someone talk me out of it.......

[blizz]

The tahoe is getting older and older and I'm starting to want something new. I'm not getting rid of it, but it has to many problems right now and isn't running so I'm close to trading in the wife's car. I'm looking at an Xterra because we need something with 4 doors and something that'll get the job done off road. The tahoe satisfied that need for when we go camping and to the beach for so long but it's starting to bother me that there's so many things wrong with it and again, it isn't currently running. So...do I go get a 20k Xterra or do I pump more money (about $2k) into the tahoe and hope that nothing else goes wrong with it. Here's what's currently wrong with it:

Fuel pump or fuel filter needs replacing
No AC so that needs to get fixed
Ujoints need to be replaced
rear drum brakes need to be replaced
CV boot or joint needs to be replaced
I currently don't have a left turn signal, it blows the fuse every time i use it

The thing is, I'd hate to spend 20k on an SUV that'll go off road and gets me 15 or so mpg when I already have something similar and just needs a little TLC and updating for WAY less. Then again, I'd hate to spend more money on the tahoe and have something else go wrong with it.

 

[Chatchie]

The things you listed arent all that hard to fix. Ive learned over that past few years that you cant beat owning an OBS truck.

3 weeks ago I did front pads and rotors for $60.

Last weekend I replaced all 4 shocks and lifted the truck with a block and crank for under $150.

How can you beat that? These trucks are easy to maintain and parts are cheap. The average bill at Mercedes for my girls car is $400-$700. Its $130 for just an oil change.

Even if you spend $1500 on your Tahoe. Thats 3 months worth of payments on a new truck.

 

[PH99TAHOE]

Around my house, when somethings broke we fix it. Doesn't matter if its old or new, sooner or later they all need something fixed.

 

[96ProCompTahoe]

for $20K you could put a new drivetrain in the tahoe along with suspension and have a like new truck

 

[SunlitComet]

for $20K you could put a new drivetrain in the tahoe along with suspension and have a like new truck

Alot more than that. Unless you have frame damage that can not be fixed everything is cheaper to fix and with proper care can last a long time especially in texas. Fix your problems. Use high grade parts and upgrade when you can. It is the better choice.

 

[BattelWagun]

I agree with everyone else, think of it this way: Everything you fix is something less to have problems with! And most of the things you listed are classic high mileage replacement parts, sooner or later every vehicle needs them. Honestly, when these rigs are well maintained they're damn near unstoppable in most everyday situations. I believe it's totally worth it to keep the OBS alive and well.

 

[retorq]

LOL I Wish my list was as short as yours ...

 

[96ProCompTahoe]

LOL I Wish my list was as short as yours ...

x2 all three vehicles have long lists...

 

[07Burb]

Fix it and forget it. You will not be happy with an Xterra...

 

[blizz]

I agree that most of those things are easy cheap fixes. The two that make up $1000+ that bother me the most are the AC - GOTTA have it down here and the turn signal.

Fuel pump or fuel filter needs replacing
Anywhere from $15 to $215 and up to a few hours to replace

No AC so that needs to get fixed
Maybe a week and anywhere from $700-$1200

Ujoints need to be replaced
$20 and maybe a couple of hours

rear drum brakes need to be replaced
$20 and a couple of hours

CV boot or joint needs to be replaced
$30 and a few hours

I currently don't have a left turn signal, it blows the fuse every time i use it
I haven't been able to get this fixed going on 2 years. I've posted threads here and there and nothing yet. I've even had a mechanic keep it over night to work on it and he couldn't fix it so this could be well into the several hundreds to get fixed because of the time it'll take.

Forgot to add water pump - $50 and a few hours

 

[07Burb]

Sounds like you've already talked yourself into it just take one issue at a time ordered by priority and fix them...

 

[blizz]

I'm very much still on the fence. So what happens when I sink $1300 into this thing and the transmission goes? I just don't know. It's not like I'm gonna sell it, it would just get put on the back burner for a few months if not longer. My question was more about do I get another suv or fix mine?

 

[96ProCompTahoe]

fix it, i had a badass trans built for mine for less than $2K. that leaves you with $18K along with saved insurance and plates, etc etc...

 

[SunlitComet]

If it helps sway your decision I have service info for these trucks including detailed trouble shooting and diagrams.

---------- Post added at 10:13 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:11 PM ----------

Also for $20k you can fix and upgrade yours and get a few more

 

[blizz]

If it helps sway your decision I have service info for these trucks including detailed trouble shooting and diagrams.

I'd LOVE that info.

 

[SunlitComet]

As you do things just mention it and I can get each bit to you as well as others can chime in as well.

 

[jwindh1]

When you say a $20K Xterra, I assume that you are talking about a used Xterra because a 4x4 Xterra msrp is in the upper 20's. If you are buying used, especially a 4x4,there is no guarantee that the tranny will not drop out of what you buy tomorrow. And on top of it all, you will be driving a rice burner.

My opinion is to fix your tahoe because you are going to fix it now or later and depending on how much later, it is only going to get more expensive. Take it to the dealership for the taillight issue and have them troubleshoot the AC. The AC may be an issue that is solved with new parts like compressor, condenser, etc. It may even be a burned out diode in the controls. If that is the case, buy the parts and replace them yourself. People are so intimidated by AC's and it is a really simple system with few mechanical parts. I do admit that there is little that a driveway mechanic can do when something detrimental happens to an AC, but more often than not it is a problem that is easily remedied by a component replacement.

As for the other issues, roll on over to autozone, buy the parts, spend half a day and replace them.

If you are going to keep it, you have to fix it; if you are going to sell it, you have to fix it unless you are willing to make a significant price cut.

 

[blizz]

With the AC, I know it's a leak because I can put freon in it and it'll blow cold for a couple of days till it all leaks out. The signal....man I don't know about the dealership, they're going to charge an arm and a leg. You are right though...it's either fix it now or later.

 

[bowtiefreak]

Keep it. I had the option to get a NBS suburban and jumped on the chance for the OBS. It's a labor of love, the square body is a great look. I always vote fix it and mantain it.

Obviously the end call is up to you but I now own two OBS trucks and I am happy with my choice

 

[SunlitComet]

Well to get you started take all or remove all turn signal bulbs and remove the complete tail assemblys out except the dash and try the lights again. If it still blows do your multiswitchit or flasher. it is more like then a wire short. Add one bulb at a time until you find the culprit. No labor charges.

Get a recharge kit for a/c that has dye and a UV light and after a hour or so of running you can poke around in the dark and the leak will stand. Let us know what you find. Maybe $40 in parts.

---------- Post added at 12:08 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:07 PM ----------

The dealer is only good for maybe hard to find oem parts and maybe a crank relearn.