Can't pull the trigger again (long)

Artryan · December 15, 2019

So, I'm in this awkward situation of being able to buy another new truck. I had a 2016 High Country for about 15 months. I traded it in because the 8 speed transmission was annoying, at best. I also developed a water leak on the drivers side pillar. I decided that even thought the truck was nice, it just wasn't nice enough to keep- considering the issues. No big deal, I decided I'd trade up to a new 2017 2500 Duramax Denali with the new L5P.

Love the 2500. Not a single issue until 17500 miles. I develop a low coolant warning light. I take it to the dealer and they say it's probably a sensor. Well, its not. They explain that they did a pressure test on the system and there were no leaks, so GM's answer to this is that the coolant was improperly filled from the factory. So, this issue (according to them) took over two years and nearly 18K miles to show itself. My truck isn't low on coolant like the light suggested, it was this screw up on the assembly line. Problem is, they tell me they refilled the coolant. So, it doesn't leak, but they had to refill it? This is not good, IMO. The factory fill issue sounds like BS to me. It seems it would've shown up in, oh, let's say 2017? Now, keep in mind that my 1500 leaked water into the cab. Turns out my 2500 not only leaks, it's more of a waterfall. the carpet in the front passenger side will splash when you slap your hand on it after a hard rain. The dealer said they use a 3rd party leak fixer for such issues. They say they will call him and let me know. You guessed it. They never call me back. It's going to be a PITA to get this thing fixed, it appears.

So now at this point, I'm thinking, might as well get rid of this turd and get something new. For some reason, I start looking at new GM trucks again. I decide I want the 3.0/ 10 Spd combo. I would have bought one a week ago had there not been issues with the bank and my payoff. This gives me time to keep looking and keep thinking. So I come here, looking to research the new models until I get this bank issue resolved. Low and behold, more water leaks, and even brakes failing! Why in the hell am I even still looking at GM? I absolutely hate Ford and Dodge. I've had a Tundra, and you might as well be driving a 2007, because that's the last time anything changed on those. I love the looks of the new Silverado/ Sierra, but my God! Can't GM figure out how to build a truck? Water leaks should have been fixed in the 1940's. I'm not going for the hat trick on the waterfall option on another top of the line truck. I sure as hell am not about to pay 55K for a truck that might lose its brakes at any time!

What am I supposed to do now? I was dead set on trading in my 2500, but now I don't feel like there's anything out there from GM that is worth the risk and I don't want the Denali anymore. There are no other trucks that appeal to me. Is this where we've come to? More expensive junk? How hard is it to figure out how to keep rain out of the cab of a $70 truck in 2020?

KARNUT · December 16, 2019

I got disillusion with new trucks. I kept my 92 low mileage truck instead. It’s a jewel. You didn’t mention if you needed a truck for work. If not find a clean old one or two. I drive a nice car for trips, drive my truck locally. Saves me a ton. I had 40 years of driving trucks for work, nice ones. Never a problem really. There’re trying to do too much too often it seems. If I had to buy a new one it would be a Toyota. For the reasons you suggested. They make sure new designs are well tested.

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Artryan · December 16, 2019

11 hours ago, KARNUT said:

I got disillusion with new trucks. I kept my 92 low mileage truck instead. It’s a jewel. You didn’t mention if you needed a truck for work. If not find a clean old one or two. I drive a nice car for trips, drive my truck locally. Saves me a ton. I had 40 years of driving trucks for work, nice ones. Never a problem really. There’re trying to do too much too often it seems. If I had to buy a new one it would be a Toyota. For the reasons you suggested. They make sure new designs are well tested.

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It's not for work, but I do pull a boat and hunt quite a bit. The reason I ended up in my first Silverado was because I had bought a Tundra 1794 that within 10K miles was blowing oil smoke at startup and the leather seats were coming apart. Gas mileage was abysmal as well. Toyota, unlike like with previous trucks I had owned, totally blew me off. In the early to mid 90's they would have bent over backwards to fix those issues. Now, they are just like the rest.

Another thing that also troubles me about the new GM's is the comical interior upgrade. It's fine for me, but I also see that they are expected to refresh the interior next MY, so it seems somewhat pointless to buy a 2020. Why they redid the truck, but went backwards on the interior is a mystery to everyone, I think.

At any rate, I really want a full-size, but the Tundra doesn't check many boxes. If I go Toyota, I would go Tacoma, but I feel that I would regret it. Finding older trucks here that I would want as a daily driver is not going to happen. Almost all are rusted out and in poor condition.

KARNUT · December 16, 2019

It's not for work, but I do pull a boat and hunt quite a bit. The reason I ended up in my first Silverado was because I had bought a Tundra 1794 that within 10K miles was blowing oil smoke at startup and the leather seats were coming apart. Gas mileage was abysmal as well. Toyota, unlike like with previous trucks I had owned, totally blew me off. In the early to mid 90's they would have bent over backwards to fix those issues. Now, they are just like the rest.

Another thing that also troubles me about the new GM's is the comical interior upgrade. It's fine for me, but I also see that they are expected to refresh the interior next MY, so it seems somewhat pointless to buy a 2020. Why they redid the truck, but went backwards on the interior is a mystery to everyone, I think.

At any rate, I really want a full-size, but the Tundra doesn't check many boxes. If I go Toyota, I would go Tacoma, but I feel that I would regret it. Finding older trucks here that I would want as a daily driver is not going to happen. Almost all are rusted out and in poor condition.

In south Texas not a problem.

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Artryan · December 16, 2019

Nice Truck! It wouldn't look that good if it were in Central KY! If they even mention a dusting of snow, the government here puts down 8 billion metric tons of salt on the roads.

KARNUT · December 16, 2019

Nice Truck! It wouldn't look that good if it were in Central KY! If they even mention a dusting of snow, the government here puts down 8 billion metric tons of salt on the roads.

I did some work in northern KY years ago the winter can be brutal.

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jlong1984 · December 16, 2019

For what it's worth, my Sierra doesn't leak. 1/2019 build date.

bshort · December 16, 2019

Get a Nissan Titan

smrr1 · December 16, 2019

Hate to hear all of that but its not every truck. I have owned a few that had a problem or two but i have owned far more with zero problems. Get the leak fixed and hold out a while to see if the coolant issue pops up again if you like the truck. I think ALL new vehicle manufacturers build junk, including the 3 i own. The one and only thing they care about is their money. Take a day or two and go test drive a dozen or more trucks. Go to all the brands. Drive a couple back to back at the same dealer. I have had identical trucks drive different. Find the good one on the lot.

Donstar · December 16, 2019

It's unfortunate that we sometimes experience malfunctions in our machines and electronics. Manufacturers provide warranties in response to the possibility of failure. Have problems repaired if/when they occur and enjoy your truck. BTW Finding potential problems online for any vehicle is easy. Find someone in the outside world who drives a vehicle similar to one you wish to purchase and solicit their impressions. I find that most truck owners will readily engage in discussing the pros and cons of their choice in trucks. Most of us are very proud owners but seldom start a thread highlighting the positive attributes of our choice!

cltsig · December 16, 2019

The Facebook group has a LOT more info that what you will find on here regarding the leak. From my understanding, it was earlier builds (through 3/19) with the sliding rear window. Other than that, I have not heard of any other leaks. I have the leak (build 10/18 if I recall) and it took a year to show up. The GM mandated fix is some type of super duper sealant that seems to be doing the trick. If that doesn't take, it's a new rear window. So unless you buy an older '19 you should be fine. Other than that my 6.2 10speed has been fantastic in 9k miles.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1940597442867191/

amxguy1970 · December 16, 2019

Not sure what to tell you, I don't think you will ever be satisfied. New vehicles have a warranty for a reason, let them fix it, no point in going further in debt with a new truck payment every other year. Might take a time or two, they are human and it is a vehicle built from thousands of parts alongside robots. As far as GM goes they sure do know how to build a truck, there is a reason we have been with them for decades, never had a major problem and very few minor ones. Reading the Dodge or Ford forums sure makes me glad I am here, they may not have the flashiest interiors but that is the last item on my list. Anytime something pops up just take it to the dealer and they fix it and move on. I don't expect the world or perfection, for example I wouldn't go trading my truck in because it shifts annoyingly, my 6 speed does too but works great 98% of the time. Go buy a nice sports sedan to drive daily or some other type of commuter and get an older truck for hunting and towing duties, problem solved. You get better mpg and a more pleasurable driving experience daily and also something you can beat up on and not care about the rest of the time...

Tyler

redwngr · December 16, 2019

18 hours ago, Artryan said:

Love the 2500. Not a single issue until 17500 miles. I develop a low coolant warning light. I take it to the dealer and they say it's probably a sensor. Well, its not. They explain that they did a pressure test on the system and there were no leaks, so GM's answer to this is that the coolant was improperly filled from the factory. So, this issue (according to them) took over two years and nearly 18K miles to show itself. My truck isn't low on coolant like the light suggested, it was this screw up on the assembly line. Problem is, they tell me they refilled the coolant. So, it doesn't leak, but they had to refill it? This is not good, IMO. The factory fill issue sounds like BS to me. It seems it would've shown up in, oh, let's say 2017? Now, keep in mind that my 1500 leaked water into the cab. Turns out my 2500 not only leaks, it's more of a waterfall. the carpet in the front passenger side will splash when you slap your hand on it after a hard rain. The dealer said they use a 3rd party leak fixer for such issues. They say they will call him and let me know. You guessed it. They never call me back. It's going to be a PITA to get this thing fixed, it appears.

They aren't bullshitting you about the coolant fill. Duramax fill issue is very well known and very common. For whatever reason they do not have all the air out of the cooling system first filled. It's common for it to work the are out quicker than yours. OTOH, mine took about a year and a half before it triggered the sensor. I added about one litre/quart to bring it back to full.

So, lets assume it got the air out, but that wasn't enough to trigger the 'low coolant' sensor. Just that the system was lower than 'full'.

It's also common for there to be very minor leaks in any engine, that are slow enough that it evaporates, without dripping to the ground (and so without leaving its; mark where it was parked). This added to the burp of the air may have been why it took so long to show up.

Unless you've been checking regularly and found there was a quick drop in level, at the time of the sensor trigger. I'd not be worried.

In the days before we had coolant sensors, the 2nd (slow leak at hose connections example) thing just meant that lots of folks were are driving around with low coolant. (unless it was getting 'topped up' at service time.

I'm not trying to say that there are never external leaks, cuz sometimes there are. A couple locations even resulted in TSB info. But yours has been checked. If there is really a problem, it will quickly repeat. I'd expect it not to.

The leak on the passenger floor needs to be fixed.

If it was my truck, it would bother me more than adding a little coolant every couple of years, Might be a cracked tray under the AC or a plugged drain or.....

Cpl_Punishment · December 17, 2019

Skip convenience package 2 with the sliding rear window that leaks. Wait to see if the new recall fixes the brakes. Or do like I did and buy a Tundra. It does all depend on which trim you're interested in but, by my math, it would take 10 years for the better fuel economy of the T1 to pay off if I bought one that has some of the features I want or 25 years if I get the one that has all the features I want.