That's really what it is. The new Suburban is designed to fit the needs and wants of the upscale, "me too" crowd. They forgot all about the common working man that needs a truck and has more than 2 or 3 kids.
CK5
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Why There Are No Diesel Suburbans Along With The Escalade And Yukon XL?
- Thread starter blackandgold51
- Start date
That's really what it is. The new Suburban is designed to fit the needs and wants of the upscale, "me too" crowd. They forgot all about the common working man that needs a truck and has more than 2 or 3 kids.
Even the crew cab / double cab configuration is harder to find in trucks. But nowadays families of 6 don't want to travel all day like that anyway. Now once you get to 7 people there is no tow rig. I find it hard to believe a more "base model" 3/4-ton Suburban (I put this in quotes because there really has been no such thing for many years) with Duramax wouldn't sell. I'm sure it would be overpriced, but so are the other Duramax models and the other fancy gasser SUVs.
vandelay industries
1/2 ton status
Well, the 1 ton/ 3/4 ton vans can tow a lot, but i guess vans aren't "cool" enough...........?
It's funny because back in 70's/80's i knew a lot of families with vans and it seemed good and "normal." Even something to look up to..........
Today's station wagon/van is/are the suburbans/equinoxes/traverses and the other wannabe crossover types.......
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vandelay industries
1/2 ton status
P.S.
i admit, if i didn't need the towing ability, i would not dismiss the possibility of owning an equinox/traverse/ new "blazer" etc. To me the current RWD vehicles are so complex that the fix-at-home advantage compared to FWD isn't really there anymore......
i admit, if i didn't need the towing ability, i would not dismiss the possibility of owning an equinox/traverse/ new "blazer" etc. To me the current RWD vehicles are so complex that the fix-at-home advantage compared to FWD isn't really there anymore......
vandelay industries
1/2 ton status
P.S.
BIG price jump between traverse and tahoe----like 20K.
BIG price jump between traverse and tahoe----like 20K.
Vans are the only real option now for large families, and they are more truck-like than modern SUVs. I actually like vans, but you still lose a lot of truck-like abilities. 4 wheel drive for one. I've nearly pulled the trigger a few times on a new van, but it just can't be justified due to no 4x4 and the much taller overall height.
They were actually available with 4x4 for a few years, but they were 1/2 ton only.
If they made a Suburban that was actually a truck and didn't come standard with a bunch of luxury BS, I'd buy one. But I don't see it happening. So, I'll stick to the older models and replace them when they get used up.
While you could get a Duramax Express Van, there was no 4WD option. They had AWD vans in 1/2-ton, but all 3/4 and 1-ton were RWD. I've towed up washed-out gravel hills where I was happy to have 4LO and I never enjoyed RWD Express in snow. I've never seen an AWD OR a Duramax van that wasn't a base-model sort of interior (and white!), so they're marketing them as work vehicles and not family SUV replacements. They did offer a "luxury" option with nice leather interior, but again, I've never seen an AWD or diesel one. Don't know if it would cost more to do a Dura-burb or a Quigley-type 4x4 van conversion. For summer camper towing the Duramax Express could be really awesome
I'm kinda blown away how much a suburban/Tahoe costs now. Throw in a Denali (6.2 package), and you're pushing $70k+
Unbelievable. And, to top it off, like 90% of the Denali's have a second row with buckets instead of a 60/40 split. Previous purpose, tow, haul the most people and gear....no longer fit GM's equation.
My Escalade has a Duramax in it. Manual transmission too!
I have a van and my family has enjoyed it but it's in poor shape after the accident and the transmission is acting up so I am looking for a better one.
I don't know why people don't like vans but my wife and kids love it.
They don't like the tight Nissan rogue my wife drives and they prefer my suburban over my s15 Jimmy.
But they are waiting for the next van.
I'm changing out the P/S pump on an AWD Express van tomorrow. Half ton in passenger configuration. Doesn't look like a base model. It was Ivory colored, but that's not the same as the work-fleet white.
I'll give it another look tomorrow. My buddy drove it across the ditch into the swampy woods (to show off while I was riding along). I was impressed with its capability. It's definitely a sleeper.
I haven't seen a Dmax van outside of baseline work trim.
My Escalade has a Duramax in it. Manual transmission too!
Plus a straight front axle!
vandelay industries
1/2 ton status
Related question:
Why doesn't GM offer the Caprice to the general public?
Why doesn't GM offer the Caprice to the general public?
I wonder if it's related to the death of Pontiac, as Caprice PPV is essentially the new G8 (does the longer wheelbase make it G9?). Anecdotally, there were a lot of service and warranty issues with getting Holden parts, as only the engine was Chevy. Olds and Pontiac were killed to help simplify the lineup, but they must still have to stock service parts for this Caprice somewhere anyway.
Maybe it has to do with CAFE? Surely the police aren't allowed looser emissions standards than the rest of us?
I think the platform is cancelled anyway.
Maybe it has to do with CAFE? Surely the police aren't allowed looser emissions standards than the rest of us?
I think the platform is cancelled anyway.
Most municipalities around here in CO have moved out of sedans and into SUV's or crossovers. More room for gear and perps in a Tahoe vs a Caprice or charger. We sold 20 tahoes to the local sheriff's Dept and they love them. Local pd is running explorers, ah police interceptors as ford calls them. As they burn though the last of the crown vics they have left it's all SUV.
I think the Colorado State patrol is the one agency I see running the chargers with a mix of tahoes and f150's.
I think the Colorado State patrol is the one agency I see running the chargers with a mix of tahoes and f150's.
Diesel suburbans are lame.
David
David
I was a little surprised when GM quit offering a Suburban that could tow a large Airstream. What are breeder yuppies to do?
runamok151
1 ton status
The police interceptor is the lame car Furd came up w/ to replace the Crown Vic. It's much smaller, no room at all for the cop or perps once the cage is installed. That's why many PDs are switching to Exploders. They're come w/ a "police package" which consists of a little better cooling system (helps when you have to wait in line at DD) and higher alt. output to handle the added demands of radios and lights.
