Tahoe owners step inside...

[mjdwyer23]

Hey Everybody-
I drive a 94 GMC Sierra RCSB that has been one of my favorite vehicles. Unfortunately my work puts me between two plants all the time, and the regular cab just isn't cutting it for my office on wheels. I am looking for something reliable and roomy but I don't want to lose the capacity to tow my Buick if I had to. I found a good deal on a 2001 Tahoe with a 5.3, all options except leather and sunroof, 107k miles. How do you all like your truck? Is there anything in particular I should be leary of? I know it'll get crappy MPG, but my truck does already so having space will more than make up for it. Thanks!

 

[SVORay]

Two time Tahoe owner...maybe about to buy a third one.


Anyhow, we love our Tahoe! Our first Tahoe was a 96' 4x4 which in my opinion is way better than our 04' Z71 Tahoe. The mpg was nicer and it had a hair more room. Also it handled better during slightly windy days compared to our new Tahoe. If not for some old lady running a red light, we probaly would still be driving the 96' Tahoe. Now with that said, our new Tahoe does appear to be bullitt proof. We have logged over 26,000 hours thus far...40k miles in the first year. It's a little past 67k ATM. The only problem we've had so far is a faulty 4X4 relay. Now I see you're looking at a 2001 model...these may get better mpg than our 2004 Tahoe. I believe they came with an electric fan while the newer ones came with a clutch fan.

Now if you ask us if we would buy another Tahoe, we would in a Heart Beat!

 

[TWISTER]

I have a Yukon same thing loaded w leather its a 04, if Cadillac made a four wheel drive this would be it. Hold on.... I think they do. Well you get the picture. Gas mileage is OK and you can tow anything. Lots of cargo room. Never any problems with it.

 

[mjdwyer23]

Goooooooooood news. I'll let you know tomorrow how it works out. I drove one last night with 130k miles, TOTAL rip off on price though. I liked its manners and power, so we'll see what happens tomorrow.

 

[1ARUNM]

We have a 2001 Tahoe and it has been virtually trouble free. It gets about 20mpg on the highway. I would buy another one in a minute:smile: We had a 96 Yukon and it was the same way.

I work for GM but I don't have to buy their products. I do because I like them...well.. OK they pay me every week too, but I'm not lying. I really like my GM trucks.

 

[mjdwyer23]

Haha getting paid is cool too. Does 10k sound like a fair price?

 

[1ARUNM]

I don't know what the book price is, but if someone offered me 10k for ours I would laugh at them. Our Tahoe has less miles on it, only 67k.

less miles...hmmm isn't he the football coach at LSU?

 

[KevinB]

I just bought a '01 4wd 5.3 Tahoe. It had 83K when I bought it. I paid $12.5K for it. That was the best price I could find locally. So far, I love it! I average 15-16 mpg. I just towed a car for a buddy of mine. The Tahoe did great, despite the fact that the trailer had a brake problem (no brakes at all.) I had no problems stopping the 3500 lb car on a 2000 lb trailer I'd buy it again, if that helps your decision.

 

[mjdwyer23]

Nice, I went and looked at it today and it is in great shape. I'm waiting for their call back on financing, if the number is good it's mine!

 

[bigmac_ns]

2003 Tahoe. I love it. 18-20mpg. My wife drives it most the time and doesn't drive my buick or my truck. Lots of seating and you can take the dog and bags. When I'm away, I never worry about my wife getting out the driveway in the snow. If she can't make it out, she shouldn't be on the road either.

My only concerns are the brakes and the steering clunk (all newer GM's have this flaw) that can be rectified with heavy grease (GM-Trucks.com- The GM Truck & SUV enthusiast website - Home I think). Also, you may have to crank the torsion bars a bit as the front starts to sag a bit.

They're a safe buy IMHO. Try for the lower mileage ones as the brakes and shocks are darn expensive.

 

[at7we2]

not sure if this is relevant since you're looking at a newer model, but I've had my '99 4WD Tahoe LT for about three years and it's great. The *only* thing I don't like about it is the mileage - about 12-13 in the city. That having been said, it's in the shop right now getting a coolant leak fixed for the second time in two years. Apparently, the old 5.7's are notorious for developing coolant leaks between the intake and heads. Other than that, it's been great. Perfect for hauling kids and gear on trips, towing the Buick, etc.

 

[CHARGED]

Have an 03 Z71 Surburban, I love it when I get to drive it(wifes):frown:
40k+ miles and no problems. Pulls the car trailer and camper easilly.
Hope to keep it for many more years.

 

[57loboy]

Have an 03 Z71 Surburban, I love it when I get to drive it(wifes):frown:
40k+ miles and no problems. Pulls the car trailer and camper easilly.
Hope to keep it for many more years.

Hey - I have the same truck, only mine is an '05. I've upgraded to Bilstein shocks all around (night & day improvement!), Corsa cat-back SS exhaust and drilled & slotted rotors... 36K on it now, replaced transfer case encoder, dash 4wd switch & water pump under warranty. All else, no issues...

 

[SVORay]

not sure if this is relevant since you're looking at a newer model, but I've had my '99 4WD Tahoe LT for about three years and it's great. The *only* thing I don't like about it is the mileage - about 12-13 in the city. That having been said, it's in the shop right now getting a coolant leak fixed for the second time in two years. Apparently, the old 5.7's are notorious for developing coolant leaks between the intake and heads. Other than that, it's been great. Perfect for hauling kids and gear on trips, towing the Buick, etc.

Edited: The 95-99's with the older style 5.7s had an issue with a heater hose. It had a quick relsease fitting that was made out of pot metal. That fitting would always mess up inside the mainifold. It was kind of a PITA to fix. You also have to buy the mainifold fitting along with the hose.

 

[mjdwyer23]

They actually made a 2000 Limited and Z71 OBS with the old 5.7L motor as well. I've decided to get the truck, picking it up friday! WOOHOO INTERIOR SPACE!!!

 

[SVORay]

They actually made a 2000 Limited and Z71 OBS with the old 5.7L motor as well. I've decided to get the truck, picking it up friday! WOOHOO INTERIOR SPACE!!!

Doh, It's 2000 I'm thinking of...

So ya, the 99 would have that heater hose issues I'm talking about.

Anyhow, if you need more space, we took out the rear seats and bought a floor mat from Husky. We haul all kinds of junk with it.

Here is the only picture I have of teh wfie's Tahoe...

 

[mjdwyer23]

I work for Gore-Tex so making a nice protective mat in the back won't be a problem... Any recommendations on dog barriers? My dog gets car sick so she rides on something that can be easily hosed off!

 

[SVORay]

I work for Gore-Tex so making a nice protective mat in the back won't be a problem... Any recommendations on dog barriers? My dog gets car sick so she rides on something that can be easily hosed off!

Well I'm sure any liner you use can be hosed off but our Husky has a 2" lip around it. So liquids don't just run off the mat. I'll see about taking a picture in a few...

 

[Woody]

I bought a 98 2wd 2dr in Dec with 100k miles on it. It has the 5.7 with a chip,
lowered 4" in front and 6" in back, 17" TTII wheels, flowmaster muffler.............needless to say it gets alot of attention when I take it out for a spin. So far no issues.........

 

[Black-Jacket]

i loved my 96 slt, then someone stole it, that was that