Looking at a 2013 Tahoe LT, replacing my old 2005 (sniff, sniff)

[dcastine]

Hi Folks, I'm afraid the time has come to say goodbye to my old 2005 Tahoe LT (123k miles, runs/drives like new) - she's getting too rusty and the state probably won't pass it again at sticker time.

Anyway - I'm looking at a low mile 2013 LT with 60k miles, she's in really great shape, super clean underneath, and the interior is in great shape. It's a one owner car that seems to have been taken care of but there is rust in the areas right behind the front bumper, radiator support area (see pics). Is this common? Should I concern myself with it? Thanks for your input - stay safe. Dave

 

[tom3]

I'd be surprised to see rust in that area and not a lot of the same further back. Kind of amazes me how these vehicles (and trucks) rust underneath in the snow belt and coastal areas.

 

[dcastine]

Same here, the undercarriage of this truck is crazy clean. It's like it was dipped into salt water - nose first. I love my 05, but she's rusty from to back, rockers, rear qtrs - it's too bad, she runs amazing, has low miles, and can drive it anywhere.... (rust never sleeps)

 

[Joseph Garcia]

That could be a slow coolant leak, if the rust area is confined to the immediate radiator area.

Regarding the power steering line, mine looked exactly like that, but my mechanism said that it was OK. It continued to bother me, and ultimately I had him change it out anyway, along the the pump itself.

 

[dcastine]

Thanks Guys - I passed on the truck.

 

[Geotrash]

Thanks Guys - I passed on the truck.

Good call - that thing was a ticking rust bomb. You would be money ahead to locate a handful in a dry climate city like Phoenix or Houston, fly down there and bring home the one you like best.

 

[dcastine]

Good call - that thing was a ticking rust bomb. You would be money ahead to locate a handful in a dry climate city like Phoenix or Houston, fly down there and bring home the one you like best.

My existing truck, man I love this thing. But she needs help. I only use this to chase car parts and run to home depot and the dump. I think I'll just get her patched up - she only has 120k on it.

 

[Geotrash]

My existing truck, man I love this thing. But she needs help. I only use this to chase car parts and run to home depot and the dump. I think I'll just get her patched up - she only has 120k on it.

Pfffftt...easy fixes for a decent shop. They make patch panels for the area behind the rear wheels and replacement rockers. Or if you're handy with a welder, even better!

Rear Lower Quarter Patch Panel Set Fit for 00-06 Chevy GMC Left &Right Both Side | eBay

They provide the underlying structure upon which the outward appearance of the vehicle depends. A Replace fender component will look and fit just like a fender component from the dealer. 2 pcs Rear Lower Quarter Patch.

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Lh Rh 2000-2006 Tahoe And Yukon Inner Outer Rockers With Quarter Front Sections | eBay

Inner rockers panels require NO modification and are exact fit. Whether you need to replace a lower front quarter panel, a wheel arch or a lower rear quarter, we have the parts that you’re looking for.

www.ebay.com