New Guy, Looking at a used '03 Tahoe ?'s

[jrhogan]

I have the opportunity to pick up a 2003 Tahoe LT with 53k original miles but need some advice on what I might be getting into repair wise.

Buying from original owners, they have done all the recall repairs on the vehicle but other than maintenance, nothing else.

I have heard that there are a few items that need or will need to be replaced on this model, fuel pump comes to mind

Is there anything I need to look for? any advice? the Tahoe is stock and basically new inside and out with Leather, its in better than excellent condition, i'm just worried about what I might be getting into and need to plan for any future repairs, I just want to make a good decision.

she told me she would let it go to me for 10k


Thanks everyone.

 

[Denali0229]

Sounds like a good deal. Do you have any pics of it?

 

[jrhogan]

No, but I easily could get some, she doesn't have it listed online and the truck is only about 5 minutes down the street.

I'm just wondering about any common known issues with the '03

 

[02tahoeindiana]

Known issues, none. These trucks are extremely reliable and can take a hell of a beating daily. Rare cases of lemons but as long as its been taken care of you wont have a problem and that seems like a fair deal. 53k miles isnt even close to broken in on these trucks, my 02 has 192k and our 2008 denali has nearly 79k never left us stranded either vehicle and they are far from babied.

 

[OHSIXX]

+1 on some pics....but with that low mileage and great condition + the fact you can get it for 10K--no brainer

 

[jrhogan]

I think i'm just more paranoid than anything, i'm not a mechanic or good with working on my own vehicles (don't have access to the right tools) and I just am scared to death of buying a vehicle that might be a money pit.

I got burned thinking I was getting a "good deal" when I bought my 02 Explorer, turned out, that model year had a whole slew of issues and was an all around bad experience.

so I learned my lesson and try and do as much research as possible before I buy anything.

I did have one question for you guys, I noticed on my test drive yesterday that the power steering made a slight groan when turning at max, is this normal? or a sign that the power steering is going out at 53k? seems awfully early

 

[JochenWoern]

+1 on some pics....but with that low mileage and great condition + the fact you can get it for 10K--no brainer

+1!!!!!!!!!!! 10K for that low mileage is truly a NO BRAINER!!!!!!

I have almost 94K on my 2006 and no issues whatsoever. Love this truck.

---------- Post added at 01:09 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:07 PM ----------

I think i'm just more paranoid than anything, i'm not a mechanic or good with working on my own vehicles (don't have access to the right tools) and I just am scared to death of buying a vehicle that might be a money pit.

I got burned thinking I was getting a "good deal" when I bought my 02 Explorer, turned out, that model year had a whole slew of issues and was an all around bad experience.

so I learned my lesson and try and do as much research as possible before I buy anything.

I did have one question for you guys, I noticed on my test drive yesterday that the power steering made a slight groan when turning at max, is this normal? or a sign that the power steering is going out at 53k? seems awfully early

Well what did you TRULY expect when you purchased a FORD????? HELLO?????

I do not believe this to be an issue to hear a little groan at MAX TURN!?!? ANYONE ELSE have any input here?????

 

[chauncey0337]

Yes your steering pump will make a little noise when you turn it to max. That is incredibly low miles for that year and not a bad price either!

 

[jem556]

I have 128K on mine and have had no major issues other than the " instrument cluster problem" that causes the speedometer to go haywire occasionally and the "steering shaft clunk problem" that I plan to fix with a new shaft soon. No problems with any of the power accessories, audio/video, A/C, engine or drivetrain. Had an isolated tranny slip incident a year ago but I think it was just low on fluid because it hasn't done it since.

 

[Atreuce]

I bought my 03 used for 6k at 160k mi... Haven't had any issues at all with it. Love my tahoe!