Hello All,
I'm shopping for a used Suburban (or Yukon XL). I was reading some reviews and it said the years around 2000-2005 have been good ones for this vehicle. Other than liking the ride and space it offers, i am no expert on these vehicles. I don't mind high miles but not terribly high like way over 200k. I like doing my own car work whenever possible so I would like the normal wear items to be doable for DIY such as oil change, brake work (pads and rotors), tune ups (spark plugs), shocks. However, I do not want to spend my time and money trying to keep the vehicle road-worthy because of some serious issues. I've been spoiled with my Honda Accords that are practically trouble-free.

Since I have not owned an older vehicle like I plan to get I am a bit apprehensive thinking that I will be spending more time fixing something than enjoying the vehicle. Many GM vehicles seem to have idler arm and steering linkage issues. Does this mean that once they are fixed that they will not recur? I've also read engines and transmissions being replaced. In Craigslist for example, a few are on their 2nd engine and transmissions. I had a coworker who had to replace the instrument cluster in his suburban. He said this was an issue with these vehicles. Are these caused by manufacturer workmanship or owner neglect?

These issues are all foreign to me bc of having Hondas and Toyotas that are trouble free. Although for a while, I kept 3 1980s Mercedes 300D diesels. They all required some TLC but those were 30-35 year old vehicles. But never any engine or transmission problems. I also had a 97 Ford Explorer that ran fine. I only had to change the rear axle hubs bc it leaked oil. Probably due to just being parked for months.

The main use for the Suburban is to tow a small boat but also have enough room for gear and the occassional trip to Lowes or Home Depot. But I would also want it to reliable to take on long trips.

Whatever you can share about these vehicles I would appreciate. And what you would be checking if you were looking at one. Thanks

 

I can give VERY little advice here, but I was just in the same boat as you. I originally looked for around 2005-2006, but kept finding little issues that scared me away. There were a few that I liked, but they seemed to be asking for more than I wanted to spend. (And most asking for more than kbb.com recommended.)

I found a tiny used-car dealership near me that had a 2011 but with 136,000 miles on it. I had another garage look at it for me, and they loved it. Now, I will admit I am having little things go wrong with it (parking sensors, a latch here & there) and it did have some serious scratches on the hood. But I am just looking for a vacation vehicle for 3 kids. It's been wonderful. I love driving it.

So my only advice would be to look not only based on a narrow year range. Also look at some newer Suburbans and see if you can get one that fits your needs. Do searches a little above your budget, but don't limit the years. See what pops up.

 

I've owned a 2001 LS purchased used (8 yrs, 136K mi) and my current 2005 Z71 also purchased used (8 yrs, 133K mi). The 2001 I sold after 4 years and 40K mi and it was a better experience for me over the 2005 which I'm in my 5th year with 45K mi. The electronics were changed with the 2003 model year and I've experience endless electrical issues although none of them disabled the vehicle but are rather an annoyance. I also prefer the 2001's rear barn doors over the hatch. I sold the 2001 because I wanted a better optioned burb and I somewhat regret it. I just came across my old burb this past week and talked to the owner I sold it to. They've had no issues with it over the last 5 years and it is well over 250K mi now. It was a really clean Suburban when I bought it and it came a fully documented history of over the top maintenance and care.

My purchase plan is to buy them used at around 8 years and <140K mi from outside of the salt belt (Texas or Arizona), import them into Canada and run them for 4 years before rust starts to set in. I'm off plan now due to the value Canadian dollar and I'm not sure what I'm going to do in the next couple years. For now I'm going to keep running the 2005 and see where that takes me. It's still in decent shape and drives well.

 

Hello All,
I'm shopping for a used Suburban (or Yukon XL). I was reading some reviews and it said the years around 2000-2005 have been good ones for this vehicle. Other than liking the ride and space it offers, i am no expert on these vehicles. I don't mind high miles but not terribly high like way over 200k. I like doing my own car work whenever possible so I would like the normal wear items to be doable for DIY such as oil change, brake work (pads and rotors), tune ups (spark plugs), shocks. However, I do not want to spend my time and money trying to keep the vehicle road-worthy because of some serious issues. I've been spoiled with my Honda Accords that are practically trouble-free.

Since I have not owned an older vehicle like I plan to get I am a bit apprehensive thinking that I will be spending more time fixing something than enjoying the vehicle. Many GM vehicles seem to have idler arm and steering linkage issues. Does this mean that once they are fixed that they will not recur? I've also read engines and transmissions being replaced. In Craigslist for example, a few are on their 2nd engine and transmissions. I had a coworker who had to replace the instrument cluster in his suburban. He said this was an issue with these vehicles. Are these caused by manufacturer workmanship or owner neglect?

These issues are all foreign to me bc of having Hondas and Toyotas that are trouble free. Although for a while, I kept 3 1980s Mercedes 300D diesels. They all required some TLC but those were 30-35 year old vehicles. But never any engine or transmission problems. I also had a 97 Ford Explorer that ran fine. I only had to change the rear axle hubs bc it leaked oil. Probably due to just being parked for months.

The main use for the Suburban is to tow a small boat but also have enough room for gear and the occassional trip to Lowes or Home Depot. But I would also want it to reliable to take on long trips.

Whatever you can share about these vehicles I would appreciate. And what you would be checking if you were looking at one. Thanks[/QUOTE]

2008 Lincoln Navigator L Limited 5.4 AWD / 2007 Suburban LTZ 5.3 2WD



2007 LTZ Suburban 2WD 5.3L Flex Fuel


2004 LT Suburban 5.3L 4x4 My first Burban R.I.P Lucy



My first Suburban was a 2004 LT 4x4 model the gold one pictured at the bottom. That was one reliable SUV I really miss. I bought it new in 2003 and sadly in 2010 it died at 276k. I'm pretty sure if I wanted to put another tranny in her she would have lasted years and miles longer as those vortec engines are pretty impressive in the power and performance area. Of course there will always be regular maintenance issues such as brakes, oil changes, alternators, bearings etc...... However overall after owning my first suburban it has definitely left a good impression on me as far as reliability terms. In 2010 I purchased the white suburban I have posted in the photo above my previous gold one and again its posted with white chevy emblems next to my Navi. It's a 2007 LTZ trim with all the available options for that year model. This one is not as problem free accessories wise such as window switches, remote start, heated seats those type of things. I just recently got them fixed as for a car of it's age and mileage those type of accessories are prone to go out eventually. However the engine and transmission has been pretty reliable as it had 58k when purchased and now has 214k. It's love all over again as that's pretty impressive....at least to me it is LOL. So I can honestly say I'm really impressed with the reliability of the burban once again. All in all I say this because if you have any opportunity to get a suburban of the 01-07 generation, I HIGHLY suggest you jump on one for the right deal of course!!!!!! Prices on these suburbans are typically a little higher as they tend to hold more value than their competitors in the ford family. If you can find one with a carfax as I did, you definitely have yourself a gem. These beast are REALLY indestructible. If you keep up with the maintenance as I did, you can definitely get your money worth for years to come. Hope this helps.