Looking at getting an older Suburban/Tahoe - Suggestions?

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

Next

TYF Newbie
Joined
Sep 30, 2013
Posts
2
Reaction score
0
We currently have a 2012 Suburban LT and my father has a 2009 Tahoe Z-71 so I have fell in love with these vehicles.

I am currently looking at getting one for a run around/work vehicle.

I drive about 60 miles a day round trip in sometimes horrible weather.

What years do I need to stay away from and how many miles is to many?

Currently looking at -
2003 suburban z71 4x4 clean title, sunroof, heated seats, leather loaded up 160k miles $5500



Looks good from pics, gong to look at tomorrow in person.


Thoughts?
 

gibbygsxr

Full Access Member
Joined
Sep 5, 2012
Posts
155
Reaction score
15
Location
Kingston, NY
Watch out for the high miles. Not saying they are all bad but I had an '04 with 65k miles and the heads leaked. Used about a gallon of anti freeze every 2 months. It was in the family since new and was well taken care of plus a bunch of other little issues that would have nickle and dimed me to death.
None of my business but a run around car that gets 10 miles a gallon?
 
OP
OP
N

Next

TYF Newbie
Joined
Sep 30, 2013
Posts
2
Reaction score
0
Watch out for the high miles. Not saying they are all bad but I had an '04 with 65k miles and the heads leaked. Used about a gallon of anti freeze every 2 months. It was in the family since new and was well taken care of plus a bunch of other little issues that would have nickle and dimed me to death.
None of my business but a run around car that gets 10 miles a gallon?

Thanks.

Reality is I have a son who plays soccer, football, basketball, and baseball. I have a new daughter. I am also a basketball coach.

I carry a LOT of stuff around and like being comfortable.
 

gibbygsxr

Full Access Member
Joined
Sep 5, 2012
Posts
155
Reaction score
15
Location
Kingston, NY
Thanks.

Reality is I have a son who plays soccer, football, basketball, and baseball. I have a new daughter. I am also a basketball coach.

I carry a LOT of stuff around and like being comfortable.

It's all good. I have my tahoe for all the big stuff and a subaru for running around. 25 mpg
 

Vector

Full Access Member
Joined
Sep 18, 2013
Posts
234
Reaction score
52
Location
South Florida
If you are dead set on a Z71 then I cannot help you. But I do have a 2001 Suburban LT Autoride 4X4 with every option and only 130K that I am thinking of selling. Now based on me being new here I don't think I can actually offer to sell it with a price and an ad, but if I do decide to sell it(son wants it), I'd just as soon someone on this enthusiast forum have an opportunity rather than just anyone from the Autotrader.
 

GM Customer Service

Full Access Member
Joined
Aug 11, 2010
Posts
1,099
Reaction score
31
Location
Michigan
We currently have a 2012 Suburban LT and my father has a 2009 Tahoe Z-71 so I have fell in love with these vehicles.

I am currently looking at getting one for a run around/work vehicle.

I drive about 60 miles a day round trip in sometimes horrible weather.

What years do I need to stay away from and how many miles is to many?

Currently looking at -
2003 suburban z71 4x4 clean title, sunroof, heated seats, leather loaded up 160k miles $5500



Looks good from pics, gong to look at tomorrow in person.


Thoughts?

Hello,

Thank you for being a loyal GM customer! With the vehicle you already own and the vehicle you are thinking to buy, just know that GM Customer Care is here on the forum and ready to assist if you have any general questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Jennifer T.
GM Customer Care
 

gibbygsxr

Full Access Member
Joined
Sep 5, 2012
Posts
155
Reaction score
15
Location
Kingston, NY
Hello,

Thank you for being a loyal GM customer! With the vehicle you already own and the vehicle you are thinking to buy, just know that GM Customer Care is here on the forum and ready to assist if you have any general questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Jennifer T.
GM Customer Care

Not trying to high jack the thread but... The only reason I had to buy another gm was the towing ability. My past two chevys nickle and dimed me to death. Hopefully this one isn't the same. All talk no action.
 

Dave01

Member
Joined
Jul 22, 2013
Posts
76
Reaction score
9
What I found on a few high miles GM vehicles is that it's not the drivetrain that gets to be a problem, it's the electrical and latches and other running gear. If you find a well maintained vehicle with those kind of miles there's no reason to think you can't get another 50,000 or more out of it, given you understand that you'll be putting some yearly money into it. What I didn't like is the electric windows stop working, the speakers fail, electric seat freezes, door hinges get sloppy, on and on. Even if very well cared for, those miles are real and those switches and knobs and moving parts were used a ton, they will begin failing.

Not a reason not to buy, just something to think about on high mileage vehicles, and I find GM into the early 2000's had more of these problems than other brands.
 

sickk23

Full Access Member
Joined
Mar 12, 2012
Posts
755
Reaction score
269
Location
New Mexico
As I love my Tahoe just as much as the next guy and my family has always had these things as long as I can remember growing up... What about a Toyota 4Runner? If not then just from a biased past experience I'd stay away from '01 and '02.
 

raress9596

Full Access Member
Joined
Mar 24, 2010
Posts
98
Reaction score
0
Location
Long Island NY/ Boynton Beach Fl.
I've owned a load of GM trucks over the years and accumulate a lot of mileage really quickly. I usually give or sell them to my son (at a very discounted price of course). They may nickel and dime you but so will any other hi mileage vehicle. I think GM trucks hold up better than most and I hope to keep buying them. Am I biased, lol? My sons 2010 had a trans crap out at 100,000 miles. I wish I had never told my son to change all the fluids. Thankfully it was still under the extended warranty.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
132,380
Posts
1,867,065
Members
97,017
Latest member
97ext
Top