Looking at picking up my first GM truck (2018 silverado 1500), looking for things to watch for

[tube]

Hi everyone. I recently came across the opportunity to pick up this 2018 1500 high country with 136k miles for a pretty good price in this market. Private seller, clean title, states everything works great with no mechanical issues. I'm gonna be honest, this would be my first chevy truck. I've been a diehard toyota fan (currently have a 2009 tacoma) but it's getting near 300k miles. One of the cats just failed amongst some other things that I'm not wanting to dump any more money in to. The newer tacomas are even more underpowered and have a heavily inflated price tag. 

 

I'm looking for something with better towing power, bed size, and creature comforts. This truck looks like it can offer that.

 

I do all work myself and am comfortable with extensive mechanical work (i.e. timing chain replacement) so am not scared of many issues that can be repaired.

 

I've done a lot of research on this platform and AFM/transmission issues seem to be the top two. I guess my question is, how do I verify the condition of the truck related to these issues? Are there any things to look out for that could indicate either of these two things are about to cause engine damage/become a problem? Do well-maintained trucks of this era with 136k miles usually start experiencing issues?

Aside from these two topics, I'm also looking for any advice for other common issues specific to this platform (besides standard wear and tear universal to all vehicles with that mileage) to look out for when checking out the truck. 

 

Your advice is much appreciated!

Edited July 8, 2024 by tube

[newdude]

1 hour ago, tube said:

Hi everyone. I recently came across the opportunity to pick up this 2018 1500 high country with 136k miles for a pretty good price in this market. Private seller, clean title, states everything works great with no mechanical issues. I'm gonna be honest, this would be my first chevy truck. I've been a diehard toyota fan (currently have a 2009 tacoma) but it's getting near 300k miles. One of the cats just failed amongst some other things that I'm not wanting to dump any more money in to. The newer tacomas are even more underpowered and have a heavily inflated price tag. 

 

I'm looking for something with better towing power, bed size, and creature comforts. This truck looks like it can offer that.

 

I do all work myself and am comfortable with extensive mechanical work (i.e. timing chain replacement) so am not scared of many issues that can be repaired.

 

I've done a lot of research on this platform and AFM/transmission issues seem to be the top two. I guess my question is, how do I verify the condition of the truck related to these issues? Are there any things to look out for that could indicate either of these two things are about to cause engine damage/become a problem? Do well-maintained trucks of this era with 136k miles usually start experiencing issues?

Aside from these two topics, I'm also looking for any advice for other common issues specific to this platform (besides standard wear and tear universal to all vehicles with that mileage) to look out for when checking out the truck. 

 

Your advice is much appreciated!

 

 

 

 

Is it a 5.3 or 6.2?  5.3 is pretty solid aside from the AFM possibilities.  6.2s can be a bit hit or miss with bottom end bearing failures.  Both engines can be a bit temperamental on the DI fuel injectors.

 

99.9% its got the 8L90.  If it shudders, have the fluid swapped out.  Only thing to put in the 8 speed is Mobil 1 LV ATF HP blue label, GM # 19417577.  Transmission temp sensors are known on these earlier 8 speeds as well.  

 

Listen for any ticking or knocking.  The fuel system will make noise (direct injected) so some ticking is normal, metallic ticking isn't.  As far as shifting, first 1-2 shift on the 8 speeds is a normal concern.  They all do that.  

[rlcole321]

I have a 18 'Rado short bed 2WD, I've done a lot of mod's to it by choice , AFM delete, BTR Cam, Long Tubes, it's a great truck, but history does show some issues like you know, does it have the 6 sp or 8 sp trans?, my suggestion is invest in a HPTuner system and learn to use it (plenty of on-line teachings), it will be well worth it for dia and trouble shooting and even reprogramming