Looking For Opinions On Possible Buy

177mph · January 10, 2011

I currently have a 03 Yukon SLT that Ive been very happy with. Best truck Ive owned and I've had a bunch. Its currently got 95k on it - and its been maintained all its life. Ive been thinking about moving to a newer truck - and although this is a personal decision - I'd like to hear opinions.

I dont owe a dime on the 03 - its loaded with all the options (side air bags, xm, leather, adj pedals, etc) and it runs great. It is about time for a little work that needs to get done (tires/shocks/foglights/carpet) that should total about 2k in work. Not a big expense in the larger sense. Up until a week ago - I was keeping this truck for another year or two. I know these trucks are good for another 100k easy.

Im thinking about moving to an 07/08 yukon/tahoe just to have the safety and security of a newer vehicle. I do a bit of towing and drive the family in the truck. I have some extra cash coming in - so I can afford to get a certified one. What are the advantages of the newer models over mine? Do the newer ones have side air bags in the back seats? Any downsides to moving to the newer truck?

Looking for opinions. thx

tonygxp · January 10, 2011

I currently have a 03 Yukon SLT that Ive been very happy with. Best truck Ive owned and I've had a bunch. Its currently got 95k on it - and its been maintained all its life. Ive been thinking about moving to a newer truck - and although this is a personal decision - I'd like to hear opinions.

I dont owe a dime on the 03 - its loaded with all the options (side air bags, xm, leather, adj pedals, etc) and it runs great. It is about time for a little work that needs to get done (tires/shocks/foglights/carpet) that should total about 2k in work. Not a big expense in the larger sense. Up until a week ago - I was keeping this truck for another year or two. I know these trucks are good for another 100k easy.

Im thinking about moving to an 07/08 yukon/tahoe just to have the safety and security of a newer vehicle. I do a bit of towing and drive the family in the truck. I have some extra cash coming in - so I can afford to get a certified one. What are the advantages of the newer models over mine? Do the newer ones have side air bags in the back seats? Any downsides to moving to the newer truck?

Looking for opinions. thx

it's all about your budget and comfort level. The 900's ride better, handle better and the interior is 100000x better. But keeping up with the jones' is tough on the wallet. Only you can make that call. I know miune has the airbags on the side in the rear, not sure on 07/08's, i'm sure you can call chevy and ask them for the rundown. If you trade yours in make sure you get $8k for it at least otherwise sell it privately. Personally, i would keep the current one you have, both my brother's have '02 Yukon XL's well over 100K and they run like tops.

KMGZ400 · January 10, 2011

yes, like tony said, GMT900's handle better ride way better, have waaaay better interior, more power a lot is better. you have to test drive one and see if you like it enough to spend the money. and the gmt900's are safer.

your yukon will last a long long time, but 80 percent of the time, the trannys (4L60E) dont hold up for more then 140 150k and youd be pretty luck to get that. i have a 2003 5.3 suburban and the tranny was completley done at 120k. i did replace it and the SUV has been amazing and now has 150k on it. everything works perfect, rides like new, def worth the new tranny.

plus if you trade in now, you will still get a fair amount for your yukon, if its got 140, 150k on it itll be worth waaay less.

Jay69 · January 10, 2011

I generally keep my cars and trucks until the wheels fall off. 100k really is nothing, if you know everything that has been done with your current Yukon and its been good to you I would think hard about keeping it.

Now for the second part of it, now that I'm over 40 I'm getting to the point I don't like driving old crap and just get tired with the same car/truck after 4-5 years. Sounds like we may be close to the same boat, I have 2 kids (10) (12) and also pull a little camper about 4 times a year. There is something to be said about being able to hook up and go and not worry to much with the new rig. Now can the new one leave on the side of road, sure it can but lets just hope it does not.

I just laid our 1994 Suburban to rest this past month and it was a great truck but I will addmit that the new GMT-900 it twice the truck really. The Suburban did leave us high and dry twice and that just stunk. 4 times a year that we go camping and the kids balling in the back seat because we cant go camping can make for some stressfull times for the old man, at least were were only 10 miles from the house when something did happen! It was at that time we bought our 2009 2500hd, fast forward 2 years and the 94 Suburban bit the dust completly and we sold the 2009 2500hd for the 2011 Silverado because we really did not like the 2500 for a daily driver. Leason here, dont buy a 2500hd unless you really really need it!

I'm not sure about you guys who pull campers but I know that when I have my kids and wife with the camper I really dont like the feeling of being stuck on the side road, for me this raises the stress level a fair bit.

I'm not sure where you live but if your are in salt country like I am most cars and trucks dont seem to look to good after about 8-10 years and the rust really starts to get at them and makes working on them just so much fun:)

If you can afford it and you just like having a newer truck go for it. I dont think I myself would trade it for a new payment though.

Good Luck

Jay

nickvrebel · January 10, 2011

about a year ago I upgraded from an 03 Silverado to my 09 Sierra.

I did it for two reasons:

1. I needed a truck with 4X4

2. I was tired of my cloth seats collecting dust on the dirt roads.

my 03 was in perfect condition, I owned it since new and I had a decent amount of upgrades on it. I hated to see it go.

I know the trucks and SUV's ride different, but as far as trucks go, my 03 rode way better - but that's the difference I guess between the "smooth ride suspension" and the "Z71 off road" suspension. In all I don't regret buying the new truck, but I was happy with my other truck besides it no longer suiting my needs.

music · January 10, 2011

4 times a year that we go camping and the kids balling in the back seat because we cant go camping can make for some stressfull times for the old man, at least were were only 10 miles from the house when something did happen! It was at that time we bought our 2009 2500hd, fast forward 2 years and the 94 Suburban bit the dust completly and we sold the 2009 2500hd for the 2011 Silverado because we really did not like the 2500 for a daily driver. Leason here, dont buy a 2500hd unless you really really need it!

Just curious, what size/weight camper do you pull?

177mph · January 10, 2011

I generally keep my cars and trucks until the wheels fall off. 100k really is nothing, if you know everything that has been done with your current Yukon and its been good to you I would think hard about keeping it.

Now for the second part of it, now that I'm over 40 I'm getting to the point I don't like driving old crap and just get tired with the same car/truck after 4-5 years. Sounds like we may be close to the same boat, I have 2 kids (10) (12) and also pull a little camper about 4 times a year. There is something to be said about being able to hook up and go and not worry to much with the new rig. Now can the new one leave on the side of road, sure it can but lets just hope it does not.

I just laid our 1994 Suburban to rest this past month and it was a great truck but I will addmit that the new GMT-900 it twice the truck really. The Suburban did leave us high and dry twice and that just stunk. 4 times a year that we go camping and the kids balling in the back seat because we cant go camping can make for some stressfull times for the old man, at least were were only 10 miles from the house when something did happen! It was at that time we bought our 2009 2500hd, fast forward 2 years and the 94 Suburban bit the dust completly and we sold the 2009 2500hd for the 2011 Silverado because we really did not like the 2500 for a daily driver. Leason here, dont buy a 2500hd unless you really really need it!

I'm not sure about you guys who pull campers but I know that when I have my kids and wife with the camper I really dont like the feeling of being stuck on the side road, for me this raises the stress level a fair bit.

I'm not sure where you live but if your are in salt country like I am most cars and trucks dont seem to look to good after about 8-10 years and the rust really starts to get at them and makes working on them just so much fun:)

If you can afford it and you just like having a newer truck go for it. I dont think I myself would trade it for a new payment though.

Good Luck

Jay

Thanks everyone. Helpful advice. I know my truck is in great shape - and could easily go another 100k. I do tow a race car and trailer (almost 4500 pds) so it does do some heavy towing. I figure the trans will go at some point in the next 50k miles even with good maintenance. I dont want to get stuck on the side of the road with my son - and thats what worries me most. I also like the idea of everything being just a little bit newer design. I know my 03 was designed in 99 - so thats a 12 year old design. Things in the car world have moved quite a bit in that time.

Pyggy · January 11, 2011

Thanks everyone. Helpful advice. I know my truck is in great shape - and could easily go another 100k. I do tow a race car and trailer (almost 4500 pds) so it does do some heavy towing. I figure the trans will go at some point in the next 50k miles even with good maintenance. I dont want to get stuck on the side of the road with my son - and thats what worries me most. I also like the idea of everything being just a little bit newer design. I know my 03 was designed in 99 - so thats a 12 year old design. Things in the car world have moved quite a bit in that time.

The trucks will be redesigned soon, so if you're not in a hurry it might be worth waiting. The new trucks might be much nicer than the current ones, and if you don't like them, you can always pick up one of the remaining GMT900s cheap.

remington351 · January 11, 2011

Hey 177,

I'm kinda in a similar situation as you. I've been looking to upgrade to a newer Suburban and have been seeing what people are saying about the newer models. One thing I would advise is to do a search for "AFM oil consumption". Several threads on here are talking about the newer motors with the AFM option burning through as much as a quart of oil in 1,000 miles. I don't know what the outcome will be on this issue, but 177 asked for some feedback so I just wanted to share what I've been reading.

177mph · January 13, 2011

Hey 177,
I'm kinda in a similar situation as you. I've been looking to upgrade to a newer Suburban and have been seeing what people are saying about the newer models. One thing I would advise is to do a search for "AFM oil consumption". Several threads on here are talking about the newer motors with the AFM option burning through as much as a quart of oil in 1,000 miles. I don't know what the outcome will be on this issue, but 177 asked for some feedback so I just wanted to share what I've been reading.

Ive read the great AFM debate. Seems to be as many people who have no oil issue as those that have. Thats why I'm looking for a certified truck. Just in case. Thanks for the advice all.

One last question - any reason to get an 08 over an 07? Were there any big teething problems in the 07's - or new options in the 08's that make the jump worth it?

177mph · January 24, 2011

Hey 177,
I'm kinda in a similar situation as you. I've been looking to upgrade to a newer Suburban and have been seeing what people are saying about the newer models. One thing I would advise is to do a search for "AFM oil consumption". Several threads on here are talking about the newer motors with the AFM option burning through as much as a quart of oil in 1,000 miles. I don't know what the outcome will be on this issue, but 177 asked for some feedback so I just wanted to share what I've been reading.

Ive read the great AFM debate. Seems to be as many people who have no oil issue as those that have. Thats why I'm looking for a certified truck. Just in case. Thanks for the advice all.

One last question - any reason to get an 08 over an 07? Were there any big teething problems in the 07's - or new options in the 08's that make the jump worth it?

Any response to the 07 vs 08 question? thx

kdixer · January 24, 2011

Hey 177,
I'm kinda in a similar situation as you. I've been looking to upgrade to a newer Suburban and have been seeing what people are saying about the newer models. One thing I would advise is to do a search for "AFM oil consumption". Several threads on here are talking about the newer motors with the AFM option burning through as much as a quart of oil in 1,000 miles. I don't know what the outcome will be on this issue, but 177 asked for some feedback so I just wanted to share what I've been reading.

Ive read the great AFM debate. Seems to be as many people who have no oil issue as those that have. Thats why I'm looking for a certified truck. Just in case. Thanks for the advice all.

One last question - any reason to get an 08 over an 07? Were there any big teething problems in the 07's - or new options in the 08's that make the jump worth it?

Any response to the 07 vs 08 question? thx

Not sure about the SUV's but they started using the 6 speed in 09 for certain model Silverado's. They pretty much used it exclusively for 2010 and 2011. That would be a deciding factor for me. The 6l80e is much stronger than the 4l60e. I would be looking for a vehicle equiped with the 6spd and hang on to what I had until I found the right vehicle.

kawtoy_77 · January 24, 2011

there is the fact that 07-08's have the 5yr 100k powertrain warranty, but if you know what you have is good.... I wouldn't go trying to inherit someone else's problems

177mph · February 14, 2011

there is the fact that 07-08's have the 5yr 100k powertrain warranty, but if you know what you have is good.... I wouldn't go trying to inherit someone else's problems

UPDATE: I just completed the paperwork on a nice 07 Tahoe LTZ. Clean carfax - good truck. Trading in my GMC and getting 500 less than I paid for it two years ago!

bartonjude · February 14, 2011

If I were you, I'd run your current vehicle until you have all the cash saved up for what you want to replace it with. Even a tranny replacement is worth it.