully somewhere around $15,000 or under. Tow Package is a plus and I've always had a thing for heated mirrors.

 

Thanks for any help, probably a little to much text for a first post.

[MikeNH]

Welcome to the site!

 

 

I had a 2003 Silverado which has been gone since 2008 but the most common issues I remember from when I had it were the front wheel bearings seemed to be shot by 100k, front axle seal leaks were common and the intermediate steering shaft would clunk/rattle. That generation also had electrical issues with the gauge cluster but at this point I'd imagine a previous owner would've already been forced to address that. I'm sure some of the folks who currently own these will be able to give you more details than me though.

[kstruckcountry]

So far on mine @ 122k:

 

Transfer case actuator

4x4 switch

Front wheel bearings (1 needed, 1 preventative)

Rear U-joints (preventative, went to greaseable)

O2 sensor

Updated evap solenoid

New evap canister

All fluids changed (a few times, preventative)

Thermostat (preventative)

Brakes (preventative/upset with an aftermarket set)

 

All I can think of off the top of my head. Pretty reliable and drives great. Everything else has been stuff it didn't "need". Pretty much everything could be done by someone with a little knowledge.

[sahls01gmc]

kstruckcountry will be the standard to go by for these trucks. My '01 has almost 300,000 miles, and has had the same maintenance routine. Plus you mentioned the rust issues, which is common for these trucks.

 

When you test drive them, look over every detail of these to make sure you know what you're buying. I plan on driving mine into the ground, which won't be anytime soon!

 

 

Welcome to the site!

[Mckenzie]

My 01 has been nothing but good to me with over 234k miles. Original motor/trans/read end

 

Mind you I totaled one whole side of it while putting it thru a big ass ditch,fence,and trees and it still held its alignment and drove just fine afterwards. Still drive it to this day.

 

 

This is everything I can think of that has been done to it

 

-Water pump

-Fuel pump 3x

-Steering pump

-Radiator

-Alternator

-Spark plugs/wires

-Breaks

-Whole driver side from fender back to rear door+ dent pulled from bed

-thermostat

-hub

- ect sensor

-u joints

-window motor

 

I have put that truck thru hell and it still delivers and keeps on going. Will not ever sell it

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[kstruckcountry]

I'll add it's a good idea to pop your head up into the rear fender to see if there's any rust or dust built up. If there's either I'd want a good deal.

[KMGZ400]

They are solid truck but IMO the weakest link is the trans.. And obviously rust, the cab corners are very prone to rusting

[zach1990]

What everyone else has stated pretty well nailed It. The trans is the weakest link. My 2000s only major work was the trans. And I've got a slight slip from 1st to 2nd in my 04

[hikerboy]

I've got a 2005 Sierra 1500 Z71 Extended Cab that I bought new - - but I've only put 70,000 miles on it, so my issues are pretty minor. Replaced steering shaft under warranty, and passenger side axle seal under warranty. I've got a HVAC module that's becoming problematic, it's the passenger side and it's a bear to replace yourself (and expensive to hire out). Most of my stereo backlights have burned out (factory Delco CD stereo). But otherwise, it's the best rig I've ever owned and don't plan on selling it anytime soon.

[TheMainer]

Thanks for the replies. Sounds almost a little more problematic than my Jeeps have been, but I also could have lucked out with my last 2 as well.

 

Everything sounds like somewhat cheap or normal fixes, and I haven't owned a vehicle yet that hasn't had a slip between 1st and 2nd gear.

 

Has anyone paid to have the rockers and cab corners fixed? Just curious how much that would be.

 

I think the biggest problem being in Maine will be finding a clean rust free one. I should just buy a one way plane ticket to Florida and find a nice one to drive home, but I'm not sure I'd like the 24 hour drive home.