2000 to 2006 models worth it?

[nick112288]

So got some questions for you guys.

I'm looking for a new family hauler and I've narrowed it down to the the Expedition/Navigator, Yukon/Tahoe, and Suburban/Yukon XL.

Obviously the Chevys are the same just longer.

I read the sticky about buying a GMT-800 and their issues.

The ones I am pricing are in the 100 to 120k mile range.

How much of a problem are the 4l60 transmissions? Guaranteed to fail? I plan on this being purely a family hauler. Nothing to tow yet. And plan on also keeping it stock.

Do these seem to have the very common rust problem that Fords suffer from?

Best bet is a suburban. Figure I can comfortably fit everyone and luggage inside. Expedition and Tahoe will probably require a top shell for luggage to keep everyone happy.

Prefer the looks of the Chevys but I feel like from what I read the Fords are less troublesome? I could be wrong. That's why I came here to ask.

I am mechanically inclined, so anything short of an engine or tranny rebuild I'm comfortable with.

Oh and I've priced the 2500 Suburbans to get the 4l80 and they just go for way more than I'm willing to spend.

 

[05alive]

I'm a little biased but I love the 2000-2006 GM trucks and SUVs. I have a 2005 Yukon denali with the original 4l60e and original motor. 290,000 miles on the truck with no issues. It doesn't slip, it still runs great. No major work done. The worst thing I had to replace was a water pump and a steering box. Look for a 6.0- they are a very common engine, easy to work on, and a bit legendary. it's an iron version of the corvette v8. Powerful and if maintained it will run forever. I have never had an issue with mine, my dad never had an issue with his 04 tahoe either.

 

[ivin74]

I have 150k miles on mine and I have had no transmision issues so far.

I've never owned a ford so I can't talk about them.

 

[ercbrooks]

I have 202K my 04 Z71 suburban with no tranny issues.


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[tbisaacs]

170k on an 04 Z71 suburban, no issues.

Good luck with your search!


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[nick112288]

I'm a little biased but I love the 2000-2006 GM trucks and SUVs. I have a 2005 Yukon denali with the original 4l60e and original motor. 290,000 miles on the truck with no issues. It doesn't slip, it still runs great. No major work done. The worst thing I had to replace was a water pump and a steering box. Look for a 6.0- they are a very common engine, easy to work on, and a bit legendary. it's an iron version of the corvette v8. Powerful and if maintained it will run forever. I have never had an issue with mine, my dad never had an issue with his 04 tahoe either.

I'd love to find a Denali for the 6.0 and its power, but don't want to deal with that front diff they like to destroy

 

[05alive]

I'd love to find a Denali for the 6.0 and its power, but don't want to deal with that front diff they like to destroy

I never broke my front diff in almost 300k miles. But if you're concerned with that get a chevy or a non-denali gmc with a 6.0. They exist.

 

[nick112288]

I thought only the 2500s came with 6.0 in standard trim? If so those are out of my budget.

I will keep your front diff in mind though if I find a great deal on a Denali

 

[adventurenali92]

I love my 2006 Denali xl. Its absolutely fantastic. Its previous owner hammered the poor 4L65E trans in it and I had to have it rebuilt. But that being said the rebuild is phenomenal. Runs like a tank. Other than my trans I haven't had any major issues with it. As for ford, every one that my parents had growing up was always in the shop with something majorly wrong and expensive to fix. My mom had an expedition 2 years ago. She only had it for a year because it spent more time with our family friend who's an excellent mechanic, fixing it. It was a terrible car. And it rode so harshly. Going anywhere in her expedition sucked. It was not pleasant. My Denali rides way better and in my opinion is a better built SUV.

 

[nick112288]

Definitely glad to hear all this. From what I read it was making me worried the transmission was going to make me shy away from the Chevys.

I have no brand loyalty, I simply get whatever is the most reliable, best priced, and fits my needs. That looks like the Suburban, but I wouldn't run from a Tahoe or Yukon if I found a great deal.

Now for just hauling family and luggage, any reason to try to jump to the 2500 vs the 1500 other than the 4l80e vs 4l60e? Obviously extra power of the 6.0 would be nice but is not really needed for people hauling.