Advice Needed: Best Year 2004-2009
Thread Starter
CF Beginner
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Advice Needed: Best Year 2004-2009
Hi there!
I'm looking to purchase a used Burb within the next 3 months. It's my first one so I want to do make sure I'm making the right decision. My current vehicle is a 2004 Jeep CG i6, which I've taken meticulous care of. Bought it brand new and it now has 215k miles and could easily another 100k.
But, with tons of travel, towing and 4 dogs, I need the power and space the Burb has to offer.
So I'm looking at a 2004-2009 Burb with less than 110k miles (I'll drive it at least another 100k). City driving mostly (20 miles a day) with longer trips 1-2 times a month. Will need to tow a 25-29ft. trailer (5000lbs). Leather is a must.
What year would you recommend? I've heard terrible stories about the 07 but wanted to check in here as I see a ton of those used.
Thank you in advance for your help!
I'm looking to purchase a used Burb within the next 3 months. It's my first one so I want to do make sure I'm making the right decision. My current vehicle is a 2004 Jeep CG i6, which I've taken meticulous care of. Bought it brand new and it now has 215k miles and could easily another 100k.
But, with tons of travel, towing and 4 dogs, I need the power and space the Burb has to offer.
So I'm looking at a 2004-2009 Burb with less than 110k miles (I'll drive it at least another 100k). City driving mostly (20 miles a day) with longer trips 1-2 times a month. Will need to tow a 25-29ft. trailer (5000lbs). Leather is a must.
What year would you recommend? I've heard terrible stories about the 07 but wanted to check in here as I see a ton of those used.
Thank you in advance for your help!
CF Pro Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 997
Likes: 21
From: SE MI
Well, in that range, you're bracketing two platforms - the GMT800 (2000-2006), and GMT900 (2007-2013).
The GMT800 trucks were great. Biggest thing for me is no AFM in the 5.3 engine. Google 5.3 AFM for some light reading. ;-) I sold my '01 Burb to a friend; it has 225k miles on the clock with the original engine and transmission.
The GMT900 trucks were an improvement in just about every way, except the engine. A lot more options/gizmos on the GMT900 that weren't previously available - power tailgate, remote start, quad heated seats, backup sensors/camera, etc. But GM put AFM into the 5.3 engine starting in 2007 - cylinder deactivation. For me, it's a dealbreaker. You'll notice I have two GMT900 trucks, and neither one has an engine with AFM.
For all years, don't forget about the GMC Yukon XL. It's a sister ship to the Suburban. The 2007+ Yukon XL Denali has a 6.2 engine with no AFM.
I'd avoid any 2007 truck just because it's the first year of the new platform.
If you want the "ultimate" Suburban, look at the 2500 models. While they have the same body and look very similar to the 1500s, under that body is a completely different truck - different engine, transmission, frame, axles, brakes, bigger fuel tank, etc. My '08 2500 has 150k miles on it and it has been FLAWLESS. In the last three years I've paid exactly $20 in repairs - it's never been in a shop for anything besides regular maintenance/fluid changes. And I beat the snot out of it - towing heavy, fourwheeling, etc. In fact, my son did this just last weekend:
Only damage was a crack in the front bumper cover on the passenger side.
The GMT800 trucks were great. Biggest thing for me is no AFM in the 5.3 engine. Google 5.3 AFM for some light reading. ;-) I sold my '01 Burb to a friend; it has 225k miles on the clock with the original engine and transmission.
The GMT900 trucks were an improvement in just about every way, except the engine. A lot more options/gizmos on the GMT900 that weren't previously available - power tailgate, remote start, quad heated seats, backup sensors/camera, etc. But GM put AFM into the 5.3 engine starting in 2007 - cylinder deactivation. For me, it's a dealbreaker. You'll notice I have two GMT900 trucks, and neither one has an engine with AFM.
For all years, don't forget about the GMC Yukon XL. It's a sister ship to the Suburban. The 2007+ Yukon XL Denali has a 6.2 engine with no AFM.
I'd avoid any 2007 truck just because it's the first year of the new platform.
If you want the "ultimate" Suburban, look at the 2500 models. While they have the same body and look very similar to the 1500s, under that body is a completely different truck - different engine, transmission, frame, axles, brakes, bigger fuel tank, etc. My '08 2500 has 150k miles on it and it has been FLAWLESS. In the last three years I've paid exactly $20 in repairs - it's never been in a shop for anything besides regular maintenance/fluid changes. And I beat the snot out of it - towing heavy, fourwheeling, etc. In fact, my son did this just last weekend:
Only damage was a crack in the front bumper cover on the passenger side.
Last edited by intheburbs; Feb 15, 2016 at 9:40 AM.
Super Moderator
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 9,175
Likes: 521
