Looking at an 02 Suburban. What do I look for?

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Stimpy911

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Looking at a 2002 Chevy Suburban LT. 180,000 miles. I have not seen it yet but the pics look clean. They are asking $5000.

What should I look for when deciding to buy? I have never bought a vehicle.with 180,000 miles before.

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ScottyBoy

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Where are you located? If you are up north, look underneath it to see how bad the rust is. Especially on the brakes and brake lines. Ask them if the fuel pump, water pump, or transmission has ever been replaced, and if so do they have any paperwork on it. That's the things I have had to replace on mine. Oh, and the AC compressor. Those fail a lot on the 00-04 models.I had to replace mine a few summers ago. 180k is about average miles for a 2002, but 5k is a bit overpriced, in my area at least. I see them in good condition all the time go for about $3500. Only way I'd pay 5k is if it was low mileage, garage kept and in pristine condition, all of which this truck clearly is not. In my opinion, that a $3500-$3800 truck. Possibly lower if it has any rust underneath it, and any problems not mentioned yet. At least the body looks very clean. No noticeable dents or obvious damage. The interior looks about average. I've seen far worse, but I've also seen better.
Go test drive it and check it out. Check all the fluids, and sniff the transmission fluid on the dipstick. If it smells even the slightest bit burnt, that's a sign the transmission has been neglected. The fluid should be BRIGHT pink or a light red color. If its a dark red or almost burgundy color, it needs to be changed.
 
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Stimpy911

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I will ask all of those. The add said new tires and brakes. I'll ask what was done on the breaks.
 

05Single

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5 is too much, but that's asking price might be able to talk them down to 4. And only pay 4 if it's near perfect condition...which it doesn't look like it, interior is worn, wheels with corrosion like that have same look underneath the body. Also there's a small dent on the drivers side which is no big deal except it looks like both drivers side doors were either replaced or repainted. Might take a little more time and check that area out...could be from a key from a posed off gf, or could be a t-bone which almost no vehicles fully recover from.
And I'm pretty sure that's not the original grille and bumper. Looks like a silverado grille, and they didn't paint caps on non z71s till 05 I think.
 
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Stimpy911

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I am in Northern Michigan. Thanks for looking it over. I am definitely not paying 5k for it. From what you say I will pay very close attention if I end up looking at it.
 

05Single

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I live in Alaska, so I know what to expect when I see wheels like that lol
 
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Stimpy911

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I currently have an 04 Explorer without third row and a Honda Mini Van. Wife says I need a bigger SUV for our 4 children and I agree. I put about 10K miles per year as this would be my back and forth to work vehicle and winter weather bad road days lol. Only catch is I don't have the money to buy a newer one so I have to look for an early 2000's model and hope I choose wisely.
 

#1taho

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I currently have an 04 Explorer without third row and a Honda Mini Van. Wife says I need a bigger SUV for our 4 children and I agree. I put about 10K miles per year as this would be my back and forth to work vehicle and winter weather bad road days lol. Only catch is I don't have the money to buy a newer one so I have to look for an early 2000's model and hope I choose wisely.
I would look for a 2003 and up. They are all good but I have a 2000 and a 2004. The 2004 is much better. The interior is a touch nicer and some earlier problems are ironed out. But get what ever is in your budget
 

05Single

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Well your on the right track looking at burbans. I wouldn't get a expedition these years or price range. An excursion would be nice but hard to find in good shape and are more $$
 
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Stimpy911

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My neighbor who owns suburban told me to stay away from 2004 - 2009 due to transmission issues??
 
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