Some things to consider if buying a high-mileage GMT800

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rv8pilot

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In August of 2015 I acquired a 2001 Yukon XL that had 231,000 miles on the clock. This vehicle was owned by a friend who I thought had kept it up well based on his education and job profession. Imagine my surprise to find out he had only changed the engine oil regularly and fixed whatever broke (himself). No preventative maintenance of any kind. I have kept a record of the expenses incurred along with a brief description so those of you who acquire one of these with high mileage can see what might need to be done. I am not sorry to have had to do this amount of work as it is in great shape now and should go for a long time yet. The engine and tranny are remarkably good, thanks to the original use of synthetic lubricants, which I have used wherever possible. Some things are listed that were inspections or non-cost items. The list follows as imported from MS Word:


2001 GMC Yukon 231,000 miles at acquisition 8/11/2015

Services and repairs performed restarting the service clock: (Rounded parts cost)

1-Check ball joints, steering linkage, etc. Ok for now.

2-Check exhaust system. Ok. O2 sensors read as ok on OBD.

3-Flush/bleed brakes. Includes HF vacuum bleeder. ($30) ($47)

4-Flush power steering. (Partial) ($7)

5-Flush automatic transmission. (Four and one half gallons of Castrol

Transmax fluid) and filter. ($120)

6-Flush cooling system. (Three gallons of Dex-Cool.) ($52)

7-Check EGR, replace PCV. (New gasket on EGR) ($12)

8-Change differential oil. ($10)

9-Replace Alternator w/130 amp unit. ($133)

10-Replace Water Pump. ($119)

11-Replace spark plugs ($54)

12-Replace Daytime Running Light sockets (2), left marker light and left

turn signal sockets. Replace left & right marker bulbs w/LEDs. ($70)

13-Grease chassis.

14-Change oil and filter. (6 qts Castrol High-mileage 10W-30 oil) ($35)

15-Replace main tensioner and idler pulleys. Replace A/C tensioner pulley. ($57)

16-Replace left and right turn signal/DRL/side marker clusters & fog lights. ($71)

17-Replace cabin air filter. (Box of two, one used) ($5)

18-Replace tires. (Goodyear P265/70R-16 fuel efficient) (?) ($590)

19-Install window vent shields to reduce interior heat. Plastic “C” pillar

badges have melted from the heat. ($49)

20-Replace rear suspension bumper stops. ($47)

21-Replace fuel filter. ($4)

22-Buff out and clear coat headlight clusters. NG, Replace w/new units. ($68)

23-Replace headlight lamps w/Xenon lamps (two pair) ($44]

24-Replace rear transmission seal. ($5)

25-Check ABS module board for solder defects. None found. Still DTC codes.

26-Check wiper blades. Ok. Leave for next year

27-Replace left and right front wheel hub assemblies. ($275)

28-Remove front blower motor, clean out leaves, clean & lube motor/fan.

29-Adjust sunroof panel, clean and silicone grease to stop leak. Pull fuse.

30-Tools & materials to remove side panel tape residue. ($70)

31-A/C valve cores and caps. ($14)

32-Bolt removal tool. (Water pump) ($28)

33-Title transfer, plates, extortion, etc. ($200)

34-Plastic body rivets. (several sizes) ($10)

35-Launch Creader VIII OBD II CRP129 Diagnostic Tester. ($200)

36-Repair/replace fabric on sunroof panel. ($15)

37-Remove rust and recoat battery tray w/truck bed coating. ($15)

38-Replace rear washer pump, repair tubing. ($15)

39-Replace oil pressure sender/switch. ($35)

40-Replace ABS sensor in transmission tailpiece. ($25)

41-Remove and check spare tire, clean & paint wheel w/Rust Oleum.

42-Undercoat rusty frame areas. (3 cans) ($34)

43-Replace all five brake hoses, flush and bleed system. ($67)

44-Replace CHMSL, clean mount. ($40)

45-Replace Upper Intermediate Steering Shaft. ($48)

46-Replace Lower Intermediate Steering Shaft (or “Coupling” per GM). ($102)

47-Have A/C serviced (flush, evacuate, charge w/2.7# - 134A, C. Kuss) ($185)

48-Replace front Bump Stops. (GM #15153958 Control Arm Bumper, Front) ($44)

49-Replace rear window lift struts (pair). ($25)

50-Purchased gallon of Havoline Power Steering Fluid for flush, done 11/15 ($17)

51-Wet sand and polish tail light lenses.

52-Install back up camera and monitor. ($65)

53-Replace shock absorbers (4 Gabriel Ultra) ($117)

54-Replace transmission fluid w/3gal Valvoline Dex VI Synthetic (11/15) ($92)

55-Replace differential fluid w/4qts Full Synthetic 75-140 fluid (11/15) ($75)

56-Replace U-Joints w/McQuay-Norris (11/15) ($60)

57-Replace oil pan gasket (Fel-Pro) ($52)

58-Replace rear main seal and cover gasket (Fel-Pro) (Pull tranny) ($25)

59-Replace front transmission seal while tranny out. ($6)

60-Purchase intake manifold/valley cover gasket set (Victor Reinz) ($64)

61-Replace trans neutral safety/backup switch (broke pulling trans) ($31)

62-Replace fr & rr windshield washer hoses (Dorman 924-251) (11/15) ($44)

63-Rebuild ABS Module by CheapABS.Com 12/15, no DTC codes ($150)

64-New Battery, Advance Auto, #78, 825 CCA @ 32 F, 3 yr. replacement ($140)

65-Replace front sway bar links (2) 12/15 ($12)

66-Replace rear blower control module 1/16 ($51)

67-Replace rear blower motor/fan 1/16 Rear A/C working well ($55)

68-Purchased R&L upper & lower ball joints, rear stabilizer links

and knock sensors (2). Installed ball joints 1/16, rear links 5/16 ($120)

69-Weather stripping for rear blower assy. ($11)

70-Replace lower control arm to shock absorber bushings (2) 1/16 ($22)

71-Replace driver’s leather seat cover 2/16 ($158)

72-Replace L&R Taillights with LED units 3/16 ($95)

73-Installed load resistor assy on tail & stoplights ($23)

74-Purchased Idler and Pitman Arm 5/16 ($30)

75-Installed Hydra-Boost in place of Vacuum Boost for brakes 5/16 ($210)

76-Installed Power Stop Evolution Z-23 rotors and pads 5/16, 233,700 ($124)

77-Installed knock sensors, removed and cleaned valley cover and sensor wells,

sealed knock sensors and wells w/RTV, installed new gaskets on cover and

manifold & new injector o-rings. All parts purchased earlier.

Codes cleared, no SES light. 6/16

Total $4984
 

05Single

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Wow that's a big chunk of change. I guess spread out over a year and a half aint bad. Good for a reference. Wondering which parts
were bought locally and which were bought online.
 
OP
OP
rv8pilot

rv8pilot

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The vast (very vast) majority were bought online, mostly from Rock Auto, after seeing how much the local folks (Advantage) charged. A few things were bought online from Summit Racing ( Powerstop brakes) and others. A reference is what I intended, although obviously your mileage may vary. I'm pretty **** about my mechanical stuff so there is a lot that many people would probably let go, and of course I had "New Car Syndrome" and wanted it right. These days I'm a lot slower to jump on something just because its a bit off. As an example, in the fall I got a C0265 code which may or may not be the ABS module fixed by CheapABS.com. He's more than willing to take it back and check it out but I haven't got a round tuit yet. Too much house fixup at the moment.

Here in sunny So. Fla I have to get all the outside maintenance done in what passes for winter here, currently lasting about three months. I was fortunate (?) to get the Yook about as cheap as you can get something, he was about to donate it but gave it to me. If I had known what I was getting into I probably would have passed on it. There were known issues such as a very noisy water pump, looesy-goosey steering, bad oil leak(s), etc. I had a $1500 fixup budget which went pretty quick but to me I would rather be comfortable in the knowledge that its in very good shape now. Auto mech is a hobby with me as well so I consider dropping $5K into a hobby not too big a deal and I also get to communicate with all the great folks on this forum as well as having a neat ride. Took it on a 650 mile trip recently in the ****** of summer without a bit of trouble or concern, other than the lousy mileage of course.
 

mmeachem

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In August of 2015 I acquired a 2001 Yukon XL that had 231,000 miles on the clock. This vehicle was owned by a friend who I thought had kept it up well based on his education and job profession. Imagine my surprise to find out he had only changed the engine oil regularly and fixed whatever broke (himself). No preventative maintenance of any kind. I have kept a record of the expenses incurred along with a brief description so those of you who acquire one of these with high mileage can see what might need to be done. I am not sorry to have had to do this amount of work as it is in great shape now and should go for a long time yet. The engine and tranny are remarkably good, thanks to the original use of synthetic lubricants, which I have used wherever possible. Some things are listed that were inspections or non-cost items. The list follows as imported from MS Word:


2001 GMC Yukon 231,000 miles at acquisition 8/11/2015

Services and repairs performed restarting the service clock: (Rounded parts cost)

1-Check ball joints, steering linkage, etc. Ok for now.

2-Check exhaust system. Ok. O2 sensors read as ok on OBD.

3-Flush/bleed brakes. Includes HF vacuum bleeder. ($30) ($47)

4-Flush power steering. (Partial) ($7)

5-Flush automatic transmission. (Four and one half gallons of Castrol

Transmax fluid) and filter. ($120)

6-Flush cooling system. (Three gallons of Dex-Cool.) ($52)

7-Check EGR, replace PCV. (New gasket on EGR) ($12)

8-Change differential oil. ($10)

9-Replace Alternator w/130 amp unit. ($133)

10-Replace Water Pump. ($119)

11-Replace spark plugs ($54)

12-Replace Daytime Running Light sockets (2), left marker light and left

turn signal sockets. Replace left & right marker bulbs w/LEDs. ($70)

13-Grease chassis.

14-Change oil and filter. (6 qts Castrol High-mileage 10W-30 oil) ($35)

15-Replace main tensioner and idler pulleys. Replace A/C tensioner pulley. ($57)

16-Replace left and right turn signal/DRL/side marker clusters & fog lights. ($71)

17-Replace cabin air filter. (Box of two, one used) ($5)

18-Replace tires. (Goodyear P265/70R-16 fuel efficient) (?) ($590)

19-Install window vent shields to reduce interior heat. Plastic “C” pillar

badges have melted from the heat. ($49)

20-Replace rear suspension bumper stops. ($47)

21-Replace fuel filter. ($4)

22-Buff out and clear coat headlight clusters. NG, Replace w/new units. ($68)

23-Replace headlight lamps w/Xenon lamps (two pair) ($44]

24-Replace rear transmission seal. ($5)

25-Check ABS module board for solder defects. None found. Still DTC codes.

26-Check wiper blades. Ok. Leave for next year

27-Replace left and right front wheel hub assemblies. ($275)

28-Remove front blower motor, clean out leaves, clean & lube motor/fan.

29-Adjust sunroof panel, clean and silicone grease to stop leak. Pull fuse.

30-Tools & materials to remove side panel tape residue. ($70)

31-A/C valve cores and caps. ($14)

32-Bolt removal tool. (Water pump) ($28)

33-Title transfer, plates, extortion, etc. ($200)

34-Plastic body rivets. (several sizes) ($10)

35-Launch Creader VIII OBD II CRP129 Diagnostic Tester. ($200)

36-Repair/replace fabric on sunroof panel. ($15)

37-Remove rust and recoat battery tray w/truck bed coating. ($15)

38-Replace rear washer pump, repair tubing. ($15)

39-Replace oil pressure sender/switch. ($35)

40-Replace ABS sensor in transmission tailpiece. ($25)

41-Remove and check spare tire, clean & paint wheel w/Rust Oleum.

42-Undercoat rusty frame areas. (3 cans) ($34)

43-Replace all five brake hoses, flush and bleed system. ($67)

44-Replace CHMSL, clean mount. ($40)

45-Replace Upper Intermediate Steering Shaft. ($48)

46-Replace Lower Intermediate Steering Shaft (or “Coupling” per GM). ($102)

47-Have A/C serviced (flush, evacuate, charge w/2.7# - 134A, C. Kuss) ($185)

48-Replace front Bump Stops. (GM #15153958 Control Arm Bumper, Front) ($44)

49-Replace rear window lift struts (pair). ($25)

50-Purchased gallon of Havoline Power Steering Fluid for flush, done 11/15 ($17)

51-Wet sand and polish tail light lenses.

52-Install back up camera and monitor. ($65)

53-Replace shock absorbers (4 Gabriel Ultra) ($117)

54-Replace transmission fluid w/3gal Valvoline Dex VI Synthetic (11/15) ($92)

55-Replace differential fluid w/4qts Full Synthetic 75-140 fluid (11/15) ($75)

56-Replace U-Joints w/McQuay-Norris (11/15) ($60)

57-Replace oil pan gasket (Fel-Pro) ($52)

58-Replace rear main seal and cover gasket (Fel-Pro) (Pull tranny) ($25)

59-Replace front transmission seal while tranny out. ($6)

60-Purchase intake manifold/valley cover gasket set (Victor Reinz) ($64)

61-Replace trans neutral safety/backup switch (broke pulling trans) ($31)

62-Replace fr & rr windshield washer hoses (Dorman 924-251) (11/15) ($44)

63-Rebuild ABS Module by CheapABS.Com 12/15, no DTC codes ($150)

64-New Battery, Advance Auto, #78, 825 CCA @ 32 F, 3 yr. replacement ($140)

65-Replace front sway bar links (2) 12/15 ($12)

66-Replace rear blower control module 1/16 ($51)

67-Replace rear blower motor/fan 1/16 Rear A/C working well ($55)

68-Purchased R&L upper & lower ball joints, rear stabilizer links

and knock sensors (2). Installed ball joints 1/16, rear links 5/16 ($120)

69-Weather stripping for rear blower assy. ($11)

70-Replace lower control arm to shock absorber bushings (2) 1/16 ($22)

71-Replace driver’s leather seat cover 2/16 ($158)

72-Replace L&R Taillights with LED units 3/16 ($95)

73-Installed load resistor assy on tail & stoplights ($23)

74-Purchased Idler and Pitman Arm 5/16 ($30)

75-Installed Hydra-Boost in place of Vacuum Boost for brakes 5/16 ($210)

76-Installed Power Stop Evolution Z-23 rotors and pads 5/16, 233,700 ($124)

77-Installed knock sensors, removed and cleaned valley cover and sensor wells,

sealed knock sensors and wells w/RTV, installed new gaskets on cover and

manifold & new injector o-rings. All parts purchased earlier.

Codes cleared, no SES light. 6/16

Total $4984
Great list for people to refer to. Should run like a champ!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

southboundchicken

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If you have over 200k miles on front end components you need to change them .... they may seem ok but trust me when you change them your gonna be surprised how much tighter the truck is.... don't forget control arm bushings either ...... that rubber is hard and dry
 

Illnasty

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Damn that's a lot of work. I'm glad I keep up with my maintenance on my 02 but I'm only doing oil changes from here on out. If something breaks and it's over $1500 to repair, it's going to the grave. 251k on it but I think it's gonna go quite far.
 

Martinjmpr

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My only question would be about the wisdom of flushing the transmission. I thought the "conventional wisdom" on modern automatic transmissions was that if the transmission hadn't been flushed prior to 100k miles it was better to just drain and replace fluid rather than flush, the concern being that flushing can push debris further into the transmission leading to potential for failure? At least on my old Toyota I know that was the rule.

Of course, my transmission went out at 149,000 miles (lost gears 3-4) so maybe that doesn't make a difference?
 

inmypassatlife

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Wow that's a big chunk of change. I guess spread out over a year and a half aint bad. Good for a reference. Wondering which parts
were bought locally and which were bought online.
$4984/18=$277/mo
 
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