Suggestions please

[nitrosnoopy]

Well I am new here and and I am out looking for advice.I am officially done with Ford vehicles,the last 2 I have had left me on the side of the road .This after investing 10000 in rebuilds.Anyways I am looking at 2000-2006 Tahoe/Yukons 4x4 to see if its a suitable replacement for my V-8 Mercury Mountaineer.The must haves for me are ability to tow my 3300lb Pontoon,my family also I am a a guy who like to venture off road to go camping and also go up to the mountains to eat when it snows so an upsize in tires would be in order.What are somethings I should avoid and look out for when I go to look for one?Any trouble spots ?What are the biggest flaws?

 

[Rockytfox]

Door locks and trans are common trouble spots.

 

[doylee4693]

lets see im gonna tell it too you like I would have like to been told when I first bought my tahoe....Transmission is a known problem,fuel pump issues,the instrument cluster will need a rebuild,4x4 switch,steering shaft issues,blend door actuater,abs sensor,autoride leaks and compressor burns out,and im sure im missing something else!If you live in an area where rust occurs then keep an eye on youre brake lines.The tranny is what scares me the most!!

 

[Gzes]

its not really that bad. but basically you would need a small lift and for big tires.i would get a z71 tahoe because they do well offroad. i have an older hoe tho so cant do much but its definately a shitload more reliable then my 06 ford taurus and 05 ford explorer put together

 

[mattvand]

Welcome!

I also recommend a Z71. You get 17" stock wheels, transmission cooler and beefier shocks standard.

Only issues I've had or have are the ISS clunk and a power steering pump on its way out (105k on the clock).

 

[Matt06Yukon]

Transmission is completely not a known problem. GM has some of the best automatic transmissions made. I've had about 15 various GM vehicles, all but three were automatic, and I've never had to have one rebuilt. Could not be further from the truth.
I think its a great replacement for your Mountaineer. Same or better gas mileage with more cargo room. Wonderful, powerful, super reliable engine with the 5.3. Common issues, eh the pushbutton 4x4 switch goes bad, you'll get a "Service 4x4" system or something along those lines. Simply remove and replace. Blend door actuators do bad, but almost all vehicles have this type of system now and they're all a pita when they break. Jeep Grand Cherokees are the king of those types of problems. I had the rear hatch door lock/unlock actuator go bad, that was super annoying and expensive to replace. But easy to do once I bought the actuator and if it lasts another 100k miles then thats no big deal. I really can't think of anything with this generation that is anything beyond a nuisance. Good luck with your search.

 

[DCT]

Edmunds has all the major issues listed. The most common and expensive are the abs pump and catalytic converters. Many trucks have had these repairs if they are still on the road so ask the seller. The steering shaft is about $70 and 10 minutes. No big deal. For your purpose sounds like a Z71 would be good like the others have said. Good luck.