Common Tahoe problems?

[Muscleswit350]

Hi all I'm new to this forum and I'm planning on buying a 02 Tahoe with 5.3 and 4 wheel drive with a 3.73 rear end. It Has less than 75k and a clean carfax. Before I buy it I was hoping to get some help on what to look for and what are the common issues for this rig? I'm pretty mechanical and know the obvious things to check but is anything special to check for? Any advice is very much appreciated and Thanks in advance!

 

[MO Viet Vet]

:welcome: to the forum.

I recently bought an 02, also. I know I will be needing the serp belts and the 2 tensioners and 1 idler assemblies eventually. If rig is stock then just check it all out and go from there. Low miles so shouldn't be much unless during that time the rig was not taken care of but does not sound like that. There are plenty of threads here to search through. You will see some guys have problems with certain rigs while others with same rigs have no problems. Eventually the knock sensors will be needed and plenty of threads to read about that. May have some problems with HVAC actuators, or maybe not. Emissions codes for fuel system vent system...etc.

 

[kdarsey]

On a positive note, I have an 02 LT 2WD I bought her with 80K and to date she has 260K.
The only money spent other than tires, brakes & oil changes have been an alternator & one rotor.
I take care of her but she does get driven even pulling my Toy Hauler that is about 6K lbs. It has done a lot of towing & so far so good. The paint is blowing off so I am looking at getting it painted & then wait for any other issues such as the tranny & motor that will eventually be needed.
Dang good truck..

 

[tonymac617]

Purchased my 01 LT 5.3 4WD with a little more mileage on it than the OP's and so far it needed front axle seals, backing plates, rear diff gasket, & valve cover gaskets. Other than that, normal maintenance.