Looking at used 24 Duramax... Questions

Mike MikeMike · July 25

Hey all, I just came back from test driving a used (7000 mile) 2024 2500. Beautiful truck but after driving 4.5 hours to look at it I can't say I was impressed with the dealer. But looking for some advice to help me decide if I should pass on this one or not... There were two issues I have of concern with the truck.

1. Cosmetic - I know, it's an HD truck but the guy that put the first 7000 miles dragged something across the side of the bed and then tried to fill it with the worlds worst touch up paint job. Anyone know how easy that is to blend out? It's a bit heartbreaking to spend the money on a truck to not be the first one to make it look ugly. It doesn't look like scratches were deep but their repair was to take one of those paint pens and just run it all over it. There's other scratches and scuffs but this one is ugly. They said they'd try to blend it or polish it out.

2. Digital dash. After being told the truck was perfect, 3 hours into my drive I was told there was a problem with the BCM and regardless it needed to be fixed. It was unknown if it could be fixed today but they were trying to (they actually weren't but that's a different story) after waiting for a while they said it was the instrument cluster. Everything else appeared to work fine with the truck except that. One of the guys said this is a common issue with the newer digital GM dashes and after they replace it there's no issue. I googled it tonight and don't see it being a common issue. Anyone know anything about this? Obviously this is my bigger worry especially since it's electrical and since I'd be buying used I think I only get a 36k mile warranty.

Good news is, after today when they do the repairs they're going to drive it the 4.5 hours up here for me to look at to decide if I want it but these two issues are my main hang ups.

Appreciate any thoughts,

Mike

redwngr · July 25

What trim level is the truck?

The interior refresh, with the new digital dash and the new electrical architecture (Global B) has been in use in the 1500's since the middle of 2022 model year.

I've not been hearing of common issues needing replacement.

Any decent body shop can match the paint (and body work if necessary) to make a damaged area disappear.

If the truck doesn't sell quick they will likely get the work done.

Mike MikeMike · July 25

Yeah, I saw issues with early 22 1500s but they seemed to involve not just the instrument cluster but also the radio or instrument cluster and HUD. Apparently they had a bad ground connection. This was odd because it's only the instrument cluster.

Part of my problem with this particular dealership was that they literally hid the truck when I asked to look at it. They originally said it was in the shop getting worked on and when I pulled in it was in the lot. I assumed it was ready to go. When I asked to see it they said it they said the one in the lot wasn't mine and then when I went to check the vin they had someone drive it off. It was crazy.

newdude · July 25

14 hours ago, Mike MikeMike said:

Hey all, I just came back from test driving a used (7000 mile) 2024 2500. Beautiful truck but after driving 4.5 hours to look at it I can't say I was impressed with the dealer. But looking for some advice to help me decide if I should pass on this one or not... There were two issues I have of concern with the truck.

1. Cosmetic - I know, it's an HD truck but the guy that put the first 7000 miles dragged something across the side of the bed and then tried to fill it with the worlds worst touch up paint job. Anyone know how easy that is to blend out? It's a bit heartbreaking to spend the money on a truck to not be the first one to make it look ugly. It doesn't look like scratches were deep but their repair was to take one of those paint pens and just run it all over it. There's other scratches and scuffs but this one is ugly. They said they'd try to blend it or polish it out.

2. Digital dash. After being told the truck was perfect, 3 hours into my drive I was told there was a problem with the BCM and regardless it needed to be fixed. It was unknown if it could be fixed today but they were trying to (they actually weren't but that's a different story) after waiting for a while they said it was the instrument cluster. Everything else appeared to work fine with the truck except that. One of the guys said this is a common issue with the newer digital GM dashes and after they replace it there's no issue. I googled it tonight and don't see it being a common issue. Anyone know anything about this? Obviously this is my bigger worry especially since it's electrical and since I'd be buying used I think I only get a 36k mile warranty.

Good news is, after today when they do the repairs they're going to drive it the 4.5 hours up here for me to look at to decide if I want it but these two issues are my main hang ups.

Appreciate any thoughts,

Mike

What trim level truck was it? Was it at a Chevrolet dealer for sale or a used car dealer? Any chance of sharing the truck on here? Reason I ask is your signature says "Ashville, NC." Searching 500mi radius on cars.com, some of them are ex Canadian trucks which often will have questionable histories.

Mike MikeMike · July 25

It was an Ltz for sale near Savannah, Georgia. I was able to locate the original window sticker and it was sold from this dealership's Chevy location but they had it for sale at their Chrysler, RAM dealership this go around. I asked if since they were related they could certify it (especially since it was at the Chevy dealership currently) and was told no. I'd share the posting but they've already pulled it.

What's the issue with the questionable issue on the Canadian trucks because I have seen a few of those postings.

I'm leaning towards walking away from the vehicle because although it was beautiful some of the dealership tactics have not been.

newdude · July 25

24 minutes ago, Mike MikeMike said:

It was an Ltz for sale near Savannah, Georgia. I was able to locate the original window sticker and it was sold from this dealership's Chevy location but they had it for sale at their Chrysler, RAM dealership this go around. I asked if since they were related they could certify it (especially since it was at the Chevy dealership currently) and was told no. I'd share the posting but they've already pulled it.

What's the issue with the questionable issue on the Canadian trucks because I have seen a few of those postings.

I'm leaning towards walking away from the vehicle because although it was beautiful some of the dealership tactics have not been.

Did the window sticker have any Canadian indications on it? Would have things like air conditioning excise tax, km instead of mi for warranty info, etc.

Ex Canadians tend to have grey backgrounds sometimes. Many of the trucks come from ex fleet inventory. Some are okay, many have some really bad paintwork from the bodywork they've had done. Ones used by construction companies come down caked with clay and mud. They've mostly been rode hard, put away wet.

Why do they buy them? Cheap and exchange rates.

With the VIN it can be identified if its Canadian market. Option code Z49 will be present on the build sheet.

Edited July 25 by newdude

64BAwagon · July 25

Do you really want to spend all that money on a sketchy truck thats been rode hard and put away wet ?

Considering the prices of many used trucks the gap between new and used isnt worth the potential abuse.

This is just me though. I take good care of my stuff and I dont beat on it.

Maybe look at one of the high volume truck dealers and see what you can find new. The 24;s are built out and the 25's start production in a week or so. Probably not too long of a wait as long as you want Black, white or silver.

Mike MikeMike · July 25

NewDude, Thanks for the info. This thing was originally built out/shipped out to the Chevy branch of this dealership and definitely none of those funky things on the window sticker. I have a friend that bought an older F150 that was Canadian and it had all these mandatory seatbelt stickers on it in french. He hated that truck.

64B, I agree. I'm speaking with another dealer right now regarding a new one (granted w/o the midnight package) but I'm pretty sure they may get to the same spot but I end up with a better warranty since it wouldn't be a used warranty any longer. It's like a friend of mine said, trucks are like women, there's another one around the corner if you keep looking.