Buying a 2001-2004 Z-71 Tahoe, what to look for?

[Wade]

In the next few months, I am looking to get a Z-71 Tahoe. Can you guys help me out on some things I need to look out for or ask about when buying one?

I am also stuck on a damn color. White,Black, Dark green. damn decisions decisions.

They seem really dependable. What kinda gas mileage can I expect on normal driving? What modifications can be made to increase gas mileage every so slightly?

Thanks for the help. I made this because I dont wanna buy a lemon.

 

[Sepiroth]

They are really dependable. I would basically watch out for excessive wear and tear. Try to keep your mileage down. Do your homework when shopping around for some of these. You can get yourself a helluva good deal by knowing more or less the average going price.

You can expect around 14-16 MPG. A BB tune wil prolly net you another MPG.

Welcome to the site!

 

[tybardy]

i am rocking an 04 z-71 that i bought back in july and this thing was taken REALLY good care of... here are the things wrong with it

oil pressure guage doesnt work, the intermediate shaft either needs to be replaced or lubbed... still not sure... and i think the 4wd might have some issues...

make sure you put the truck in 4high and 4low when you test drive to make sure everything is working properly.

these are great trucks man, great trucks. my z-71 averages about 15.5 MPGs and i drive mostly surface streets

 

[Wade]

Ouch, I was hoping to hear a tad higher MPG.

Most I see are 11-14K for a price with 99-115K miles. How long do these engines/drivetrains last if well maintained?

What mileage is considered 'high' for a tahoe?

 

[nc6600]

Ouch, I was hoping to hear a tad higher MPG.

Most I see are 11-14K for a price with 99-115K miles. How long do these engines/drivetrains last if well maintained?

What mileage is considered 'high' for a tahoe?

They will easily last 200k if well maintained before you start needing any major repairs. The tranny is usually the first thing to go.

 

[puck_11]

I bought a 2002 Tahoe LT, I wish I could have gotten an 03-04 Z71, but I looked for several months and I finally found a good deal on a Tahoe that was maintained well. Obviously the Z71 looks better, but I think there are small differences that make getting an 03 or 04 worth the extra money. One being the size of the radio bezel, if you ever decide to install a nav, it's easy with those models, vice the pre 2003 1.5 din size. The 03-04 leather interiors look much nicer, and I think they added the DVD players starting in 2003, but don't quote me on that. But if you find a screaming deal on an 01-02, don't miss out on it, because things like nav and dvd can always be added later. Just my two cents.

 

[scorpio]

Get an 05 and u wont have to worry about doin the electric fan conversion, better gas mpg and cooler ac for the summer time, good luck

 

[91RS]

Get underneath and make sure there aren't any leaks, especially on the front differential (front diff leaks are very common). Check fluid levels, too. Just because you can't see it dripping doesn't mean it isn't leaking, which is usually the case with a coolant pump. Make sure the 4WD functions properly. When you drive it make sure the transmission shift nice.