Thinking about buying a Suburban, what do I need to know?

[ScottyGunn]

Hi all!

I currently have a Jeep Grand and it is just too small for anything more than me and my dog to go hunting or fishing.

I routinely take 2-3 other guys with me, and the dog, to go hunting, fishing, camping etc... and need more room.

I like the idea of a big suburban with 4wd and possibly a diesel for the extra power.

I may put a plow on it for use in the winter.

After looking around the internet, there's not a whole lot available for sale, especially since I would prefer to buy one from an area like the South West where it hasn't seen snow and salt.

Anyone have suggestions or pointers?

 

[ScottyGunn]

Ok, before you flame me....I just did see the sticky post on buying.

 

[east302]

I like the idea of a big suburban with 4wd and possibly a diesel for the extra power.

To start, I'd avoid the 6.5 diesel as they are known for their fair share of issues. You couldn't go wrong with a 3/4-ton Suburban with the 454 for towing capacity.

On the 350, the common (more expensive) repair is leaking lower intake gaskets. Not sure if the 454 had the same issue or not. A revised gasket came out maybe 10 years ago, so the odds are high that any vehicle that you're looking at has already been repaired. A leaking rear main seal would be something else to look for.

The next generation (2000-06) versions are fairly affordable as well.

 

[SunlitComet]

if going diesel then grab a 97 or newer. that has an l65. various injection pump/cooling system/tranny improvements. it will get you a 4l80e tranny on it.

 

[04ctd]

2006 Cummins with a Mega Cab.

ton of room, plenty of power.

2006 has a Catalytic Converter, but none of the other emissions stuff.

 

[Big Mama]

I've had 3 Yukon/suburbans including a 97, a 2000, and now a 2007 Denali (pictured) Depending on what you're planning to pull a diesel might be overkill. With the new body style in 2014 the previous version, 2007-2013 prices have come down but the one prior 2000-2006 has come way down. As 04ctd mentioned a mega cab diesel is a great truck unless you really want 3 rows of seats. Things to look for - don't be afraid of 100-150k miles. That's just breaking them in. On the 07-13 model the all wheel drive Denali has a history of slip yoke problems and front drive shaft. One last tip is look on the NHTSA website for recalls and GM's TSB for for the year and model you like. They're awesome trucks and run forever if cared for. Get an old rug or a rubber mat for the back so your friends, if they're like mine, don't ruin your carpet. Good luck