Getting a new truck soon, what should I get?

[Ressurection]

OK, I need guidance. I'm thinking either a used Tahoe, 4 door p/u or Avalanche. I don't have any particular needs that would dictate one over the other, except I want to be able to tow and have room for the family and gear. Any of these 3 would suffice for both of those. The wife wants to get a Subaru, or something like that . Not gonna let that happen! However, because of that I want to try and get the easiest one of the above from a driveability standpoint.

Basically at this point I'm thinking of getting whichever one is lowest price with lowest miles.

Questions:
1. Is/are there any year(s) I should avoid or look for?
2. Any features/options to avoid/look for? (engine, tranny, transfer cases, etc. that were either really good or really bad)

Thanks!

 

[Col_Sanders]

How much you lookin to spend?

 

[Ressurection]

That depends, I'm debating about the benefits of a new one with the fuel management system (adds 1-2 mpg) with the 100,000 mi. warranty, vs. shaving about $10k off the price and getting a used one (which would still have the 100k warranty for trucks newer than '03). In all likelihood it'd be a used in the $22k to $25k range.

 

[AFUFO]

For the 88-98 style models, the 96 and up had vortech 5.7s.. better power and milage.. 95 may have had it too but im not sure.

I vote tah0e.. but only if your going with the 88-98 style
Otherwise i dont have an opinion.

Avalanches suck.. Its like some ricer went hog wild with the body.. Worse milage than the trucks too if i remember right.

 

[mr.smartass]

96+ 3/4 ton suburban... maybe one with a 454? Plenty of room, nice towing capacity... like this one. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/99-GMC-2500-Suburban-SLT-3-4-Ton-4X4-Vortec-454-7-4-L_W0QQitemZ330098639089QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item330098639089

 

[gmc4cw]

getting a used one (which would still have the 100k warranty for trucks newer than '03).

HUH? the 100K powertrain warranty is for 2007 model year and up.

everything being the same (engine,trans,rear end ratio) the pickup will tow and haul more then a tahoe or avalanche.

 

[76zimmer]

I would suggest looking at the April issue of consumers reports. They have a real good breakdown of new and used vehicles, and ratings and recommendations for price ranges from 2K-30K and up for the used ones.

 

[Thunder]

If your wife wants a Subaru or other small suv and you want to keep her happy I think I would forget about anything with a box in the back and look at Tahoes and Yukons. You will still be able to tow. And the wife will have a user frendly town vehicle she can haul the kids around in.

 

[vortec]

trailblazer might be a good choice. not too cramped, decent power for towing, and mpg is tolerable.

 

[thfonz98]

getting a used one (which would still have the 100k warranty for trucks newer than '03).

HUH? the 100K powertrain warranty is for 2007 model year and up.

everything being the same (engine,trans,rear end ratio) the pickup will tow and haul more then a tahoe or avalanche.

also most 100k mile-like warrantees only cover the original owner, need to check that too.

 

[Ressurection]

Maybe that 100k thing on used was a dealer offered thing. The guy specifically told me "2003 and newer get coverage up to 100k". Probably just powertrain, I didn't get into details with him at this point.

 

[gmc4cw]

Maybe that 100k thing on used was a dealer offered thing. The guy specifically told me "2003 and newer get coverage up to 100k". Probably just powertrain, I didn't get into details with him at this point.

It is most definitely a dealer offered thing. I sell GM. the 100K powertrain is new. It is transferable to anyone. it stays with the vehicle, not the owner, unlike some other companies.