Hi all,

I'm looking at some point this year, perhaps buying a GMC/Chevy Suburban.

I like the 1992-1998 generation the most, and that's the target for what I want to purchase. It's difficult to find an example with less than 200,000 miles, but I do come across models that are in the 130,000-160,000 range for $2,500-4,000.

I know for that amount of money you can't expect but so much, but at 130-160K, how much life do these still have to give? Seeing how I currently drive my Sierra about 3K a year, it's not too big a deal, but I'd just like the peace of mind, more than anything else.

Did these come with the 4L60E, or 4L80E? I know the 4L60E's seem to last 150K or so before they have issues, not sure on the 4L80E, since it's a bit beefier.

I'd just hate to buy one that looks nice with 150K or so, and the transmission die 6 months later. Of course, that's the risk you take with a 15 year old vehicle, but if anyone has any ballpark numbers I can reference, that would be great.

 

Your numbers seem about right IMO. Expect your intake gaskets to go at 100K, the engine seems to me like it will last forever if you change the oil like you're supposed to ... transmission fluid should be changed regularly .. I dunno. I'm a believer in scheduled maintenance. And with these trucks, the better you treat them, the longer they last. Look for one with a good history, and that's probably your best bet.

And as far as I know, the 1500s from 88-1994 had hydraulic 4l60, and 1996-2000 had 4l60E in them. As far as a 4l80/4l80E goes .. I think that's just in the heavy duty trucks with factory tow packages.

 

I had a 1996 and a 1999 Tahoe. Both had the 5.7 v8 and both had the intake gasket go bad. One had around 70k miles and a other at about 105k miles when it went. Other than that they were both good vehicles no major problems. Check the carpet in rear cargo area my 1996 had a water leak not sure if it was a window or the seal around rear doors. Neither one of mine had transmission problems but there were some post on Internet about those years having transmission problems.

 

Should be able to find some decent trucks in that mileage/price range. I've seen some go 300K without major issues. You never know on the transmission though. We bought a used Safari van with 75K that showed no evidence of fluid leaks ever and had no trailer hitch/tow package. Spun the front pump bushing on the way home. Bought our 2000 silverado with 88K and the torque converter started slipping bad enough to set the SES light within weeks. Had a SERTA 4L80E strip out a sun gear with <20K, 4L60E stripped out its sun shell at 140K. Repaired both '80s and the one '60e without replacing any clutches-only the components that failed. Still running strong years later.