I didn't take it to the dealer to replace the intake gasket, it was in for an oil change and they went over the truck with a fine-toothed comb. I bought the truck from a dealer for a screaming deal that included a 3 year parts and labor warranty on the drivetrain. To keep the warranty active I had to take it into a shop for the oil changes so it was entered in the computer, and I don't trust quick lube shops because they let any idiot that can hold a wrench change oil. I got a CarFax report when I bought the truck, and I'm the second owner. Anyway, the service dept. at the Chevy dealer told me that a couple drops of coolant were found, so they wanted to replace the gasket. I've never seen a drop anywhere under the hood or on the ground, so I think it's BS. Even had a mechanic buddy climb into the engine compartment (literally) and couldn't find anything leaking. The only other thing they could find at the dealer was the serpentine belt needed to be replaced immediately, yet when I got home it only looked a little worn without any cracks and had good tension. The only thing I've had to do for repairs since buying it was have the pressure hose on the power steering replaced. The tech that did the job quoted me 1 1/2 hours, but was done within a half hour. I asked why there was such a different in the times and he said "We normally quote a longer time because the hoses are generally rusted on and we have to fight with them, but it was so clean under there that the hose came right off. I wish they all were like that!".
Yes, rust is a huge problem here in the north, but I be sure to get a super wash with the underbody flush once a week during winter, then in late spring I park the truck over a lawn sprinkler with the pressure cranked up for a few hours, moving the truck around here and there to get full coverage to help work away anything that could be left over from winter. Then I take a stiff bristle brush and be sure to clean off as much of the body and underpinnings that I can. These steps really pay off. If she'll last at least another 10 years I'll be happy!