2004 V6 w/ 200k purchase advice

[jlm43]

I found a 2004 V6 with 200k for my daughter and looking for some feedback. The only 4th gen I had was an 03 with the V8 and that was 17 years ago so I'm not up to speed on what I should be paying attention to. Any major issues I should be aware of? Mostly concerned with my kid being stranded or left with a hefty repair bill.

Frame has almost no rust and the interior is clean enough for a 19 year old. Dash is cracked but that's not going to leave her stranded somewhere. Brakes and rotors replaced 20k miles ago and tires 10k miles ago. It seems to be well maintained and it's only had 2 owners. It's not local to me so I'll have to fly and buy. I do have a ScanGauge 2 that I'll bring if I make the trip down to look at it so I can get an idea of operating temps.

Thanks

 

[TahoeZ]

My 04/V6 has 286k and still runs great. Not a single "breakdown" ever. These engines won't go as long as a 2UZ but 500k is not uncommon if well cared-for. "Well cared-for" is the key. Maintenance records are the #1 item to look at, but you can definitely get an idea of how it has been taken care of from a good inspection. It's a gamble either way though.

A few things I would pay close attention to:
- Brake master went out on mine around 270k. Almost the same as replacing in a 100-series. Pretty easy, but expensive part. Time the motor running and make sure it doesn't cycle back on when you haven't applied the brakes
- Timing chain and tensioner seem to last if the oil has been properly changed and quality filters have been used, but this can be an issue with higher mileage. The chain starts making a lot of noise and gives you fair warning. Sometimes tough to tell over serpentine-belt pulley/tensioner noises, though, and those are a very easy fix. Timing chain is more work and more expensive than doing a timing belt but definitely doable.
- Injector leakdown - make sure you do a true cold-start. Long turnover can be a sign of many things but is often fuel pump/injector related.
- Sunroof/windshield leaks (windshield leaks can cause ECU water damage and other issues)
- Steering rack leaks/wear (and other power steering system leaks/PS pump failure)
- Transfer case actuator and H/L shift lever frozen/stuck from lack of regular use

Lots of other things to pay attention to but those are the major common issues I have seen.

 

[jlm43]

Thanks @TahoeZ

Everything works as it should but I have two concerns, both are easy to live with as long as they are not connected.

1- VSC OFF and TRAC OFF lights are illuminated but the CEL is not. I'll scan for other codes to see what's up and can do a ZPC easy enough.
2- aftermarket sunroof. Judging by the fading of the trim, it's been installed for quite some time. No musty smell or wet floors after heavy rains.

If the sunroof isn't leaking and causing water issues resulting in the codes, all should be good. Everything else checks out and the truck is in much better condition than it should be for having 200k miles on it.

 

[TahoeZ]

Vsc and trac lights come on when something else isn’t working properly. Could be intermittent or code could have been cleared. Have had those lights come on for brake master, O2 sensors, vacuum issues, etc.

Aftermarket sunroof is strange…

 

[RivMan]

Another very common problem is head gaskets on the early V6's. Mid-2006 and older have issues with the head gasket failing. The common symptom is a misfire on cold-start. The gasket will leak coolant into a cylinder, and cause it to misfire until it clears out. A lot of times it isn't long enough to set a code.

A leak down test on the cylinders is the best way to diagnose if you have an issue.

-Rob

 

[jlm43]

Sunroof is definitely a concern but I'm trying to look past it considering the sub $10k price. Especially if it isn't currently causing any issues.

A leak down test would be great but not sure I'll be able to get that performed. Cold start was quick and free of any sputtering. Oil filler cap is milk free so I'm hoping that's a good sign.

I'll have a Launch scan tool with me so hopefully that will give me some information regarding any hidden issues.