Want to buy a Tahoe, need some advice

[ac1975]

Hey guys, I've decided I want a Tahoe. I'm looking at buying an '01-'04 depending on price. There are definitely some great deals on them now. What do I need to look out for on these trucks? I've read there were some problems up to '03?

I'm looking at the 5.3, 4x4. Not sure whether LS or LT. I will mainly use it sparingly for some camping trips and hauling my dogs around, and winter daily driver. I currently drive a Infiniti QX4 that gives me about 14 city/18 hwy, so the gas mileage may even be better on the Tahoe! Plus, I think I will have more room in the back to put my dog's crates side by side. Did any of the Tahoes come with the shifter for the 4WD? I'm not a big fan of push button 4WD. Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Sepiroth]

Hey guys, I've decided I want a Tahoe. I'm looking at buying an '01-'04 depending on price. There are definitely some great deals on them now. What do I need to look out for on these trucks? I've read there were some problems up to '03?

I'm looking at the 5.3, 4x4. Not sure whether LS or LT. I will mainly use it sparingly for some camping trips and hauling my dogs around, and winter daily driver. I currently drive a Infiniti QX4 that gives me about 14 city/18 hwy, so the gas mileage may even be better on the Tahoe! Plus, I think I will have more room in the back to put my dog's crates side by side. Did any of the Tahoes come with the shifter for the 4WD? I'm not a big fan of push button 4WD. Thanks in advance for any help.

Ok.
What do I need to look out for on these trucks? Basically the same as any vehicle. Things you want to be sure of is once you get it, do or have a service done of all fluids and filters.

I've read there were some problems up to '03? I have a 2002 Suburban and I have not noticed any issues (Knocks on Wood).

I'm looking at the 5.3, 4x4. Not sure whether LS or LT. Good choice on motor. Look at the 8th digit on the vin to know whether or not it is a flex fuel vehicle. Flex fuel means it can run on regular gas or E85. Z=flex fuel capable.

I currently drive a Infiniti QX4 that gives me about 14 city/18 hwy, so the gas mileage may even be better on the Tahoe! Um, You'll prolly get the same or maybe just a hair worse. About 3mpg less if you choose to run E85. With either engine, dont expect 20mpg.

Did any of the Tahoes come with the shifter for the 4WD? No.

 

[ac1975]

Thanks for the reply Sepiroth.

My brother used to sell at a Chevy dealership. He really likes the Tahoes and told me they had some electrical gremlins for the '00-'02? He said to get at least an '03, but it just really depends on what deal I can find. I may be able to sell my QX4 and get the Tahoe for the same price or pay just a little in difference. I can live with the same or a little worse mileage in exchange for the extra room and more power. I have a feeling I'd get better mpg because I've learned to be a featherfoot and think the V8 will just move the truck with less of a struggle than the 3.3 V6 = better mpgs, at least on the HWY. Am I crazy? lol

The other + is I think I'll have enough room to put my dog's crates side by side now (right about 48" total width). I don't have the room for that in the Infiniti and sometimes have to fold down the rear seats, put a crate on top of them, and the other in the cargo area. Been doing that for 3 years and it's a real PITA now. :ack:

I've never had a 4x4 with the push button. How do you guys like that? I was looking at the bi-fuel. I'm cool with either engine as I don't think the E-85 saves you much $.

 

[puckhead]

I have an '01 LT and I think its great. I have leather seats and love them, easy to clean and heated seats but i dont know if the dogs will rip it up right away. And unless your going to be doing towing or hauling try to stay away from the autoride. I have it now, and its nice and all but i had to replace the pump, $600 down the drain and now i have to replace the back shocks. $400 a pice from the dealer, $200 from another site. If your going to be camping and offroading I would look at the Z71 package. As for the push button 4x4, it works fine for me, just have to be nice to it! Hope this helps!

 

[ac1975]

Hey, thanks for the info. I'm in CO too, but I'm in Denver. How do I know which has auto ride? Is there a switch inside or somewhere I can see? I'd rather not get it. I don't do much towing or hauling... very little if any.

I'd really like leather, but it just depends on what's the best deal I can find. My dogs will be ok with leather since they are always crated while in the truck. I'm also looking for a Tahoe w/out the 3rd seat. Do some years/trim pkg more likely have them or not? What extras do the Z71's have?

 

[puckhead]

You can tell if ur truck has autoride if right after you turn it on there is a buzzing sound by the rear left tire. This is a pump that fills the suspension when the load changes. 3rd seat is completley removable so i wuoldnt worry too much about that. and i think the Z71 has diferent gears and also more skid plates. dont realy know what else.