Hey guys,

I need as much input as possible because I am not sure whether to pull the trigger or not.

I drive a 2001 Dodge Durango right now and even though it just clocked over 100,000 miles, it has problem after problem, and with a 3rd kid on the way and plans for a 4th sometime in the next 5-6 years, I need something bigger.

This is the Suburban I am looking at:

2000 Chevy Suburban 4x4 Fully Loaded

I would put a new engine in as needed and am thinking of one of the following:

S&J Engines - Zero mileage, 7-year, 100,000 mile warranty - https://www.sandjengines.com/rebuilt...cationID=11534

Low Mileage Parts - ~70,000 miles on motor, 5-year, Unlimited miles warranty - 2000 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN 1500 Engine

I have a reputable shop locally that can do a motor swap for about 750.

The Suburban has zero rust and is fully loaded and has new transmission and torque converter with about 2,000 miles on them and a rebuilt differential, if I install a new motor and if I can talk the guy down to 2,500 for the burb I would be in the $4,164 - $5,121 total range and the rest of the truck has 254,000 miles on it.

Should I scrap the whole idea and try to find a lower mileage suburban?

Is the 254,000 miles a bad deal on the 2000 Suburban when the motor, trans, and differential are brand new?

I am not really concerned about the mileage, but I need to know I am not being crazy and if I SHOULD be concerned about the mileage.

I really need as many opinions as possible here.

Thanks!

 

Well, if were me, I'd be concerned about any issues that arise from the engine swap. Was it an issue because of the engine? was it because of there work? A lot to mess up with that much work...

For $6k it appears you can get suburbans, that do not require an engine swap:

Used Chevrolet Suburbans- on Cars.com

Not saying you should or shouldn't, but looking in the 5-6k range maybe you can find something you like, with less effort.

also check out autotrader.com

you put in your model, price, and zip... and find some used cars...

 

I see your point, but to get 4x4, no rust, etc. I am getting into the 150K+ miles within 500 miles of my zip code.

Also it runs well now, and does not need a motor, I was just pricing motors as a "just in case" because it has 254k miles on it.

 

A simple compression test will tell you if it needs a new motor. No need to pull spark plugs any more. The newer machines simply measure starter motor current as the starter draws power to overcome engine compression.

254k miles is a bit high for my comfort level. My '01 has 210k and she's starting to get a little tired.

I'd be less concerned about the engine, and more concerned about the typical problem areas - front wheel hubs/bearings, fuel pump, A/C system and brakes. All of those things should have been replaced; if not they'll need to be soon. Also, check for exhaust manifold leaks.

If I were looking, I'd be looking at trucks with 150k-200k miles. They'll cost more, but they should need less repair/replacement parts.

 

Totally agree ^
Overall, this vehicle has not been well taken care off. Just look at. Any person who's too lazy to spend $15 to wash the car before taking pics for a listing is not someone you want to buy from. Just my 2 cents.

 

I wholly agree, presentation speaks volumes... Wash it, vacuum it out, air up the tires, park it in the driveway so it looks as if it's been driven and not sitting in tall wet grass for months... THEN take the pictures...
These tactics also work well for unloading a total POS....just sayin'

 

Just changing my post on this thread. I put up my suburban for sale in the classified section if anyone is looking for a k1500 suburban LT

 

The guys selling this could have at least wash the car before taking pics. This makes me think he did not really take good care of the car.

 

Agreed. if they are unwilling to wash the thing, who knows what else they didn't do.

Same reason I've never buy a repo. If they can't afford the car, what did they spend on maintenance?