Common Issues:
Remember that successful pickup truck shopping involves spending time to research the model you’re after, tracking down a few units to test-drive, and having the one(s) you’re most interested in inspected by a professional.
Arrive at your test-drives prepared to spend some time inspecting the used Sierra you’re considering in several key areas.
  GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado, 2007-2013. Click image to enlarge |
Start by inspecting the body for signs of rust, particularly around the edges of the tailgate, hood and doors. Open the front doors and feel the carpeting under the front floor mats for signs of moisture, which could be caused by a leaky windshield seal and / or plugged sunroof vent tubes. Check the rear seating area for moisture, too.
Spend a few minutes cycling through any features and controls that operate on electricity within the cabin, confirming proper operation of the power / climate-controlled seats (if equipped), power windows, sunroof, sliding rear window, air conditioner and stereo system. Finally, check the dashboard for any signs of cracking, which isn’t a totally uncommon problem.
Inspect the shape of the tires, and get underneath the truck (or have a mechanic get it on a hoist) and scan the underside for signs of leaks, dents, excessive rust, or other damage. Note that a pre-purchase mechanical inspection can more than pay for itself if it saves you buying a pickup that’s about to need some serious (Read: “Expensive”) work.
Note that engine oil consumption with earlier models in this generation is well documented. The issue seems most common on the 5.3L engine and may be linked to operation of the Active Fuel Management (AFM) cylinder-deactivation system.
  GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado, 2007-2013. Click image to enlarge |
Though it’s unclear if the problem was massively widespread, shoppers are advised to check the oil condition and level ahead of their purchase, and to confirm that the seller was fond of doing the same on a regular basis. Note that the 4.3L, 4.8L and 6.2L engines in this generation of Sierra didn’t have this cylinder-deactivating technology.
Shoppers are advised to listen for unwanted ‘clicking’ or ‘clacking’ noises from the top of the engine (ie, the valve lifters), with the hood open and engine idling. Unwanted sounds like these could indicate problems, possibly related to the oil consumption issue.
A dealer may make provisions to monitor oil consumption if the Sierra you choose is still under warranty. Some owners have had luck in getting dealers to correct the issue. Others haven’t. More information at this link. Note that by 2010, it seems that revisions had been made to rectify these problems.
Check the instrument cluster and message centre for any warning notifications or ‘check engine’ lights as well.
Ensure proper operation of the cruise control system, too. Numerous owners have reported issues with cruise control failure. Thankfully, the common fix is simply to replace the brake-light switch, which is a cheap and easily replaced part. More information here.
