Should i get a tahoe?

d spamony · February 17, 2005

Hey guys im 16 yrs old and im trying to decide on what car i should get. right now im drivin a 99 mercery sable and i hate it. I want either a 2 door tahoe/ full size blazer or a bronco. i know this is a chevy site so you guys will definitley tell me i should get the tahoe, but i need some advice on what kind of stuff to look for when im thinking of buying one. Do they get good gas mileage? Are they reliable? any help and advice would be greatly appreciated.

thanks,

Jack

mtbon · February 17, 2005

At the local high school here, the preferred SUV is either a Hummer, BMW or Porsche. Why would you want a Tahoe? But then again I guess it depends on your budget. I think that should be your starting point if you want to get some help here.

Shotgun · February 17, 2005

At the local high school here, the preferred SUV is either a Hummer, BMW or Porsche. Why would you want a Tahoe? But then again I guess it depends on your budget. I think that should be your starting point if you want to get some help here.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I would say go with your budget and forget about the status symbol crap like the above post.Most parents like to teach their children to be responceable and to work for what you want. This is not achieved by throwing 80 grand down and saying go buy what you want son. When it's all said and done the kids that earn their way in life will be miles ahead and the ones with the silver spoon up their A** will still be walking around at 35 years old with their hand held out. I know this is off topic but I feel better

Scyry · February 17, 2005

I think, but may be wrong, but the last year of the 2 door tahoe was 96 or 97? Someone on here should know. I definately like the 2 door version over the 4 door. When looking at them, the barn door style ones (rear opening) are not my favorite due to the column being right in the middle of your rearview. Also if you don't want really soft ride that feels too squishy in the corners, look for one with a trailering package or the heavy duty shocks, think they have a Z83 RPO code. Hope that helps a little.

d spamony · February 18, 2005

ya thx. a hummer would be cool but im definatley on budget lol. i dont really care about the status symbol tho, i just really like tahoes. does anyone know how reliable they are?

99silveradoz71 · February 18, 2005

Your budget as well as some of your interests/activities might help us guide you a bit more

budhayes3 · February 18, 2005

Last year of the 2 door Tahoe was 99...I was almost going to get one but I bought my truck instead as the payments were a bit steep. I don't think that they have any major problems, especially since they were at the end of that model run

carguru · February 18, 2005

My $0.02. I would not suggest getting a Tahoe (or the Bronco, for that matter). First of all, being 16, you probably have about a years worth of driving experience. Having an inexperienced driver behind the wheel of a very short wheelbase vehicle that is not capable of stopping on a dime can spell disaster. It is almost the same as putting you behind the wheel of a high performance sport's car (ie, Corvette, 911 etc). Secondly, I don't know what your budget looks like, but most 16 year olds don't have much of one. On average, with city driving, the Tahoe of that vintage would get half the mileage (or worse) that you are getting with the Sable. You'll be spending quite a bit of money at the pump if you are driving much at all. My advice, no matter how much you hate it, stick with the Sable for a little while. It is a much better alternative until you get more budget/driving experience.

hercman · February 18, 2005

If you really want a truck. Look at some of the smaller ones that are available.

speedde423 · February 18, 2005

It seems that overall the reliability of the Tahoe has been pretty good, but not perfect. The fuel economy will probably be in the mid teens, so your Sable will probably be a better choice in that regard.

But to make better recommendations we need to know your budget, including if you will be paying for gas and insurance.

Brian

BTW, it's not always right to assume that a 16 year old has only been driving for one year. I've been driving off and on since 89 when my father got my truck. So I've been driving since I was six, albeit on farms, and I'm 21 now.

DJinCO · February 18, 2005

Stick with the Sable.

Better gas mileage. Cheaper insurance. Better accident avoidance, and since it is a car you don't like, you won't be tempted to go off-roading and get in trouble.

Trust me. My Tahoe gets 15mpg around town if I am lucky (I don't hot rod); my wife's Sable gets 27mpg.

Insurance. The Sable has dual airbags and ABS. A older used 4x4 does not, which drives the insurance cost up.

Don't try to "trick it out" either. Just drive it and save your money.

Remember: People tend to spend money they don't have on things they don't need to impress people they don't like.

Start early learning the value of money and savings.

99silveradoz71 · February 19, 2005

Remember: People tend to spend money they don't have on things they don't need to impress people they don't like.

Start early learning the value of money and savings.

So true, and hindsight can be quite 20/20 when it comes to making a vehicle purchase at a young age with no real buying experience and limited funds. I know I would've done things different when I was looking at the last vehicle.

Supurban · February 19, 2005

As with the last two posts, I think you should stick with the Sable (did I really say keep the Ford/Merc?) or if need be switch to another low cost sedan or compact truck.

I loved my beat up old cars in high school and always wished I had a truck or nicer car. But in the end, the best thing that happened to me was to not blow all my money at that time.

I don't think most people can remember who drove what in high school anymore since it won't matter later in life (who's going to care that so-and-so was Student Body President in 10 years?).

Anyone I know that bought their fancy car in high school is now sadly still drive it 15 years later because they no longer can afford to get out of the financial hole they dug for themselves back then.

Sorry for the soapbox. It just think that you will be that much more ahead so you can buy the real car of your dreams down the line.

d spamony · February 21, 2005

thanks for all the help and advice, lets keep it coming. as for my budget, it's not really an issue. or, at least if i buy a 94-96 tahoe, cuz as the years get newer they get more out of my price range. but i could get one in pretty good condition and only be in debt like 1-1.5k to my parents which i could take care of cuz im getting a job pretty soon. all your advice about keeping the sable, tho i hate to say it, makes pretty good sense. but i realllllllllllllllllly want a truck. i just wanna know if i decide to get one, is it gonna last me for a long while

macifre · February 21, 2005

It seems you don´t want advice, you want people to agree on your choice..

Let me put it this way, if you want advice and do the right thing, here you can get plenty. If you want to get experience first hand and go through what most of us have already gone through, buy whatever makes you happy, you´ll always have people here back you up, I'd buy the tahoe for sure. It's deffinetly not a bad truck, just be wise picking one out from the used market, otherwise you'll be deeper in debt than the $1500 you have anticipated....

Have fun!