Chevy Tahoe / Full Sized SUV Owners (1 Viewer)

[Native]

Looking to buy a used Chevy Tahoe at a reasonable price that will last me for the next 6-7 years. Towing is not as big of a requirement as the need of a full sized vehicles for family and trips. Since we already have a minivan, I would like an SUV as a second car to keep my sanity in the Burbs.

Does anyone have insights about the best used model to buy? Im looking for maximum bang for the buck - dont need infinite bells and whistles but do want a reliable vehicle that will not fall apart in a few years time. From what Im able to gather, the Tahoe had its first platform redesign for the 2000-2006 models and another for the 2007-2014 models. The lastest platform redesign occurred this year in advance of a 2015 launch. My questions are:

1. Whats the max number of miles I should be looking at when purchasing a used vehicle of this type? WIll a 100K mile vehicle fall apart? Whats the rule-of-thumb threshold?

2. From a model perspective, how many years back would I be able to go and still get a quality vehicle? How do the 2000-2006 models compare to the 2007-2014 models?

3. Any other tips/pointers about other SUV's in this class that you would recommend?

Thanks

 

[Copeman]

I bought a used 2003 Escalade with about 115,000 miles on it at the end of the summer last year. It still drives like new, and looks great. I've put about 10,000 miles on it, and have had no problems other than routine maintenance. I did opt to put a new battery in it as well as a steering pump and inner tie rod, but none of that was necessary at the time. Just wanted to get newer stuff in in before they started causing issues. I would never hesitate on buying something with around 100,000 miles on it, especially trucks/SUV's. Keep up the regular maintenance and they will go well over 200,000 miles.

 

[Native]

Is it realistic to expect a car to last for 200K miles?

 

[Copeman]

Is it realistic to expect a car to last for 200K miles?

A car? Sure, but trucks/SUV's are much more reliable to see that kind of mileage.

As with anything, proper maintenance will get you to that (mileage). Most people don't do the proper maintenance or just don't care.

When I look at a vehicle (used) for the first time, I inspect it top to bottom. If you don't know what to look for, take it to your mechanic first.

 

[Statcruncher]

I bought a brand new Chevy Suburban in 2005. The thing has been ridiculously dependable and just turned 147,000 miles on the odometer. Besides the the typical oil changes, wiper blades, brake pads, and tires; here are all the things I've had to repair so far:

Windshield rock chip repair
Burned out brake/marker bulbs

Replace the brake power booster ($700)

Sticking A/C actuator ($400)

I cannot reccommend it enough, it's a rock solid platform with easy to find and reasonably priced parts. I fully expect to easily get 200k+. That being said, buying used you don't know if the original owner maintained it properly so it becomes more of a crapshoot. Good luck with whatever you buy.

 

[Johnny Rock]

I don't know about all your questions but my 2008 Ford Expedition EL has 190,000 on it with barely a problem. Many more options than similar-sized large SUVs in that model year including fold flat seats, independent rear suspension etc. It's been money.

 

[Native]

I don't know about all your questions but my 2008 Ford Expedition EL has 190,000 on it with barely a problem. Many more options than similar-sized large SUVs in that model year including fold flat seats, independent rear suspension etc. It's been money.

Thanks. Hows the trunk space? I hear the Tahoe has little room due to the third row...

 

[tjnc09]

I don't know about all your questions but my 2008 Ford Expedition EL has 190,000 on it with barely a problem. Many more options than similar-sized large SUVs in that model year including fold flat seats, independent rear suspension etc. It's been money.

Thanks. Hows the trunk space? I hear the Tahoe has little room due to the third row...

You should be able to remove the third row seats if you don't need them. They also fold up.

 

[Johnny Rock]

No need to remove the third row as it folds down flat electronically. Lots of room behind the third row in the EL (Extended Length). It's like having a 7 seat truck but no topper because with everything folded flat it's a huge bed basically. But it rides like a Caddy due to independent suspension. The third row is actually usable as seats unlike some where the floor sits higher with no legroom for adults.

Tons of power and great in snow, mud and rain. Lots of pop to get up to speed quickly and great towing power. 15 mpg which is pretty good I think for a V8 this versatile and huge. I can still parallel park it in one move and it has a back-up beep which is nice. Only option mine doesn't have I believe is the back-up camera.

I really wanted a Toyota Sequoia at the time but nothing could touch it in features for that model year IMO. Compare and contrast.

 

[Zegras11]

I recently bought a 2008 Tahoe. Love it.