1997 Tahoe 2 door

[TomS]

Hello all,

I'm currently looking at buying a 1997 2 door Tahoe and was wondering if there are any issues to look for on these model cars? The car has 140,000 kms (about 85,000 miles), it is a Japanese import (I live in Dubai, Middle East), 5.7 L Vortec mated to an autobox, leather interior. I do not know which trim package it has (anyway to find out?). Engine looks clean and has recently had a new alternator put in. Price is US$ 8,000.

I will try to post some pics later but in the meantime, if you could give me any advise as to what I should look out for before purchasing this car, I would really appreciate it.

Thanks,

Tom

 

[General Stalin]

Well, if the leather interior is from the factory, then it is an LT trim, and if it only has 85,000 miles, then it more than likely is still in prime running condition as it is still under factory drivetrain warranty. It's still a young vehicle as far as I'm concerned. The main thing to check for in these vehicles is transmission problems, because the 4L60E is a fickle thing and can burn out easy if it's really beat on.

 

[road1will]

Well, if the leather interior is from the factory, then it is an LT trim, and if it only has 85,000 miles, then it more than likely is still in prime running condition as it is still under factory drivetrain warranty. It's still a young vehicle as far as I'm concerned. The main thing to check for in these vehicles is transmission problems, because the 4L60E is a fickle thing and can burn out easy if it's really beat on.

I've never heard of an 11+ year factory warranty.

 

[General Stalin]

Well I didn't mean it as it's still actually covered by the manufacturer warranty, I meant it as it is still within the "garunteed mileage" if you will. Sorry for the confusion.

 

[TomS]

Hi guys,

Many thanks for the info. The car is stock so I don't expect the autobox to have been abused over the 85,000 miles. I'm also not looking to do too many hard core trips with it (that's what the TJ is for!). The Tahoe is going to be used as a daily driver as well as for those long camping trips where we take it easy so it's not going to see a lot of abuse either if I buy it. A pic of the car is below:


I love the space in the car and the comfort but I'm a little worried about reliability and spare parts in this part of the world! Wouldn't know who to go to for a tranny rebuild. Are there any other things to look out for? Rear diff?

Anybody know the maximum tyre size I can put on that without a lift? [Edit] - is US$ 8,000 a fair price for this vehicle?

Thanks a lot,

Tom

 

[pilot brandon]

Max tire size is 31" without a lift, depending on the width you will have some rubbing. Where are you located? the thing i love about my truck is that parts aren't that expensive. I just replaced my grille for $36 the bumper for $75 and the hood for $286.

 

[TomS]

Thanks...car currently has 265's (which is almost 31 inch I think). I live in Dubai, Middle East so parts aren't as easy to get here as they are back in the US. Shipping ain't cheap either.

hmmm...my other choice is an 04 Grand Cherokee Overland edition with about 45,000 miles on it. Much better condition but twice the price. The Tahoe is much stronger thanks to a proper chassis, but the thing feels like the Titanic when driving...

hmmm...am confused now.

Tom

 

[Mike97]

I own a 97 Tahoe, and I love it. $8000 is a good price for it if the mileage is correct. The biggest thing you need to watch for is the intake manifold coolant leak. This seems to be common on the 5.7 liter vortec engines. But usually doesn't occur until after 130k miles.

Btw, those wheels are not stock. They look like stock GMC wheels from a 2000+ Yukon.