Time is drawing near to replace my beloved Isuzu Trooper. Thought with the loads I carry and towing I should perhaps look for something larger and more powerful in the SUV line-up. Looking at Suburban/Yukon/Tahoe in the 2000-2001 model year, nothing newer as it gets crazy financially. Anyone have any experiences good or bad with these?

Thanks in advance!!

I bought a 2001 for my boss new. He had it for 2 years, and the only problem he had was someone stole the spare tire while it was at the airport. That was the first year for the 5.3 liter 265 H.P I believe. (hope I have those numbers right)

Have a freind that bought the 2001 Yukon new and likes it. Gets 17 to 20 MPG. Same engine as above.

Yeah, appears there was a model change from 99-00, from 5.7 to 5.3 and updated design. Apparently the 5.3 gets better mpg so that's what I'm looking at. I also noticed a substancial drop in retail value from 00 to 99 so suspect it's worth the extra coin to look at 2000 and up.

2000 was actually the first year for these models. Personally I would buy an '01 (or newer, if a deal comes along) just to stay away from the first model year blues, as there are updates with almost everything on the second year.

I've had an '02 and '03 Yukon XL and loved them both. The ride alone makes them worth the extra $$$ over smaller suv's. The shorter versions that you're looking at ride just about the same. I've also worked at a GM dealership for 7 yrs and can tell you there weren't many issues with these trucks. On non-towing trips I got around 18 mpg's, and 10-12 when towing a 27' enclosed trailer with 4 sleds. More than anything though, your family is safe in one of these. With our first one, someone T-boned my wife at 40 mph with an s-10 blazer when we had less than 1000 miles on it. The door where our 2-year old was sitting took about 80% of the impact. From the outside it looked like the door was pushed in 2-3 feet, but inside, the door panel was barely touching the seat, and our son wasn't harmed at all. I guess gas mileage isn't the most important thing, huh?

Oh yeah, one thing I would look for is the AUTORIDE option. I'm not sure what year it was first offered, but helps out if you're towing a heavy trailer sometimes. Other than that, these things are mostly loaded.

Thanks Jim, appreciate the advice. Know what you mean about the safe feeling, after driving Troopers for 10 years don't think I could go back to a car. Will keep an eye out for a 01 model, but the price rises dramatically. They seem to come standard with a tow hitch unfortunately, wish they didn't to better indicate the type of usage the vehicle had.

Originally posted by CORY9@Mar 30 2005, 10:42 AM
They seem to come standard with a tow hitch unfortunately, wish they didn't to better indicate the type of usage the vehicle had.
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I hear ya on that. Just have to look a little harder...how much rust/scrapes inside the hitch receiver (warning: some dealers will go so far as to repaint the platform or remove completely, usually not on these type of vehicles though), look in/at/around the pigtail connector for signs of use/non-use, ask dealer to get you in contact with original owner, any reputable one will do this for you. Good thing about these trucks, the majority of them seem to be mommy-vehicles, used to haul the kids around, and rarely tow anything on a regular basis. One other thing I would do with any vehicle I buy, have the dealer run the VIN through the manufacturer's warranty claim database....when they type in the VIN, all warranty claims will show and it can be printed. This doesn't guarantee anything, but at least it can show you if it has a history of repetitive problems, thus avoiding a possible lemon.

Running the VIN is a great idea Jim, but have to tell you chances are I'll be looking aftermarket for the purchase, private is possible as there is a large price difference and we only pay one tax privately ( a savings of 7%!!)
I have a friend In a Saturn dealership which is integreated with GM, perhaps he can run the VIN ???

Yes, any GM dealer can run the VIN for the warranty records. If you can't get it done for some reason, let me know as soon as you find one.

I seen the topic and knew JIm would be in on this. :wink:

Cory:

I bought my wife an 02 yukon xl and we have been pleased with it so far, got in in early February. Pulls the toys well and the ride is very nice. I didn't see much of a price difference between an 01 or 02. New the vehicle for use the more options we had to finance. I would suggest doing a carfax or something like that just to see what the vehicle has been through and most gm dealers will run the vin for you to check out any warranty or service work. We did alot of shopping before buying this one and one of the features we wanted were the bucket or quad seating for the passengers. Makes access to the third row seat much easier. When buying a vehicle of this size the trade off is mileage. Reason I bought it for my wife was the comfort and safeness she feels when driving it.

Forester

Forester

Originally posted by Forester@Mar 31 2005, 10:35 PM
* When buying a vehicle of this size the trade off is mileage.* Reason I bought it for my wife was the comfort and safeness she feels when driving it.

Forester

Forester
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Thanks for the reply!

Can't imagine ever going back to a car after driving Troopers for the last ten years. Sounds like unloaded on a good day you could perhaps get 20mpg?? If so that's not bad, that's all I get out of my Trooper and it's only powered by a 165hp V6, not a rocket by any standards, and throw the sleds in the trailer on the back and yipes!
Have been searching but am finding huge price descrepancies for the same model years. Very confusing.