buying a tahoe, what to look for

[rxxx]

Hey guys, I'm in the market for a an 02-04ish tahoe or yukon. Before I make a purchase I need a little advice on what to look for. I have about $15,000 to spend, it needs to have 4wd and I need to tow a boat that weighs ~ 4,500lbs(including trailer). The car might also be used in a livery fleet, for a limousine service. I've read about the Dexcool head gasket problems, is this really as widespread as people make it out to be? What should I look for? Is a towing kit with transmissin cooler really necessary? Is flex fuel worth it? I live in Colorado, and there are E85 stations all over. When I'm looking at tahoes or yukons what other advice can you give me on what to look for? What options are a waste of money and which are worth paying for. Thanks!

 

[GTO2050]

For $15,000 you can buy a great one. I paid $11K for a used 2002 Tahoe LT with 4WD, leather, heated seats, auto air, 3rd row seats with 92K miles. Runs like new after a few minor issues. The problem in NJ is there is a real shortage of Tahoes and Yukons.

 

[22cntrfield]

I just bought my 2nd Tahoe. I drove a 2001 z71 from 2005 until about 4 weeks ago (it was my dads, he gave it to me with 40000 miles). It has over 110 on it now and is still running very strong. It has just had minor work. Scheduled maintnence (oil changes every 4000 miles), 2 intermediate steering shafts (very common in Tahoes), and a couple O2 sensors. My dad just bought me a 2004 LT 2WD with 24,000 miles on her. He paid $23900 for it. You should be able to find a 2003 or 2004 for much cheaper, the low mileage ones just bring the money.

Try and find a 2003 or newer, that is when they redesigned the interior. After having a 2001, I much prefer the updated interior. My 2001 started feeling a little bit loose when it was leaning towards the 90,000 mark, but it still drives nicely. You can't go wrong with these things, they will serve you well.