keep fixing or Buy something else - stop the bleeding

[socalTizoe]

I'm a long time lurker, I have received a lot of guidance and help from the existing content on the forum, so thank you for that.. I'm hoping to get some advice / guidance on how to move forward in my current situation.

TLDR Version; Have a 1999 Tahoe 4x4 with 106,000 (3.73, 460LE), it needs work, I have the funds to do the work (needs between $2k-$5k i think), or buy a newer used one. I want to stop the bleeding of my $$$...

Here's a couple pics of the truck and the annual high sierra camp out spot which requires some light off-roading to get to: http://imgur.com/a/bent3

The Situation:

I currently have a 1999 Tahoe 4x4 with 106,000 (3.73, 460LE), It's my beach / mountain / camping vehicle and I drive it weekly for small errands, etc to make sure it knows I still love it, but it's not my daily driver. I bought it 3 years ago with 96k for 4k and it was in pretty rough shape, immediate tune up (cap rotors wires) / flushes / brakes / tires (Goodyear 265's on gmt800 rims), plus a recent maaco paint job to fix flaking clear coat. I also added in a front bench seat because I need to seat 6 when the entire Fam rolls.. I've also replaced a failed intake gasket, which i believe has caused an engine knock. (it happens sometimes on cold starts, sometimes not at all). All this put me back about $4000, but it looks good and does what is needed. However...

Current Issues:

The A/C has never really worked... last summer I took it in and they replaced the upper hoses(?) and the system was recharged and I had A/C during the months I needed it. this year, i took it in to get recharged, It worked for about a month.

Also, i'm pretty sure it needs some front end work, aside from the bushings...

Tranny seems fine

When I did the manifold gasket, the back ports were extremely pitted, so i block sanded the best I could and used very thin line of "black" around the edges of the ports, however, I am not sure if that's the last time that'll happen, I know I should have had it machined.. oh well..

Suspension needs work

Engine knock on start up for a few cycles and it needs a few hours of labor on the engine to clean up some of my rough handy work..

My SES light recently came on with the p0449 code (after about 350 miles after the code reset).

The Dilema

So here's the thing, I recently was able to free up $5k (at most) that my wife says I can "throw down the drain" on my truck .. I feel tat the A/C solution could easily get into the $500+ range, I'd like to get the engine tuned and back in solid shape, i'd also like to fix the suspension issues, and maybe give it a slight lift since i'm already thinking of suspension repairs. On the other side, I have a hard time putting another dime into this truck because that's all i've been doing since I bought it..

For 5k, there's not much else I can get.. BUT, i'd be willing to get a new (used) truck too (max 12k) or so.. I've looked into older Escelades (~2004) with the AWD, and 6.0L (awesome responsiveness), as well as some 2000-2006 gmt800's ( not sure i'd be happy with just a new BS). I think I want the true 4x4 as opposed to the AWD, but i really dont do any serious rock climbing or heavy off roading, occasionally I'll explore a bit on my camping trips and I've only HAD TO drop it into Lo a couple times.. again, it's a nice to have..

anyhow.. what are your thoughts.. I keep going back and forth between getting something else, or fixing this thing..

also, thanks for giving me a place to vent.. although, i'm still on the fence..

 

[AZ Tahoe]

For 5K you could do it so you never have to touch it again since you don't drive it that much. It aloready looks great so just get it running great and you could easily get another 200K miles out of her. If it were me (I am able to do the labor so if you are not able then this may not work for you)

New engine $2600.00
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/hpe-hp32/overview/

A/C replacement $600.00
Front end rebuilt $600.00
Transmission $600.00
radiator and hoses $150
Misc parts $450

totals $5000 and you now have a brand new truck good for 200k miles

 

[socalTizoe]

Thanks for the reply... I keep telling myself that's the best option, but then I think about throwing more money at it and I get hesitant and start searching autotrader for a new car, then I think about a car payment and start looking at new engines and cost of parts..

You're right tho, after I get 'er up to par, I'll have something that I can run for a long time..

thanks again,

 

[AZ Tahoe]

For sure and my thought is because buying a dif truck has also crossed my mind is i know the condition of my truck now and the one I would buy who knows.

 

[SunlitComet]

how does the a/c not work?

 

[Passin Thru]

Sounds like seals/o-rings for the ac

If you really like the truck, make the repairs as the previous post states. Shouldn't be bad. I use Amazon and RockAuto for my parts because of price versus my local parts outlet.

I will say that I sold my TBSS recently for the same reason though. Just had enough of constantly wrenching on it. I bought it for my wife and kids to get around in. It was way overdue for something more reliable though. I replaced it with a 2007 Z71 Tahoe.

At the end of the day, it's you that has the attachment to the vehicle and will make the final decision. Make it and just be ok with whatever way you go. NO REGRETS!

 

[jerryjoe28]

just so u know I made the choice to buy something else 4 years ago and 6 months later I hated myself! I can only imagine how nice of a ride I would have now if I had kept my first HOE.

 

[socalTizoe]

I appreciate the feedback and thanks for the replies..

The A/C doesn't blow cold. I had it recharged about 1 month ago and at first it was fine, then the front stopped blowing cold, then the rear stopped blowing cold..

I would love an '07+ tahoe, but I can't afford it, and the truck gets from A to B just fine.. it's just the little things..

And I do LOVE my Tahoe, but i dont want that to get in the way of me making a good decision, as of now i'm planning on getting the truck up to speed, it's the cheapest option, and when I'm done, the parts / repairs will be new / done right.. Also, the idea of a car payment doesn't sit well with me at the moment, especially since i'd be buying something a few years old and probably due for some maintenance anyhow.. So i'll throw some more $$ and some more time at the truck and appreciate it for a few more years..


Thanks again,

 

[SunlitComet]

it sounds as if you lost freon. have a local shop use their hand held leak detector to track it down.