DarkCharisma

...besides the typical axle grenade?

I drove the car and looked it over as well as I could without actually taking things apart, and it seems solid minus some brutally obvious things like a set of bald tires.

It's getting a GM 25-point inspection and a compression test now. Should I have them check out anything else, while I have my wallet open?

Chris0nllyn

iTrader: (1)

Check to make sure the end tanks on the radiator aren't leaking.

DarkCharisma

How much does this cost to fix if it's broken? Would it be a deal breaker?

Chris0nllyn

iTrader: (1)

If it is leaking, don't go with an OEM one. I believe Alradco, and another company make aftermarket radiators that are all metal.

As far as cost, I have no idea. I do all my own work, so I'm not sure.

Good luck.

DarkCharisma

Ah, thanks. Found the Alradco unit, looks like a nice piece.

Besides leaking tanks, anything else that's a common problem?

BudRacing

iTrader: (3)

Motor mounts. All driveline bushings. Dual Mass flywheel separation. Peeling radio buttons.

DarkCharisma

Check ...
Check...
Got it ...


THIS PISSES ME OFF MORE THAN IT SHOULD BUT SERIOUSLY GM, SERIOUSLY.

My '04 2500HD, my '05 Cobalt and my '03 2500HD had peeling buttons. It's almost as if it's a trademark for GM vehicles anymore.

BudRacing

iTrader: (3)

I've yet to order replacements, but will in the near future. I'm going to try some rattle can clear coat over the top of the buttons and then be VERY gentle with them.

babrown18

I don't know if you can check this but the tpms sensors go bad quite frequently in those. It freaked me the hell out the first time I thought I had a flat with no spare

DougNuts

iTrader: (1)

Harmonic damper.

Dmax/04V

THIS, and seriously tpms is the biggest load of **** system ever, whatever engineer created it should be tarred and feathered and then some. Wheel speed sensors on the hubs as well.

RADEoN

iTrader: (12)

SWPS, grounds, etc.

shadyLS6

here are some common things i would check. so i could knock down the price.
Condensation i reverse lights, will lead to water in the trunk-- easy fix
Obv, diff whine at 40-50 mph, pinion lash in and out of gears,
radiator leak around the crimps on the top right side of the rad
Crazy oil temp reading-- bad ground for the sensor on the gas hood strut
reverse lock out weak
broken heated seats
water from the sunroof staining headliner- easy fix- clogged sunroof drain
gold front calipers?- road racing or indent on the headliner from a helmet
how bad does the motor shudder on shut off? dieseling-- motor mounts/ flywheel
chatter at idle = fly wheel is coming apart-- wont leave you stranded but sounds like ****
stability control warning after speed bumps

BudRacing

iTrader: (3)

That's more of an issue for an LS2 V. The damper on mine (LS6) is stock with 105.6k and works just fine. Would an aftermarket unit smooth it out a bit? Probably, but not $400+ worth improvement if it isn't broken.

DarkCharisma

Thanks for the feedback guys! The car came back with some issues I expected at 100k and 8 years old, but for the most part it was solid.

I am now the owner of a '04 CTS-V. Feels good, man. Already ordered the Creative Steel bushing and block, and 4 new BFG Comp-2's in OE size.

babrown18

Congrats

DougNuts

iTrader: (1)

Mine went bad, as it did for other people I've talked to (with LS6). Trust me, my wallet wishes it hadn't, therefore it's something I recommend people to look at when shopping for a car.