New here, looking at a 99 2500 'Burb with a couple of issues

[xjtrailrider]

Right now I am towing my Jeep with a HEMI Commander. I love the Commander but I might have to let it go in my impending divorce.

I found a very nice, well maintained 1999 2500 Suburban that is in perfect condition with the exception of;

AC does not work

Heated seats do not work

I know as a mechanic that the AC could be anything so I will have to take my chances there.

The heated seats actually worry me more! I have heard that the heating elements are part of the seat cover in these vehicles. That would require new seat covers. Is there another option? Can I just install new elements under the existing covers? The seats are like new in this truck.

The truck is a big block so fuel mileage is my next concern. Right now in the Commander I get 12 city/13 mixed/18 highway,11 towing 7k in the mountains. Will the Burb be close to these numbers?

Any other things to be concerned about with this truck? I know as a mechanic all vehicles have their own little quirks that need to be fixed as they get age on them.

The truck has 140k on it.

Thanks! First post here so be easy on me!

 

[zora]

the EPA rating is 11 City 15 Highway. Go over the maintenance records carefully including transmission service, at 140K I would expect it to have been done at least once. Since your a mechanic, put it up on your lift and go over it with a fine tooth comb. On the heated seats check first to see if power is going to the seat for the heater circuit. The link below pretty much covers the types of heated seats and what can be done to repair them. The second link is for the owners manual which will help you locate fuses and relays.

http://www.chevytalk.org/fusionbb/showtopic.php?tid/21432/

http://www.vadengmpp.com/owners-manual/chevrolet/1999-Chevrolet-Suburban.pdf

 

[RickPo]

I think you will be close on the mpg with the burb. I pull a 22ft. pontoon around the hills here and I get about 11 or so.
Sorry, I don't know anything about the heating elements though.
Being a 99, you should look at doing some TLC to it, like trans fluid, plugs, plug wires, air filter, etc....
Look at the tires on it right now, if they are severely worn on one side or the other you might want to look at the suspension.
Bottom line is ITS A SUBURBAN! Cant go wrong there

 

[xjtrailrider]

the EPA rating is 11 City 15 Highway. Go over the maintenance records carefully including transmission service, at 140K I would expect it to have been done at least once. Since your a mechanic, put it up on your lift and go over it with a fine tooth comb. On the heated seats check first to see if power is going to the seat for the heater circuit. The link below pretty much covers the types of heated seats and what can be done to repair them. The second link is for the owners manual which will help you locate fuses and relays.

http://www.chevytalk.org/fusionbb/showtopic.php?tid/21432/

http://www.vadengmpp.com/owners-manual/chevrolet/1999-Chevrolet-Suburban.pdf

Thank You! I can live with that mileage. I will look into those seat repairs.

I think you will be close on the mpg with the burb. I pull a 22ft. pontoon around the hills here and I get about 11 or so.
Sorry, I don't know anything about the heating elements though.
Being a 99, you should look at doing some TLC to it, like trans fluid, plugs, plug wires, air filter, etc....
Look at the tires on it right now, if they are severely worn on one side or the other you might want to look at the suspension.
Bottom line is ITS A SUBURBAN! Cant go wrong there

Thanks! It has new 80k tires on it with about 80% tread left. They look very good and even. New Bilstien shocks, power steering box/pump. Clean rig inside and out.

I will have some extra money to put into this truck once I get it. He wants $4500, I will have 6k to spend so I don't mind fixing minor things that I can do myself.

The trannys in these are pretty good from what I hear. Anything else to look out for?

 

[RickPo]

Like with any used vehicle you buy there will be surprises. Hopefully nothing major. As a mechanic you should know these things will pop up here and there.

 

[Chuzz]

If you're getting a divorce, I'd suggest you wait until all is settled there before buying ANYTHING. She'll end up with that too, if you aren't careful.

 

[j_gallagher]

where are you located? i'm also looking for a similar burb. prefer '99-2005 2500 at a reasonable price. like you a little work is no problem. know of anymore?