Vehicle purchase help (Tahoe/Suburban)

[aged1985]

Looking for some direction. I have an 08 Tahoe that is salvage, but has a new transmission with 2,000 miles on it. (I know it can be used in a Tahoe but not sure it can be use in a suburban)

I’m looking to purchase either an 09 Tahoe 5.3 with 159,000 miles…OR…a 2011 Suburban 1500 5.3 with 128,000 miles. Basically the same price for both.

I’ve always driven Tahoe, however love the space of a suburban. Neither vehicle has any major issues.

What would be the best route here? Thanks!

 

[swathdiver]

I suggest going with the Suburban. The engine is slightly more fuel efficient and you'll love the extra space, in the back and even in the 2nd row.

That 4-speed transmission cannot be used in either of your prospects as they both have the 6L80 transmission. Sell it.

 

[intheburbs]

"Gee, I wish I bought the smaller Tahoe" said no Suburban owner, ever.

 

[kbit]

Or you could be like me and have both...can't go wrong that way.

 

[aged1985]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm probably going to go with the Suburban. The vehicle is in great condition, however with roughly 130k, what immediate maintenance should be done? (plugs, coils, etc?) Someone had also recommended in higher mileage suburban's adding 1qt of Lucas oil stabilizer each oil change? Never used that product but looks promising.

 

[OR VietVet]

Welcome to the forum from Oregon.

Yes, go with the Suburban. The 2k miles new transmission in the Tahoe will help sell it for more money, if you can prove it with paperwork or CarFax.

 

[intheburbs]

Do not mess with oil additives. Just use a quality high-mileage full synthetic and a good filter.

 

[Marky Dissod]

Lucas oil stabilizer is just a base oil and ... nothing else normally in motor oil.
I'd rather just add a quart of Valvoline Restore & Protect.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

I've had both a Yukon and a Yukon XL, and the longer truck is just so much more useful overall. Towing is much more stable with the longer truck.

If you will garage this truck, make sure it will fit in your garage (some folks have found out the hard way after buying the longer truck).

 

[solli5pack]

I have both a regular size Yukon and a Suburban. If you plan on carrying any kind of cargo at all without folding the third row down go with the Burb. It's almost comical how little room is behind the third row in Tahoes and Yukon's! Can't even fit a case of water! Lol.

 

[Fless]

It's almost comical how little room is behind the third row in Tahoes and Yukon's! Can't even fit a case of water! Lol.

Nothing funny about it!

 

[swathdiver]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm probably going to go with the Suburban. The vehicle is in great condition, however with roughly 130k, what immediate maintenance should be done? (plugs, coils, etc?) Someone had also recommended in higher mileage suburban's adding 1qt of Lucas oil stabilizer each oil change? Never used that product but looks promising.

Change ALL the fluids. If funds allow, replace ALL of the oxygen sensors, especially if you plan to run E85. Use GM OE parts and fluids whenever possible, aftermarket parts do not play well with the computers on board these trucks.

Clean the throttle body and mass airflow sensor with that little kit you can buy at Walmart from CRC. Change the air filter, consider adding the cabin filter.

These trucks generally require a front suspension overhaul at about 160K miles.

 

[OR VietVet]

Nothing funny about it!

As soon as I got my 2005, I sold the 3rd row seat. Never wanted the room taken up by it or any people in it that I had my back to. I have only had one person ever in one of my second row buckets and that made me cringe.

 

[j91z28d1]

Nothing funny about it!

such a big truck with so little room ugh.

we are kinda tall and don't even fit in the 2nd row bench without the front seat being moved up into the windshield. the 3rd row as just nuts.

I should probably sell those too haha.


rode in a Sequoia a few weeks ago, 6 people and room for everyone without being squished. I was mildly annoyed haha. definitely should have gotten a xl

 

[Fless]

such a big truck with so little room ugh.

we are kinda tall and don't even fit in the 2nd row bench without the front seat being moved up into the windshield. the 3rd row as just nuts.

I should probably sell those too haha.


rode in a Sequoia a few weeks ago, 6 people and room for everyone without being squished. I was mildly annoyed haha. definitely should have gotten a xl

Getting an XL in my garage might be doable, but very tight if it is. These newer ('87) suburban garages aren't anywhere near as deep as the older ones.

 

[j91z28d1]

I don't think anyone parks cars in they garage anymore. builders don't care what it's only storage for the normals

I can't say much, I have 2 cars and motorcycle in mine but the daily divers are parked outside, so end results are the same haha ended up having to have a car port built over them. so much hail in tx, it's ridiculous.

 

[OR VietVet]

I don't think anyone parks cars in they garage anymore. builders don't care what it's only storage for the normals

I can't say much, I have 2 cars and motorcycle in mine but the daily divers are parked outside, so end results are the same haha ended up having to have a car port built over them. so much hail in tx, it's ridiculous.

My girl and her daughter are in Euless, Tx. right now. Lots of big hail.

 

[petethepug]

Later model ‘11 Burb with less milage over an earlier ‘09 Tahoe with more milage? I’d do the Burb just for the better ride and additional crumple zone in the rear.

Unfortunately the 4 speed of the wrecked 08 is not doable in 6 speed of the 09 & 11. Whoever built the 4 speed may want it back or swap it plus a little cash to rebuild the trans in the new truck.

Is the Burb 2 or 4WD? Happen to know the trim level?

 

[Doubeleive]

a tahoe is useless unless you are single and take the 3rd row out, don't expect to haul more than 2 kids around, may as well just have a car.

 

[intheburbs]

I don't think anyone parks cars in they garage anymore. builders don't care what it's only storage for the normals

I can't say much, I have 2 cars and motorcycle in mine but the daily divers are parked outside, so end results are the same haha ended up having to have a car port built over them. so much hail in tx, it's ridiculous.

I think I might be the only person on the planet that parks 3 vehicles in a 3-car garage. Granted, being oversized helps, but that's my daughter's Escape, my Suburban, and my crew cab Sierra Denali.

Upside - while I've never done any type of rust preventative, the Suburban's frame is still mostly black and it has zero body rust. It's an 08 with 250k miles, and has spent its entire life in MI and IN. But it's been garaged religiously for the 11 years I've owned it.