Pre-purchase Inspection ... Am I Wasting My $

[tombstone]

Hello All!

 

I've found a 2004 GMC Sierra 1500 with 11,000 miles on the odo. Its has the 4.8 and a 3.73 rear end in it.

 

Typicaly I get a pre-purchase inspection done prior to buying a used car. All of my other used cars have had LOTS of miles on them. Seeing as how this one has the low miles and the carfax came back clean, do you guys feel this would be a waste of money to get done?

 

It's still covered by the bumper to bumper warranty until September 07 and I can get a 3yr/45,000 mile extended warranty from GM for $330.00. The inspection costs $90.00.

 

I'm leaning towards getting it done as it's only $90.00, but not sure if it's necessary due to the warranty coverage.

 

Thoughts?

[HyperBuzzin]

The inspection costs $90.00.

That seems to be an expensive inspection. How thorough of an inspection is it?

[hockeyfan39]

Imo its worth it, its only 90 bucks you can't really go wrong even if its covered by warranty, you still dont want a lemon just my 2 cents good luck..

[tombstone]

The same company did it prior to us purchasing my wifes Jeep. They check the following:

 

Undercarriage - shocks, struts, u-joints, engine seals and gaskets, brakes ... etc

Underhood - belts, hoses, fluid levels, air filter

Interior - Condition, wipers, ... etc.

Exterior - lights, wiper motors, fog lights, ... etc.

Testdrive

Pull codes.

 

I know it seems stupid but I tend to worry. I've test drove it and it all seems fine. There was a slight "bump" in the steering wheel when turning but I'm attributing that to this being my first time with the truck and it's just the way it is.

 

I keep telling myself it only has 11,000 on it. It's new.

 

You are right - it's 1/3 of the extended warranty.

[gave20]

The same company did it prior to us purchasing my wifes Jeep. They check the following:

 

Undercarriage - shocks still good they only have 11k on them, struts, u-joints if they were bad you'd hear and feel them when you get on and off the gas, engine seals and gaskets, brakes a visual inspection would tell you if something was leaking

Underhood - belts, hoses, fluid levels, air filter visually check, a new serpentine belt and air filter, for piece of mind doesn't cost $90

Interior - Condition, wipers, ... etc.

Exterior - lights, wiper motors, fog lights, turn on the lights if all 6 work then your fine

Testdrive

Pull codes. Go to Autozone, it's free

[HyperBuzzin]

I agree with what Andy posted. Seems like all that stuff could be easily done by yourself.

Now, if they did complete compression tests, fuel pressure tests, engine oil analysis and stuff like that, then sure the $90 would be well worth it. But what you posted is all do-able yourself?!

 

But, if you feel better having someone else do it, and you're willing to (over?) pay to have it done, then go for it.

[tombstone]

Enough said. LOL

 

I've test driven it, looked at it, crawled beneath it .... I think I'm just looking for something to be wrong with it. Kind of self defeating isn't it?

 

It's a no go on the inspection.

 

This is my first truck I've owned as all the others were company trucks. I'm looking forward to it.

[rogerf]

Enough said. LOL

 

I've test driven it, looked at it, crawled beneath it .... I think I'm just looking for something to be wrong with it. Kind of self defeating isn't it?

 

It's a no go on the inspection.

 

This is my first truck I've owned as all the others were company trucks. I'm looking forward to it.

You should be fine with the remaining warranty.

 

If it's a 4X4, I would take some extra time to look under the front end to see if it's ever had a plow attached. You don't want to find out it has low mileage because it spent 11K miles plowing snow in someone's parking lot.

[kroc33]

As far as the steering wheel bump you felt. Thats probably the intermediate steering shaft issue that just about everyone deals with.

[2004GMC1500CC]

As far as the steering wheel bump you felt. Thats probably the intermediate steering shaft issue that just about everyone deals with.

 

 

Since getting the redesigned shaft installed, I don't deal with it anymore.

[tombstone]

A coupe more questions ...

 

1) What specifically would I be looking for as evidence of a plow? Mounting brackets? I'm going to head back over there today to snoop around and wanted to know what to look for.

 

2) Is the intermediate steering shaft issue a recall-type thing? I'm assuming the bumper to bumper warranty would cover that if not.

 

Thanks guys!

[naterasmussen]

This seems redundant after all the other replys, but I would go with a "no" - even without the warranty. Most places don't check half of the parts listed before, and do not look into anything because they are not getting paid for it. This is why I no longer buy from owners. Dealerships may cost more, but they do a better inspection, and offer some sort of warranty. I'll usually take it for a test, wait till it gets warm, and give it hell. If it goes that far without problems, you can always get your hands dirty.

[svensk]

Troy- How much did that new steering shaft run? I would be looking at picking one up from a dealer.