Am I crazy? One Owner Tahoe 1998 LT

[AZTahoe1998]

I just bought a one owner well maintained Tahoe. It currently has 150k miles and all the maintenance records (even a new battery and tires). It is an AZ SUV 100% no rust, but due to the desert it needs an intake manifold gasket, injectors (since they are in there), transmission gasket, pitman/idler arm. I am having a few other gaskets being replaced so its good to go.

I am sure that it seems silly for me to think I am crazy. With what's posted above it may not seem that way. I paid $3,700 for the car and for the repairs and upgrades its probably $3,500 out of pocket (maybe more needs paint).

So is it worth fixing and driving? My mom had one of these new and it was great. Also, this one runs like a top and doesn't squeak and rattle. I thought I would ask enthusiasts their opinion since my folks are crapping bricks.

 

[BirchyBoy]

That's the age-old question. I bought a CO Yukon for $3,400 with similar mileage and have put about $3k into it. I'm at the point where I probably can't sell it for what I'm into it for. On the flipside, I know what has been done to it.

You never know what you're getting unless you have a thorough inspection. You could have bought a newer truck with less miles, for more money, but in need of maintenance for the same money.

My advice is, if you want to keep it, do what is really important up front and then whittle away at the other less important stuff.

 

[AZTahoe1998]

Well thanks for your post having a similar type of experience. That helps a lot! This Tahoe runs great, sounds great, looks great. Based on what is for sale out there its slim pickings for a nice 1/2 ton GM SUV. Also, the body style and the interior for this year is one of my favorites!

 

[BirchyBoy]

I'm in kind of the same boat. I like this style much more than the 2000 - 2006 and cannot really justify spending the money on a 2007+.

 

[AZTahoe1998]

From reading up and your posts BirchBoy there are a lot of folks enjoying high miles on there SUVs. Personally, I have not had an SUV that was over 100k before. I am seeing people taking these SUV's up well beyond 200K (from reading the forums). Its getting harder and harder to find the nice ole Tahoe and Yukon SUV's out there. I could have spent 10k for a newer Tahoe and still could have ended up with major repairs.

 

[Jerky Arm Ape]

The only problem that the mileage doesn't affect as much is something that most don't think about, although you're dealing with one of them.

It's that rubber, plastic and gaskets only last so many years before they become brittle or dry rotted.
It really isn't a major problem beig that most of the plastics out side of the passenger area won't be touched.
Though I find when I do repairs most plastics like the fan shroud, wiring loom covers and clips, etc... Are brittle to the touch and will break or crumble when disturbed.

Similar applies to rubber bushings,mounts and related.
Age can cause wear before the wear of mileage can.

Although our vehicles aren't quite old enough for this to be a big problem yet.

I feel that you made a good purchase and will be able to enjoy the truck for awhile before anymore necessary repairs have to be performed.

As for the mileage, mine is at 236,3xx miles on the original engine and one transmission overhaul.
I just rebuilt the entire sterring and suspension system less than 300 miles ago.

 

[mcm1209]

I bought my truck for about $7000
1999 2 Door 2 WD
But all new suspension (everything, upper and lower A-Arms), steering components, brake pads, rotors, bearings, drop kit, rear suspension, shocks, leather interior, carpet, spider injectors, upper intake, battery, wheels and tires.
Rebuilt trans
It has 241,000 miles but runs excellent.
I got a deal on it because he gave me $6000 in receipts.
You can say that short of a frame off this truck has been rebuilt.
I will drive this thing for another year then drop an LS motor in it and drive it another 200k or more.
The best thing about it is no payments and I can say it really is mine.

Go for it!!

 

[AZTahoe1998]

Thanks guys! I am excited about my Tahoe. I will be picking it up from the shop today. I have ordered a new driver side leather seat bottom. Also, I have a ton of goodies for the audio and Bluetooth and so on to install. I will start a thread on the progress. Overall I am excited just have some parents that be a hating lol. Oh well, was never able to make everyone happy and I am not going to start now.

 

[chevync]

I bought my 00 Tahoe LT with 230k and a bad head gasket for 2500.00. I had the engine overhauled, already had a new transmission, right now I have around 7000.00 or more into it, ppl think i'm crazy but i have no plans on selling it and I know what I have, if i had to do it over again, i would.

 

[AZTahoe1998]

I am having a good time fixing up my Tahoe and the feedback and support is awesome! Ok so the damage to the wallet was a bit of a shock but no big deal overall. I ended up getting an intake manifold gasket, upgraded fuel injectors (since they where in there), power steering line (leaking), Transmission pan gasket (leaking). Idler and Pitman arms replaced. Overall, I am very happy with the repairs since I am on the road a lot. The steering and breaks are still a bit soft and once in a while there is a shifting issue where the truck feels like it has fallen out of gear.