Opinions on 2007+ Tahoe z71

[STZombie]

Hey guys, as you might be able to tell I'm the new guy around these parts..still getting used to how this forum works so be gentle haha

Anyway, I was thinking about maybe picking up a lightly used z71 Tahoe from the 07-09 range. I hear great things around about Chevy's new trucks, so that is what got me thinking about this one.

I was curious if you all had any opinions you could share regarding what you like, don't like, problems, repairs needed, gas mileage, and anything else you think I should know before I drop something like 27K on one of these.

Thanks in advance for any replies!

Take care,
-STZ

 

[KMeloney]

In terms of personal likes/dislikes, I'm not a fan of the fender flares on the nnbs Z71s. I had an '02 Z71, and I liked the flares on it -- I'm just not a fan of the look on the '07+ vehicles.

Now, with that said, a friend of a friend has a Z71 that he lifted slightly and put larger/aggressive tires on. IT looks awesome, and the flares look appropriate with the tires.

With the exception of the 6-speed's shifting ('09+), the nnbs trucks are better in EVERY WAY than the previous body style, imo. I say go for it!

 

[rogersinsel]

Hey guys, as you might be able to tell I'm the new guy around these parts..still getting used to how this forum works so be gentle haha

Anyway, I was thinking about maybe picking up a lightly used z71 Tahoe from the 07-09 range. I hear great things around about Chevy's new trucks, so that is what got me thinking about this one.

I was curious if you all had any opinions you could share regarding what you like, don't like, problems, repairs needed, gas mileage, and anything else you think I should know before I drop something like 27K on one of these.

Thanks in advance for any replies!

Take care,
-STZ

I have heard of some problems with the exterior plastics used on the Z71 package. I would definitely purchase an 2009 or 2010 over anything else. the extra content alone makes them worth every penny. No problems to report here.

 

[SabrToothSqrl]

z71

IMO (obviously)

you want the 09+

09 adds a MUCH improved 6 speed auto (vs 4)

and 09 adds bluetooth.

you also want the sat-nav.

not getting sat-nav on a new car is like not getting power windows was on a car 10 years ago... you think... i don't need it... but after a few years with it you will never go back.

also if you tow, you get a nice backup camera with it!

 

[2 E L O]

I'll disagree about the 6-spd tranny being better. I'm not necessarily a fan of the 4-spd 4l60e, either, but I DEFINITELY prefer it over the 6-spd 4l80e. I drove a '10 Tahoe with the 6-spd and it drove me f'n nuts. Constantly searching for gears at city speeds during normal driving, VERY sluggish in 1st gear, I just didn't like it.

HOWEVER, I would recommend getting one that is used but just a year old and only one owner. This is where you'll get the best bang for your buck, lowest mileage, *hopefully* least amount of wear and tear, etc. Look for an '09 or '10.

I agree with Kirk...the big ol' fender flares on the Z's look a little goofy with the stock wheels/tires. They're HUGE fender flares. But with some aftermarket wheels with less offset and beefy tires they look awesome.

 

[Zed 71]

Yeah the 6-speed needs some programming improvement.

Will you take it off road? If so, hopefully the one you are looking at has the rear locking differential. For 07 it was an option as was the 4.10 final drive.

IMO the fender flares look great stock. However, they are begging to be filled...

 

[STZombie]

Yeah the 6-speed needs some programming improvement.

Will you take it off road? If so, hopefully the one you are looking at has the rear locking differential. For 07 it was an option as was the 4.10 final drive.

IMO the fender flares look great stock. However, they are begging to be filled...

Agreed. I really like the stock look of the new z71 personally so no issues there!

But no major offroading - just possibly some slightly muddy, rocky trails. No heavy duty rock climbing or anything. Do you think a locking rear diff is necessary outside of just 4WD?

Also, at everyone else: I do quite a bit of city driving (speeds less than or around 40mph), but there's also quite a bit of highway driving on a daily basis (around 60-70mph) and long distance highway at about 75mph (about a 600 mile round trip going to school and such that has to be made about once or twice a month)

Someone commented about the nav system - I have one of the new Garmin Nuvi 1690's..so a in-dash nav isn't really necessary but I guess it could affect resale value a few years down the road?

Thanks for the replies guys..keep'em comin

-STZ

 

[Zed 71]

The locking rear is just a good back up. I only had it engage a few times (muddy or loose up hill climbs). So not really required, just piece of mind IMO. In your case, it would not be a deal breaker.

 

[STZombie]

Alrighty. Sounds good.

In your guys' opinion - is the tranny difference a deal breaker if I can get a 07-08 for a better price with options than a 09-10?

Keep the opinions coming! Anything u guys can think of that I might need to know...are there any common mods that everyone does? Leveling? HIDs?

 

[Zed 71]

I would like the 6-speed. It is supposed to be more stout, but there isn't enough history with them as they are new.

As far as mods, look at my sig. Next will a Blackbear tune. I heard they can adjust the 6-speed also...

 

[rogersinsel]

Alrighty. Sounds good.

In your guys' opinion - is the tranny difference a deal breaker if I can get a 07-08 for a better price with options than a 09-10?

Keep the opinions coming! Anything u guys can think of that I might need to know...are there any common mods that everyone does? Leveling? HIDs?

Well that depends on what you want. All I can tell you about my 6 speed is what I've seen in over a year of driving it. I will never go back to a four speed. It doesn't need programming or anything else. You just need to understand what it is and how to drive it. It is different than a four, it is suppose to be. If you notice everyone that knocks them has a four,what do you expect. The content in the '09 and '10 is better that previous years. If that puts it out of your price range then go for an older year, if not go for the newer years.

 

[STZombie]

I don't think the slight differences in performance will be a deal breaker for me. I can't go too far over 33K in price, so that puts most 09 models out. However, reliability is more of a concern - do the pre-09 models have any particular problems (such as with the 4-speed tranny) that are commonly reported? (aside from the body plastics issue) because if that were the case maybe an 09 will be worth shelling out the extra 2-3K for..Though as Zed 71 mentioned there's probably not too much data available yet for 09 models to determine problems..

 

[tx07tahoe]

I havent noticed any major problems with my 07. As for the 4 speed vs. the 6 speed I would just say that maybe you should test drive a couple of tahoes and see which you prefer.

 

[rogersinsel]

I don't think the slight differences in performance will be a deal breaker for me. I can't go too far over 33K in price, so that puts most 09 models out. However, reliability is more of a concern - do the pre-09 models have any particular problems (such as with the 4-speed tranny) that are commonly reported? (aside from the body plastics issue) because if that were the case maybe an 09 will be worth shelling out the extra 2-3K for..Though as Zed 71 mentioned there's probably not too much data available yet for 09 models to determine problems..

I don't know. People say the 4 speed breaks a lot, but I don't have experience with them. I am sure that if you get one that has been taken care of you'll be fine. Even with the 4 spd.

 

[Zed 71]

Well that depends on what you want. All I can tell you about my 6 speed is what I've seen in over a year of driving it. I will never go back to a four speed. It doesn't need programming or anything else. You just need to understand what it is and how to drive it. It is different than a four, it is suppose to be. If you notice everyone that knocks them has a four,what do you expect. The content in the '09 and '10 is better that previous years. If that puts it out of your price range then go for an older year, if not go for the newer years.

I agree the 6-speed is supposed to be better, but the shift programming leaves something to be desired. Here is my impression of the 6-speed: It shifts to 6th gear real fast and hates coming out of 6th gear. It's constantly lugging before it downshifts and it vibrates if it lugs too long. When you do get it to drop down it screams. It seems to drop from 6 to 2nd gear. There are posts sharing the same experience.

What's there to understand? It's an automatic. I have driven many six speed autos and the programming is much better. In the end, Justin at Blackbear can greatlly improve this.

 

[NolaTahoe]

I love my 07. The only problem I had was my rear end blew out at like 18,000 miles but the warranty covered it and it was one of those fluke things never had a problem since I got almost 50k on it now.

 

[STZombie]

I agree the 6-speed is supposed to be better, but the shift programming leaves something to be desired. Here is my impression of the 6-speed: It shifts to 6th gear real fast and hates coming out of 6th gear. It's constantly lugging before it downshifts and it vibrates if it lugs too long. When you do get it to drop down it screams. It seems to drop from 6 to 2nd gear. There are posts sharing the same experience.

What's there to understand? It's an automatic. I have driven many six speed autos and the programming is much better. In the end, Justin at Blackbear can greatlly improve this.

I see. Thanks for the explanation..I'll have to see if I can find a 6-speed to try out. So far all the ads I've seen are for pre-09 4-speed trannies.

The third row also seems to be a very popular option on the z71s..5 out of 6 ads had them. While not a big concern since I could just take the seats out and leave them in my basement when I needed more cargo space..I thought this was odd.

Also, it seems like some listings fail to mention the z71 as a significant aspect and I have to go by pictures of the wheels and the skidplate to tell that is a z71 and not just an "LT" as it was labeled.

 

[Rich2007Z71]

Love mine - 3+ years old, bought new, now just under 30K miles. Only thing I didn't like was OEM Bridgestone - replaced with same size 18" Goodyear Wranglers which are great. Only "problem" I have had is with the rear window defroster tabs coming off glass - after third time, Chevy replaced rear hatch window and so far so good. Also had to have sensor replaced for URPA system. Otherwise, Z71 handles great in Chicago winters and look a little more distinct than all the other LTZs you always see. I know the 2010s now are coming out with the original Z71 wheels but also have the two tone leather seats - black/grey or ebony/titanium as chevy calls them. Stopped with those I think in 2009. You won't be disappointed with any of the NNBS in my opinion. Much nicer than my previous Tahoe - 1997 LT. Good luck with your search and purchase.

 

[STZombie]

Love mine - 3+ years old, bought new, now just under 30K miles. Only thing I didn't like was OEM Bridgestone - replaced with same size 18" Goodyear Wranglers which are great. Only "problem" I have had is with the rear window defroster tabs coming off glass - after third time, Chevy replaced rear hatch window and so far so good. Also had to have sensor replaced for URPA system. Otherwise, Z71 handles great in Chicago winters and look a little more distinct than all the other LTZs you always see. I know the 2010s now are coming out with the original Z71 wheels but also have the two tone leather seats - black/grey or ebony/titanium as chevy calls them. Stopped with those I think in 2009. You won't be disappointed with any of the NNBS in my opinion. Much nicer than my previous Tahoe - 1997 LT. Good luck with your search and purchase.

Thanks for the input Rich!
I was wondering if you might be able to answer one question for me - what are your MPG's like?

I know these trucks tend to get somewhere between 15-20mpg (based on the EPA estimates), but I really don't intend to do much 'heavy' hauling (the occasional outing with 3-4 friends and maybe a hundred or so pounds of gear, other than that just around town and alot of highway driving) so maybe I'll do a little better?

Also - can you comment on the ride quality/road noise? I've tested a straight up LT tahoe, but not one with the z71 package, is the ride better with the beefier suspension?

 

[Zed 71]

My mileage when I first got it (no mods) was ~16 city and ~19 highway. BTW I have the 4.10 final drive - some say it helps and others say it doesn't. But from discussions with other members, it seems like V4 mode kicks in more often with the 4.10s. Others think it was due to the engine being in a favorable portion of the powerband.

As far as ride, the Z71 suspension feels firmer with less roll. I really prefer this type of ride. The Z71 suspension uses stiffer dampening shocks, but I am not sure on the spring rate. I know the NBS uses different spring rates based on Z71 and third row seating. I assume this would be the case for at least the NNBS Z71.