I am going to be looking at a 2015 Suburban LTZ next week and was wondering what should I be looking out for? I've had a 2002 for the last ten years and it has been a tank, but is showing it's age. So far from what the seller has told me it sounds like a good vehicle and the pictures look good, but no idea how old they are. He did say that to his knowledge it hasn't been wrecked and that the trans was rebuilt. I have no problem handling maintenance and repairs, I keep my fleet and most of my family's on the road. I've been lurking around here for a few years researching issues on the '02 but decided to register and ask for some knowledge.
2015 buying advice, what to look for?
- Thread starter Chevy_59
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Welcome to the forum from Virginia. How about some pictures of the ‘59 Chevy?
As you know the maintenance records and a carfax report are number 1. Having wrenched on your cars you know where to look for poor maintenance.
How many miles are on it? You might also look at the TSB list for common known issues. Being an LTZ be sure to check the front and rear shocks and struts.
Listen for the lifter tick that’s more common on the 6.2 but can be on the 5.3. If they replaced the transmission get the particulars and see if it came with a warranty. The 8 speed seems to have more trouble reported. The TC can be a problem. Also check the AC as the early models have had condenser issues.
As with any car some folks never have issues and love them whereas others haven’t been so lucky.
As you know the maintenance records and a carfax report are number 1. Having wrenched on your cars you know where to look for poor maintenance.
How many miles are on it? You might also look at the TSB list for common known issues. Being an LTZ be sure to check the front and rear shocks and struts.
Listen for the lifter tick that’s more common on the 6.2 but can be on the 5.3. If they replaced the transmission get the particulars and see if it came with a warranty. The 8 speed seems to have more trouble reported. The TC can be a problem. Also check the AC as the early models have had condenser issues.
As with any car some folks never have issues and love them whereas others haven’t been so lucky.
Joseph Garcia
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Welcome to the Forum from NH.
Lots of knowledgeable folks here who freely share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. Knowledge is power.
I hope that you will become a participating member in the Forum's discussions.
You are already receiving sage advice from the knowledgeable folks on this Forum.
Lots of knowledgeable folks here who freely share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. Knowledge is power.
I hope that you will become a participating member in the Forum's discussions.
You are already receiving sage advice from the knowledgeable folks on this Forum.
ReaperHWK
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Also be aware that with a 2015 you are missing some features the later trucks have. Like wireless charging, CarPlay, and adaptive cruise. Maybe some more?
If I knew what I do now I would have gotten a later model year than the 2015 I have. I added the wireless charging but the CarPlay and adaptive cruise aren’t cheap/easy to add. Just FYI.
If I knew what I do now I would have gotten a later model year than the 2015 I have. I added the wireless charging but the CarPlay and adaptive cruise aren’t cheap/easy to add. Just FYI.
ReaperHWK
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As far as checks:
1) check your mag ride shocks for leaking or blown rear air suspension.
2)if you have a bidirectional code reader bring it and scan all modules. Stored codes could show issues.
3) these trucks have AFM and need good clean oil. Make sure the truck has oil changes often preferably with synthetic.
4)these are also DI engines; oil builds up in the intake and can foul the valves. I’d recommend a catch can.
5) lots of electronics and motors. Check all the power seats, lift gate, etc.
6)cosmetically the hood and roof have paint issues on some trucks. Look for fading and if you do it will get worse and will require a repaint.
7) the LTZ has a lot of electronics and for the most part it will tell you what’s wrong with troubleshooting codes and warnings. If you’re going to work on this in your future invest in a good scan tool; you won’t be able to do much without one.
1) check your mag ride shocks for leaking or blown rear air suspension.
2)if you have a bidirectional code reader bring it and scan all modules. Stored codes could show issues.
3) these trucks have AFM and need good clean oil. Make sure the truck has oil changes often preferably with synthetic.
4)these are also DI engines; oil builds up in the intake and can foul the valves. I’d recommend a catch can.
5) lots of electronics and motors. Check all the power seats, lift gate, etc.
6)cosmetically the hood and roof have paint issues on some trucks. Look for fading and if you do it will get worse and will require a repaint.
7) the LTZ has a lot of electronics and for the most part it will tell you what’s wrong with troubleshooting codes and warnings. If you’re going to work on this in your future invest in a good scan tool; you won’t be able to do much without one.
Was this year part of the run of trucks with AC condenser issues?
I did run a carfax on it and no major accidents show up, just two reports of minor damage early in it's life when it looks like it was a rental, and from the pictures I've seen it must have been repaired as I can't see anything wrong in the areas reported. Not a lot of service records, but if the previous owners were like me and did their own maintenance that's not going to show up.
I ran the vin on GMpartsgiant and got the rpo codes for it and it shows "K4C-Charger Inductive Portable Wireless Device". Wouldn't that be the wireless charging? What is Carplay? Our newest vehicle right now is an 08 Impala and I'm not familiar that.
1) I was wondering if there was anything different to check on the magnaride other than the normal signs of leakage.
2) I have a Foxwell NT510 scantool. Not a very high-end tool, but it has done evrything I've needed it to do for my present vehicles.
3) The service records that I have seen on the carfax report indicate that it has had regular oil changes, a little longer intervals than I would personally go, but within what most newer vehicles seem to go if you let the dash tell you when to change the oil.
4) I had seen catch cans mentioned in a couple other threads but had not dug too deep into it yet, sounds l have some reading to do
2) I have a Foxwell NT510 scantool. Not a very high-end tool, but it has done evrything I've needed it to do for my present vehicles.
3) The service records that I have seen on the carfax report indicate that it has had regular oil changes, a little longer intervals than I would personally go, but within what most newer vehicles seem to go if you let the dash tell you when to change the oil.
4) I had seen catch cans mentioned in a couple other threads but had not dug too deep into it yet, sounds l have some reading to do
