Is the Z71 worth it?

[spham]

Hello all. First time poster. Nice to be here. I was refered to this from my Corvette Forum. I also own a 69 Corvette. Got a question. I've been looking around for a 2002 4wd Suburban. Most of the dealers are selling them 4-5k off MSRP. But the Z71's are rare and they'll only take 1-2k off.

 

My contention is that it's only an LS with a few off-road tires and and shocks. If I go for them, I'll have to obey the supply/demand law and pay 3k higher than a comparable 4x4, where as I can always put in better shocks later on at much cheaper prices. Beside, I don't like the plastic stuff they have on them anyway. Any Z71 owners here? Is it worth it to pay 3k over their values to get them? what do you think?

thanks,

Steve

[RyanbabZ71]

Not a Z71 suburban owner but a Z71 pickup owner.

 

For my truck the only difference was shocks, skid plates, jounce bumpers (whatever those are) and the sticker.  $365 option i believe

 

Was it worth it?  Yea it wasnt that expensive.

 

I recently added better shocks (bilstein $215) and about a yr ago added bigger tires 285's ($800).  

 

Personally if the option pkg was 2K-3K more i wouldnt have bought it.  But with it being less than $500 and i was spending 30K i didnt really care (hey i liked the stickers).

 

So i guess if your willing to add tires and shocks id hold off on it

[spham]

Thanks, just what I was thinking... now off to the dealers I go   will let you guys know later

 

Edit: forgot to add that for 2002, the Z71 is not an optional package but a whole different line altogether. That's why the dealers are making such a big deal about them  

[RyanbabZ71]

if your gonna put new shocks on it check autozone or http://www.offroadwarehouse.com (where i got my bilsteins) they are the cheapest $49.99 each

 

Good luck either way you go you will like your new truck

[chevy4x4trucks]

I've just got a stock 4x4 for me, I couldn't justify the extra 500 bucks or whatever it is for a Z71 when it's just shocks, skidplate, and stickers.  I bought the skidplate for 60 bucks, rancho rs9000 shocks for 250 and Z71 stickers (yet to put on) for another 20.  My route requires more labor, but if you are just going to throw on better shocks and tires on anyways why waste your money on the Z71 package.

[DuckhunterInTN]

Yeah the Z71 Suburban/Tahoe is a totally different animal than the Z71 pickup.  It comes with onstar, leather seats, different rims, a different roof rack, monochromatic trim, etc, etc.  It cost a couple grand but it comes with a lot more than the pickup's Z71 package.  Off road-wise you can equip a normal surburban to perform as well as one of these.  You are really just buying it for the way that it looks and you said that you don't like the way it looks, so....

[dozer]

Spham-

 I have a 2001 Chevy Tahoe Z71. I love it. Personally the Z71 is what did it for me. I wasn't sold on the Tahoe until I saw the Z71. I was leaning towards the GMC Yukon. The z71 has a much sportier suspension, both in looks and driving. The wheels are noticeably larger and meatier. You mentioned you did not like the looks. If that's the case I wouldn't buy it but it does give the truck a distinctive look over others on the road. The new 2001's and 2002 are not just an LS with decoration. Mine has all the options less heated/memory seats. I think of it as an LT with lots of testosterone. Don't let the dealers push you...the are hungry for the sale...push them below invoice and they will give it to you...at least they did for me. Good Luck.

[spham]

Thanks guys. A lot has happened since we last spoke... anyway, after considering all the pros and cons, I bought a black Z71 Sub Couldn't get it below invoice, they're pretty rare in my area, but I got it pretty close..Anyway, just want to touch base so you know where I'm at next time I ask questions

[Jokeman]

I bought the skidplate for 60 bucks, rancho rs9000 shocks for 250 and Z71 stickers (yet to put on) for another 20

 

One Word "Poser"

 

Dont stick Z71 stickers on a 4x4, thats just gay in my opinion.  Thats like the ricers plastering their cars with stickers of $hit they dont have.  Just my opinion take it over leave it I dont care.

[chevy4x4trucks]

Yeah but if all options were added it would then be a z71.  I don't think I'm going to put the stickers on anyways because I like the clean look of the exterior.  

 

But, what I was stating there was that you can do it yourself cheaper for the Z71 package for the pickups.  And don't ever compare me to a ricer.

[Jokeman]

Yeah but if all options were added it would then be a z71

 

No it wouldnt.  You would still be able to tell it wasnt a Z71 if you looked at the VIN.

 

RICER

[RyanbabZ71]

jokeman

 

No where in the vin could you tell that it was or wasnt a Z71.  Only way to actually tell is to look in the glovebox at the rpo codes.  

 

 

 

;)

[chevy4x4trucks]

A VIN will give you the following info:

 

1st Digit = What country the Vehicle Was Made in

2nd Digit = Vehicle Manufacturer

3rd Digit = Vehicle Make

4th Digit = GVWR/BRK System

5th thru 6th Digit = Chasis/Series

7th Digit = Body Type

8th Digit = Engine Type

9th Digit = Check Digit

10th Digit = Y, 2000 Model Year

11th Digit = Plant

12th thru 17th Digit = Production Sequence Number

 

It won't give you vehicle specifics.  The only way to tell the difference is to check the RPO codes and if you look at my truck almost everything in it was added so good luck.

[Jokeman]

It still doesnt make it a Z71 though.  

[BIGPERM]

who cares it only be a sticker

 

whether it comes factory or someone builds it its the same if not better