Tahoe 2002 vs 2003 - which one to buy?

[Soulbrother]

Hey guys,

I'm thinking about buying my first Tahoe. Been thinking about it for years but something always came up and prevented me from buying one.

Well...long story short. I'm looking at a 2002 and and a 2003 model. The 2002 have a bit fewer miles to the clock and a sunroof (prefer the sunroof over no sunroof ofcourse) But my issue is that I don't want a stock Tahoe. I want to customize it with Escalade running boards, roof rails, digital two-zone climate controle module and more. When I look at all the "upgrade parts" on ebay, they all seem to only fit from 2003 to 2005 or 2007.

So my question is, that since they are about the same price, should I go for the 2002 with a bit fewer miles to the clock and sunroof or the 2003 cause Ebay tells me that all the "fun parts" are only available from 2003 and forward?

Is there really such a big difference between the 2002 and 2003 model? And what should I be especially aware of when buying a 2002 or 2003 Tahoe? Rust, steering/handling, suspension, oil leak etc.?

Hope you have the time and patience to help me out here.

Best regards
Pete

 

[NathanJax]

Escalade running boards

Can be done with either

roof rails

Can be done with either

digital two-zone climate controle module

Can NOT be done with either. If it wasn't digital from the factory, you can't swap it to digital (doesn't matter the year)

When I look at all the "upgrade parts" on ebay, they all seem to only fit from 2003 to 2005 or 2007.

For some interior electronics, it's 00-02, then 03-06, and 07-14.



I prefer the 03 over the 02 for the center console. Plus you get the true double din radio instead of the 1.5 din and having to make it a 2.0 din.

 

[Soulbrother]

Thank you so much for your reply. Very useful. Still in doubt which one to choose though

I really love having a sunroof and have used it a lot in my previous cars. I do also like the true double din, but if I vant to install an iPad mini in the console, would it really matter if it's a true double din or not? Or would it require way too much modification if it's not a real double din?

Thanks in advance.

// Pete

 

[HBNH]

I wish I had the '03 steering wheel in my '02, otherwise they're pretty much the same trucks. '99-'06 = same body style, but '99-'02 interior differ from '03 and up.

 

[Soulbrother]

Thanks for your replies guys

Much appreciated.

// Pete

 

[fiatdale]

I prefer the 2003+ for the cluster, double din, console, updated switches, and seat pattern.

 

[YukonXL04]

I prefer the 2003+ for the cluster, double din, console, updated switches, and seat pattern.

This. Also if you go to a 05-06 they have factory electric fans

 

[NCTyphoonKid]

I have a 2000 and a 2001 and I like them both but I did like the 03+ int my sierra had. Its tough I like both though

 

[ccapehartusarmyINF.(ret)]

Can be done with either



Can be done with either



Can NOT be done with either. If it wasn't digital from the factory, you can't swap it to digital (doesn't matter the year)




For some interior electronics, it's 00-02, then 03-06, and 07-14.



I prefer the 03 over the 02 for the center console. Plus you get the true double din radio instead of the 1.5 din and having to make it a 2.0 din.

why is it a true double din ? its not like GM used 1.5 din and called it a double din besides 1.5 din or double din i would never buy an aftermarket deck in those sizes only single din

 

[NathanJax]

why is it a true double din ? its not like GM used 1.5 din and called it a double din besides 1.5 din or double din i would never buy an aftermarket deck in those sizes only single din

Most people will fit a double din in there by relocating the AC controls and fabbing one thing to fit or even getting an 03-06 dash and radio pocket to fit the double din. Hence the term true double din

Most people will also always go for the double din instead of a single. You get bigger screens, more/better display, touch screen capabilities, etc.