Looking for a Suburban/Tahoe...

[WILMASBOYL78]

I started a thread to get input on the older GM 5.3 equipped trucks...got some good feedback. Now we start looking...

Looking for a used Tahoe/Suburban...older truck with a 5.3 before the engine issues started. [no AFM please] I guess that puts me around 2000-2005/6. Ideally a well maintained and hopefully rust free unit. I'm not in a rush, but would like to make it happen before winter.

I know this may be a tough ask, but you folks all are great car people and take care of your vehicles...so this is the best place to start.

Any help is appreciated..

Thanks, wilma

[Salvatore]

Isn't there a way to disconnect that AFM Tom. I thought I heard that somewhere.

Sam

[WILMASBOYL78]

Been getting lots of info on vehicle choices...thanks for the input. After more consideration, I have decided to down size to a smaller SUV. We have a full size GMC pickup for real 'truck duty'...and I think a smaller vehicle will be a better choice for a host of reasons.

My local car folks tell me that for full size buy American made and for the smaller SUV's go with an import. So, we are focusing the search in that arena.

The process continues...

-wilma

[Too Many Projects]

Originally Posted by WILMASBOYL78

Been getting lots of info on vehicle choices...thanks for the input. After more consideration, I have decided to down size to a smaller SUV. We have a full size GMC pickup for real 'truck duty'...and I think a smaller vehicle will be a better choice for a host of reasons.

My local car folks tell me that for full size buy American made and for the smaller SUV's go with an import. So, we are focusing the search in that arena.

The process continues...

-wilma

Good luck with the search for a mid-size SUV that has a real transmission anymore. MANY of the Asian brands are now CVT and aren't usable for towing much of anything, if that is a consideration. Used prices have seem to have climbed over the last year too. I've been looking to replace my CR-V and am frustrated with what's out there and the cost.

[Lynn]

I really like the 2001 to 2006 models. Not much to bitch about and they reasonably easy to work on. I have an 04 Yukon XL Denali, which means the 6.0 and full time all wheel drive, both of which hurt mileage. Not a big deal to me, as I just don't drive it often. I do like the extra power of the 6.0. Some think it is the same power as the 5.3..... it isn't; I have driven it back to back with my son's 5.3 two wheel drive Suburban. It isn't a HUGE difference, but definitely noticeable.

I just pulled the trans in my son's 07 and had it rebuilt. Trans wasn't slipping but the converter was worn out; not locking up. Also, needed a rear main seal in the engine, so it made NO sense to pull it to replace the converter and rear main, and put it back in.
Had 255,000 miles on it, and my transmission guy said it had never been apart!!!!

If you can find an 01 - 2006 model with 5.3 and two wheel drive with fairly low mileage, and little to no rust, that would be a great starting point. Expect to spend some money on deferred maintenance.

[tjs44]

FYI,I bought a 2020 Tahoe yesterday at a Chevy dealer,one owner with 44K miles.I got a lifetime powertrain warranty with it.As long as I own it.$100 deductable.FWIW,Tom

[Salvatore]

real good deal I think tjs.

[Bill Pritchard]

I've had a 2002 Tahoe, a 2010 Yukon, and now a 2021 Tahoe, all with the 5.3, and zero issues with any of them.

[tjs44]

I have lost count of how many Yukons and Esclades I have owned AND also not had any issues BUT have never kept one over 90K miles.My 90K mile 2017 Yukon is getting replaced with the 2020 Tahoe.Tom