GM Pickup Advice

[NCLaker]

Looking for some advice for a friend. He needs a truck to tow his 18' fishing boat. Wants a Chevy/GMC pickup, probably 2000-2004 and can only spend $10-12,000. Prefers a crew cab, but could get by with an extended cab. Also needs 4 wheel drive. Light use mileage wise.

What years, models, engines, features do you recommend for reliability and performance - and what should he stay away from or watch out for?? How many miles can he expect to get to before he has to start putting some money into it?

Any advice would be helpful since he is knew to this type of purchase.

Thanks!!

[Jeremy airjer W]

About 80k and he'll see the first substantial bill.

[jwhjr]

What will the bill be for? I know some have had issues with wheel bearings (which is an easy DIY fix). I'm at 105K on my 04 and haven't put anything major into it other than maintenance items. EGR solenoid something or other and a front axle seal under warranty, and a pin on the airbag plug connection under the drivers seat ($1 part) diagnosed and fixed with help from a friend with a good scan tool. I've been nothing but happy with mine, but I have owned it from new and have kept up on all of the maintenance.

[NCLaker]

About 80k and he'll see the first substantial bill.

Thanks Airjer - What kind of substantial bill/issues are you referring to, and how much?? Any thing one can do proactively to avoid issues? Right now he is seriously looking at buying a used 2001 GM Pickup Truck 3/4 ton crew cab, 6.0L, with ~125,000 miles for $10,000.

Other truck/suv options would you recommend for towing a boat in the 2500-3500lb range in this price range?

Thanks again!

[Esox_Magnum]

100K on my 2001 GMC 5.3, great truck. Mines a 1500 and geats fair milage in the 17 range on average, so far has pulled anything I have wanted without a problem. Always have and will be a GM guy, dads late 90's 1500's both have over 200K on them and other than 1 tranny and a fuel pump no issues.

[Jeremy airjer W]

Personally I have not seen/worked on to many 6.0's

[NCLaker]

Thanks guys ... 2001 pickup he was looking at fell trough (it had issues).

Now looking at a 2003 GMC Sierra Denali SLT. It has some features that were looking for some help on feedback.

(1) Quad-steering - Any comments on this feature good or bad? I think it allows all 4 wheels to be involved in steering. Kinda makes me nervous cause more things to go wrong - unless it has a good rep for being reliable.

(2) AWD - I assume this meant full time 4 wheel drive maybe. How is this different from normal GM 4x4? Does it have limited slip differential with the AWD?

Thanks!

[Esox_Magnum]

Denali's are sweet, Quad steers are great to if they are working. Couple friends have them and they are slick. AWD is what it says, not the same as 4x4, I think GMC is the only GM that offers that in the 1500/2500 line up and only on the top end trucks.

[NCLaker]

Thanks Esox - he pulled the trigger on the Delani tonight. Little over 100,000 miles, mint condition, one owner, all the maintenance done for $12,000. Assuming everything checks out with the mechanic, he is good to go.

Wish I had the money, I would have bought it ... That is one beautiful truck!!

Thanks again all for your help.

[croixflats]

I'm confused after reading previous post of another thread the Gm 6.0 is a gas haug along with buds saying the same thing. Why all of a sudden I see different .

Be careful of what some say is all I am saying. As I have been in the market a while and I am getting contradicting statements be it loyalist or those talking out their buts.

[croixflats]

Could it be they want to unloud them? It is about the time people want to upgrade!

[NCLaker]

Maybe Flats, that is why he is having a mechanic look it over. If buyers want to have guarantees and have the money, then buy new with full warranty. IMO he got a SWEET truck for the money. Only time will tell.

[croixflats]

Optimistic I try to be, even before a realist. I hope fore the best.

came out out of nowhere but it looks cool

[NCLaker]

Flats, you mentioned you have been in the market for a while - based on your research what are you coming up for ideal truck options for the money? I assume you are looking for used at a reasonable price. Please include your reasons.

I'm asking because I may be in the market for a good used truck in the next couple years.