Newbie questions

[Rabindranath68]

Ok so im not an owner yet but im doing research so that i can possibly own one in the near future. I did do a little research by looking around at previous threads.

My QUestions are what kind of common problems do you see in these trucks. So far it seems like the tranny craps out. Not sure if thats a common concensus but thas kinda what i got fromr eading the how many miles does yours have post.

ALso what kinda of fuel milage are you guys getting. Im looking at getting the v8 5.3. not a huge concern but im curious. Currently drive a jeep cherokee and well it gets about 16 miles per gallon on a good day haha.

Also is there a certain range of year models that are better then others. looking for something 2000 or newer. thanks for the help if i can think of other questions im sure ill be back to ask. Good forum here. Thanks

 

[JKmotorsports]

Hi. Welcome aboard. I'll try to answer a couple of your questions from my experience. Other members will chime in soon and offer theirs as well.
I'd say most problems are going to be on a case by case basis, depending on how well the previous owner took care of and maintained the vehicle. I've seen trucks with 80,xxx miles needing to have the trans rebuilt. And I've seen trucks with 200,xxx with original drivetrain still intact with no problems. A truck that has seen a lot of towing or heavy load carrying will have more wear and tear on the trans.
In 03, the interior and options were updated, as well as very minor exterior updates.
Mileage will generally be in the 13-16 mpg hwy range.
These are good trucks. Let us know what you find and post some pics. Good luck on your hunt:thumbsup:

 

[Coastie Kyle]

I went from a ford explorer to a 00 yukon, absolutly no regrets. I think I actually got better milage to start with in the yukon. I dont think you will regret it ether, its a nice change.

 

[marinekilz]

:yesnod: I agree with JK, it is on a truck by truck basis. Was it abused, what it a family care, did the kids drive it, was it a grandma car etc. etc.

Now I looked up TSB for you on the 2000-2003
wheel speed sensor, running board wiring defect,Body control module draining the battery cause it doesn't turn off from bad programing

 

[Rabindranath68]

Well so far im happy with the responses. just making sure there isnty anything major that these trucks have that end up costing alot. Dont plenty of work on my Jeeps in the past and those have been bulletproof engine and transmission wise. Have one with over 200k thats a 95 and a 98 with 130k and never had any major problems.

But any other good info you guys can give me as far as to what to look for when i go out hunting for one would be highly appreciated. Thanks a bunch!

 

[SCZ71]

I also went from Grand Cherokees to a 03 Z71. My Tahoe gets in the 18 range highway, and about 16 around town. My Jeep didn't get that much. Only problem I have had so far with my Tahoe is a fan door solenoid that diverts air from the floor, to dash, to defrost etc. burning out. Gave me a constant clicking noise, but replaced the solenoid and it was fixed. Other than that its been great.

 

[LAP TOP GAMER]

I was a jeep owner and I wasnt very impressed with the quality of the Grand Cherokee and Chrysler in general. The 800 series are good trucks, and if you can afford new, the new 900 series(2007 on are redesigned and refined and former 800 series owners say it is a world of difference in the new trucks. I personally would look for a preowned 900 series as the refinement is well worth it. They are great trucks and if taken care of they can last for at least 300, 000 miles.:Chevy: :Chevy:

 

[jey_]

I only hit 18 mpg with my 5.3 if I keep it under 65 mph on the highway - 17 is a more reasonable goal for me. Around town it'll average 16 with mixed highway/stop-and-go, but with pure stop-and-go traffic light after traffic light driving with A/C on it'll dive down to the 13-14 range.

 

[FergHoe]

With a K&N FIPK and Flomaster 50 series single exit i can gt high 18's with an average speed of 75ish travling from dallas to amarillo all depends on winds, i mean the tahoe is basically like driving a brick...

 

[ronjeremy6]

i'm getting better fuel mileage than i did with my 94 pathfinder.

i was wondering about the tranny life as well. my 01 now has 149k with the original drivetrain. i bought it from a soccer mom that commuted in the truck. i love this thing!