Rob_L
TYF Newbie
I've found posts on the forum talking about engine and transmission life expectancy for the '00 - '06 models. I've found articles on money management sites about decision points on when to replace a vehicle. What I haven't found are any articles or discussions that bring everything together...
First, a little background is probably necessary. I am 3-5 years from retirement and solidly middle class (meaning: I need to mind my pennies). I own an '05 Tahoe LT package with the 5.3 that I purchased new. A very important feature is that it's paid for. It has right at 60,000 miles on it and has been very well maintained. The body and interior are in near-new condition. It has a towing package, brake controller, and a sound system I installed myself (JL audio stealth center console sub, component speakers in the doors, amps, CleanSweep, and a Kenwood Music Keg for digital music - and there's no classical music on it, either!). This vehicle is our "road car" since my wife's car is a Corolla and I have a bad back. I still get about 16.5 MPG to and from work and 19-20 on the highway (as good as many so-called mid-sized and crossover SUVs!).
Now the planning part... on the forum, it looks like many people are of the opinion that, properly maintained, one can expect 200,000 or more miles from the engine and about 175K from the transmission (I don't tow often at all). Taking into consideration the current gas prices (still $3.65 in my area but $4.00 many places), monthly payments, insurance rates, and any other factors you can think of, what would your plan be for the long-haul? I don't "have the hots" for a new vehicle - I like this one just fine. If I keep it, I might do a few things to enhance enjoyment on the road - such as replace the factory head unit with an in-dash multi-media navigation unit (probably Kenwood Excelon with Garmin technology). What do you think about driving the truck as long as it's reliable and affordable to maintain and repair? My gut says "keep it." Any thoughts?
First, a little background is probably necessary. I am 3-5 years from retirement and solidly middle class (meaning: I need to mind my pennies). I own an '05 Tahoe LT package with the 5.3 that I purchased new. A very important feature is that it's paid for. It has right at 60,000 miles on it and has been very well maintained. The body and interior are in near-new condition. It has a towing package, brake controller, and a sound system I installed myself (JL audio stealth center console sub, component speakers in the doors, amps, CleanSweep, and a Kenwood Music Keg for digital music - and there's no classical music on it, either!). This vehicle is our "road car" since my wife's car is a Corolla and I have a bad back. I still get about 16.5 MPG to and from work and 19-20 on the highway (as good as many so-called mid-sized and crossover SUVs!).
Now the planning part... on the forum, it looks like many people are of the opinion that, properly maintained, one can expect 200,000 or more miles from the engine and about 175K from the transmission (I don't tow often at all). Taking into consideration the current gas prices (still $3.65 in my area but $4.00 many places), monthly payments, insurance rates, and any other factors you can think of, what would your plan be for the long-haul? I don't "have the hots" for a new vehicle - I like this one just fine. If I keep it, I might do a few things to enhance enjoyment on the road - such as replace the factory head unit with an in-dash multi-media navigation unit (probably Kenwood Excelon with Garmin technology). What do you think about driving the truck as long as it's reliable and affordable to maintain and repair? My gut says "keep it." Any thoughts?
