Hi Gang,
Looking to buy a late model Suburban or Yukon Xl.
Seen 03 Yukon Xl (LT model) with 195k for $5000. Has Leather, DVD & sunroof. However, concerned about the Autoride. Read several posts that autoride breaks constantly and is costly to repair.
Is this a model to avoid? What else should I look for?
Thanks for any help you can offer...

 

Welcome to the forum.

Only the LTZ comes with the Autoride system.

 

LTZ is a Chevrolet trim level, only in use since 06.

Prior to that, LT was the highest trim level, and autoride was available.

On the GMC side, Autoride was also available on not just Denalis, but SLT Yukon XLs.

I have no experience with autoride and can't comment on how well the system holds up over time. Autoride trucks are relatively rare, so you shouldn't come across too many looking at used trucks.

My 01 Burb has the ZW7 suspension - the self-contained, self-leveling shocks. No extra hardware or compressor-type things. Just a shock.

 

Disable the autoride by removing the fuse. You will live much happier. The shocks will work normally.


The autoride system came with lighter rear springs. I liked them as it made for a more comfortable ride. If you plan on towing something real heavy than spend 150 dollars for aftermarket spring and install it yourself.


I just sold my 2003 denali. I know much about the GMC so just ask.


Trying to revive the autoride system is expensive and not worth it at all.
For the most part the the rear shocks were airshocks and the electronic valves for the shocks. If you tried to rebuild it yourself and correctly, you will spend 1500 in parts alone and still have a wonky system.


Again. Just remove the underhood fuse and you will be much happier.




My 2003 GMC was rock solid. The only issues I had were leaking rear main seal, window motors (easy to fix)


OH! the 6.0L had a tendency to get hot in stalled traffic. ON the 6.0 it was mechanical fan. Lots of guys ended up installing electric fans.

 

How does a self leveling shock work without a compressor?

When the OP said he was looking for a late model, my mind jumped automatically to the GMT 900 series.

 

It's an entirely self-contained unit, and all the shocks need is at least 1/16" of suspension movement to pump themselves back up. It's actually awesome technology. The only downside is replacement cost. I paid $278 each for my replacements.

READ MORE HERE

Back to the OP - trouble areas on an '03 would be the A/C compressor/clutch/tensioner, listen for a whining fuel pump, front hub/bearings are one-piece units and expensive, window regulators and brakes. And of course rust, on the rear quarter panels, and the bottoms of the middle doors.

 

Mike,
Others have chimed in on the functional aspects of the vehicle, but I wanted to weigh in on the price. IMO, it sounds too high for a Sub with 200K miles. I just sold a very nice 2002 Yukon with 146K miles for $5300. We loved the vehicle, but every repair was $1000, and that's what you start to see when these cars get up into that mileage range. It was my wife's primary vehicle and we treated it very well. Never towed, always garaged, etc. We decided it was time to buy a newer Suburban (which we did). Just my 2 cents. Good luck with your decision.