Looking at an 05 Tahoe LS

[KMV77]

Hey Guys this is my first post. I am in to Jeeps but I'll keep that as a hobby (I have a lifted 84 CJ7). Jeeps that are daily drivers are trouble. I am about tired of my 02 Grand Cherokee , heater cores, trans issues, and other bs. I'm ready to go over to a Chevy. I am looking at an 05 Tahoe LS. It is a one owner in good shape. Has traction control, the 3rd row seating, 5.3 v8, a k&n fipk, and a fresh set of BFG's. It also has a clean carfax. The only 2 bad things are 1) it has 86k and 2) theres a small puddle of what looks to be PS fluid on top of the steering box. Its selling for $16995, but I'm getting more than enough for my grand. Anything newer or less mileage will not put me at the monthly payment that I want to be at. I am handy with cars, so I can do all maintenance, and have done motor swaps in the past, and I have the tools, but I'd like a more reliable dd than the jeep. How many more miles can I get out of this Tahoe? Whats the issue with the steering box? If it makes any difference it has hydroboost brakes. Steering felt good, only a small shimmy at 55 but it felt like a tire balance issue, which the dealer said they'd fix. Any help is appreciated!!!
Thanks,
Kevin

 

[Dylan]

Sounds like a decent buy. Not sure about the fluid on the box and I'd try to get a test drive after a balance to make sure the shimmy was the tires. If the BFG's are the A/T's then chances are it was those (I don't like those tires anymore). The mileage seems to be on par if not a little low. I bought my 05 Z71 with 94k on it. As for how many miles you'll get out of it, that depends on how you treat it. Generally the 5.3 motor is a strong and stout motor and will provide years of servis to you, as long as you give it a little bit in return. Not as much as a jeep requires though lol. I've seen trucks come in and out of the shop I work at with high mileage. There is a 08 tahoe that has been in the shop twice (not good cause I work at a body shop) and it has over 100k already but is still going strong. Since it's not 4x4 that will save you some stuff to go wrong. My encoder motor went out a few weeks ago leaving me stuck in 4lo. That cost me $280 and 30 minutes. I would check the brakes and see how the rotors and pads look. Inquire as to any major fluid changes such as tranny or diff. Try and get them to pull the servis records for you.

Honestly I could go on and on about things to look for and check and ask, but I could do this on any type of car or truck. If it looks good and feels good and the car fax comes back clear, I'd say go for it. Just make sure it's what you really want. Hope some of this helps.

Dylan

 

[KMV77]

Dylan,
Thanks for there reply. The car fax was clean, and it showed the 2 dealerships that serviced it during its life so far. Between the 2 I bet I could get a good amount of service history. What is the hour counter on the dash? Is that the total amount of hours on the motor and whole vehicle? This one said 2480 hrs. looking at the carfax and the truck I believe it was mostly highway miles that racked up the 86k. I definitely need more the more room, for the dog and the kids junk, and with them getting older, I'm sure i'll have to haul friends around. The 3rd row will help alot. The BFG AT's are most likely the prob but I did see that the tire pressure sensor light was illuminated, so one of the tires might be low. I'm going to re check it.
Thanks,
Kevin

 

[Dylan]

The hour counter is for how long the engine has been run so far in it's life. Since the TPM light is on, yeah look at the tire pressure but also see if they'll do a balance. Won't hurt to have it done.

 

[vwbeaner]

My truck is an 01' with 120k on it. it still has the original battery, and doesn't leak anything. If you change the oil regularly it should run for a long time. My dad has a '96 suburban with 170k on it. He uses the cheapest oil he can find with a regular fram oil filter and his truck runs great but he changes the oil regularly so...yeah that truck should run for a long time as long as you take car of it. Part for these aren't too bad either.