Looking at GMC 2009 2500HD 4x4 diesel

[Captain_Skippy]

Monday I'm going to look at a fairly low mileage GMC 2009 2500HD diesel 4x4. It supposed to have the factory tow package which I want. Does this package have the factory installed electronic trailer brake? It is at a GMC dealer and is a "certified" vehicle. Anything else to look for or ask about? Dealer will provide carfax.
Thanks.

[kw_00]

Congrats on the new truck!

[Captain_Skippy]

Went to look at a 2008 GMC 2500HD SLE diesel/duramax with 127,000 miles but scored a 2012 GMC 2500HD SLT diesel duramax with 67,000! God is good! Totally love this truck. It's already set up for a fifth wheel even though I have a bumper pull. I'll save those parts for the future. The truck is factory certified and I even got a 3 year bumper to bumper factory warranty fairly cheap. I am the proverbial happy camper.

[sushidog]

The trick is to get it at a good price, so you will have money available for repairs if needed. Last year I purchased an 08 F-250 supercab long bed. I got it at a really good price ($11k - blue book was $17k) so had the money to purchase a $1,000 year warranty - just in case that 6.4l with 109k miles gave up the ghost. I was fortunate and didn't need to use it, but if I did, I had peace of mind cause Diesel engine repairs are very expensive. My truck was leased to a construction company, so I knew that the maintenance was performed at the manufacturer's recommended service interval - as that was a condition of the lease. If it was a privately owned vehicle I would carefully inspect the service record. A good owner will keep meticulous receipts. If this is not available from the dealer, the lack of said documentation is a good bargaining tool to get the price down, or get the dealer to give you a warranty with your purchase.

Chip

[gmcsmoke]

Captain Skippy wrote:
Second Chance right now I have an 06 Silverado 4x4 with tow package and quad cab. The bumper tow camper I have loaded and ready weight is near the max for the current truck. We were in the mountains a few weeks ago and it struggled. This is a new camper and substantially heavier than the one we had. I figured it's best to upgrade trucks while the 06 is in good shape. Plus I can use the diesel around our farm.
The carfax info scares me now. The truck is a trade they took in, not sure if they sold it originally. They've offered a reasonable cost GM warranty which seems like a good idea since one major repair could cost more than the warranty.

I'm assuming it's a half ton? Cause they kept the same frame from 2001-2010. If you're jumping up to a 3/4 ton you'll be good. Trans cooler lines are an easy fix.

[Second_Chance]

Captain Skippy wrote:
Second Chance right now I have an 06 Silverado 4x4 with tow package and quad cab. The bumper tow camper I have loaded and ready weight is near the max for the current truck. We were in the mountains a few weeks ago and it struggled. This is a new camper and substantially heavier than the one we had. I figured it's best to upgrade trucks while the 06 is in good shape. Plus I can use the diesel around our farm.
The carfax info scares me now. The truck is a trade they took in, not sure if they sold it originally. They've offered a reasonable cost GM warranty which seems like a good idea since one major repair could cost more than the warranty.

You will be SO happy with the diesel in the mountains! We went from an '05 5.3 gas with a 4-speed to the Duramax/Allison 6-speed and there is no comparison. Check it out, buy it, and enjoy!

[Halmfamily]

The only thing I would check is for a leaky transmission cooler line. The OEM had plastic fittings and would leak at the cooler. There is a TSB on this and dealer should be able to replace at no charge with a new and improved lines with metal fittings.

Check just up under the left had side of the radiator. It does not leak enough while sitting to puddle but you can feel the oil on the fitting.

[Captain_Skippy]

Second Chance right now I have an 06 Silverado 4x4 with tow package and quad cab. The bumper tow camper I have loaded and ready weight is near the max for the current truck. We were in the mountains a few weeks ago and it struggled. This is a new camper and substantially heavier than the one we had. I figured it's best to upgrade trucks while the 06 is in good shape. Plus I can use the diesel around our farm.
The carfax info scares me now. The truck is a trade they took in, not sure if they sold it originally. They've offered a reasonable cost GM warranty which seems like a good idea since one major repair could cost more than the warranty.

[IDman]

Carfax doesn't always have the facts right so be careful. I recently traded a vehicle and, a few weeks later, saw the dealer advertise it. Said it had Carfax. Out of curiosity I read the Carfax and it sounded like a different vehicle!

First of all, it had the wrong city of purchase (missed by 150 miles!) Next, it said vehicle was never in a wreck, even though it was in a major wreck 5 months ago! All of the dealer service visits for several major mechanical repairs over the last year were shown as "oil changes", not the $1000 and $900 actual repairs.

Be careful.

[Second_Chance]

Captain Skippy,

Don't know where in SC you are... might be just down the road from us!

You didn't say what you plan to tow/haul with your truck. All of the U.S. truck manufacturers have increased their GVWR, GRAWR, and GCVWR over the last ten years or so. Check the door sticker on the truck, weigh it if you can (specifically the rear axle weight with full fuel and all passengers), and make sure it will have the payload you need/want. I was surprised - even with a 2013 2500HD - that the payload was my limiting factor. That Duramax/Allison combination is a workhorse and will pull anything - you'll just be limited by the max pin weight if you're planning on pulling a fifth wheel... should be able to tow most anything if you're talking conventional hitch/travel trailer.

Forgot to mention - the Silverados/Sierras with the Durmax don't stay on the lots long if they're in decent shape and priced right. We had very nice used one get away from us in less than 24 hours. Just sayin'...

[rhagfo]

Well as a Cummins owner I see the Dmax as the 2nd best Diesel! Look at the maintenance records and if no issues, enjoy!