Tahoe Differences

psycho · January 19, 2005

In a few months I'm going to give my wife my car and purchase a used Tahoe. What attracts me is the big size and style. I'm thinking of buying somehere between model years 2000-2002. I've checked out Cars Direct and there are a ton of listings, but I just can't seem to figure out the differences between the various Tahoe models: LS, LT, K1500, Z71, etc.

Can someone break this down for me? I'd like to compare size, power, options, extras, price/cost, appearance, etc.

It appears that the Yukon and the GMC Tahoe are twins. What are the differences between these two?

Lastly, when inspecting the vehicle before purchase, can you suggest any important things to check based on your experience with this type of vehicle?

Thanks for your feedback

Yukon04 · January 19, 2005

The best way to determine the differences in trim styles (e.g. LT, LS, Z71) would be to check out www.GMbuypower.com. The difference between the GMC Yukon and the Chevy Tahoe are styling. The GMC's are more traditional and reserved in styling (e.g. less plastics and emblems). In my opinion, the GMC's are more refined.

For example, the Z71 package is designated as the "off-road" package coming with bigger shocks, skid plates, tow package, and trans cooler. The Z71 option is available on the Yukon and Tahoe. The Tahoe includes emblems and extra plastics (fender flares) that designate "Z71" while the Yukon has no visible indications of the option.

Go to a dealer and talk to a salesman - hoping to get someone knowledgable, ask questions. Knowledge is key to purchasing vehicle.

Also, in my general area of the country, GMC's tend to bring a higher resale. This also may factor into the purchase. Ask questions on this forum and other places, there is a lot of info out there....

Good luck...

carguru · January 19, 2005

2000 are the old body style. 2001 up are the current body style.

1500 designates 1/2 ton truck

C designates 2wd

K designates 4wd

LS is standard trim level. You get cloth seats and can get the 4.8L engine in either 2 or 4wd. 5.3L engine is an option. GMC equivalent is the SLE

Z71 is the intermediate trim level available only in 4wd (until the 2005 model). It is an off road package with different wheels, 5.3L engine, better shocks, skidplates, different roof rack, step bar, and monochromatic paint scheme, Z71 emblems, etc. You get leather seats and until late in the 2003 model year, no third row seat. In GMC you can get this package in either SLE or SLT. There is no real appearance difference. The 2000 Z71 Tahoe came with a brush guard also.

LT is the lux trim level. You get leather seats and 5.3L engine standard painted mirror caps, etc. You get just about everything that is optional on the Tahoe. GMC equivalent is the SLT.

There is nothing but trim differences between the GMC and Chevy.

Hope that helps.