Suburban z71 buying advice needed

[tealboy]

I have a 1998 ford exped 4x4 that has been terrific, however, it's time for a replacement vehicle. The consumer report and JD power ratings on the revised exped and navigators is very poor, so I am probably going to shift from Ford to GM's Suburban or possibly the Avalanche. Any input would be appreciated as I am much less familiar w/ the GM product having always owned ford.

 

I'm not sure where to start so i will simple tell you what is important to me and perhaps that will get us started.

 

I used the vehicle for everyday transportation and on the weekends, to my hunting camp and to pull a small boat (2200 lbs). I like pickups, but find the secure storage of sport utilities is good for my expensive hunting and fishing gear, though i remain tempted by the Aval and even the F150. 4x4 is a must as my hunting lease is wet and muddy. I live in florida, so flat land and no snow.

 

Reliability is important and I prefer the smoothest ride possible. That's my biggest and perhaps only complaint w/ my 98 exped, the ride is extremely rough. I prefer 3.42 rear for better fuel and lower engine rpms. Was the 3.42 std on some years of the z71 suburban?

 

I don't really want to foot the bill for a $40k new vehicle, so i am looking at 2003 and 2004's, but won't rule out a new one. Are there some years that are better than others or enhancements that were made in a particular year that i should consider? I know the 2007's are due, but they will be too expensive. The current rebate on the 06 is $5500, so a new 06 is not out of reach, though again, at $23k for a 2003, i am leaning toward used.

 

Pls advise. any input is appreciated as this is my first attempt to gain info on the GM products. I have done some searches, found some answers, but your help is desired. thx

[Shaners]

A Tahoe would probably be less $$ than a Suburban.

 

If you opt for the Z71 package, I don't think that you'll be able to get the 3.42 gears. However the 3.73's will get very similar MPG's and will make the truck much more fun to drive.

 

I know several people that have Avalanches, and they love them.

 

Both vehicles have similar suspensions, and the ride is excellent.

[fossil]

The Tahoe's a bit cheaper and also a bit easier on gas.

From my experience with GM tucks is that you wont find much noticeable fuel economy difference between various gear sets. I've got two GM 4x4's ,one model year apart with the 5.3L engine. One with 3.73's and one with 4:10's. Fuel economy is identical between the two. The truck with the 4:10's is quite noticeably more torquey though.

[Elwood 2000]

The only basic difference between the Tahoe and Suburban is about 21 inches. If you feel you need more cargo or people hauling room, get the Suburban. I used to have one and loved it. I had an '04 Z71. The ride was very smooth, near car-like. The Z-71 has a 3:73 gear with a locking diff. in the rear. The Z71 package comes standard with most every option. Extras include DVD, Sunroof, XM Satalite radio, etc. Power, heated, leather seats, CD player, full guages, etc. are all standard.

 

Both are very versital inside. The rear seat in the Burban folds up and/or removes and the 2nd row, bench or buckets, both fold down out of the way to make room for a ton of hauling space. The Z71 package also comes standard with the towing package which includes the hitch, wiring harness and transmission cooler.

 

The 5.3 is a very good engine and in all honesty, the complete powertrain is very reliable and the components work very well together. It should be trouble free for years and provide enjoyalbe service.

 

If you would like to see pictures of the Suburban I used to have, let me know, I can e-mail them to you.

 

Now is a good time to buy, it is the tail end of winter and prices on used stuff is still low. That won't be the case in a few weeks. Combine that with the new model coming out and you can score a real nice ride at a very attractive price.

[bjolson33]

I have a 03 tahoe Z71 and a 01 suburban LT. The suburban rides slightly better. I believe its b/c of the longer wheel base. Also, the Z71 package has off road rated tires (slightly louder, better in the snow, probably a stiffer sidewall) and I believe a stiffer suspension. To get the best ride that you are requesting, I recommend a LT suburban. My suburban gets very similar MPG as the tahoe. As for gears, if you are only towing 2200 lbs then any choice will work. My only recommendation is get an 2003 or newer to get the newer interior and get the optional limited slip rear end on the LT (its standard on the Z71).

[Daubs]

My wife drives 03 Z71 Burban and loves it. Steering wheel mounted controls are great, as is XM, DVD, leather heated seats, centr row buckets, etc. Great vehicle.

 

We drove an 07 Hoe today after dropping off her Burb for warranty work. Wife really likes the new Hoe, but she doesn't want to give up the 0% financing we got on the 03. Will probably look to trade in her Z71 next fall or winter when/if the financing gets better.

 

She has 51k on her Burb and has only had to take in two times -- once for cat conv replacement (covered under warranty) and this time for service 4x4 light and fix a broken speaker. We did get extended warranty, so it's all covered. No major problems so far. Great running vehicle with outstanding ride.

[BRZ71]

I remember people saying the Avalanche is on the suburban frame, so it probably rides better than the silverado. The suburban will ride the best overall b/c of the longer wheelbase and weight. I don't think you will be happy with the Avalanche, especially since you said you are looking for more of a SUV. I am sure I am going to Pi$$ some people off with this comment, but the Avalanche to me is for people who can't decide on a truck or an SUV, so they buy the ugliest cross between the two.

[carguru]

'05 and '06 4x4 Tahoes and Suburbans have 3.42 gears standard. 3.73's were standard in the years previous.