New 04 Tahoe? or wait?

Marcus · March 23, 2004

Okay, as some of you know, I was recently in a crash with my ZR2 blazer. I was contemplating this move before the crash but have since been given some added incentive. Also, I have a 6 week old newborn now, so that has been added into the mix as far as a decision goes.

What do you think? Should I trade-in my ZR2 (which I own outright) now and get a 2004 Tahoe Z71, or should I wait until the Tahoe is redesigned for the 2006 model year? I have seen a few "sketches" on the net about what the 2006 Tahoe will look like, and its not bad - my main concern is that the 04 Tahoe will look "old" by comparison very soon when the new Hoes come out.

I would really like something with 4 doors because of my now larger family. I want the Z71 because I like the way it looks (I do some moderate off-roading, but probably won't do much in a 43K+ vehicle). I was thinking of leasing for 3 years and then buy a Tahoe when the newly "refreshed" ones come out. What do you think?

Thanks.

ness5575 · March 23, 2004

from the rumors i have heard, the tahoe is getting an interior "refresh" for 2005 and not a full redesign till the 2007my.

http://www.gminsidenews.com/factsheet.htm

March 23, 2004

I'm all for buying new vehicles as often as I can (but then I have more money, er - credit, than brains). I do worry, though, about first year runs. On major redesigns they commonly have problems that get "worked out" throughout the year. You could be asking for headaches. Some are small, some are big, all make you wonder if you did the right thing. I think I'd do the lease (if leasing works for you) and go for a second year model after they get it fixed. You're more likely to be happy ever after.

By the way, the Tahoe (or Yukon, like me) is a GREAT choice. I had an Explorer that I loved and can't believe how much happier I am in the YK.

JMHO

dogzapper · March 24, 2004

I did it; a 2004 Chevy Tahoe LT with every possible options (plus Euro tail light lenses, PIAA headlight bulbs and infa-red rear sensors) about a month ago.

You can bet that the values are compelling right now. Locally, here in Portland, Oregon, Tahoes are going for $10,000 to $12,000 off of MSRP (we paid $36,505 for our loaded 'Hoe with an MSRP of $46,505.

When the model changes, such values will not exist until the demand lags (probably one to two years).

Life is short. You can spend it waiting for a newer model or you can be driving your new Tahoe NOW.

Do it, my friend.

Steve

carguru · March 24, 2004

We picked up one! If you got the money, now is a great time with all of the incentives.

Machine · March 24, 2004

Ditto. The insentives are just too attractive right now. It'll suck when trade-in time comes but right now it's a buyers market.

Marcus · March 24, 2004

I keep thinking about it. I'm under GMS pricing, so the GMS price on the 45k tahoe I want is about 38k. Then they apply the factory rebate, and I can get it for 35k. After hearing about the deals you guys are getting though, that maybe GMS isn't all that much of an advantage???

Do the incentives apply to leasing as well? Every time I have leased in the past, I negotiate on the total price of the car.... so I'm thinking that the lease should include the factory rebate, but I'm not sure?

carguru · March 24, 2004

I checked it out both ways. I qualified for GMS, but I came out better going retail. With GMS, I couldn't get the GM Card bonus cash and some of the other discounts the dealer gave. As for leasing, negotiating total price is the best way to go. Don't forget to argue the residuals also. You can still get some of the rebates with the lease. Hope this helps.

Marcus · March 24, 2004

Isn't that just crazy? GMS used to be a fantastic deal. Now, with the MSRPs so inflated, the dealers can discount them so much that GMS can become worthless. There is a dealer here in Orlando, Fl, that is trippling the factory rebate on Tahoes this weekend, so you can get it for 9k off the sticker. Not bad when you compare it to the sticker. I'm sure they take you for a ride on your trade, or try HUGE interest rates, but if you go in with a cool head, and sell your trade on your own, you can make out pretty good.

Elwood 2000 · March 24, 2004

My advice: Buy a year or two old Hoe NOW. When new "iron" gets cheap (rebates and low or zero financing) used "iron" gets even cheaper!!

Find a Hoe with 25k-30k miles on it, buy it dirt cheap today, care for it well over the next couple years and sell/trade it for a re-designed Hoe. You will find that if you buy a new one now, YOU will be taking the beating on the depreciation over the next couple years. Let someone else do it and save more $$ for your new Hoe or accessories for it.

If you REALLY want a re-designed Hoe, play it smart for a couple years!

03Bowtie · March 25, 2004

Marcus, which dealer in Orlando are you talking about? I bought my Silverado from Courtesy Chevrolet at the Airport. They had a TON of hoe's on the lot last time I was there. I would also strongly suggest going to Bill Heard Chevrolet in Sanford. They probably have the biggest inventory in Orlando. I've had my truck serviced at both locations and have nothing but good things to say about both. Good luck finding your new truck!!

Marcus · March 25, 2004

03Bowtie,

I heard a commercial this morning on the radio about Bill Heard Chevrolet offering triple the factory rebate on Tahoes, so that would be 9k off the sticker. I have purchased from Bill Heard before, and they were all right. Very high volume, and very little personal attention. Of course, under GMS, paying cash, there was no haggle, so no real incentive to treat me any better than average.

I like the guys over at Courtesy Chevrolet by the Airport. They seem to know a lot about the product, but unfortunately, they are small volume, so I have had a hard time finding the vehicle that I want on their lot.

Courtesy Chevrolet on West Colonial has a decent selection. In fact, I'm not sure if this is a mistake or not, but if you go to www.gmfamilyfirst.com, you can check the gms pricing of any car on any lot. The site used to make you log in, but now, you don't have to.... just go to the pull-down menus on the first page and look under "search dealer inventory" or something like that.

Speaking of Bill Heard Chevrolet in Sanford, they were fined by the State of Florida for some real underhanded stuff. Go here (that guys is p'oed):

Link

Allegedly, they did some real underhanded stuff to people.... like taking the keys for potential trade-ins and then not giving them back, despite repeated demands, and keeping people in these little finance rooms for hours. The state eventually fined them over 300k, and I'm not sure if there are any criminal proceedings. All of this is alleged, by the way.

carguru · March 25, 2004

Marcus,

The GMfamilyfirst website still does make you log in before you can search. You probably have it bookmarked so that you don't have to log in. That was sort of how I determined whether our deal was better than the GMS deal (plus the fine print on all of the rebates/incentive literature)

Oh, BTW, the redesign of the 'hoe/'burban is not due until '07. '06 is suppose to be the new 'rado/Sierra.

Marcus · March 25, 2004

Carguru,

Your Tahoe is basically the one I want.... Black/Tan. Do you have any pictures? Your image station account only has your '02 Silverado..... which is nice BTW.

carguru · March 25, 2004

Thanks, Marcus. I have just been pretty busy lately so I haven't gotten may pics of it yet. I need to get an album for the Tahoe on there too. Here are a couple I 've taken so far.

Morning after I brought it home.

After the first cleanup.

Interior shot of second row seats.