Opinions on 2007+ Tahoe z71

[STZombie]

Hey guys, as you might be able to tell I'm the new guy around these parts..still getting used to how this forum works so be gentle haha

Anyway, I was thinking about maybe picking up a lightly used z71 Tahoe from the 07-09 range. I hear great things around about Chevy's new trucks, so that is what got me thinking about this one.

I was curious if you all had any opinions you could share regarding what you like, don't like, problems, repairs needed, gas mileage, and anything else you think I should know before I drop something like 27K on one of these.

Thanks in advance for any replies!

Take care,
-STZ

 

[KMeloney]

In terms of personal likes/dislikes, I'm not a fan of the fender flares on the nnbs Z71s. I had an '02 Z71, and I liked the flares on it -- I'm just not a fan of the look on the '07+ vehicles.

Now, with that said, a friend of a friend has a Z71 that he lifted slightly and put larger/aggressive tires on. IT looks awesome, and the flares look appropriate with the tires.

With the exception of the 6-speed's shifting ('09+), the nnbs trucks are better in EVERY WAY than the previous body style, imo. I say go for it!

 

[rogersinsel]

Hey guys, as you might be able to tell I'm the new guy around these parts..still getting used to how this forum works so be gentle haha

Anyway, I was thinking about maybe picking up a lightly used z71 Tahoe from the 07-09 range. I hear great things around about Chevy's new trucks, so that is what got me thinking about this one.

I was curious if you all had any opinions you could share regarding what you like, don't like, problems, repairs needed, gas mileage, and anything else you think I should know before I drop something like 27K on one of these.

Thanks in advance for any replies!

Take care,
-STZ

I have heard of some problems with the exterior plastics used on the Z71 package. I would definitely purchase an 2009 or 2010 over anything else. the extra content alone makes them worth every penny. No problems to report here.

 

[SabrToothSqrl]

z71

IMO (obviously)

you want the 09+

09 adds a MUCH improved 6 speed auto (vs 4)

and 09 adds bluetooth.

you also want the sat-nav.

not getting sat-nav on a new car is like not getting power windows was on a car 10 years ago... you think... i don't need it... but after a few years with it you will never go back.

also if you tow, you get a nice backup camera with it!

 

[2 E L O]

I'll disagree about the 6-spd tranny being better. I'm not necessarily a fan of the 4-spd 4l60e, either, but I DEFINITELY prefer it over the 6-spd 4l80e. I drove a '10 Tahoe with the 6-spd and it drove me f'n nuts. Constantly searching for gears at city speeds during normal driving, VERY sluggish in 1st gear, I just didn't like it.

HOWEVER, I would recommend getting one that is used but just a year old and only one owner. This is where you'll get the best bang for your buck, lowest mileage, *hopefully* least amount of wear and tear, etc. Look for an '09 or '10.

I agree with Kirk...the big ol' fender flares on the Z's look a little goofy with the stock wheels/tires. They're HUGE fender flares. But with some aftermarket wheels with less offset and beefy tires they look awesome.

 

[Zed 71]

Yeah the 6-speed needs some programming improvement.

Will you take it off road? If so, hopefully the one you are looking at has the rear locking differential. For 07 it was an option as was the 4.10 final drive.

IMO the fender flares look great stock. However, they are begging to be filled...

 

[STZombie]

Yeah the 6-speed needs some programming improvement.

Will you take it off road? If so, hopefully the one you are looking at has the rear locking differential. For 07 it was an option as was the 4.10 final drive.

IMO the fender flares look great stock. However, they are begging to be filled...

Agreed. I really like the stock look of the new z71 personally so no issues there!

But no major offroading - just possibly some slightly muddy, rocky trails. No heavy duty rock climbing or anything. Do you think a locking rear diff is necessary outside of just 4WD?

Also, at everyone else: I do quite a bit of city driving (speeds less than or around 40mph), but there's also quite a bit of highway driving on a daily basis (around 60-70mph) and long distance highway at about 75mph (about a 600 mile round trip going to school and such that has to be made about once or twice a month)

Someone commented about the nav system - I have one of the new Garmin Nuvi 1690's..so a in-dash nav isn't really necessary but I guess it could affect resale value a few years down the road?

Thanks for the replies guys..keep'em comin

-STZ

 

[Zed 71]

The locking rear is just a good back up. I only had it engage a few times (muddy or loose up hill climbs). So not really required, just piece of mind IMO. In your case, it would not be a deal breaker.

 

[STZombie]

Alrighty. Sounds good.

In your guys' opinion - is the tranny difference a deal breaker if I can get a 07-08 for a better price with options than a 09-10?

Keep the opinions coming! Anything u guys can think of that I might need to know...are there any common mods that everyone does? Leveling? HIDs?

 

[Zed 71]

I would like the 6-speed. It is supposed to be more stout, but there isn't enough history with them as they are new.

As far as mods, look at my sig. Next will a Blackbear tune. I heard they can adjust the 6-speed also...