In the research phase of trying to find a new vehicle, hoping to only spend around 12K-15K, have pretty much settled on Tahoe / Yukon / Suburban / Yukon XL or Escalade-all the same truck pretty much. I know they made some changes between the 1999 and 2000 model years, any advantage to the newer ones? I know the company vans I've been driving have the 5.3L in them, and they ROCK :D

Also-was reading the "Salesman" thread, would really appericiate any tips/hints/money saving ideas? Ken K's tips were pretty good (why missing?)

Thanks all!

Beware of the front brakes on the 99's, have had a terrible time with mine, and have heard from others with the same problem.

Anyone else with comments about the 1998-2002 era big GM Utils? What I should look for and stay away from??

Thanks all!

In the price range you are looking I found over 100 in my area for sale(50 mile range) and that was just burbs :eek: If the rig has a lot of miles and the push button auto 4x4, check the transfer case thoroughly. The NP 241 magnesium case had an issue on the output shaft (rear) and can develop a crack or hole in the case due to the bearing/race. I had to replace mine at 96k. From the dealer a reman was $1300 a new one $2200 and that was the good discount price. I got a new one from www.transfercaseexchange.com (http://www.transfercaseexchange.com/) for $995 on sale:cool:
Check the front brakes for proper lubrication of the caliper bolts. If they aren't floating correctly the inboard pads will wear prematurely and by the time you figure that out you will be needing new rotors. Not a big deal on 1500 vs. 2500 models. On the light duty the rotors slide right off. On the 2500s, the rotor is held to the hub via the wheel studs and all 8 of the studs have to be removed to take the rotor off :eek: It was enough work that I still check mine regularly for even wear. The 1500s came with the 4l60e but the 2500s have the 4l80e. Local tranny guy hates the 4l80 as they never break according to him. If you are doing any serious towing I'd go with the 2500. I don't like Tahoes and Yukons as the shorter whee base is as stable for towing and the older ones don't have the 3rd seat. Also the passenger door windows don't roll all the way down. The gas mileage difference is negligible from the Burbs(1500) and for some reason the brakes don't seem to be as good. Doesn't make any sense as it is the same brake setup but I know my buddy's Tahoe did not feel as good on braking as my 98 Z71 Extra cab 4x4. If you can find a deal on the 01 or newer I would go that route as the 5.3s and 6.0s I hear get decent mileage (15-18) My sis has a sweet black 01 burb and with 20s and and a lot of urban driving she gets a solid 15mpg. I guy at work a similar 01 in pewter and does a little better at 16-17mpg. Neither have had any major complaints. The guy at works truck had a washer fluid low light due to placement of the unit and some how the big wheels damaged the the setup with tire rub.
If you want a moonroof, they are really rare in the 99-00 burbs and more common in the 01+ Rigs. The leather in my 99 has a thin wear spot where I get in and out but that is partly due to my rig being lifted. After 106k miles the only issues I have had are:
Transfer case deal from above.
Fuel filter plugged after 96k miles:clonk:
A faulty fuel gauge but it is the sending unit and since they are a combined unit with the fuel pump and about $250 I have relied on my trip odometer just in case. It reads3/4ths full until there is about a 15-20 mile range of fuel left then it goes to empty.
Other than that all I have done is add dexcool and do oil changes. Rig has hauled cars all over the west and was driven daily up until last year. At $100+ per tank I figured it was time to get a SB daily driver. Used to fill it up every other week. Now it gets a tank of fuel about every 5-6 weeks. I get 11mpg unloaded, 9.5 with a loaded open car trailer, and 7.5-8 with the loaded enclosed trailer. I have considered trading it in but it is paid for and I don't have a car payment( and I still really like it a lot.) Also since I own 3 trailers a pickup isn't really needed. Never say never though :)

I have been thinking about a centrifigal super charger for it :)

http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/data/500/medium/C-2001.jpg

If you can, get a 2000 or later with the 5.3. It's a great motor. Make sure to check the rear brakes also. They are expensive to replace parts. I had to do rear brakes on my 2001 Tahoe shortly after I got it. It was $350 just for the rotors, pads and E-brake shoes (did the work myself).

Tom

Thanks guys!! NICE rig Jeff! Yeah, I was thinking Tahoe just because my wife hasn't driven anything very big, and those Suburbans are LONG. Funny how much longer 17" makes a vehicle :) On the other hand, a 2500 Subruban can tow very nicely. My cousin's 2005 Yukon XL has the 8.1L - you can hardly tell there's a trailer behind us, ride is so smooth.

Thanks all!

When I was looking for a Tahoe around here last year, nothing available was under $25k or so, even used, for '01-up's. I found a '99 1500 Tahoe for $14k, but the wife didn't like it. She settled for the SLT Durango, an '02. Nice.

Jeff and Tom gave some good replies. Sid, I would stay with the newer body style with has the 5.3 engine (or 6.0 or 8.1 in the 2500). A completely redesigned vehicle. Better brakes, engine, etc. They did have a few glitches, window regulators are one that I can think of off the top of my head, and the washer fluid thing. I personally drive an 01 Denali and have towed some with it. I can see where the 5.3 in the reg Yukon and Tahoe might not be optiumn for towing in the shorter truck (the Denali has the 6.0). The 5.3 in the longer Surb and the Yukon XL is fine, though. I owned 3 of the older 92-99 Suburbans and towed with them, and the only problem I really had with them was the brakes. Wore out often and were inadequate for towing, even scary at times. I guess if you drive slower you would be ok, I just liked to drive with the flow of the traffic. Good luck in your search, now should be a good time to find one with the price of gas high and people getting rid of them.

Sid, A coworker has a Denali that is OBS, he just bought an F350 with the turbo diesel and the Denali just sits. I think its a 98 or something like that, let me know with an email or PM. Same size as a Tahoe.

FWIW, I owned a 99 Denali for few months. 99-00's are the old body style. Believe me, there is no comparison in the 01's and up and the 99-00 models. The 99-00's still had the 5.7's while the 01 and up have the 6.0 engines. And the rest of the vehicle is all new. If you can find a newer model, go for it.