Hello all.
I am wanting to buy a suburban for the fam. I'm not really liking the current body style and love the 2000 to 2006 z71 package.
Should I be scared of a suburban 5.3 with 120,000 miles on it? I want a long lasting truck that I can take on long hauls.
I really want one from this body style but am scared of the 80,000 to 120,000 ones on the odometer.
Any and all thoughts appreciated!

 

Welcome to the forum.

If it's made it that far, then it's probably safe but I'd get a trusted mechanic to go over it thoroughly just to be safe. Things like compression and leak down tests, etc.

 

^This advice is spot on. As long as it was taken care of, these vehicles are fairly dependable. Of course, there are exceptions, but do your homework and you should find a good deal. Get a trusted mechanic, and check everything over real good. See if you can find any records on the specific vehicle. Take your time, and don't "jump" at the first opportunity. Good luck, and keep us updated!

 

I see so many subs with over 200,000 going on 300,000. I Guess something could break tommorow but I figure mine has 146000 and I am just getting it dialed in. I wouldn't be scared at all as,long as compression is good and coolant isn't dissapearing anywhere.

 

80-120k is not scary at all. I know of many 5.3L GM trucks with between 300-400k miles on them. Obviously you want one that has been regularly maintained, but these are great engines.

 

Well so far it has been a rough search. What I am looking for is the 2003 to 2006 Suburban Z71. I love that truck and thing it looks the best.
It seems here in NC all of these dealers are finding rough trashed ones from up North from some auction. Also most of them are rusted out underneath.
I think this is going to take some time to find a good one.

 

Well today I found one at a decent price. It looked good on the body but the frame had some rust. The top of the shock towers had some rust on them too. The rear frame rails had it pretty good.
Would it be dumb to buy it.....take a grill brush to the rust, then paint it with that rush inhibitor spray paint? I would spend the time to do a nice job but from what I hear, since its a northern truck that rust issues are going to pop up later down the road and not to fool with it.
Whats you guys thoughts?

 

Frame rust is not normally a problem but you can check it out by putting it up on a lift and tapping the frame w/ a hammer.

If the frame is compromised by serious rust, I imagine the body would be in worse shape.

 

FINALLY!

Bought one today after looking at atleast 30 used ones. They were all abused except for one.
Found a black 2006 z71 with 60,000 miles on it. Loaded out but no Nav. An old lady bought it new locally and traded it for a Buick enclave. It had been garaged it's whole life. No wear on seats and not carpet stains. No rust anywhere. Looked brand new and drove brand new.
Had new tires too.

Bought it for 16,000 dollars. Its so freakin sweet and looks awesome!

 

Congrats but I won't believe you until you post pics.