Buying truck for the long haul... advice please

Hello forum!

Long time follower, first time poster here. Used to drive a 2003 Silverado SS and currently have been in a 2006 Expedition XLT for the past 6 years. Really enjoy driving the Expedition (it gets the job done drama free) but with 180K on the clock, I can only imagine its time to get into something new.

Two kids at home under 2 years old and we like to get in the truck on weekends and see where the road takes us. I put about 20-30K a year on my truck and am leaning towards coming back to the GM Group of trucks.

My heart says Suburban 2500 (pre-owned) but i'm wondering if I wouldnt be just as well served with a Tahoe LTZ or Escalade Premium.

I'd like to have the extra cargo space that the Suburban would offer (and the beefyness of the 2500 for towing my Mustang track car) but I imagine the Escalade would be more "fun" to drive with the extra power, or the Tahoe would be able to rack up the miles about as drama free as my Expedition without hauling around the extra length daily.

I commute about 50 miles a day 6 days a week and am used to the low gas mileage so thats not a worry. I'm just looking for something a bit more comfy for my family and as reliable, if not more, than my current ride.

Suggestions and thoughts are always welcome. As im sure this topic has been beaten to death, links to existing topics are also welcome. Tried searching but came up with very little in terms of experience.

I would go with either of the suburbans. The 2500 will ride more like a truck, just remember that. It's a trade off with the extra power.

Having kids and dogs I need the room that the suburban/Yukon XL has. Love the Tahoe though. Good luck!

The yukon denali xl has the bigger engine so that will give you more power as will the esky. You can alway get a tune for the towing as well if that really concerns you. The rest is bells and whistles which are up to you.

i would go yukon denali xl too i loved ours 6.2l only got rid of it because it sat more then we drove it went with a dodge ram diesel 6 seater but we are adding one more so we picked up a 99 burb and its nice too but its no denali xl with so much that u can do to the 6.2

funny you post this as I am in a similar situation in terms of looking for the best long term rig.

After owning my first SUV for a few years and planning for the long haul with the family(towing toys) the only thing that matters is the tow capacity and drive options. The rest are just bells and whistles with these things like someone said earlier.

Do you want to park it in a garage? I do! Ill take garage parking over more cargo space inside.

The trailer I want cant be towed with the 5.3 I have now and even if i swap a 6.2, the vehicle is still rated for lower tow weight.

The best option for me is the the 09 6.2 Tahoe 4x4 with max towing capacity. Someone can correct me if I am wrong but the Yukon/Escalade is only AWD and no switch like the Tahoe for drive train option.

I am on the hunt for one with the power side steps and black interior to swap my current 08 in on.

I'll chime in. Have an 06 Tahoe that is perfect for me but not practical for the family. Getting rid of a Honda Odyssey that has served us well while both kids were little and visiting family, sports, camping. Be surprised how much you can fit in that van. It has been awesome, but wife wants something different. Now with the kids getting bigger, I want the longer wheelbase. Rides nicer and having the 3rd row up, you can still throw bikes or gear back there. The Suburban LTZ has all the bells and whistles, which are important to the wife - power running boards, nav, rear DVD, Bluetooth, lane warning, cooled and heated seats, 2nd row buckets, etc...We are looking at a 2013 model.

Sure I would love to have the Yukon XL or Escalade for the power, but the wife will be stepping up from a 6 cylinder to the 5.3L and the Suburban has the cargo space and the 5.3L does just fine for our needs around town or long hauls. Less MPG, but still space to haul kids, gear, camping, road trips, beach, etc... and I get to keep a GM truck in the driveway still. If the price is right and you like the options, then go for what you really feel fits your family needs. Some guys must have the power vs. features, some need all. Budget plays a big card either way. Good luck.

Just my .