Best Year Tahoe/Yukon?

[El Padroni]

Hi,

Potential future Tahoe/Yukon owner here. Is there a specific year that is better than the rest? Or better yet, is there a year i should stay away from due to flaws/issues?

Is the Z71 the better option to go with? I know Denali is more luxury.

I have about $6k-$7k to play with so i know im a bit limited to the 2001-2003/4 models.

TIA!

 

[Donnie Yukonie]

OBS for the WIN lol , But in all seriousness The NBS are good trucks as well. it all comes down to what you are interested in doing to them Obviously the OBS models will require a little more TLC nowadays So keep that in mind , Are you in a rush to buy? if not I would save your money a little longer to get a Good NBS Just my .02 cents Again with the z71 or denali comes down to your needs if you plan on going offloading don't get the denali , likewise if you don't go with the z71

 

[El Padroni]

Here's my noobness coming out, what's OBS, NBS mean?

Im looking for a family travel vehicle that has creature comfort interior bits but, I also would like to give some offroading a try every so often? Is that possible?

Thanks

 

[Donnie Yukonie]

OBS = Old Body style 95-99 Like mine in the signature Its the square body type
NBS = New body style 2001-06 the round ones lol for lack of a better term

Sounds like you would be happier with the z71 and yes stock they can handle a good bit of offroading , Its not that the denali can't handle mild trails or anything but they generally have chrome wheels and a ground effects kit nature which can be damaged off road . Is this a second vehicle or going to be your DD?
I ask that because If its your DD I would buy a NBS , Being a newer vehicle you have less chance of having to put more money into getting it to be reliable Not that the OBS is not reliable but most of our trucks are higher mileage

 

[El Padroni]

Thanks for the education. This would be my weekend warrior. My wife has the DD but for long weekend trips I want something both comfortable and capable. I have all intentions to go with a NBS. I've seen a few on CL going for 5k+ so I think I can scoop something up with $7k. I like the Denali but i might stay away from it now for the points you mentioned.

How about flaws with the NBS, anything I should look out for before purchasing? I know in some other cars a certain model year is the year that -------so dont buy it! Anything like that with 2001-2006 model?

Thanks

 

[Donnie Yukonie]

Thats where my education stops lol i couldn't tell you the typical flaws if any that are associated with NBS models Some of the NBS guys should chime in shortly and give you some advice on buying , what to look for and so forth . glad i could be of some help and good luck on your purchase

 

[El Padroni]

Thanks for the help! BTW, your rig looks awesome! I'll have to stalk your threads to see more pics.

 

[TriBeard]

As far as I know, there are no real years to stay away from. The 2000-2002 trucks are sometimes simpler and cheaper to work on than the 2003 up ones due to the fact that in 2003 a lot more stuff went electrical and so everything from changing radios to the bulbs behind the gauges if they burn out becomes more complicated. I have a 2000 nbs truck myself, and I've been pretty happy with it. The only thing I would caution you with is that if the truck makes a high pitched whine, especially when low on fuel, that could mean that the fuel pump is on its last legs. My truck did this when I bought it and about 18k miles later, sure enough the fuel pump died.

As far as large maintenance, the fuel pump and the catalytic converter are the only things I've had to do to it so far (knock on wood) and from what I understand the cat should have lasted a lot longer than it did and most people never have trouble with it. Just my luck I guess. The transmission can be a weak point in these too, so just keep an eye out for signs of abuse or heavy towing and make sure it seems to shift ok.

For the most part though, they are all good trucks, and if I were you I would just try and find the lowest mileage NBS (2000 - 2002 preferably with that price range) you can for the money that seems solid mechanically.

 

[El Padroni]

Thanks Tribeard! I've seen a few ads listed on CL where the trannys were replaced. Those might be the first ones i'll take a look at.

Sounds like the NBS are pretty solid all around. I'll take a look at the earlier ones also since i'd hate to have any electrical gremlins.

 

[imi4tth3w]

even though i have the 00-02 line, i prefer the 03-06 interior more. just nicer looking, everything is more updated.

check trans, you can pull the dipstick out, and if the fluid smells burnt, stay away. trans are the most expensive/common thing to go out on these. the original trans in my tahoe only lasted 70k. but when buying used, a lot of the time they will have already been replaced.

if you do get a 00-02, get the 02's. most of them came with more options. mine doesn't have heated or power recline seats, and some other small things here and there.

other than that, just keep an eye out for the normal stuff.

 

[El Padroni]

Thanks for the tip on the tranny/dip stick. I'll keep my eyes peeled for the common checklist on any car.

 

[Gzes]

I would get a nice 2dr. These things are all american steel tanks and i wouldnt trade mine in for an nbs. Cheap to fix and hard to break

 

[El Padroni]

2 doors not really an option, i need the 4 doors for the family and dog.

 

[Gzes]

Ok well then a nice late 90s 4dr z71 will be what you want still all steel but a lil better on gas then my 2dr

 

[chauncey0337]

As mentioned before, the tranny is the main thing I'd check. And, of course, the usual stuff along with compression, 4 wheel drive, heat/ac front and back, etc. If you can, have a mechanic check it out. Good luck.

 

[El Padroni]

Thanks guys. I hope to have something to show around here pretty soon.

 

[TriBeard]

Something to remember too, is that only the nbs (and nnbs but those are not in consideration here) have the third row seat. I know I cart around a lot of people all the time, and while the third row can be cramped for adults, it does in a pinch and younger people don't seem to mind being back there too much, especially for short trips, so if people carrying is important that's another bonus for nbs, provided that they had the third row option.

as far as interior being nicer on the 03+, the only things that come to mind to me are the nicer stock radio and that fact that it is in a double din opening, giving you more options for expansion later (but by the same token the 03+ need a much more expensive wiring harness than the older ones), as well as slight changes to the gauge clusters appearance. Also, that was the year that the stock subwoofer (if equipped) moved from the back drivers side to the front under the console, so that could be a plus or a minus depending on what you prefer.

I don't know if the older ones had the option for steering wheel mounted controls, but those are nice if you can find them for your budget too.

 

[slipping]

I have one of each (99 and 04) and I love both. 04 is wife's dd and 99 is mine. She for some reason thinks it a sports car and drives it like one. I have taken it through the mud dirt desert and hills. We take the 04 on all our trips and seats all 3 kids nicely with 2 strollers and even can use one of the 3rd row for grandma. The 99 is my toy and IMO a little easier to work on because it isnt so electronic but both about the same. Both have about 185000 on the meter and still kicking.

 

[alc5m]

I think in 05 they made the fuel filter a sealed unit with the fuel pump? correct me if i'm wrong on that someone (just makes things more expensive/difficult)

i would def watch out for the autoride option, expensive to replace the compressor and all that stuff from what i've heard

I have an 03 z71 and love it

my buddy has a 2000 nbs and he loves his, both are all around good trucks, although his is easier to work on due to the electrical, and as far as 03+ needing a way more expensive harness for the radio, thats only if you have bose system, which i do

for me i'd go with the z71 over a nali, as much as i love the denali trucks, i think the z71 will last longer with the stiffer suspension items, the bigger tranny cooler and other options that came with it

 

[electro]

Again with the transmission dip stick, you want a nice red colour and like everyone it should not smell burnt or be browning in colour.

I think the best bang for your buck would be an LT model in your price range. I think you will pay more the Z71 and your off road/performance gains would be minimal, does look nice though. With the Denali you are moving up to a 6 litre engine and increase fuel costs come stock. Regardless both trucks look awesome!

Your going to have repairs, expect it. Find something with as little rust as possible. Rust is just plain ugly on any vehicle.

With an LT or Z71 or Denali you can get 2nd row buckets which are nice. A split 50/50 removable third row is available in 2003...That could be something to consider for sure!