Hello All!

I am looking into buying a used Chevy Suburban. They have the hauling capacity I am looking for combined with passenger room, and they are pretty common and affordable.

I've narrowed my selection down to two on CL in my area:

1987 Suburban

1994 Suburban

My question is, which would you buy, and why? I really like to looks and the relatively low miles of the '87, but the price of the 1994 is hard to beat. I can practically drop in a Goodwrench crate engine and tranny with the savings. Both have 350s. Are both of these vehicles TBI? Or is the '87 carbed maybe? The 2x4 vs. the 4x4 isn't that important to me. This thing will be driving kids around and making dump runs, no off-roading planned. I really like the looks of the '87, and there is no emissions in my state for cars over 25 years, but twice the price? I don't know if coolness factor or cheapness factor is winning in my mind!

So, what do y'all think? Thanks in advance,
Jack

 

Update: 94 is a 1500. '87 is 2500. Both have tow suspension.

 

square body will hold its value and likely increase if you can keep her stock and updated.

 

Thanks Scotiapilot. I would imagine the 87 has already hit it's 20 year price trough... now it is "vintage", which is part of the appeal for me as well, not gonna lie.

 

I also say the 87. I'm partial to the 3/4 ton Burbs - the components are heavier duty and generally last longer. Plus, that body is rapidly approaching "classic" status.

The '94 is a boring, worn-out, hum-drum truck.

My one question on the '87 - does the odometer only go up to 99999 miles? If so, how do you know it only has 100k miles, not 200k miles (or more)?