Buying used...

[CFRED70]

When buying used, what are some things I should be checking for, I've always leased new vehicles but I think I may purchase this time?? Any issues, trouble spots, recalls, things that would cause you to steer away from a certain vehicle? What sort of thing jumps out to you on the CarFax report that would turn you off on a used truck? I'm looking 2014-2016, low mile crew cab, 4wd. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance....

Craig

[SilveradoSaver]

When I was truck shopping, I was initially looking to buy used (but then changed my mind and bought new). One thing I didn't think of doing when looking at a used truck was look under the bed plastic bed liner. Had a truck I was interested in and a friend of mine lifted up the plastic bed liner to show me the disgusting rusty mess underneath.

 

Also, when looking at used trucks, look at what year-end offers are available on 2016 models. Was just at my local dealership and they had a huge wall of 2016 vehicles they were clearing out. You might find that for a few bucks more you can get a brand new truck with full warranty, etc.

[Sierra706]

When buying used, what are some things I should be checking for, I've always leased new vehicles but I think I may purchase this time?? Any issues, trouble spots, recalls, things that would cause you to steer away from a certain vehicle? What sort of thing jumps out to you on the CarFax report that would turn you off on a used truck? I'm looking 2014-2016, low mile crew cab, 4wd. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance....

Craig

Look for obvious signs of damage. Have the wear items such as tires, brakes, and wipers been replaced? Has it been washed and waxed regularly? These are signs of a caring owner. If buying from a dealer they will most likely do these things presale in order to get top dollar. When taking for a test drive, make sure your driving off cold, not a truck that's been warmed up to potentially hide engine issues. Take it up to speed on the highway. Slow parking lot maneuvers, forward and reverse at full lock.

 

 

 

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[duquephart]

And never, never, never listen to anything the salesman has to say. Not even what time it is.

[JimCost2014]

When buying used, what are some things I should be checking for, I've always leased new vehicles but I think I may purchase this time?? Any issues, trouble spots, recalls, things that would cause you to steer away from a certain vehicle? What sort of thing jumps out to you on the CarFax report that would turn you off on a used truck? I'm looking 2014-2016, low mile crew cab, 4wd. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance....

 

Craig

Try to find a GM certified truck. It will have an extension to the factory warranty and you can usually get a better finance rate. CarFax will only show what has been reported as far as maintenance and any possible damage.Good luck!

[Debra in Cali]

When buying used, what are some things I should be checking for, I've always leased new vehicles but I think I may purchase this time?? Any issues, trouble spots, recalls, things that would cause you to steer away from a certain vehicle? What sort of thing jumps out to you on the CarFax report that would turn you off on a used truck? I'm looking 2014-2016, low mile crew cab, 4wd. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance....

Craig

Too bad that you want a crew cab. I am selling my 2015 DC 4WD.

[16LT4]

Rust, maintenance records, rust, oxidation of the aluminum engine components, rust... for me, if records indicate the oil was changed at factory recommended intervals, it hasn't been properly maintained. People always forget to turn the hose nozzle around to spray the inside lip of the wheel wells (hence the stereotypical rust on trucks in those spots, as the lip holds dirt and sand, which holds moisture, which rots the metal). I'd feel up in there or poke a toothpick through there to see if there is debris; if there is, walk away. Check coolant levels, etc.

 

Also, check out new truck pricing; I went brand new 2017, because after rebates and discounts, the purchase price of my $47k sticker truck was only $3k more than a 35,000 mile 2014.

[Silverado Steve]

Go to the Troubleshooting section of this forum and read the "pinned" topics. These are the most common issues and most asked about issues with these trucks.

[Andy Seibel]

When I was truck shopping, I was initially looking to buy used (but then changed my mind and bought new).

 

same here. check out the prices they are asking for a 2 year old truck with 40,000 miles and then go look at the prices on the brand new ones.

 

In my head I was calculating the percentage of cost of new vs. the percentage of truck life left. The first 2 years should lower the price more, but for some reason lightly used trucks barely drop in price.

 

I chose to pay a little more for a truck with 7 miles on it and the full warranty.

[OnTheReel]

x3 on buying new. The cost difference was basically nothing after all the discounts. Unless you're going to pay cash through a private seller...

[KARNUT]

The only time I made out buying used trucks were when I bought 7-10 year old trucks with right around 100K miles on them. I bought 3 in the row like that for between 5-7 thousand dollars. Two out of 3 I got all my money back when sold no.3 I still have. Trucks that been around that long you usually can tell if they been cared for. On the other end of the spectrum you may as well buy new or cpo the difference in the payments wouldn't be that much different than a two or three year old truck, just the length of the loan if you have good credit.

[Donstar]

I agree with other comments supporting buying new rather than a truck that has been in service for a year or two. I would consider a significantly older used vehicle in good condition as a money saving strategy. When I have bought used vehicles, I look for ones that have no signs of DIY modifications. I also have given the previous owner a call when buying from a dealer. With yearend discounts and great financing rates, it is hard not to consider buying new. GM does not produce a bad truck, imo. For example, I would prefer a brand new 6 cyl Sierra over a 2 yr old used Denali. Both would probably be close in price.

[jstanfield103]

I bought mine from a very well known dealer with low miles (18000) and even bought an extended warranty. No Worries.

 

Or at least I hope No Worries

[Sierra706]

If your going to buy a truck that's a few years old, it's only really worth getting a certified pre owned. The extra warranty counters the factory rebates on a new truck

 

 

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