OK lots of questions here, figure you guys are the ones to ask...

I'm in the market for a new-to-me truck. I need to be able to haul some stuff for work (catering equipment) and home (firewood). I live in snow country so 4WD is nice to have as well. Don't tow anything. I am also looking for a vehicle to trick out for camping & road trips. Would pull out the 2nd and 3rd row seating, just me and the wife, no kids. Originally was leaning towards another full-size pickup with cap on it, but am having a hard time finding a good one in my price range.

Been seeing some potentially nice Suburbans online for cheap. Have been doing lots of research, seems that the 2000s and newer have a lot of electronic issues, plus fuel pump, transmission, brake lines rusting out, crazy oil consumption, etc.

I found a super clean 1986 online, auto, 4WD, daily driver with only 70k on the clock. I've read that the pre-'89s didn't use galvanized steel & usually have rust issues, but this one looks almost flawless.

Wondering if anybody here has any experience with this year/generation and if there are any pros/cons to know about.

Also how many miles are the Suburbans of this era known to go? I have a short commute but definitely want something to use for long trips too.

I am not super handy with a wrench but have a good mechanic that would inspect it for me.

Any advice/info is much appreciated. Thanks!!

 

I have a 2000 model that has none of the issues you have described, so far. My only aggravating issue was learning to adjust the parking brake. Now that I know it's a non-issue. My mechanic says the 9th gens were the best 1999.5 - 2006. He says that they were the last of the all steel, made to last a lifetime versions but, they have the 5.3 and better transmissions The 4L60e (the electronic version of the 4L60).

My 2000 model was living in the junk yard with a blown engine. It was owned by a lady who let it run out of oil. In that same junk yard was a low mileage 5.3 that bolted right in. I bought a new water pump and kept the K&N cold air intake. I did have to reupholster the driver's seat and do brakes, tires and overhaul the rear differential. But, I got a great daily driver that also tows my travel trailer and goes like crazy in the snow (not that we get that much). The only modern year model that I personally might want to do some research before buying is the 2007 model. I have a buddy that has a 2007 model and it's a mess, no horsepower getting to the rear axle, quirky electrical issues, etc.. My old 2000 model will accelerate like it's trying to hurt somebody when you stand on the gas pedal. None of this is to discourage you from getting the older burb. My brother-in-law had a 1996 model and it's an awesome vehicle. He has like, 300,000 miles on it and it still tows his boat over three states. Suburbans are awesome. Mine has 225,000 on the chassis and about 52,000 on the engine. And, It doesn't burn a drop of oil between oil changes.