Looking at a 2018 6.2 with 225K...Good idea or bad

As the title states looking at 2018 XL Denali 4x4 with the 6.2L. It has 225K on it but has always been to the dealership for everything. Priced around $15K

I have read issues with the 6.2L and the issues with the 10 speed but also read how amazing they both are.

My thought is the typical issues I have read about both of them having would have already popped up by now. Dumb thought?

Any feedback on either of these or stuff I need to look for when/if I go look at it? Or should I just keep looking?

I feel like at that mileage, I wouldn't generalize. I'd look at it in person and evaluate the condition, look for leaks, kick the tires and get it inspected by a trusted mechanic. I would be inclined to buy it because I'm likely going to fix any issues myself. Mileage doesn't have to be a deal breaker, but don't be surprised if it get what you pay for.

Can you obtain the CarFax or other documented maintenance and repairs performed on this truck? For this mileage, the transmission should have been rebuilt/replaced, and if not, that expense will surely come. It would also be good to know if the AFM on the motor has been disabled or deleted, as this can become an issue with significant expense to repair.

Myers said:

As the title states looking at 2018 XL Denali 4x4 with the 6.2L. It has 225K on it but has always been to the dealership for everything. Priced around $15K

I have read issues with the 6.2L and the issues with the 10 speed but also read how amazing they both are.

My thought is the typical issues I have read about both of them having would have already popped up by now. Dumb thought?

Any feedback on either of these or stuff I need to look for when/if I go look at it? Or should I just keep looking?

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At that mileage, you're looking at several components that will need replacing/attention soon if they haven't been already. Radiator, alternator, front wheel hubs, brake calipers, fuel pump, intake port cleaning, etc. My guess is it was used for livery work for at least the first 2/3 of that mileage, which is good because livery drivers usually maintain their rigs very well. But, if I'm right then probably has a lot of idling time as well - not many people buy these trucks if they have a 35K mile/year commute. On the other hand, if you can do a mechanical DoD delete, then the rest of the truck can easily go 400K+, and at $15K it's a relatively low financial risk for such a capable vehicle. I'll bet there's some wiggle room in that price, too.

As @Joseph Garcia says, get that Carfax report and find out what's been done to it. Let us know what you find. Also, please let us know how capable you feel toward DIY heavy maintenance work, knowing that you can get great support here. I bought my '07 with 196K meticulously maintained, Arizona miles on it in 2018 for $10K. In the 50K miles since, it has never let us down and turned out to be a great financial decision vs. the cost of a newer one.

If buying from a dealership I would suggest looking into an extended warranty that covers the electrical components. Mechanically the advice above is sound, but since these new cars are rolling computers now a lot of the electrical components come into play as maintenance items as well and those prices can be through the roof.

Put the money into a lower mile less then 75k or spend later for a new engine and transmission. Your truck will not be valuable neither. I say absolutely not unless it has a new engine and transmission with warranty.

I like the responses so far: both sides of the equation.

From experience, I own a 2017 with 165k on the clock and love it. Bluebook is about 17-19k. 6.2L bent a pushrod at 163k, has been fixed and back on the road with OG lifter. I plan to run well past 200k with it at this point. They are solid trucks, way better than the new crap IMO.

Get service records. If they can't/won't provide them, then hit them over the head with a low ball offer. At 15k asking, they probably took it in for 10k on trade (at best), detailed it, and changed the oil. They have NO money in a vehicle with this mileage, they are merely fishing for a buyer.........don't be a sucker.

I say go for it. Mechanically, if it blows up you can get a replacement 6.2/10 speed combo for under $7k.

I would be concerned about checking for damage on other parts - like the rear evap that's exposed under the truck (look under the bumper just behind the passenger rear wheel). All the parts listed by @Geotrash above. Other high mileage components like u-joints, A-Arm bushings, & motor mounts. Time is usually the enemy of bushings, but that's quite a bit of mileage in a short lifespan. Body bushing might soften the cabin ride as well.

That being said, I would buy another even with high mileage as long as the body and interior didn't show the same kind of wear.