I'm new to the "suburban" life as I've always had a Tahoe. I have a crashed 08 Tahoe 5.3 with a brand new transmission that was installed three weeks before being t-boned and totaled...so I'm keeping it for parts along the way.

I'm looking at two suburbans. The first is a 2011 5.3 1500 LT with 126k miles. Vehicle is in great shape but does have a couple small oil leaks.

The second is a 2008 5.3 LTZ with 165k miles. Vehicle is basically flawless condition.

I know the 08 has been known to have issues, (maybe my 08 Tahoe tranny would fit if needed down the road??) however which model/year would you all recommend would be the safest route to go? And with both purchases, what preventative maintenance would you recommend? Both vehicles around within $500 price of each other.

 

AFM 5.3 before late 2009 did have oil consumption problems.
WHere are the oil leaks....oil pan gasket is common and is a 4 hour job

 

yeah, it’s the oil pan gasket.