4th Mar 2010, 12:43
I drive a 2001 GMC Sonoma V-6 for a company that dose service calls all over southern California for home warranty companies, I put on that truck every 2-3 weeks 3000 miles, do the oil change in time, every 3000 miles, it has never given me any problems since I got it at 150000 miles. Just turned to 300000.
I drive it home from work up a steep hill every day, and it never loses power.
The only problem with this truck is the fuel pump, and it's expensive at that, $280.00 just for the pump, not to mention labor, and the worst part is that the pump is located inside the tank.
But other than that, it's a great truck. Thinking of buying one for my personal use.
9th Mar 2010, 22:27
We have a 99 Sonoma, bought it at 50K KM and now it's up to 190K KM. Other than the typical water pump and alternator replacements, the repairs are now starting to ramp up.
Third door handle replaced 6 times, anytime something is against or leaning against the door, the extra force required to pull the handle breaks it, even adjusting the latch rods doesn't help, dealer parts break just as fast ($20ea).
160KM - Driveshaft rear bearings (not the universals) 3 sets of bearings ($1000).
160KM - Rear end driveshaft bearing gone ($1000) Rear axles worn but not replaced yet.
188KM - Oxygen sensor behind cat converter intermittent ($300).
189KM - Exhaust manifold gasket failure, replaced both ($600).
190KM - Fuel pump failed ($1030).
I think it's time to buy a Tundra, there are some good prices out there now with the company problems they're having.
10th May 2011, 15:20
I bought a 2000 Sonoma 4x4 with 126k on the odometer. Paid 4k for the truck in WY and happily drove it back to Denver (2 hour drive).
It immediately failed emissions, coolant boiled in reservoir and $2k later after 2 weeks in the shop (who told me I was lucky it made it back to Denver,) it passed emissions. The suspension is solid and the engine is strong.
I like the truck which I bought for my teenage son to haul his dirtbike, but the ABS module went bad, and it appears every time I crank it up, it adds 20 more miles to the odometer.
After reading these posts, I am almost ready to sell before the problems start to mount up. I had an 1984 S-10 that ran like a champ, so, hopefully I'll have similar luck with this one.
26th Feb 2012, 23:04
I got a GMC Sonoma at 270000 miles, because my friend's dad had one, and ran it to about 1010000 miles before the engine split in half. But the only problems I'm having are...
1. The ABS light is always on.
2. The service engine soon light is on, even though I have recent garage work papers from the last owner that it had a full tune up.
3. The brake light is also always on, but I think that is something to do with the ABS light.
4. And of course the third door latch.
Please anybody email me at tklavonic@yahoo.com. I need to get these fixed before my inspection in April.
24th Nov 2009, 22:35
I have a 2001 Sonoma extra cab 4.3 V6, and for better gas mileage I put on a K&N. Hauls when you step on the gas!!
I also had to replace the 3rd door handle. I have 110,000 miles and it still runs good!! It had 36,000 when I got it...