Hi,
I would like to say I am new to chevy and GMC, have never owned one before and am looking for some advice.

I am looking to replace my daily driver. I currently own a 2002 grand cherokee 4.7 V8 and its been nothing but a money pit, problem after problem.

I live in New Zealand with a climate very similar to Seattle and western WA. I daily drive roughly 50kms/31miles a day.

The two options I have available to me are :

1996 Chevrolet suburban 1500 LT 4x4 with the 5.7 V8 - 45,000 miles.

1997 Chevrolet suburban 2500 LS 4x4 with the 6.5 detroit diesel. 92,000 miles.

Fuel economy isn't a big deal for me, what is, is reliability. I have spent far too long with vehicles I can't depend on. Towing isn't really a factor as I don't tow often and its not huge loads when I do. I have never owned a diesel but I do have a large interest in them. I do always keep to servicing schedules too. Everything is changed when it is meant to be changed.

If both of these are bad ideas and I'd be better looking for something else entirely please tell me.

Any and all feedback is appreciated.

 

If you're not planning to tow, there's no need for a diesel.

If I came across a '96 Suburban with 45000 miles that was in good shape, I'd buy it in a millisecond. My concern would be fluid changes and maintenance. A 20 year-old truck with 45000 miles? How much did it sit? Were the fluids changed regularly, or was the oil changed once every 4-5 years?

Plus the LT will have more options and leather seating. The LS will have cloth seats.

 

You're right about the options. The LT does have a nicer interior. I didn't think about how long it may have been sitting. I'd obviously have to inspect the fluids before purchase but would most likely change them all anyway to begin with. While it is true about not needing the towing benefits of the diesel, will it be a longer lasting engine? Be more dependable ? of course depending on if its had the PMD issue dealt with and I imagine it would have with that mileage.

 

I should also add that the cost of the diesel fuel is significantly lower than gas where I live.

 

how significant?
if those are the only two choices: the 6.5L diesel is a slug...I personally would avoid it...thank god the duramax came along.

the 5.7 is much more reliable. What ever you decide...get underneath and see how many seal and gaskets are leaking.

why not get into something 10 years old instead of 20.

 

The cost of trucks out here in NZ is very high. These trucks mentioned are a little over 20K and to go to something newer with a duramax you are looking at 70k for the early ones and 170k for brand new. Cummins and powerstroke prices are no better.

 

wow....I thought canadian car prices were bad.

 

Yeah our used car market is pretty insane. Most people just seem to buy cheap japanese eco boxes and I couldn't have any less interest in one of them if there was a gun to my head. Even people with big money tend to go to the euro super sedan. The US truck market here is tiny.

 

I could by a very good 2007 silverado fully loaded with 130 000 kilometers for $7000 here. Maybe i should investigate shipping cost to nz

 

I have considered that, but its no easy feat either. Vehicles newer than 20 years old must be converted to right hand drive which is a cost of 25k-30k plus it can be a messy process to just have it complied to be road legal and another $1000 for that, plus you must ensure it comes over with all the required paperwork.