2009 hybrid tahoe w/ 140k miles....... or 2014 tahoe lt w/ 170k miles... which would you take?

[ZKWBQD]

All opinions much appreciated and thank you for reading this! I am in need of a truck until I can fix my other tahoe, which is proving to be difficult.

My dilemma is this: Both the 2014 tahoe LT and the 2009 hybrid tahoe LT run/look good. No rust, frame looks good on both, no engine knocks, suspension all checks out.

Dealership wants $9000 for the 2009 hybrid tahoe with only 140k miles. They want $11,000 for the 2014 with only 170k miles.

Cosmetically and undercarriage-ly, the 2009 wins by far (neither have rust), Mechanically, they're both sound. Neither have CEL, though I did not have my scanner so I didn't scan stored codes.

The only thing that scares me is the "hybrid" part, else I'd be sold on the 2009. Is this something I should be worried about? I am mechanically inclined, but know absolutely nothing when it comes to hybrids, except that the battery prices will put you into a deep depression or coma. If the hybrid battery goes bad, will the truck still run? I will be getting one or the other tomorrow, so yalls opinion is what will sway me! Thanks guys.

The hybrid battery is likely overdue to be replaced. 5 to 7 years is typical. Find out what a new battery costs. I don't like hybrids in general, but use ones are even worse.

 

[mikeyss]

I think a fellow member on here recently had to rebuild his transmission on his hybrid Tahoe. If my memory serves, it's hard to get parts for that transmission and the 2 motors inside it are expensive plus are hard to find. I like the hybrids, but I wouldn't buy one just because of the transmission / availability of parts issue.

 

[Tahoe14]

Wonder what his decision was.

 

[swathdiver]

I hope he stays away from the hybrids. No parts, no parts support and dealerships for the most part are reluctant to touch them. One guy on here did replace all the cells in his battery with improved ones. @RebelBelle

 

[User_Name]

Wonder what his decision was.

Neither... my interest rate nearly doubled the price of the vehicle. I ended up buying a 2005 tahoe, with only 2 owners for $5000. It has been garage kept with original paint and the oil was changed every 2500 miles. Undercarriage is clear of rust and clean. 202k miles and I could eat off of the engine, it's that clean. Still has the Jerry Hamm Chevrolet sticker on the back from which the truck was purchased with 4 miles. You guys really made me rethink buying a newer one and I am very happy yall did so. I hope I can get this beauty to 300k miles.

 

[TollKeeper]

Looks to be a Z71?

The only issue I think you MIGHT have is the white trucks were known for the paint peeling.

 

[petethepug]

Score! It’s a 300k drive train & chassis. Get ready for the boring maintenance stuff like fuel pumps and hoses.

Focus on a front end rebuild in the future, the kind where you get the parts from RockAuto and an Indi tech installs them. You’ll get a truck that drives better than when new.