1998 GMC Jimmy SLS 4.3 Liter from North America

Summary:

The truck needs work

Faults:

First week of owning, the battery went. Did not think anything of it. Have replaced 4 batteries so far. They get completely drained beyond charging.

Computer for the brakes failed three months after purchase, not covered under warranty.

Hub Bearings are now going. Occasional loud noise when turning the steering wheel.

Seat adjuster on passenger side broke off recently.

General Comments:

Very dependable 4 wheel drive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 12th September, 2004

1998 GMC Jimmy SLT 4.3 Vortec from North America

Summary:

Get existing service history before buying one of these - you could get a good one, or a lemon.

Faults:

Idler arm replaced upon purchase

Brake pads replaced upon purchase

Serpentine belt replaced at 83923 km

Oil cooler lines and connectors replaced due to leaks at 83923 km

Passenger seat folding lever broke off sometime in 2003 - too expensive to fix. Using a wide blade screwdriver to activate as necessary.

Air conditioning circle pressure valve replaced at 89732 km

Brake pads and rotors (front & rear) replaced at 89732 km

Differential rear pinion seal replaced at 89732 km

Block heater replaced due to leakage replaced at 89732 km.

General Comments:

The truck is great on the highway specifically for its get up and go and is generally a pleasure to drive. It is a quiet and comfortable ride. Steering handling could be tighter and I find it wanders a bit much on the highway. I tow a trailer and this truck is great for that, it came with a factory towing package. I bought this truck off lease after 3 years on the road. After the fact, I was able to view its service record and was surprised how much had been replaced under warranty before I bought it. Could not get a printout so did not include the pre-purchase work done on it in my list.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th July, 2004

1998 GMC Jimmy SLS 4.6 Liter Vortec from North America

Summary:

My jimmy was an unreliable money pit

Faults:

Bought the extended warranty 6 years total 120000 km.

Brakes failed at 34000km. Pads and rotors were not machinable at all. All 4 wheels brakes had to be replaced.

Brakes again at 66000km. All the way around, pads and rotors. GM dealer indicated that we did not use the brakes enough. None of the brake work was covered by warranty either time.

Vehicle would not start on many occasions at varying temperatures. If you just wait 15 minutes it will start.

Ball joints upper and lower replaced at 47000km.

4X4 transfer unit replaced at 50000 km.

Ball joints need replacing again at 66000km, pitman arm, lower control / idler arm need replacing. GM won't replace ball joints until.25 inch play in ball joint, hopefully it never lets go while I am driving.

My wife's 1992 Taurus with 220000km is more reliable than our 1998 Jimmy with 66000km.

General Comments:

I was born and raised GM. I have never owned a non GM car. I guess there is a bad apple in every bushel, but this is my last GM.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 28th May, 2004

29th May 2004, 06:24

How does not using the brakes enough cause them to go out? You'd think that not using them would help them to last longer. I think your dealer is full of bull.

7th Jul 2004, 10:12

Not using the brakes often means the rotors build up rust and they become pitted. The dealer was correct in stating this.

1998 GMC Jimmy SLT 4.3 vortec from North America

Summary:

The best vehicle I have owned

Faults:

Absolutely nothing has gone wrong with this car!

General Comments:

This is quite possibly the best car I have owned. Nothing has gone wrong, and that has given me the opportunity to spend my maintenance money on "fun" items. I installed a K&N Air Induction System, which I highly recommend. I use Mobile 1 all synthetic motor oil, and environment friendly coolant. The brakes are ceramic, only a few dollars more than the metal or asbestos and well worth it. I just installed a Carriage Works billet grille. I think proper preventive maintenance and staying ahead of problems is the key to keeping any vehicle in great shape. Those of you that drive a vehicle until it breaks are destined to high maintenance bills and a troublesome vehicle.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th May, 2004