Gas tank leak and fuel lines needed replacing at 164,000kms.
A/C condenser got a leak around 170,000kms.
Hard brake lines are rusting out badly, will need replacing within 10,000K.
Transmission makes a deep rattling sound when the engine is cold and at a stop.
Transmission began hard shifting during a 4hr road trip, but the problem went away.
A few burnt out lights on the climate controls.
Various paint flaking, but still holding up well for a 11 year old truck.
I got this truck basically stock and added a small lift kit and 31" tires. Everything worked well with the truck and there hasn't been any major problems during my year of ownership.
The 4.3 is a strong engine, but better off for mini-truck and not the full-size models.
My model is 2WD. It handles well even in the winter as long as there is a good set of tires on the truck. I run BFG-A/T.
The interior is bland but still comfortable. The stock bench seat is of good quality and the upholstery still looks brand new.
The truck handles very well and is a comfortable cruiser. I get anywhere between 14-16 MPG city, and usually 20mpg on the highway depending on speed.
Although the gas mileage is not that great for a V6 the truck makes up for it in the fact that it is very cheap to maintain. By just doing regular maintenance I bet this truck will go 300,000KMS + no problem.
UPDATE:
Hey I wrote this review, I would like to update it.
The truck now was 182000KMS and last night the transmission went out on it. It began slipping on the freeway then spewed tranny fluid out everywhere (very burnt smell and dark brown). Going to the mechanic to see if it can be rebuilt or must be replaced.
Kind of disappointed as the mileage is so low. I don't tow anything with it but as with any used car I don't know its history. Gas mileage has been 16MPG city AND highway. Possibly its so low on the highway due to the failing transmission. I'll update when I get the diagnosis and price to fix.
UPDATE #2.
$1775 to fix plus tax (rebuild, new torque converter, new flywheel). Shifting better now and gas mileage seems to be slightly better. Going on a 8hr road trip this weekend so lets see how it holds up.
UPDATE #3.
March 19-2009.
Well winter is over. I got it all cleaned up and there's a bit of rust showing on the bottom of the doors. Otherwise the truck has held up well considering I didn't get an oil spray this winter. I'm almost at 190,000 KM's now. No new problems to report! The GMC lives on...
Going to replace the ball joints in coming months, they're not worn out at all, but it seems like some good preventative maintenance.
Update #4 @ DEC 15-2009.
Had to replace the alternator last week. While driving I was having voltage drops from the normal 14 to 10. Suspected the voltage regulator was broken, which is an internal part of the alternator. Overall really easy to do yourself, approximately 20 minutes (removal+installation) and $170 total for a brand new (NOT rebuilt) alternator.
Currently at 204500 KMS and no problems.
Note: A Comments RSS Feed is available. New comments appear in the Members Area before the main site