Talk to be about GMT400 & 800 Tahoe's

[hidesertwheelin]

My wife is looking at used tahoe's and found a 1997 w/ 170k for $2200 and a 2003 w/ 120k that they are asking $9k (way to high in my opinion). Anyways, what should I be looking for on these trucks? It's going to be a daily driver kid and dog hauler, and maybe to a small pop up and utility trailer and that is it. I know nothing of these trucks. The 97 has a 350, and he said the rear AC is in the center console. I always thought tahoes and burbs had them in the foor headliner. The 03 has 4.8, which I know jack diddly squat about. Thanks for the help every one.

 

[GWeakland620]

Those are both pretty reliable vehicles. The biggest thing I see on them is suspension issues. Just make sure very thing is goodentight (german for in good shape).

The weakest link drivetrain is either the transmission, or the rear axle. We sell a lot of both, on both units. Usually from neglect and lack of maint.

 

[Russell]

I have two 2 door 95-99 Tahoes and a 4 door 03 Tahoe with a 5.3L

The 5.3L truck is a lot nicer than the older trucks in every way shape and form. More comfortable, better on fuel, quieter, ride better, handle better etc.

Only issues I've had with my 03 is anti-rattle clips needing to be changed every 6 months, a starter once, an AC belt and tensioner and gauges dying (bad stepper motors, common with the 03-07 trucks)

My 95 has nothing stock. It was a factory 6.5L diesel truck and other than never wanting to start it was pretty reliable even with 300,000km on it.

My 97 is bone stock. Its a 5.7L truck and the only issue I've had with it is a leaky intake gasket losing coolant. It also has 310,000km on it.

Given a choice between the two generations I'd take the newer 4 door any day.

 

[GWeakland620]

Given a choice between the two generations I'd take the newer 4 door any day.

x2 HERE

 

[skunked]

The 5.3L truck is a lot nicer than the older trucks in every way shape and form. More comfortable, better on fuel, quieter, ride better, handle better etc.
Given a choice between the two generations I'd take the newer 4 door any day.

^ This is how I feel about my Tahoe's as well. I have a 2002 Z71 (230K miles) and a 97 2dr (140K miles).

The 03 is priced pretty high IMO but it's probably because of the low mileage. Not sure I would go with a 4.8 either

 

[rjfguitar]

It's not even a comparison. All that 90's stuff is junk in comparison to the 01+ GM's. IMHO of course.

That "little" 4.8 will mop the floor with an old school gutless 350.

If you can afford it, I'd recommend stepping up to an '07 or newer.