Buying Help

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new2yukon

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Geez; excuse me. This is research. How better am I going to find out if high-mileage trucks are OK than asking people who have them?

How about this:

When shopping I've routinely ignored anything over 150,000 miles - is that wise or might I miss some good trucks that way?


The reason for my firm response was that the link below to help on your mileage question was only 10 links below yours........read thru it for your help.
http://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=42562
 
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bldn10

bldn10

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I did not see that thread, and it is somewhat helpful but most posters did not give their service history. I.e. just knowing someone is still driving theirs w/ 280,000 miles on it does't means they haven't gone through an engine, tranny, water pump, alternator, A/C, etc. I towed w/ my '95 and by 120,000 was on the 3rd tranny and had replaced: radiator, alternator, water pump, brake booster, muffler and tailpipe.

It sounds like the NBS platform and drivetrain is a vast improvement over the previous generation. and, of course, it could be that a high-mileage truck has had lots of parts replaced while one w/ 150,000 might be on the verge of requiring significant money. That is why a history is important. Unfortunately, Carfax won't show how a truck was maintained "off the grid."

I want an SUV vs pickup because I want to be able to leave tools/materials in it and have them out of the weather. Not in to toppers.

If this helps, I will probably drive it until it is virtually worthless - so I'm not concerned about resale.

Thanks for the worthwhile info.
 

clandr1

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Here's some anecdotal data for you (my experience).

I bought the truck new in Feb. 2006. At 55k I had the diff fluid, transmission fluid, and coolant replaced. I've always had the oil changed religiously, and started doing oil changes myself at some point in 2009.

When the vehicle crossed 75k, I started using Mobil 1 High Mileage 5w30.

I did the diff fluid again around 100k. I replaced the front brake pads and rotors around 105k.

I took it to the dealer to have the coolant flushed at 117k, and when I got it back the water pump weep hole was dripping coolant. I changed out the water pump, upper and lower hose, and thermostat myself (approx $250 for all parts/fluid).

Four weeks ago I changed the transmission fluid myself.

Every time I change the oil, I grease the zerk fittings for all front steering/suspension components.

That's all I've done with my truck, and I'm currently just over 120k. Doesn't leak oil, doesn't slip or miss shifts, and for all things considered drives like it did new.

The only issue right now is that, on occasion, the truck will turn over longer than usual when cranking before it catches, and starts up very sluggishly - this is hit or miss as to how often it happens. I'm pretty sure a fuel pump will be in my future at some point soon.

Hope this helps.
 
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bldn10

bldn10

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Thanks, Chris. I want to buy from an owner like you!

Should I limit myself to the 5.3 as opposed to the 4.8?
 

clandr1

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Thanks, Chris. I want to buy from an owner like you!

Should I limit myself to the 5.3 as opposed to the 4.8?

I'll admit, I don't know much about the 4.8L so I'm not really in a position to speak on it. I will say the 5.3L has been excellent so far.

One thing to add - I took my truck to the local GMC dealer Saturday morning for an alignment, and they said my tie rods, pitman arm, and idler arm had some play in them and that they should be replaced in order to obtain a proper alignment. The dealer quoted me $300 per tie rod, $400 for the pitman, and $350 for the idler. That didn't include installation labor...

$265 later, and I have all the parts I need (MOOG brand) en route from Amazon.com. I'll do some research here and on YouTube for a walk through on how to do this myself.
 
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bldn10

bldn10

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I bought a truck!

Its older and has more miles (actually a few hundred more than my 99) than I would have preferred but it is amazing condition.
2002 Tahoe LT 5.7 w/ 171,000 miles. Red, excellent tires, moonroof, leather very good except driver seat, everything works, near pristine body, no evidence of wrecks, towing package, etc. $5000

The only negative is the 9-speaker audio. The left front door mid-range and left rear woofer seem to be blown and it just has a tinny sound. I have it on full bass and 0 treble and it is wimpy.

It came w/ only a single key. I'd like to have be able to open it w/ a fob; how do I know if it has keyless entry?

Thanks for all the help.
 

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clandr1

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Congrats!

I believe almost all of these trucks came with keyless entry, so yours should have it (especially that it has the upgraded motor, moonroof, etc). Here's a link to a search on keyless entry. It might have some info that will help you out.

http://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/forum/search.php?searchid=3024986

As for the drivers seat, a local upholstery shop in Irving quoted me $200 to completely recover the drivers seat cushion with brand new leather, and said it would be in factory new condition when they were done since it uses bolsters and is pretty easy to work with. Might be worth the money if the seat is in really bad shape. I plan on having mine done in the next year.

If you have any questions about anything, use the search feature first. If you can't find anything, post up your question in the 00-06 forum and we'll try our best to help.
 

JochenWoern

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I bought a truck!

Its older and has more miles (actually a few hundred more than my 99) than I would have preferred but it is amazing condition.
2002 Tahoe LT 5.7 w/ 171,000 miles. Red, excellent tires, moonroof, leather very good except driver seat, everything works, near pristine body, no evidence of wrecks, towing package, etc. $5000

The only negative is the 9-speaker audio. The left front door mid-range and left rear woofer seem to be blown and it just has a tinny sound. I have it on full bass and 0 treble and it is wimpy.

It came w/ only a single key. I'd like to have be able to open it w/ a fob; how do I know if it has keyless entry?

Thanks for all the help.

Should be a 5.3 rather than 5.7 as you stated. :) Maybe a typo based on your excitement.
 
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bldn10

bldn10

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Right 5.3.

Might as well be 5.7 as I got 12.5 mpg on my first tank in town. Less than my '99 and '95 got. Not thrilled.

Good news - when the dealer received the title from the auction house they also sent a spare key and a keyless entry fob! From the chain of title I see why it is in such nice shape - 1 owner until they traded it to a Nissan dealer > auction > used car lot > me.
 
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