I need a new vehicle

[macojoe]

Well to go along with losing the house I am also going to have to lose my truck!! This hurts more then the house and boat going!! I love my TRUCK!

This is not a Ford, Dodge, Chevy thread as I am a GM guy!!

So I am looking for something used for about $4000 to $5000. Trucks around here are going for $$$$ But I have found that Tahoe's are selling in my range with 150,000 miles on average
So my question is what years were the good ones?? I am looking in the 00 to 03 range for my price.

My 4.8 Chevy is still going with over 230,000 miles but use oil and has since I got it with 30,000 but more now? Is that normal for them? I love my 5.3 but in a big Tahoe hows the gas mileage? And being that I have never had a newer SUV what do I need to pay attention to on them?

This is a new area for me, and I have not bought anything with over 30,000 miles in years! Also don't have the ability to turn a wrench like I use to, and thats scaring me to hell!

thanks guys!

[THEFERMANATOR]

Aint nothing wrong with the 4.8L or 5.3L, both get about the same milage if you drive them easy. the TAHOE will have the same front end parts as your 1500 6 lug truck has, and they are pretty trouble free. only real issue I can think of for an 03-05 would be the guage cluster for that kind of milage, and idler and pitman arm in the front end. I really don't do much work on them as not much on them goes. The early trucks do have problems with the fuel pressure regulator, but it's a simple easy low cost repair to make.

[smokeonthewater]

I'd say that you could count on slightly BETTER mpg with the suv than the pickup... more aerodynamic.

[macojoe]

Thanks Guys!! I am most likely looking in the 2000 to 2003 range as they get a little pricey after that for me right now.

[Kracker Jack]

My brother owns a 2001 tahoe and has owned it since brand new. He will pass that vehicle down to his daughter next month for her to rstart driving. Thw only issue he has had with that truck is the clear coat on the hood and the fuel pump in the tank. He replaced the fuel pump twice. The heated side view mirrors are expensive also!!! I broke one on it one time and had to buy the mirror.....,ouch!!!!!

[phatdaddy]

i have an 02 tahoe 4wd w/5.3. got it in 07 w/85,000 and love it. currently has 160,000. gas mileage is ok 15 around town & 19 interstate. the only issues we have had is fuel pump(fairly common) and alternator @ 150,000. supposedly the intake manifold gskt will need addressing soon.
this is the first chev/gmc i have ever owned and when i replace my work truck, i will be looking for one in that year.

[smokeonthewater]

the fuel pumps on these trucks are cooled by the fuel they sit in and will last longer if you keep the tank full... get in the habit of FILLING it when it hits 1/4 tank...
I'm not saying that all failures are caused by it but most that I've seen are on vehicles that people regularly put just enough gas in to go somewhere so they spend a lot of time at 1/4 or lower.

[UBHSTRY]

Just sold a 99 turbo diesel suburban, 1500 bucks. Keep your eyes open deals are out there.

[macojoe]

Thanks guys!! Yes I use to have a 02 Truck and the fuel pump went twice in that one also, power window motors also.
The motor was the 4.8 and it is still going today, I will be looking for something in that range. Just needed to know what if anything was different in the SUV to look for other then trucks.

[UBHSTRY]

Maco are you willing to come here to pa for the right vehicle?