Should I buy a Suburban???

Elwood 2000 · December 2, 2004

I stumbled onto a 2001 Suburban LT 2500 4x4 with the 6.0 and 55k miles. I feel the price is good and the truck in general is in great shape. My wife changed jobs and now will be putting 30k miles per year on her Impalla and the thought of ME driving the "family vehicle" has entered the picture since I drive a LOT less miles per year than she will.

I do have a few questions though. What kind of milage will I see? Currently my 1500 4x4 with the 5.3 gets around 14 and up to 15.5 on the highway. Will I see 13-14 with the 'burb? I am unsure of the axle ratio at this point.

I do tow from time to time and the 2500 will handle the load a bit easier than my 1500 does now. I am far from being maxed out, but I like things to be heavier than need be. This being said, how will the ride on a 2500 'burb be? Will it be "family friendly"? I found this on the internet and have not even called about it yet is why I ask.

Any other thoughts would be greatly appreciated. I have never owned a Suburban before, but I have been around them. I always thought when one showed up in my garage, my wife would be the one to drive it, not me. The idea of feeding a hungry Suburban 30k miles per year does not sound fun, but I put on about half that now which makes it a little easier.

Thanks to all!!

Shaners · December 3, 2004

I've ridden in a 2500 Avalanche which is basically the same chassis (minus the 8.1L). The ride is very good and much better than my 2500HD pickup.

I think the Sub would do better in the MPG's than my 6.0L truck which sees 10-11 around town and 15-16 on the highway.

mcreyaufmiller · December 3, 2004

Being a heavier vehicle, the burb should ride nice, but if you want one, get one. If you like the truck, good price and you want it, what's the hold up?

Mike

TomTom · December 3, 2004

I just bought a new suburban and I love it! It is the Z71, so only a 1500, but for the family it was a great move. Everyone (including the dog) can spread out more on long trips and with everything enclosed I don't have to worry about moving stuff inside the cab when I run into a store. (I live in L.A.) It has been great for us. I say get it. Oh, being the 1500 model I am getting about 14.5 mpg in mixed driving.

ozman2005 · December 3, 2004

I've got just over 13k on my '04 Suburban and I really like it so far. I moved up from an '01 Tahoe 2wd and I have to say this 2004 is much nicer. It's only a 1500 but has a very smoooooth ride and I love the extra cargo room. Only one problem so far, my passenger side heated mirror stoped heating (on the morning after a large snow storm no less ) but I'm sure a quick trip to the dealer will remedy that. With the 5.3 and 3.73 gears I get about 15-17 on the highway and anywhere from 10-15 city depending on traffic. From what I've read the 6.0 is just about the same as the 5.3 as far as gas mileage is concerned. If you like it and it's in good shape, I'd say go for it.

Ozzie

Greg · December 3, 2004

I had an '03 sub and I really liked it. I liked having real rear doors rather than sliding doors for the kids. However, I had enough kids to use all three seats and it got old flipping & folding the middle seat to get kids into the 3rd row. Maybe it's been improved over time. Also, the rear seat was a lot heavier to remove than my Dodge minivan.

Elwood 2000 · December 3, 2004

Thanks for the replies!

My wife is llikeing the idea a lot and is pushing for it, although she is very leary of a 2500 vs. a 1500. I am going to try to find one somewhat local and go for a drive to see. Personally, I would prefer the 2500, but since this will be the new "family-mobile" I will have to give and take a little instead of doing what I want.

Thanks again!!

sxmax · December 3, 2004

Thanks for the replies!

My wife is llikeing the idea a lot and is pushing for it, although she is very leary of a 2500 vs. a 1500. I am going to try to find one somewhat local and go for a drive to see. Personally, I would prefer the 2500, but since this will be the new "family-mobile" I will have to give and take a little instead of doing what I want.

Thanks again!!

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I had an 01' Yukon XL 2500 with 8.1. Got 12 at best for mileage and the ride was a lot stiffer than a 1500 and mine had the autoride. Throw a couple thousand lbs on the hitch and you have a smooth ride. If you primarily just drive it without pulling I would go with a 1500 suburban or Yukon XL. You will like the space but I don't know that you will like the mileage and overall ride of a 2500. We went back to crew cab pickup and a mini van. I told myself I would never own a mini van but I can say that I am glad we did. Just my honest opinion.