rijake

Hello all,
I've been browsing the forum here for some info. Here's my story.

Coworker has 2007 Suburban for sale. It's got almost 80K on it, has the 5.3. I'm thinking of buying it. It's very well maintained, 9 out of 10. The only issue he's had that hasn't been addressed is the dreaded excessive oil consumption. He figures about a quart every 3-4000 miles.

I've done a lot of reading about this problem and the procedures for getting the dealer to fix the problem. My question is has anyone NOT had the GM fix and just ran the truck, keeping up on adding oil? Are there any long term problems people have had with this issue by not having the dealer correct the problems? Any long term problems with the top end?


How has your reliability been over 120,000 miles or more? If I do buy it, I'd like to keep it for at least 5 years.

Thanks very much

SWHouston

I don't consider one quart every 3-4 Kmi to be excessive, though you probably could use that, to get it a little cheaper...

adamjeeps

My 07 Avalanche is about the same usage with 92,000 miles. I look at it this way, it reminds me to check the oil every so often. It has a message that comes on when you are a quart low, so I don't really see it as a big deal, it means a fresh quart between oil changes.

hicksvilleshick

I don't trust motors that don't use some oil... a quart in that mileage is acceptable.

sepedajh

Ive got an 04 Tahoe with 168,500 on it. I don't have to add anything between oil changes. Although I do change mine every 3000. And I drive my Hoe into the dirt like the filthy little Tahoe she is.

UNDERSCORE

First post.

That isn't that bad but honestly, no motor should go through anything but a miniscule amount of oil.

I just bought an 07' with a 5.3 so I guess I'll find out what the big deal is.

SWHouston

HA HA HA so true !
That's why I quit doing Mud, takes forever to get your ride cleaned up !

PS:
The grass strips along side my Driveway are about 2" higher than the rest of the yard, because of all that dirt I've washed off my Burb.

FortBurb

OP, I have a 2000 suburban with the 5.3. One of the best vehicles i've ever owned. I've had very few problems and am currently at 170K.

Joe In NY

I've got 126K on my burb, drinks a quart of oil every 1500 miles or so. I use Full Synthetic, I use Mobil 1 and Valvoline. Thats it. Did a fresh oil change, Left from NY went to Daytona Beach, FL. Shortly after arriving needed a quart. Came back, 3 weeks later, needs another quart. Oh well.
I "had" the dreaded AFM lifter tick/squeak. It started at 96K. And 30K later, their is only a slight squeak still, and not all the time. Also keeping out my eye on the oil pressure but its 60 cold and 35 hot, so thats still fine...
Haven't been to the dealer or shop since I bought it from a friend back in Feb of 2009 when the burb only had 50K on it.
I have a LIST of all things I've worked on this thing. Oh man these cars aren't meant to last....

rijake

Thanks for the responses. I'm really interested in 07 and later with the AFM. That's what's making me concerned about buying this truck.