Considering replacements for my 97 Tahoe

Lazarus Long · May 8, 2015

The last couple years my 97 Tahoe has had a lot of expensive repairs, which has me thinking I should start looking for a replacement. I've been out of the market so long I am a bit disappointed by what I'm finding.

I looked at a new Tahoe, they have really grown. My 97 is bigger than I need, the new ones are huge and almost 1000# heavier according to the specs. Apparently they come with 3rd row seats which can't be deleted. The locking differential is no longer available.

I looked at the smaller ones, but I'm not really interested. Dad had a Buick Ranier (same as a Trail blazer), it definitely had issues with GM cutting corners by using too light duty parts. You can't get a v8, at best you can only get a 6. Other than the V8, GM engines have never impressed me.

Have quality of materials used in the new trucks improved? The new tahoe looked better, but how about durability? My Tahoe has really cheap plastics and "leather"/vinyl seats with tears and holes. On the other hand I had. 2012 impala rental a while back. It wasn't any nicer than my old 1990 Lumina.

Looked at ford, they are phasing out v8s in most everything and pushing their ecoboost engines, which aren't any more efficient than GMs V8. Their smaller than full size vehicles are all front wheel drive biased, even if all wheel drive.

I looked at foreign cars, they are all v6 at best, front drive biased, and almost as expensive as the full size Tahoe. The Mercedes GLK is about the nicest there, at least it still has a naturally aspirated engine that does over 300 hp.

Would like to get something before decent engines become extinct, but after looking I'm thinking I will hang onto my 97 a bit longer.

The Zip · May 8, 2015

LL - decide what you need versus what you want, you have a lot of choices from a '97 model. As for the '15 Tahoe, don't know if they have been on the street long enough to really talk durability. Although, mine is durable but I only use it for hauling. Not a fair assessment since all of them can do that.

Materials are better as for a newer model versus what you have, but historically you have to get most options on the Tahoe to compare with GMC or Cadillac SUVs. The leather in my truck is good, handles my 225 weight. Other materials vary.

I believe the '15s quarter panel metal is thinner than previous versions, didn't take much for me to put a ding in it. There are three versions of the Tahoe after yours, the manufacturer wasn't concerned with gas mileage with your truck but the density consistently went thinner through the years as gas mileage became an issue. Lighter panel metals on the '15 may not equate to better gas mileage versus your truck, more horsepower negated that. Why not look at the next two versions after yours, they have their plus and minus but are great models, still have my '01. Wish I could transfer some things from my '01 to my '15.

newdude · May 8, 2015

The new ones are awesome for sure. However, have you considered a low mile 2012-2014? Much cheaper to purchase, proven engine and transmission and good quality.

The new ones are nice but...the pricing is insane!

Lazarus Long · May 8, 2015

Used is a good idea. I'll have to keep my eye out for one. I assume 2015 is the first year of a new generation?

Victor Ferreira · June 10, 2015

Other than going used, have you looked at Grand Cherokees? I know they're built by FCA and a lot of folks don't like them, but I have a few friends with 13's and 14's that love them to death and haven't had trouble with them. They also come in Hemi form, or, even better, diesel.

Lazarus Long · June 11, 2015

Other than going used, have you looked at Grand Cherokees? I know they're built by FCA and a lot of folks don't like them, but I have a few friends with 13's and 14's that love them to death and haven't had trouble with them. They also come in Hemi form, or, even better, diesel.

It is a plus that they are available with the Hemi, but from my reading their quality/durability is a bit iffy.