'99 Sierra 1500 Questions

burg226 · February 27, 2007

Hey everyone, i'm new to the domestic market. Always been an import guy but need a real truck at a decent price. Im lookin at used GMC Sierra 1500 4x4's or Z71's. Either 99's or 2000's. The newer body style ones. I wanna know what common problems they have and what to look for to find a good used one. These trucks have anywhere from 150km to over 200 km for the cheaper ones i'm looking at. I'm thinking of staying away from the 99's cause they are the first year with the new body style and needed to have the bugs fixed. Do you agree? Automatics are convenient but i prefer 5 speed. Are there common problems with the 5 speeds? Anyways, any info you guys have from experience would be much appreciated. Thanks.

scotc03 · February 27, 2007

I have a 5 spd 99 GMC Sierra.

There was a problem with the way a line from the AC was run that caused condensation to constantly drip on the alternator. I'd imagine that would be taken care of by now in anything you buy. Fuel Pump, Water Pump, and Power steering pump all went out between 90K-110K. Radiator also developed a small crack around that time. At 115K, my clutch or slave cylinder (waiting to find out which) went out.

I also have a problem with my ABS computer. It intermittently stops working and the shop wanted near a grand to replace it so I just go without ABS from time to time I don't remember when this problem came about, but the dash would be lit up if it was a problem with one you are looking at.

burg226 · February 27, 2007

I have a 5 spd 99 GMC Sierra.
There was a problem with the way a line from the AC was run that caused condensation to constantly drip on the alternator. I'd imagine that would be taken care of by now in anything you buy. Fuel Pump, Water Pump, and Power steering pump all went out between 90K-110K. Radiator also developed a small crack around that time. At 115K, my clutch or slave cylinder (waiting to find out which) went out.

I also have a problem with my ABS computer. It intermittently stops working and the shop wanted near a grand to replace it so I just go without ABS from time to time I don't remember when this problem came about, but the dash would be lit up if it was a problem with one you are looking at.

hmmm. Doesn't sound too promising considering my 1995 Nissan Pickup has never given me a problem yet. Any other opinions or storys? I really want a newer truck but i really dont want someone elses problems. Feed back please....

chud53 · February 27, 2007

my truck had 190,000 on it when i bought it, but it is automatic, i currently have 203,000 miles on it and i have not had any problems with it yet! it has been a great vehicle, but i would try and go with a 5.3 over a 4.8 engine but yeah he is right all of your stuff under the engine will have been replaced by this time so you are probably good up around 230-250,000 miles so i wouldnt worry man these trucks are AMAZING i beat the dog poop out of mine and it just keeps on ticking!!!

Norseman · February 27, 2007

I have a 5 spd 99 GMC Sierra.
There was a problem with the way a line from the AC was run that caused condensation to constantly drip on the alternator. I'd imagine that would be taken care of by now in anything you buy. Fuel Pump, Water Pump, and Power steering pump all went out between 90K-110K. Radiator also developed a small crack around that time. At 115K, my clutch or slave cylinder (waiting to find out which) went out.

I also have a problem with my ABS computer. It intermittently stops working and the shop wanted near a grand to replace it so I just go without ABS from time to time I don't remember when this problem came about, but the dash would be lit up if it was a problem with one you are looking at.

hmmm. Doesn't sound too promising considering my 1995 Nissan Pickup has never given me a problem yet. Any other opinions or storys? I really want a newer truck but i really dont want someone elses problems. Feed back please....

I have a 1999 Z71 with over 160, 000 miles on her and she has been great. The only real problem I've had with her was a water pump. I'd buy the truck all over again.

You're gonna get a whole bunch of stories on here. Just find one you like and have it checked out by a good independant mechanic.

The stories that you are gonna get on here are worthless compared to just having any used truck or car throughly checked out before you buy it.

dreman · February 27, 2007

Just my 2 cents...

I have a '99 GMC I've owned since new. It's not 4x4 or a 5 speed. It has a V6, automatic, standard cab, and stepside bed. I drove it the 50 miles to work this morning, and it now has over 246,000 miles. Other than normal maintenance items, the only thing I've changed is the water pump. It's been hit twice, where it received new fenders, a couple of wheels, bumpers, and a radiator. I added a drain plug to the trans. pan to replace the permantly stuck drain plug that it came with, and I change the fluid in the pan most every time I change the oil in the engine. Other than that, it is just the way it came from the factory in '99. It has always started right up, and has never let me down.

I have no idea why it's lasted so long with so little required, but I'm glad it has. Maybe I drive it nice, or maybe it was built on a good day of the week. It's certainly been a good truck for me.

burg226 · February 28, 2007

So everyone feels i would be ok to get the 1999? I've been told in the past to stay away from the first model years. Hopefully i will find something newer but for under $10,000 you cant go wrong with a 1999 Sierra 1500 4x4 ex cab with 169,000 km can you?

Norseman · February 28, 2007

So everyone feels i would be ok to get the 1999? I've been told in the past to stay away from the first model years. Hopefully i will find something newer but for under $10,000 you cant go wrong with a 1999 Sierra 1500 4x4 ex cab with 169,000 km can you?

Ok, let me say it again. The stories that you are gonna get on here are worthless compared to just having any used truck or car throughly checked out before you buy it.

That is the only way to truly answer your question. The experiance I had with my truck has nothing to do with a use truck you buy from someone else. They may not have taken care of it or they may have that is why you need to have someone (that you trust) check it over.

67ChevyRedneck · February 28, 2007

You'll have some difficulties finding a 5 speed, and even more difficulties finding a 4x4 5 speed. To the best of my knowledge the 5 speed was only available on the v-6 and 4.8L v-8's. You'll have the best chance of finding one in a regular cab truck.

Reliability? GM sells well over 1 million trucks and SUVs (same platform) anually and there's bound to be problematic vehicles. Have it looked over by a competent mechanic.

My 00 Z71 has 99K on it. The ONLY issue that's come up so far is that I think I need to replace my o2 sensors (their lifespan is typically ~100K anyway) which I would conisder to be a maintenance item.