New Truck For My Dad

VT_Z71 · May 12, 2009

So I'm in the process of finding a newer (used) GMC for my dad. His '94 Sierra w/ 250k on the clock is still going, but the engine is starting to get VERY tired.

Found a '04 Sierra SLT, 4x4 Hybrid with 38k, all options, GM Certified Used vehicle extended warranty for $12,000. Truck looks to be in great condition. Think this is a pretty good deal? Seems way cheaper than the regular (non-hybrid) 03-05s we have been looking at.

I'm anxious to take it for a test drive and see how the 1st generation Hybrid system works/handles. I don't know if I've ever seen one of these Hybrid trucks on the road, and if so, definately not an optioned up SLT.

He's quite the outdoorsman, so the only thing I see upfront that it needs is a new set of All-Terrains.

VR021302 · May 12, 2009

I didnt know they made hybrids in that year

VT_Z71 · May 12, 2009

Also, would it be possible for one of the GM guys to run a GM VIN check for me on this truck?

VIN: 1GTEK19T04Z253940

BuckFeverZ · May 12, 2009

I wouldn't go for the Hybrid

rvsahs · May 12, 2009

I wouldn't go for the Hybrid

I would agree...just not worth the extra $$$...unless of course, you're banking on $5 gas in the near future.

Zembonez · May 12, 2009

I'd personally RUN AWAY from a use hybrid. Batteries and the extra electronics on a 5 year old truck would scare the crap outta me. Might just become a giant sinkhole for $$$. The non-hybrid versions are so reliable, I think I'd try to get him interested in one.

Silverado4x4 · May 12, 2009

I'd personally RUN AWAY from a use hybrid. Batteries and the extra electronics on a 5 year old truck would scare the crap outta me. Might just become a giant sinkhole for $$$. The non-hybrid versions are so reliable, I think I'd try to get him interested in one.

I agree, run away.

VT_Z71 · May 13, 2009

We aren't looking specifically for hybrids by any means. I just came across this one for sale and it turns out its one of the few '04 FL hybrids that have found their way northward.

Just took it for a drive....it did real well. Kinda odd when you have your foot on the break and the truck cuts off. All you feel is a little rumble when it automatically starts back up. There wasn't any real 'hesitation' between engine-off and engine-on during the few stoplight situations I went through. Putting the truck in Tow/Haul, having the AC on Recirc or having the defrost on keeps the truck in standard non-hybrid mode. Everything else with the truck was in great shape, and it's pretty much loaded to the gills.

The thought of malfunction with the extra electronics or batteries does somewhat concern me, as there is NO reliability information on these models that I can find anywhere on the net. Truck did have a brand new set of batteries installed less than a month ago, under GM warranty. I wonder how much (3) 42volt deep cycle batteries would cost to replace in the future if they went bad. I also wonder how reliable GM made the extra electronics that are in these things.

Zembonez · May 13, 2009

We aren't looking specifically for hybrids by any means. I just came across this one for sale and it turns out its one of the few '04 FL hybrids that have found their way northward.

Just took it for a drive....it did real well. Kinda odd when you have your foot on the break and the truck cuts off. All you feel is a little rumble when it automatically starts back up. There wasn't any real 'hesitation' between engine-off and engine-on during the few stoplight situations I went through. Putting the truck in Tow/Haul, having the AC on Recirc or having the defrost on keeps the truck in standard non-hybrid mode. Everything else with the truck was in great shape, and it's pretty much loaded to the gills.

The thought of malfunction with the extra electronics or batteries does somewhat concern me, as there is NO reliability information on these models that I can find anywhere on the net. Truck did have a brand new set of batteries installed less than a month ago, under GM warranty. I wonder how much (3) 42volt deep cycle batteries would cost to replace in the future if they went bad. I also wonder how reliable GM made the extra electronics that are in these things.

Not knocking you at all... really just looking out for you. Lack of reliability data would be enough to make me look at another triuck... plus imagine trying to find a technician that happens to be trained to work on it there.

SPOOKY!

BuckFeverZ · May 13, 2009

We aren't looking specifically for hybrids by any means. I just came across this one for sale and it turns out its one of the few '04 FL hybrids that have found their way northward.

Just took it for a drive....it did real well. Kinda odd when you have your foot on the break and the truck cuts off. All you feel is a little rumble when it automatically starts back up. There wasn't any real 'hesitation' between engine-off and engine-on during the few stoplight situations I went through. Putting the truck in Tow/Haul, having the AC on Recirc or having the defrost on keeps the truck in standard non-hybrid mode. Everything else with the truck was in great shape, and it's pretty much loaded to the gills.

The thought of malfunction with the extra electronics or batteries does somewhat concern me, as there is NO reliability information on these models that I can find anywhere on the net. Truck did have a brand new set of batteries installed less than a month ago, under GM warranty. I wonder how much (3) 42volt deep cycle batteries would cost to replace in the future if they went bad. I also wonder how reliable GM made the extra electronics that are in these things.

Not knocking you at all... really just looking out for you. Lack of reliability data would be enough to make me look at another triuck... plus imagine trying to find a technician that happens to be trained to work on it there.

SPOOKY!

+1

Plus, you know how dealerships rape you. I wouldn't be surprised if just those batteries were between $2,000 and $3,000. I can't imagine many aftermarket companies produced replacements for so few trucks, if any.