$3,600
Mt Holly, New Jersey
Category
-
Mileage
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Posted Over 1 Month
1997 GMC Sierra K2500
6.5L Turbo Diesel
4x4
Tow Package
Spray-in Bed Liner with diamond plate bed rails
Hitch and receiver rated for up to 12,000 lbs. (Pintle hook with 2-5/16 inch diameter ball)
128K Miles
$3600 OBO
I purchased this truck in 2010 to get out in the woods for hunting where the roads weren‘t much to speak of and for occasional hauling. For a while I had a 16' enclosed trailer that it easily pulled filled along with a full truck bed. Whenever it snowed, we drove the truck. It handled beautifully with the 4-wheel drive. When it rains and the bed is empty, I usually put in in H4 and don’t have any problems keeping from sliding, whereas traction in 2x4 can sometimes be a challenge without any weight over the rear axle.
It is a strong truck with a smooth ride and good acceleration. It *starts right up every time with no smoke. It is in good mechanical condition with a sturdy frame. Both the automatic transmission and 4x4 shift smoothly between gears and high/low settings. The power steering and power brakes work well.
*When the weather is really cold, the truck starts right up with no smoke after letting the "Wait to Start" button stop flashing, turning off the engine and letting it warm up and stop flashing for a second time. That reminds me, I never did find a place to plug in an extension cord for an engine warmer, but there may be one up under the bumper. Someone told me all diesels have them, but I'm not so sure.
For anyone new to turbo diesels, it is important take time when starting and stopping the engine. Before starting, turn the key to power up the gauges, but hold off on starting until the "Wait to Start" light turns off to let the glow plugs warm up. It is also important to let the turbo depressurize before turning off the engine by either driving slowly at the end of the drive or idling for a couple minutes. Starting the engine cold could blow the glow plugs and running the turbo hard before shutting off the engine could build up enough pressure to damage the turbo. Both the glow plugs and turbo on this truck work well.
The truck was purchased without AC and the paint was in fair condition. It was a fleet vehicle, and possibly a paint truck. There is paint spatter and quite a few dings and scrapes in the paint all around. Even without AC, the heat and blower work fine.
There is a GMC design flaw that was corrected three years ago involving a heat sink that was installed too close to the fuel pump. The heat coming off the heat sink can cause the fuel pump to overheat resulting in the engine shutting off while driving. The heat sink was relocated away from the fuel pump to prevent any problems in the future.
The brakes and brake lines were replaced last year along with repair of a small exhaust leak between the cab and the bed. The ABS light started going on and off last year and has been on all the time since the spring. My mechanic described a box that transfers power to the wheel that is slipping if traction is lost. They suggested it was not worth trying to have it rebuilt and that pumping the brakes would do the same thing as the ABS if a slight give was felt in the brake pedal. The power brakes work great and I haven't had any problems or noticed much of a difference with braking since the light went on.
The oil cooler and lines were replaced in July 2014 along with the main drive belt and two new Interstate batteries. The engine is clean. The tires are still good, but may need to be replaced before too long. If I didn't need the extra seating space, I would keep it and do something with the paint.
This spring I started using this truck as my daily driver when my wife got rid of her car and started driving mine. I put off selling the truck, but having a toddler in a car seat sitting next to me has been motivation to purchase another vehicle. I was going back and forth about getting another car because I enjoy driving the truck. I finally settled on a late-model, lighter duty truck with second row seating.
If you are looking for a diesel workhorse with 4 wheel drive, this is the truck for you. Where else can you find a heavy duty diesel that isn’t rotted out, with new brake lines, a good exhaust and plenty of miles left on the engine for such a low price? I couldn’t when I was in the market and this GMC 2500 has served me well ever since. My hope is it will do the same for you.
By the way, this vehicle has the added bonus of being currently exempt from NJ inspections.
