2011 V8 Advice

Zoltan782 · Mar 3, 2023

Hi guys. I found this truck on FB market for sale. It has a couple cosmetic issue like the slight bent corner on the door, small paint damage and worn front seats.. It’s a Florida truck so I’m assuming it doesn’t have much rust. I called the owner to receive more information and he more or less told me what the description already said. It apparently only has about 20k miles on the new drivetrain and he stated he is selling because his daughter bought a new car and they don’t need the truck anymore. I asked if he had documentation on the work done to it and unfortunately he said it was his daughters truck and she did not keep any of it. I told him if there was anyway he could get his hands on the documentation then I would consider driving down to take a look at it. He told me he’d get back to me tomorrow about it.
The question I have is, is a truck that’s supposedly had it’s motor and transmission changed worth it and what would be a good price given the condition and supposed work? He is currently asking for $14,500 for it but it seems too high for me given he doesn’t have any proof of the work AND the motor and transmission had to be replaced. The owner did seem really honest about the truck and even pointed out some details I had not noticed before such as the bent door corner ( circled in red) and the worn interior parts. I know there’s no way to really tell with just pictures and that it’s always good to be a bit skeptical with things like this but I’d like to hear about others past experiences was something like this or similar. Thanks!
Forgot to add this, but he claims the dealership near him was able to source a brand-new engine from out of state and have it delivered to his dealership.

cart7881 · Mar 3, 2023

Another truck with questionable history. You're not having much luck. There are a few important bits of information missing.
What is the mileage on the truck?
Is the truck a one Owner?
Why were both the engine and transmission replaced? I have a 2011, 5.3, that I drive like I stole it and have only done routine maintenance.

A couple of points. The trim piece for the switches on the driver's seat has been discontinued and is going to be hard to find in that color. I suppose you could buy a black one and paint it. If the truck belonged to his daughter, from the looks of the inside of the driver's door, she must be a mechanic. Looks like the truck was detailed, but someone forgot about the front door. If the vehicle has been in Florida it's whole life, why was it necessary to replace the exhaust system in 2018 and what parts were replaced? I live in Florida and there isn't any rust on my exhaust.

The primary questions would be about the engine/transmission. Why were they replaced? Were they both 'new'? An insurance company is not going to pay for a crate engine and most Owners are going to go for used. Both that engine and that transmission are pretty bullet proof. I suspect an accident is in the history. Neglect can cause an engine failure, but not affect the transmission.

I know that you aren't going to just jump into a deal without investigating everything. I'm just trying to add to the questions that need answers.

Good luck.

10Canyon53 · Mar 3, 2023

I have a 2010 Canyon with the V8 and also question why the engine and transmission were replaced. Mine has 161,000 miles on it and the most major repair I have had to make was replacing the radiator. There is more to the story that you are not being told....

Zoltan782 · Mar 3, 2023

I did think it was a bit odd. From what I understood, he said the transmission had started slipping so they went ahead and replaced it. Soon after, he claimed the engine seized up. After having it towed to the dealership, having placed the order on the new motor, and having the truck torn apart , it apparently turned out that the motor was not the issue but rather that the replaced transmission was missing pieces or was not replaced entirely correctly. He went on about becoming angry with the dealership after they refused a refund and ultimately going to a different car shop and having the motor replaced there since the truck had already been torn apart and the refund had been refused. It all did seem a bit odd to me though. Especially the fact that he’s wanting to sell the truck after supposedly putting so much money into it. I do appreciate the advice and feedback though.

cart7881 · Mar 3, 2023

Yup, very odd. With so many hands involved with the engine and transmission work, I suspect that there are still issues with the truck and the Seller just doesn't want to deal with it any longer. Also, the hood release looks a bit wonky and why is there a steering wheel cover on a leather wrapped wheel? The Florida sun, combined with dirty, sweaty hands will destroy a leather wheel.

And 16mpg?

spaddman · Mar 5, 2023

Welcome to 355Nation. Why????? Has all that stuff been replaced? And no documentation to support it? Something is amiss IMO.

2011 V8 Advice

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