Looking at buying 2015 Sierra 1500 Denali

TonyP · December 24, 2019

Hello Everyone,

I'm looking at buying a 2015 Sierra 1500 Denali with 55,000kms is there anything I should look for? I've been reading on this site and common complaints I read are headlights, 8 speed, transmission and surface rust issue

I am in Canada so we do get a lot of snow and see a lot of salt. My understanding is the surface rust can be taken care of, I'm considering having it done by line-x or have the dealer take care of it before I purchase

Thanks and Merry Christmas to all!

Lsgun1 · December 24, 2019

If it has rust already I'd walk no matter what. Line x over it does nothing but hide it until it pops the line x off. The dealer isn't going to cut metal out and replace properly before a sale because they'll make no money. Otherwise If it doesn't shake on the highway and the transmission is perfect you're probably good to go. If it was me I'd personally look for 16+ for the better front end/headlights and they tend to have most kinks worked out.

JimCost2014 · December 25, 2019

I agree with the above post, if you are not desperate, try to find a 16 - 18, they also give you more features not available (not a lot) on the 14 and 15's.

Nitrousbird · December 25, 2019

21 hours ago, TonyP said:

I'm looking at buying a 2015 Sierra 1500 Denali with 55,000kms is there anything I should look for? I've been reading on this site and common complaints I read are headlights, 8 speed, transmission and surface rust issue

Get a '16+. Better looking front end, HMI 2.5 (so you get Android Auto / CarPlay), LED headlights, etc. Also, unless the '15 has the 6.2L the transmission would be a 6-speed for 2015...though it could have the 6.2L.

TonyP · December 25, 2019

56 minutes ago, Nitrousbird said:

Get a '16+. Better looking front end, HMI 2.5 (so you get Android Auto / CarPlay), LED headlights, etc. Also, unless the '15 has the 6.2L the transmission would be a 6-speed for 2015...though it could have the 6.2L.

13 hours ago, JimCost2014 said:

I agree with the above post, if you are not desperate, try to find a 16 - 18, they also give you more features not available (not a lot) on the 14 and 15's.

16 hours ago, Lsgun1 said:

If it has rust already I'd walk no matter what. Line x over it does nothing but hide it until it pops the line x off. The dealer isn't going to cut metal out and replace properly before a sale because they'll make no money. Otherwise If it doesn't shake on the highway and the transmission is perfect you're probably good to go. If it was me I'd personally look for 16+ for the better front end/headlights and they tend to have most kinks worked out.

Thanks for the input everyone

Just to clarify it's surface rust, the truck looks to have been cared for well and has been undercoated

The truck is a 6.2L

I'm not desperate or in a rush but is this truck a good deal at $37,000 CAD? Likely could get the price down too I have a relationship with the salesman

doubled1 · December 25, 2019

I have a 2015 with 6.2 and 8 speed .Have always been a gm consumer but find there are too many reliability issues with the truck.The 8 speed doesn't seem to operate properly even though all flushes have been done.Check the headliner for water stains as this is common for 3rd brake light to leak or antenna.Why is a truck with low mileage for sale is why I would need to find out.I always buy new just for reliability but have more trips to dealer for issues that shouldn't happen.I would suggest you investigate further also headlights are terrible and I could go on.This is the last gm truck for me until they start to build more reliable trucks.Son has a Toyota truck bought new and has not been to dealer for any issues

dieselfan1 · December 25, 2019

Surface rust? WTF ?

Rust never sleeps. Move on to another truck.

If it was so we'll care for why does it have surface rust.

I wouldn't even waste my time.

TonyP · December 25, 2019

I'll keep looking and look for a 2016+

Thanks

Donstar · December 25, 2019

1 hour ago, TonyP said:

I'll keep looking and look for a 2016+

Thanks

Was it white?

TonyP · December 25, 2019

1 hour ago, Donstar said:

Was it white?

It's black

Donstar · December 25, 2019

1 hour ago, TonyP said:

It's black

Then there goes my rail dust theory! Surface rust on a '15 or any $37k vehicle is unacceptable, imo. I am surprised the dealer didn't clean this up before attempting to sell. You've probably made the right decision to keep looking. However, I wouldn't eliminate '14's or '15's from my search. My '15 is a much nicer truck (condition) than any used '16 or '17 currently on my dealers lot. Of course newer models will have improved features but not worth passing up on an older gem!

Mandalorian · December 26, 2019

As with any used vehicle, do a PPI from a trusted independent mechanic. Worst case scenario, you confirm it's a good vehicle to buy.

TonyP · December 26, 2019

13 hours ago, Donstar said:

Then there goes my rail dust theory! Surface rust on a '15 or any $37k vehicle is unacceptable, imo. I am surprised the dealer didn't clean this up before attempting to sell. You've probably made the right decision to keep looking. However, I wouldn't eliminate '14's or '15's from my search. My '15 is a much nicer truck (condition) than any used '16 or '17 currently on my dealers lot. Of course newer models will have improved features but not worth passing up on an older gem!

The rust isn't on the paint it's on the undercarriage. Paint looks great

9 hours ago, Mandalorian said:

As with any used vehicle, do a PPI from a trusted independent mechanic. Worst case scenario, you confirm it's a good vehicle to buy.

I will do that, thanks

Donstar · December 26, 2019

3 hours ago, TonyP said:

The rust isn't on the paint it's on the undercarriage. Paint looks great

I will do that, thanks

Yes, best to get an objective professional inspection. A "little surface rust" on the frame can have a wide range of interpretation between individuals. You will often find light surface rust on untreated components in new trucks. However, you being concerned about the rust on this used vehicle suggests a probable issue for you. This leads me to my next thought and this is, have you considered buying new? When you are considering a $37k used truck, you are getting in to new "clearance" vehicle pricing. I'd pay a little more for a new '19 SLE than a used '15 Denali. The warranty and knowing the real history of my truck is worth extra, imo. Also, your local dealer may be in the true Christmas spirit!

Joe98 · December 26, 2019

On 12/24/2019 at 8:33 PM, JimCost2014 said:

I agree with the above post, if you are not desperate, try to find a 16 - 18, they also give you more features not available (not a lot) on the 14 and 15's.

I agree with the great advice from Jim; I bought a leftover 2018 Sierra Denali Ultimate with the 6.2 and couldn’t be happier. Can’t wait to do a long road trip with it. Haven’t experienced any issues or problems at all. One recall for the rear window defroster and that’s it. Do your research ......good luck. Happy New Year...