Thoughts on possible Purchase

[rob62381]

Hi Guys,

I am a new member looking at purchasing a new (to me) truck, and I am looking for some impressions on this truck and its reliability, as well as what I should expect to pay. I have previously owned a 2003 GMC 1500 SLE 4x4 and I LOVED IT!!
I am now looking at a 2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4x4 SLE Ext cab with 137,700 miles. The interior is in near mint condition. It has the rubber floors instead of carpeting, front cloth bench seats, push button 4x4 and the full towing package with trailer brake controller and power extending mirrors. It does not have the steering wheel controls. According to the carfax on the truck, it has been owned by only one person, and was serviced locally, at a dealership I am familiar with.
The dealer was asking for $16,999 and I was able to haggle them down slightly to $16,500. I was able to take the vehicle for a LONG test drive, (approx 45 minutes) and was able to drive on various roads. There was a slight pull at high speeds to the left and a VERY minor twitch in the wheel. I have attributed this most likely to an alignment issue, and have notified the dealer. They will be performing a 4 wheel alignment before delivery. The tires are approx 75% and evenly worn, which is why I have attributed the wobble to an alignment issue.
So I am looking for some feedback as far as what I can expect from this truck in terms of reliability, as well as what peoples impressions of the price I have negotiated are. Bear in mind that this vehicle will be financed, so I'm sure I could have done better had I walked in with the cash in hand.
Thank you to everyone for their opinions, and if there are any other questions, I will answer them to the best of my ability.

 

[BudTX]

Welcome.

In what part of the country are you located? That may impact pricing on your truck, and whether it has lived life in salty winter areas. Does it have any rust that you can see? Check the cab corners, body mount area, and the rails that support the bed.

Have the injectors been replaced? That is a major potential expense that seems to crop up more often in the LB7s.

 

[andy-stevenson]

Do you know when/if the injectors were replaced?

 

[rob62381]

Well, for starters, I am in Buffalo, NY. I'm pretty used to checking my trucks over for the typical rusting areas, and there was not really any to be seen. I did check the wheel wells, bed supports, and frame rails, everything looked to be in good order. I have passed on a few trucks recently due to these exact issues. As far as the injectors go, I am fairly close to the dealer that performed all of the service, I am considering taking the truck there for a pre-purchase inspection. Would be fairly easy to get the injector information at that time...
Thanks for the replies!!

 

[BudTX]

It sounds like you are doing all that you can to check out that truck. Good luck, however it turns out.

 

[rob62381]

Thanks for the responses so far. I am going to take the truck for another test drive and visit the dealer that serviced it to find out more on the injectors.
Is there anything else aside from the injectors that I should be looking for/at when it comes to the Duramax engine? This will be my first Diesel, so anything that the more experienced guys can share with me would be much appreciated.

 

[SmokeShow]

Pump rub on the transfer case. The internal pump basically ends up eating through the case. Do a quick search for "pump rub" & you should find all you need to know to check for it. Then install a fix immediately if you buy the truck & it hasn't already worn through the rear case.

I'll assume you know well enough how to check all the fluids & that everything appears to be in solid working order (I.e. AC, 4wd, tow/haul, brakes don't pull one way or other under varying levels of stopping, little or no blow by in oil fill tube, no fluids smell burnt, all lights work, etc.)