Tahoe/Yukon Fuel Economy

[phildaug]

Mod's sorry if this post is in the wrong spot Please move if needed.

 

New to the board here. I did a general search but could not find a solid answer. I am looking at buying a used Tahoe/Yukon Perhaps even the longer version Suburban/Yukon XL, and want to do some homework.

 

Most of the engine information I see. Appears to show these vehicles have one version or another of the 5.7 (350ci). I am not too familiar with the different variations of this engine and would expect much of the code difference is in how the engine is tuned. Is it accurate to presume the various configurations are done for things like; low-end torque, MPG, top end, emissions. etc?

 

My use is going to be as a daily driver aprox 1200-1500 miles per month. 50/50 city/highway mix.

 

I am looking at a 1996-Newer model.

Questions:

What is typical fuel economy on this truck?

( I know this will vary depending on driving habits. I don’t plant to drag race)

How easy is this engine to work on? I like to do my own maintenance so I am interested in thing like oil changes, filter location, air box accessibility, how accessible are the plugs, transfer case checkpoints.

Any model years to shy away from and why?

Any engine to steer clear of and why?

The 96-2006 model year range has a number of design changes. What model years have the big changes to the chassis, suspension system, braking system, transmission, etc.

Any locations on the body that seem to be more prone to rust points.

Any significant reason to go with the Chevy -vs- GMC other than the grill?

Well maintained what is the life expectancy of the drive train?

 

 

I have always loved the look of the mid-to-late 90’s 2-door Tahoe/Yukon but the 4-door would be more friendly to the family so we will see what the hunt produces. I know you Guys that have these seem to hang on to them for a variety of reasons so I assume they must be happy with the truck.

 

What ever information members can provide will be taken with careful consideration. Thank in advance for any time you take to give me the run down on these trucks.

[C & A s Dad]

May not hit all your questions but here goes.

 

I have a 02 Yukon XL 5.3L 4.10 gear and am averaging 18.7 MPG. It will get over 20 on hwy only. If I am not mistaken the New body came in 99 along with the 5.3L which is a completley dif engine than the tried and true 5.7L I personally like the 5.3 and maint on this engine is very user friendly. There is a poll in this forum on miles on these trucks. You will see many have over 250K. My brother in law has one with almost 300K and it has been virtually trouble free.

 

If it were me, I would be looking for a 01 up and if you plan to tow at all, I would go for the Yukon XL or Suburban. Wheelbase does contribute to towing stability.

[JAMIEZ71]

I may not hit on all your ?s but here goes. I've got a 2000 z71 tahoe. It's the mid 90s body style. 2000 was a split year. My body style having the 5.7 vortec in it. The newer ones having the 4.8 or 5.3 in them. I average 14 in strickly city. (only 2 miles to work and store) Any kind of mixed driving I get about 16.5. I've not had it on a highway trip since I got it. I prefer the ride of the bodystyle I have due to not as much body roll and hit has a little more ground clearance. It is very easy to do work on and mods on. I tow an atv trailer with mine and really like it. The 5.7 has more torque at a lower rpm than the 5.3 but the 5.3 has about 35-40 more hp depending on the year of the 5.3 I've had both motors and there are gives and takes with both. I would stay away from a 2 door tahoe for towing because of the stability. I can tell a difference going from a extended cab short bed to a Tahoe. The truck was definately a bit more stable pulling large trailers. hope this helps.

[Rookie]

i have a 98 Yukon. i get 14.5 with a 50/50 mix of driving. best was 17.9 on a 1000 miles trip. worst average was 5 mpg we had a week of bad snow and was in 4 hi the entire week.

[pwall]

I have a 2002 YukonXL 5.3l with a 3.73.

Mileage all around is about 17mpg.

If you plan on carrying people, go with the XL or Suburban...your passengers will like you for it.

And like previous posts, if you're going to tow, the extra wheel base would be better.

 

And welcome to

[superbee]

2003 suburban 2500 4wd, avg 12.4mpg on the computer with 6.0l and 4.10s.

[glennbur]

Mod's sorry if this post is in the wrong spot Please move if needed.

 

 

I am looking at a 1996-Newer model.

Questions:

What is typical fuel economy on this truck?

 

How easy is this engine to work on? I like to do my own maintenance so I am interested in thing like oil changes, filter location, air box accessibility, how accessible are the plugs, transfer case checkpoints.

Any model years to shy away from and why?

Any engine to steer clear of and why?

The 96-2006 model year range has a number of design changes. What model years have the big changes to the chassis, suspension system, braking system, transmission, etc.

Any locations on the body that seem to be more prone to rust points.

Any significant reason to go with the Chevy -vs- GMC other than the grill?

Well maintained what is the life expectancy of the drive train?

 

 

I have a 97 4 door, 4x4 with 3.73 rear end. I get 12 to 13.5 in the city. 16 to

19 on the highway. I tow a 5400 lb trailer and get 8 to 10 mpg towing.

 

I don't do my own maintenance anymore so can't answer questions about that.

But, this series of engines had problems with leaking intake manifold gaskets.

Also has problems with intermittent windshield wiper motor.

 

I now have 97K miles and plan to run another 100K.

Glenn