Would you buy this Suburban? Why or why not?
- Thread starter TechnoLoGs
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Beater status, yes. If you want to use it for once or twice a week trips to home depot, or for plowing.
Daily driving ... that truck is probably used up. Looks like the rear springs are already sagging ... and that front suspension is going to be toast.
I would buy it (for a spare / beater) and put new brake lines in it, get it to pass inspection and run it until it dies. That transmission is probably near the end of it's life.
Daily driving ... that truck is probably used up. Looks like the rear springs are already sagging ... and that front suspension is going to be toast.
I would buy it (for a spare / beater) and put new brake lines in it, get it to pass inspection and run it until it dies. That transmission is probably near the end of it's life.
If it was BB engine or diesel. Yes...
Only a 350...no.
Plow attachment is hit or miss. So are taken very good care of and others get beat to [censored] & back...twice.
Only a 350...no.
Plow attachment is hit or miss. So are taken very good care of and others get beat to [censored] & back...twice.
Originally Posted By: TechnoLoGs
Not sure whats up with Volvo talk but whatever, hey, how about keeping this OT. Sometimes I have not a clue what other people are talking about.
There are some on here that think you are a former member that all but disappeared, who had a decent Volvo and proceeded to love it to its death. His name was GearHead Tool, so if you want some laughs look for his past posts regarding spinning the wheels in the snow until the trans puked.
Your posts do see to follow the template that he used, so I can see where there is thought that you are the reincarnation of GHT.
Not sure whats up with Volvo talk but whatever, hey, how about keeping this OT. Sometimes I have not a clue what other people are talking about.
There are some on here that think you are a former member that all but disappeared, who had a decent Volvo and proceeded to love it to its death. His name was GearHead Tool, so if you want some laughs look for his past posts regarding spinning the wheels in the snow until the trans puked.
Your posts do see to follow the template that he used, so I can see where there is thought that you are the reincarnation of GHT.
I sold my 1993 'Burb last year with about 250K on it. It was an excellent vehicle, very durable, reliable, easy to fix and never let me down. That said, I am pretty mechanically adept and kept it properly maintained. Mine was also relatively rust free and still had a very solid body and chassis when I sold it(although when I sold it, some rust was starting around the rear fenders). If this truck is not excessively rotten, and it checks out mechanically, I'd by it in a heartbeat. Even if it needs some brake or front end work, these trucks are easy and cheap to fix (if you can do the work your self).
The old GMT400 'Burbs aren't much different than the pickups. Sure they tend to have more power accessories, but nothing too crazy in the 90's. My Suburban was loaded, and all the power windows, seats, mirrors even the "auto reverse" tape deck all worked fine when I sold it. And nothing failed during my ownership. The only thing is the A/C can be a pain if it has front and rear air. Keeping that system leak free can be difficult when they get old. You can always cap off the rear and just run front air (but the rear passengers will sweat). I had rear heat and other than a flush to the core and a minor leak (repaired for less than $10) it never gave any issues. Mine was used for hauling stuff more than people. With the flat 8' load floor it was great for plywood and drywall.
Keep in mind the 1996+ models had the "Vortec" FI which has much more power but is also much more problematic than the old TBI systems. It could be a 1994-95 Model which still has the TBI engines. Also, have a good look at the tranny, some 4L60E's run a long time trouble free (like mine), others blow-up.
BTW, this truck is a half-ton, so it will be 350 powered. Only the 2500s came with diesels and 454s. I'd avoid the 6.5L diesel like the plague anyway...very problematic.
Again, I think if it checks out, a good purchase for someone who is mechanically adept.
The old GMT400 'Burbs aren't much different than the pickups. Sure they tend to have more power accessories, but nothing too crazy in the 90's. My Suburban was loaded, and all the power windows, seats, mirrors even the "auto reverse" tape deck all worked fine when I sold it. And nothing failed during my ownership. The only thing is the A/C can be a pain if it has front and rear air. Keeping that system leak free can be difficult when they get old. You can always cap off the rear and just run front air (but the rear passengers will sweat). I had rear heat and other than a flush to the core and a minor leak (repaired for less than $10) it never gave any issues. Mine was used for hauling stuff more than people. With the flat 8' load floor it was great for plywood and drywall.
Keep in mind the 1996+ models had the "Vortec" FI which has much more power but is also much more problematic than the old TBI systems. It could be a 1994-95 Model which still has the TBI engines. Also, have a good look at the tranny, some 4L60E's run a long time trouble free (like mine), others blow-up.
BTW, this truck is a half-ton, so it will be 350 powered. Only the 2500s came with diesels and 454s. I'd avoid the 6.5L diesel like the plague anyway...very problematic.
Again, I think if it checks out, a good purchase for someone who is mechanically adept.
No...the meyer sticker says run away
Originally Posted By: simple_gifts
Quote:
Would you buy this Suburban? Why or why not?
No. Giant gas hog.
+1!
They are cool trucks, but at almost $4 a gallon, I just cant justify the ridiculous amount of cash it would take to use it as a DD!
I say, PASS!
One more thing, I find it funny how you tell people to stay ON Topic, yet you rattle on and on about about completely OFF Topic stuff
.... and not just in this thread, but every thread you post. It's like you cross-pollinate your threads. Talking about S10s and F150s and rust protection and god knows what else
You share things like we are all best buds with you, very odd to say the least.
Quote:
Would you buy this Suburban? Why or why not?
No. Giant gas hog.
+1!
They are cool trucks, but at almost $4 a gallon, I just cant justify the ridiculous amount of cash it would take to use it as a DD!
I say, PASS!
One more thing, I find it funny how you tell people to stay ON Topic, yet you rattle on and on about about completely OFF Topic stuff
.... and not just in this thread, but every thread you post. It's like you cross-pollinate your threads. Talking about S10s and F150s and rust protection and god knows what else
You share things like we are all best buds with you, very odd to say the least.
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I am a big fan of the Burb, as Oldwagon said they are cheep to keep. Simple, safe, easy to repair and basically a really reliable vehicle.
I can't tell you how many of my friends spend more dollars per mile to run their 'gas saver' cars versus my Silverados. If all you buy is 4 dollar gas that's true economy.
I can't tell you how many of my friends spend more dollars per mile to run their 'gas saver' cars versus my Silverados. If all you buy is 4 dollar gas that's true economy.
Originally Posted By: yonyon
I would never buy a used truck that's been used for plowing. That's about as sensible as buying a used slave that's been used as an organ donor. It just isn't going to be able to work like it used to.... or at least not for long.
Depends upon what organ was donated. I donated a kidney a few months ago, and I feel just as healthy and vibrant.
As to that Suburban, I'd avoid it like dog vomit.
I would never buy a used truck that's been used for plowing. That's about as sensible as buying a used slave that's been used as an organ donor. It just isn't going to be able to work like it used to.... or at least not for long.
Depends upon what organ was donated. I donated a kidney a few months ago, and I feel just as healthy and vibrant.
As to that Suburban, I'd avoid it like dog vomit.
Originally Posted By: babyivan
They are cool trucks, but at almost $4 a gallon, I just cant justify the ridiculous amount of cash it would take to use it as a DD!
I say, PASS!
My old Burb was a 2WD unit but it had the old inefficient TBI. Even with that I would typically see 18-20 MPG highway (US MPG) depending on the conditions. Not great, but no worse than any other full size V8 powered truck. I used to have guys who owned fullsize pickups and say "Gee, that must be a gas hog", when more often than not I would get better MPG's than them.
They are cool trucks, but at almost $4 a gallon, I just cant justify the ridiculous amount of cash it would take to use it as a DD!
I say, PASS!
My old Burb was a 2WD unit but it had the old inefficient TBI. Even with that I would typically see 18-20 MPG highway (US MPG) depending on the conditions. Not great, but no worse than any other full size V8 powered truck. I used to have guys who owned fullsize pickups and say "Gee, that must be a gas hog", when more often than not I would get better MPG's than them.
Originally Posted By: Oldswagon
Originally Posted By: babyivan
They are cool trucks, but at almost $4 a gallon, I just cant justify the ridiculous amount of cash it would take to use it as a DD!
I say, PASS!
My old Burb was a 2WD unit but it had the old inefficient TBI. Even with that I would typically see 18-20 MPG highway (US MPG) depending on the conditions. Not great, but no worse than any other full size V8 powered truck. I used to have guys who owned fullsize pickups and say "Gee, that must be a gas hog", when more often than not I would get better MPG's than them.
Valid point, but for me living in new york city, 90-95% is city driving. Id be lucky to get 8mpg in a Suburban.
Originally Posted By: babyivan
They are cool trucks, but at almost $4 a gallon, I just cant justify the ridiculous amount of cash it would take to use it as a DD!
I say, PASS!
My old Burb was a 2WD unit but it had the old inefficient TBI. Even with that I would typically see 18-20 MPG highway (US MPG) depending on the conditions. Not great, but no worse than any other full size V8 powered truck. I used to have guys who owned fullsize pickups and say "Gee, that must be a gas hog", when more often than not I would get better MPG's than them.
Valid point, but for me living in new york city, 90-95% is city driving. Id be lucky to get 8mpg in a Suburban.
Originally Posted By: eljefino
Inspections ran out in 2011?
Run run run as fast as you can.
After blowing up your volvo, putting a cylinder head on your S10, putting a motor in your s10, you should learn something about beater ownership.
Don't.
Buy from a dealer and be maintained at jiffy lube. Don't open your hood.
Best comment of the thread. Spot on.
Inspections ran out in 2011?
Run run run as fast as you can.
After blowing up your volvo, putting a cylinder head on your S10, putting a motor in your s10, you should learn something about beater ownership.
Don't.
Buy from a dealer and be maintained at jiffy lube. Don't open your hood.
Best comment of the thread. Spot on.
Originally Posted By: supton
Yes and no--how many 4x4's came with 3.23 or even 3.08's? I bet those high mpg cruisers were 2wd/3.08 setups or at least 3.23's.
It'd be 3.42's or 3.73's for a 1500 model. Mine was a 3.42 geared truck. 2WD and 4x4's had either rear end available. I have seen each with each rear end. GQ1= 3.42, GT4 = 3.73's. 2500 models had a 3.73 or 4.10 gear set. That said, a 3.73 would probably be better for urban fuel economy, while the 3.42 would be better on the highway.
Yes and no--how many 4x4's came with 3.23 or even 3.08's? I bet those high mpg cruisers were 2wd/3.08 setups or at least 3.23's.
It'd be 3.42's or 3.73's for a 1500 model. Mine was a 3.42 geared truck. 2WD and 4x4's had either rear end available. I have seen each with each rear end. GQ1= 3.42, GT4 = 3.73's. 2500 models had a 3.73 or 4.10 gear set. That said, a 3.73 would probably be better for urban fuel economy, while the 3.42 would be better on the highway.
I'm not a truck guy, but I would agree that anything used as a plow has seen a lot of rough use.
The seller would do just as well taking it to the salvage yard to get it scrapped, the scrap value is not far from $1200 (I don't think), pull the cats off and sell them separately and maybe he'd be breaking even - and he gets the added bonus of no car buyer drama which is always a pain.
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