New/Used SUV Needed - Recommendations?

[AviD]

My Jeep is on its way out, and I am in need of a new ride. Definitely looking for a bigger SUV and have my eye specifically on a 2000-2003 White Chevy Tahoe Z71 with less than 50,000 miles.

I need a good amount of storage space in the back for my hobbies, carting an asston of gear around. I plan on laying the seats down in the back or removing them entirely and building a custom wooden drawer based storage box in the back for certain gear.

This SUV will be off road quite a big, nothing malicious...but expect some rough trails, some rock terrain, alot of sugar sandy terrain, some beach terrain, and LOTS of water and mud...from flatlands to mountains. 4WD IS A MUST. Also, some gear toted around during certain times of the year will be heavy and put some weight on the suspension, so there are plans for a suspension lift, nothing major 3-4", and upsizing the tires a bit. I figure the Tahoe Z71 package is a good start if I get lazy and never get around the the lift/tires...but I guess I should make a decision early and maybe save on the Z71 goodies if I am going to put lift/tires on it as I might be saving money (instead of getting the Z71 add-ons).

To give you an idea of size range...

A School Bus, although big pimpin', is TOO BIG
A Milk Truck is TOO BIG
A Suburban is TOO BIG
***I want to be in here somewhere***
A Pathfinder is TOO SMALL
A Jeep is TOO SMALL
A Geo Tracker is TOO SMALL
A Tricycle, although excellent gas mileage, is TOO SMALL

Price range is relative, but for a Z71 Tahoe 2000-2004 I'd be looking to pay in the 18-24K range. Definitely looking for under 50,000 miles.


Anyway, anyone have any other recommendations for a solid SUV in this size range?

[J.R.]

other similars might be a yukon or perhaps a durango, the older 4-runners don't have the space you need. other stuff too expensive or not rugged/big enough

[ QUOTE ]
I plan on laying the seats down in the back or removing them entirely and building a custom wooden drawer based storage box in the back for certain gear.

[/ QUOTE ]

Sounds like you really want a pick-up with a cap, which will save you cash and most likely be more rugged and spacious.

[SenecaJim]

Don't buy ford.

[AviD]

[ QUOTE ]
other similars might be a yukon or perhaps a durango, the older 4-runners don't have the space you need. other stuff too expensive or not rugged/big enough

[ QUOTE ]
I plan on laying the seats down in the back or removing them entirely and building a custom wooden drawer based storage box in the back for certain gear.

[/ QUOTE ]

Sounds like you really want a pick-up with a cap, which will save you cash and most likely be more rugged.

[/ QUOTE ]

I've thought about a pickup, but I like the side access via the 4 door SUV and the security, with the additional possibility of seating and transporting people on trips. But I'd imagine I could get pickup with a Tonneau cover...but I guess I've always liked SUVs over pickups.

[Edge34]

I'd definitely go the GMC Yukon/Chevy Tahoe path. They do seem to hold their value pretty well though (KBB prices a 2002 Yukon with your stuff in excellent condition around $23k), but I'm sure there's some deals you could find out there. My (ex)gf's family swears by their combination of a 1999 GMC Sierra Z71 and 2001 Yukon, especially considering their need for towing a rather large boat to the river once winter ends up here.

[2planka]

Not trolling for the GM vs Ford debate, but I drive an 04 F150 XLT, 5.4L, 4x4, all the fixins and love it. Great vehicle. Got it new for less than the OP is looking to spend on a used Tahoe.

The tailgate locks and I have a tonneau cover that clamps to the inside of the bed. Not a Brinks truck, but fairly secure. If someone wants to get into your ride, they will.

[Shajen]

[ QUOTE ]
Not trolling for the GM vs Ford debate, but I drive an 04 F150 XLT, 5.4L, 4x4, all the fixins and love it. Great vehicle. Got it new for less than the OP is looking to spend on a used Tahoe.

The tailgate locks and I have a tonneau cover that clamps to the inside of the bed. Not a Brinks truck, but fairly secure. If someone wants to get into your ride, they will.

[/ QUOTE ]

I have a 2004 F150 as well. I didn't get the big boy version, as I don't haul really heavy things. I do haul around a lot of wood/gravel/yard stuff, so rather than a tonneau cover, I went the Line-X route. NICE.

I love my truck. (I used to have a 97 Exploder I bought in 99) F150>Explorer.

A friend of mine has a Tahoe. Very nice ride, although compared to my F150, the suspension and steering seem pretty mushy. Just one opinion on the one Tahoe I've been in. I would assume the Z71 package beefs up the suspension quite a bit. Mushy steering seems to be a feature for GM vehicles though. (not a slam, Ford haters begone)

[AviD]

[ QUOTE ]
Mushy steering seems to be a feature for GM vehicles though. (not a slam, Ford haters begone)

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes, the are generally soft rides from my experience. And yes the Z71 package (towing package in particular) does beef up the suspension quite a bit.

[Edge34]

[ QUOTE ]
I love my truck. (I used to have a 97 Exploder I bought in 99) F150>Explorer.

[/ QUOTE ]

My current ride is a 97 Explorer (sport...) that I picked up in August for 7 grand. 54,000 miles on it, actually runs like a dream. /images/graemlins/tongue.gif

(Don't have the money for the big ones yet, but I got mine pretty well loaded too - even though I had to add a new system to it /images/graemlins/cool.gif)

[SenecaJim]

I don't see the Explorer / Truck thing with Ford. Like ford trucks, but their suv's ,,no. Brakes too small for vehicle and too floaty a feel for the road.( I owned one for a few years)

[Shajen]

[ QUOTE ]
Brakes too small for vehicle and too floaty a feel for the road.( I owned one for a few years)

[/ QUOTE ]

Truer words have not been spoken.

I complained bitterly to the dealer when I had to get my rotors replaced for the second time in 2 years* on my old explorer. He gave me some BS line about the EPA (or some other vehicle related three letter agency) not allowing heavy duty brakes on the Exploders. The same brakes used on the Frigging Ford Ranger goes on the Explorers. Horrible.


*both times I had to get them replaced was because some anus for brains pulled out in front of me and I had to lock the brakes up. /images/graemlins/mad.gif

[AviD]

2002 White Chevy Tahoe Z71 (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=178211265&dealer_id=82485&car_year= 2002&make=CHEV&distance=50&lang=&max_price=&model= TAHOE&end_year=2006&min_price=&certified=y&address =08054&search_type=certified&advanced=&start_year= 1981&isp=y&cardist=19#vdptop)

Only thing I spot is the lien put on it, probably repoed and auctioned off where the dealership picked it up. Only 30K miles.

Thoughts?

Here is the Autocheck Report:

[VIN History] 1GNEK13Z52R245771




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Report Run Date: 03/01/2005
Vehicle Description: 1GNEK13Z52R245771
TitleCheck: No Record Found
Problem Check: No Record Found
Odometer Check: Record(s) Found
Vehicle Information: No Record Found
Full History: Record(s) Found




Vehicle Description | TitleCheck | ProblemCheck | OdometerCheck | Vehicle Information | Full History

VIN: 1GNEK13Z52R245771
Year: 2002
Make: Chevrolet Truck
Model: Tahoe Base Model/LS/LT/Z71
Style/Body: Utility 4 Door
Engine: 5.3L V8 SFI Flex
Country of Assembly: United States



Vehicle Description | TitleCheck | ProblemCheck | OdometerCheck | Vehicle Information | Full History



Your Vehicle Checks Out! AutoCheck's database for this 2002 Chevrolet Truck Tahoe Base Model/LS/LT/Z71 (1GNEK13Z52R245771) show no significant Title events. When found, events often indicate past automotive damage or warnings associated with the vehicle title.


Problems Checked Results Found
Abandoned No Abandoned Record Found
Damaged No Damaged Record Found
Fire Damage No Fire Damage Record Found
Grey Market No Grey Market Record Found
Hail Damage No Hail Damage Record Found
Insurance Loss No Insurance Loss Record Found
Junk No Junk Record Found
Rebuilt/Rebuildable No Rebuilt/Rebuildable Record Found
Salvage No Salvage Record Found



Vehicle Description | TitleCheck | ProblemCheck | OdometerCheck | Vehicle Information | Full History



Your Vehicle Checks Out! AutoCheck's database for this 2002 Chevrolet Truck Tahoe Base Model/LS/LT/Z71 (1GNEK13Z52R245771) shows no historical events that indicate a significant automotive problem. These problems can indicate previous car damage, theft, or other significant problem.


Problems Checked Results Found
NHTSA Crash Test Vehicle No NHTSA Crash Test Record Found
Frame Damage No Frame Damage Record Found
Major Damage Incident No Major Damage Record Found
Manufacturer Buyback/Lemon No Manufacturer Buyback/Lemon Record Found
Odometer Problem No Odometer Problem Record Found
Recycled No Recycled Record Found
Salvage Auction No Salvage Auction Record Found
Water Damage No Water Damage Record Found



Vehicle Description | TitleCheck | ProblemCheck | OdometerCheck | Vehicle Information | Full History



Your Vehicle Checks Out! For this 2002 Chevrolet Truck Tahoe Base Model/LS/LT/Z71 (1GNEK13Z52R245771) no indication of an odometer rollback or tampering was found. We determine odometer rollbacks by searching for records that indicate odometer reading that are less than a previously reported value. Other odometer events can report events of tampering, or possible odometer breakage.


Report Date: 03/01/2005
Date Reported Odometer Reading
08/12/2002 226
02/03/2005 30,482
02/15/2005 30,482



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Your Vehicle Checks Out! AutoCheck shows a clean record for this 2002 Chevrolet Truck Tahoe Base Model/LS/LT/Z71 (1GNEK13Z52R245771). For some cars, past vehicle information may give indication of excessive wear and tear, such as police cars or taxi use.


Problems Checked Results Found
Accident Data No Accident Data Record Found
Corrected Title No Corrected Title Record Found
Driver Education No Driver Education Record Found
Duplicate Title No Duplicate Title Record Found
Emission/Safety Inspection No Emission/Safety Inspection Record Found
Fire Damage Incident No Fire Damage Incident Record Found
Lease No Lease Record Found
Lien Lien Record(s) Found
Livery Use No Livery Use Record Found
Government Use No Government Use Record Found
Police Use No Police Use Record Found
Rental/Fleet No Rental/Fleet Record Found
Repossessed No Repossessed Record Found
Taxi Use No Taxi Use Record Found
Theft No Theft Record Found



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Below are the historical events for this vehicle listed in chronological order. Any discrepancies will be in bold text.

Report Run Date: 03/01/2005
VIN: 1GNEK13Z52R245771 2002 Chevrolet Truck Tahoe Base Model/LS/LT/Z71




Event Date Event Location Odometer Reading Data Source Event Detail
06/30/2002 FRANKLIN SQUARE, NY Motor Vehicle Dept. REGISTRATION EVENT/RENEWAL
08/12/2002 GARDEN CITY, NY 226 Motor Vehicle Dept. TITLE (Lien Reported)
02/17/2004 FRANKLIN SQUARE, NY Motor Vehicle Dept. REGISTRATION EVENT/RENEWAL
02/03/2005 MI 30,482 Auto Auction REPORTED AT AUTO AUCTION
02/15/2005 PITMAN, NJ 30,482 Motor Vehicle Dept. TITLE

[AviD]

ttt

[Shajen]

Dude, honestly to me it sounds like you have your mind made up.

You specified all the things you need, your likes and dislikes, and it looks like the Tahoe Z71 fits the bill for you.

All that's left to do is a test drive, get the car checked out and go for it.

GL /images/graemlins/grin.gif

[SenecaJim]

know it's not funny to you, but thanks for the laugh. The anus for brains add-on story made me laugh out loud.

[JPinAZ]

Unimog (http://www.unimog.net)

Pinzgauer (http://www.pinzgauer.com)

[ArthurD]

Check out a Toyota Land Cruiser. Very nice vehicles, although the gas mileage isn't great, they're built about as well as anything out there. They're right at the size level you want, around the right price range, and they're amazing cars, very rugged yet luxurious, and great rides. I highly recommend them, I drive a 1993, though you can afford a nice probably 02 or around there. My brother owned an '87 Cruiser, drove it until it had 350k miles on it before selling it. /images/graemlins/grin.gif Can't beat em!