Tahoe 2002 vs 2003 - which one to buy?

[Soulbrother]

Hey guys,

I'm thinking about buying my first Tahoe. Been thinking about it for years but something always came up and prevented me from buying one.

Well...long story short. I'm looking at a 2002 and and a 2003 model. The 2002 have a bit fewer miles to the clock and a sunroof (prefer the sunroof over no sunroof ofcourse) But my issue is that I don't want a stock Tahoe. I want to customize it with Escalade running boards, roof rails, digital two-zone climate controle module and more. When I look at all the "upgrade parts" on ebay, they all seem to only fit from 2003 to 2005 or 2007.

So my question is, that since they are about the same price, should I go for the 2002 with a bit fewer miles to the clock and sunroof or the 2003 cause Ebay tells me that all the "fun parts" are only available from 2003 and forward?

Is there really such a big difference between the 2002 and 2003 model? And what should I be especially aware of when buying a 2002 or 2003 Tahoe? Rust, steering/handling, suspension, oil leak etc.?

Hope you have the time and patience to help me out here.

Best regards
Pete

 

[Soulbrother]

:help:

Guys...can it really be true that nobody inhere has an informative answer to my post? I'm especially interested in knowing if there is any difference between the 2002 and 2003 model when it comes to parts and accessories like running boards, roofbars, digital climate controle etc.

Best regards
Pete

 

[MO Viet Vet]

Patience is a virtue. I have an 02 and I really like it. I don't know why there would be upgrade differences between 02 and 03.

 

[Soulbrother]

You are right raiderron I was a little impatient. I guess I just really wanted to get some quick answers, as both the cars might be bought right in front of me if I'm too slow to figure out which one to gun for

I also cannot find anything on the internet saying that for instance the running borards or roofbars would be different from a 2002 to a 2003. But since a lot of the parts I was planning on getting from ebay started from 2003 and forward (according to what the dealer has typed in!), I was in doubt if there was actually a difference that would make the 2003 model the preferable one of the two.

Thanks for your comment

// Pete

 

[MO Viet Vet]

I understand. The rigs might go away before you get your answers. Did you ask the dealer about your dilemma? You have posted in the right section so someone should be able to help you.
Try going to the Tahoe/Yukon forum with the same question. You will have 2 sites to pick from then. I belong to both. Lots of quality help at either site.

 

[Soulbrother]

Thanks again for your help and great advise. Since I live in Denmark, Europe and both dealers are private dealers, I know they don't have a clue about what fits and not. Both cars are located in Denmark ofcourse and have been used for work related purposes only, pulling horse trailers. So they are both as stock as they can get Customizing trucks newer that 1997 is not really common here in Denmark, as they are pretty expensive to have as a daily driver here

I will try and post a thread in the forum you mentioned.

Thanks again.

/ Pete