Possible GMC Sierra Purchase

[wlambeth]

I have been considering the purchase of a GMC Sierra pickup.
I'm hoping someone will share their opinions, experiences with this truck.
What typically breaks, how often, that type of thing
I currently own a tundra and never want another toyota vehicle as long as I draw breath! Power door locks constantly break, the installed delco radios have electric shorts, little things like that.

Thank you

 

[winger870]

As you can see from the posts on this forum a lot of people will be saying RUN never by a GMC . No matter what make of vehicle you purchase there will be issues. Just do alot of research in magazines ,consumer reports, internet etc. As for myself I have a 2005 Sierra purchased new, so far it has been pretty good no major problems with the engine,transmission etc.

 

[Bill325]

If you're looking to buy a used truck , don't be fooled by a nice clean body and interior. Have the truck put up on a lift, and check for badly rusted brake lines and fuel lines, and even bad frame rust. And, of course, evidence of collision repair and major fluid leaks are common problems too .

 

[kantkwit]

Four GM trucks in the last 30 years. Bought them new, drove them to 200k miles. Never a bad one. My 2007 just turned 100k miles. It's been perfect. Just do your maintenance, fix what you break and drive them.

 

[mogleybear]

I have a 2012 Crew Cab Work Truck package. I have been happy with it, it has the small (4.8L) V8 with the 4 speed auto. I went with that engine / trans package after reading about numerous issues with the 5.3L and 5 speed auto. Well, I ended up having the torque converter fail at 6K miles. I realize that mine is a work truck package, but I do have to say I am not impressed with amount of noise that makes it to the cab. It is very noisy, wind and tire and just overall noise. I have never ridden in the back seat of it, but passengers that have told me that it is extremely noisy in the back, to the point they can't hear conversations. There is not much room in the back seat given it is the crew cab, not the double cab. I bought the truck primarily for hauling our dogs in the back seat. My parents own a 2010 Ford F150 Crew and it has an amazing amount of room and I know it doesn't compare to the Toyota Tundra Crew. The only other mechanical issue I will say I have is that when in 4 wheel drive at low speeds under slight load, the front driveline has a very loud whine. GM says this is "normal". I haven't had any failures in the driveline but I know the whine is not normal. It has not changed in the 60,000 miles I have driven in though. I live on a dirt road and use it in 4 wheel drive at low speeds almost every day. Like others have said, just make sure you get it checked out if you buy used. I have owned 3 GM's, an 88, 95 and now the 12. No real "major" problems with any of them.

 

[oldfoggie]

2009 GMC Sierra Z71 with 130,000 km

do your research well, I am still waiting to get the bottom of the rear door on the drivers side done I have already had the passenger door done for the same problem and a spot behind the rear wheel well, rusting on the inside of the door seems to be one problem, I have a problem with it not starting every now and again, replaced the battery but it still does it so I took it to a garage and had them check, it appears to be the starter which is all corroded, also found 2 transmission lines leaking and was told if they blow they will create major problems and to keep an eye on the brake lines, keep in mind, this truck only has 130,000 km on it. my 98 Silverado had over 200,000 km and was working good when I sold it. check the wheel wells for rust and the inside of the doors at the bottom, good luck you well get good/bad comments on these forums, until I started having problems I never noticed any other GM's having any then I started looking closer and have chatted with a few who are going through the same problems

 

[dhandler68]

I have been considering the purchase of a GMC Sierra pickup.
I'm hoping someone will share their opinions, experiences with this truck.
What typically breaks, how often, that type of thing
I currently own a tundra and never want another toyota vehicle as long as I draw breath! Power door locks constantly break, the installed delco radios have electric shorts, little things like that.

Thank you

I own a 2011 Sierra 2500HD standard bed with just over 127,000 miles on the counter. You didn't say whether or not you're considering a gas or diesel but as far as owning the diesel and being a full-time RVer hauling a 15,000 lb. fifth wheel, the combination of Duramax and Allison 6-spd transmission have never let me down.

The only issues I've had is the DEF reservoir which has been replaced twice. Once at 41,000 miles (warranty) and again at 124,000 miles (my $1,000 nickel). At just over 50,000 miles a faulty radiator was replaced (GMC did a 50/50 repair bill). If you're buying a diesel I would look long and hard at the major brands to see how their DEF system is holding up. In my mind, GMC engineering for their DEF system isn't up to snuff as issues with the DEF system have been ongoing (this from a couple of GMC service people).

Since I spend a fair amount of time pulling a fifth wheel my overall average mileage is 15.1. And diesel prices (as with fuel prices in general) have been all over the map. When towing I average between 10-11 mpg. Not towing on the highway I average between 22-23 mpg (but I'm not a lead foot either). This has worked out to be about .55/mile.

Sorry to hear of your issues with your Toyota. Prior to the Sierra I was pulling a 32 foot travel trailer with a Tundra Crewmax and absolutely loved the truck - specially the rear seat space. But going to a fifth wheel I needed a diesel and at that time, GMC offered the most for what I needed.

I have to say the back seat noise in the 2011 is like another member posted - noticeably loud and annoying to anyone seated in the rear wishing to converse with people in the front seats. From what I under stand that's been improved upon in later models. One thing that still drives me crazy are the interior sun visors. They don't have much flexibility like the ones we had in a Pathfinder which were two visors in one. They separated to simultaneously block light from the side as well as the front.

No idea what interior extras you need/want. I have cloth bucket seats which have been comfortable on long hauls. Not a lot of bells and whistles. For navigation I rely on a Garmin and honestly, glad I don't have the optional nav system. I have a lifetime update for the Garmin whereas I understand to update the GM nav system is a pricey proposition and only the dealer can do that.

Overall ride and handling? It's still a truck but not at all uncomfortable. Oh, and the tailgate on the 2011 - the Tundra came standard with the power lift gate - open the tailgate, let go and it slowly lowered. The 2011 takes two hands and if you let go, lands with a bang. It also uses more effort to close than the Tundra.

Hope this helps -