potential problems when a truck sits unused?

[RubyCamaro]

Okay after a long time thinking about it and for a number of reasons I have decided to buy my father's 2002 GMC Sierra 4WD extended cab truck. My husband's Yukon now has 130k miles on it & things are starting to break. We had to replace the fuel pump & water pump recently. Most of the speakers are blown, the power locks don't work, the windshield washer bottle leaks, etc. I can get daddy's truck for $11,000 which is a pretty good price. The body is in good shape, the interior is very clean & it has never been in any accidents. It only 25k miles on it but it has been sitting idle much of the time for the past 2+ years. Just driven occasionally.

Okay so here is the question. What problems should we be looking for in a truck that has sat idle that much that we might not think of? . Here is a pic. Thoughts?

[_Nick_]

Originally Posted by RubyCamaro

It only 25k miles on it but it has been sitting idle much of the time for the past 2+ years. Just driven occasionally.

Okay so here is the question. What problems should we be looking for in a truck that has sat idle that much that we might not think of? .

Fill the tank with fresh gas, and change the oil and all the fluids.

My Trans Am has pretty much sat idle outside for the past 4 years, and less than 1000 miles has been put on it in that time. It starts up every time, save for the battery being dead occasionally. It's also 15+ years older, so I can't imagine you'll have problems with a truck that new with low miles.

Here is a pic. Thoughts?

Nice looking truck. I like that body style.

[CHMSC]

If its been driven a little here and there the seals should be in good shape. Change all the fluids, hoses and belts if they are bad and you should be ok. Doesn't ever hurt to have a TRUSTWORTHY mechanic take a look at it.

[77rs]

My '97 F-150 has under 11,000 miles. Sometimes only drive it once a month. Gas tank always full- with stablizer- no problems- battery maintainer. Watch the old tires for degrading.

[RubyCamaro]

Thanks guys. So far pretty much the stuff we were thinking. Any other thoughts or suggestions are welcome.

[King Sun]

yeah I would buy your dads truck. By the time you get everything fixed in the yukon you will be 3g's in the hole.

[DGthe3]

If its been used, even lightly, over the past couple years I woudn't worry too much. If it had just been sitting there, that'd be a different story. Seals degraded, parts rust & seize, rubber hardens ... all sorts of little things that can add up to quite a few issues. But if its been driven every few weeks, most of that type of should be taken care of. As others have said, replace the fluids & have a trustworthy mechanic check it out to be sure but I don't think you'd be in for too many surprises.

[KILLER74Z28]

Give it the once over and if everything looks good, "Drive It"...

Most likely everything is fine.

[LimaCharlie]

I don't think anything is wrong. I've been using my 2004 Silverado much less ever since I got the Camaro 2 years ago. It has been dead reliable. I would go over the truck and give it new fluids though (oil, transmission, coolant, power steering, rear end gear oil). Used vehicles all have different stories. If the previous owner took care of it, you should have minimal problems.

[MMC]

I have an 87 Chevy 4x4 that has 12K on it and I only put around 300 miles on it a year now and it's just like new. Never any problems, I drive my 2002 Silverado Z-71 once or twice a week and no problems it hes 45k on it.I would guess from reading your posts and your love of cars (Ruby) you got that from someone, I would assume Dad takes care of the truck so, I would snatch it up in a heartbeat. "Chevy Runs Deep"

[montreal2010yellow]

Most of what is written here is OK but I'm coming back on the tires. Get a mechanic look at them and see if the are either originals or over 5 years old. Old tire deteriorate after a while and they harden loosing confort and mostly....traction.

[v6sonoma]

Hmm... could probably use a new exhaust, CAI, headers, tune... Wait, sorry thought we were talking about a Camaro.

Just make sure to put fresh fluids in it and you should be fine.

[RubyCamaro]

Going to go get it & check it out tomorrow. I think it will be fine. I'll let you know. Thanks everyone. Let me know if you think of anything else I chould be sure to check.

[MMC]

Originally Posted by v6sonoma

Hmm... could probably use a new exhaust, CAI, headers, tune... Wait, sorry thought we were talking about a Camaro.

GMPP does sell a heads & cam kit for the 5.3 .

Check out the transfer case, they need to get used once in a while or they get tough to operate sometimes.