How to evaluate a used '99-06 1500 for purchasing...
 

Hey everybody. I'm about to purchase my first truck (so happy), and I need to get some advice on what kind of mechanical inspection I should go through before handing over my $$$. Keeping my eye on a number of listings, but my first choice is a '06 Sierra with the 4.8L, auto trans, and 140k miles. I know to crawl over the entire thing looking for leaks and rust (I'm only searching in the South and West to avoid rust altogether), as well as jacking the wheels up to push on the wheel at 12 and 6, and 3 and 9 to look for play. Check cylinder compression for sure...but what else? Thanks.

Re: How to evaluate a used '99-06 1500 for purchasing...
 

I trust the seat of the pants feel. Ride, steering, brakes. Check for unusual engine sounds, power should be smooth, trans needs to shift smoothly. Roll down the windows and listen for noises from the wheels, driveshaft, rear end, etc. Many noises will change with steering input, on or off throttle. You are smart to avoid the rust belt, I have bought several trucks from Texas to avoid rust.
Greg

Re: How to evaluate a used '99-06 1500 for purchasing...
 

Confirm the cab heater and defrost are working correctly. It's A known issue on these trucks. The whole dash has to be removed to change out the cores, and it's expensive.

Re: How to evaluate a used '99-06 1500 for purchasing...
 

Some of this will be repeat...

Double check the frame for deep rust ... I think the frame is the weak link in these trucks.

As been said ... if its got power windows - door locks - check them out good. Any lights lit on the dash?

Check Fenders and rockers for hidden rust.

AC working well.

Car-Fax

Best wishes for you.

Re: How to evaluate a used '99-06 1500 for purchasing...
 

Keep in mind the years you are looking at may have spent a bunch of years up in the rust belt.
I always recommend taking the truck to a mechanical/body shop and have it inspected by the pros.
Be really wary of new paint and drive train work that don't have the receipts to back up the work.

Re: How to evaluate a used '99-06 1500 for purchasing...
 

Give a good look at the rockers that seems to be one of the first to rust along with above the rear wheel openings..

Re: How to evaluate a used '99-06 1500 for purchasing...
 

Check to see if there are any broken off exhaust manifold bolts. Very common. Repair is a hassle, but not a showstopper. I have done many, all by welding to the broken bolt and eventually backing it out, but it is a pretty terrible job when they are broken off below the height of the aluminum head.

Re: How to evaluate a used '99-06 1500 for purchasing...
 

Purchase a west coast truck. I have never seen one with rusting issues. I have owned the same Silverado for over 20 years. The original seats were really bad. I updated the radio to aftermarket so I have a back up camera and hands off phone abilities. I also replaced the seat with one from a newer Silverado. My truck may be worth more than I paid for it.. Been a great truck.

Re: How to evaluate a used '99-06 1500 for purchasing...
 

Dash clusters are swapped on these all the time for low mileage readings. Mileage is stored in the cluster, not the pcm.

If you don’t run a carfax, you risk paying top dollar for what you think is low mileage but a 250k+ junk.

Also like past C10s, parts are swapped from various years. Learn how to read VINs and RPO codes