Things to look for when buying 2 DR Tahoe?

[SwampHound]

Hey guys,
Been lurking this forum ever since I got in the market for a 2-door Tahoe. Had some questions as to what to look for in them, as well as what are some of the major red flags. I've looked at a few but haven't pulled the trigger yet, if y'all need more info let me know.

Thanks,
Luke

 

[Gzes]

If its 92-94 it will have the 5.7 gas or 6.5 turbo diesel. I would look into those years if you want diesel. 92-95 tbi motor. 95+ dash change. 92-94 floor 4x4 only and I believe 95+ had option of floor or button 4x4. 96+ intake gasket can be bad if never replaced so would have nasty brown overflow and radiator

 

[2drhoeon4s]

look at the steering links and gearbox. I know that the last one i bought had serious issues, look for play in the arm coming out of it that the steering linkage connects to... look at the fuel filter on the drivers side inner frame rail.. Does it look shiny and new? Look at the underside of the steering column and check for a jumbled mess of wires with splices in it, if its all jacked up it could mean someone tried a hack job alarm install..obviously rust around anything on the interior.... seat mounting brackets, under the dash on the steering column...

 

[SwampHound]

Been going back and forth with a guy with a '98. Got him at $2500 right now, but its needs a new radiator, water pump, and new gauge cluster. Has 169k on it. Aside from what I just mentioned it checked out. Just curious if that's an ok price, or if I should hang around for another?

 

[97Tahoe2d4x]

I'd keep looking. I think you could do better for $2500. Check blue book on this.
Needing new gauge cluster kinda scares me.....you could be forever chasing electrical demons.
Also, needing water pump and radiator sounds like it was neglected or seriously over heated?.....
Just my 2 cents.

Peace.

 

[Gzes]

Yep I'd let it go. You can find something better for about that and yea cluster problems suck.'y old silvi supposedly had cluster issues. I pulled it and it was a junkyard cluster that was good. Turned out to be steering column. Was also causing my trans to be in limp mode

 

[SwampHound]

Hey guys, wanted to give y'all a quick update on what's up.
First thanks for the advice thus far, its been really helpful when looking these over.
The latest find is a '94 Z71 Hoe. Has a grand whopping 129k miles on it. This according to the odometer, which matches up with the Carfax reports. Seller wants 5800 for it. Has hinted he would take 5, but not less. Its almost new, about as close to flawless as you can get for a 1994, inside and out.
The catch?
The Carfax shows 4 previous owners. Seller swears its a 1 owner. Obviously it could have been refinanced 4 times, but still like there could be a missing piece of the puzzle.
With that said, would it be worth it to take a gamble? Offer him about 4k, maybe bit more?
I don't want to ask you guys about everyone single Tahoe I find, but I am curious about what should be payed for these "Near perfect" vehicles. KBB and NADA are usually not anywhere close what a lot of people are asking around here.

Sorry for the long post, trying to hoard as much information as possible before a purchase, as it would be my first vehicle, and daily driver.

Thanks,
Luke

 

[SunlitComet]

I would not even pay 2 grand for something that old. 2dr or not.

 

[97Tahoe2d4x]

I would not even pay 2 grand for something that old. 2dr or not.

Really??!! I paid 20 Grand for mine with 40K on the clock.............
waaaay back in March 2000.

Anyway, how much does KBB and NADA tell you what it should be worth in your area? Just curious. BTW, where are you located?

Whatever you decide, it's up to you but $5000 is little too much.
Don't let the emotion and excitement loosen your wallet.

Peace

 

[BirchyBoy]

I agree with people that say not to pay more than KBB or NADA says. Even if it is a cream puff, those prices include adjustments for high or low mileage. Some sellers have an emotional attachment to their vehicles and jack the price up because they think that is what they would pay for it.

If you want to be generous, offer the high book value and offer a copy of the printout to them showing the market price.