should I pull the trigger?

[bigthomsinga]

Hello all. New guy here. Im currently looking at a few suburbans 2002-03. I have been researching ins and outs of the vehicle and have narrowed my search down to a couple. However, through my research, I have noticed a large amount of transmission issues within the line of vehicles. I do know that I am looking at a machine and they break down from time to time, but the constant mention of tranny issues has me slightly skiddish. Unfortunately I cant afford an 07 +. id like to know if the possibility of a tranny going out would deter you from buying a burb of such age. The mileage of the burbs im looking at range between 100k and 150k. Thanks for your input.

 

[zora]

Try to get maintenance records, in particular how often have they changed the transmission filter and fluid. Look at the transmission fluid and smell it, should not be too dark and should not smell burnt.

 

[VanGo]

I've been told (from a tranny shop) that they are go for about 150K and then begin to have issues. If maintenance hasn't been kept up (see Zora's post) I imagine it would be shorter. I have 175K on my '93. It has a slight hesitation to engage when it's cold and I press the gas from a stop. It also doesn't shift gears very crisply. They just seem to merge from gear to gear. Other than that it drives fine. I've had it flushed. I don't know that a Dexron VI transfusion would help. I just need to budget for an overhaul. I really enjoy owning a 'burb, even if i don't drive it every day!

 

[BeachBourbon]

You may also want to get prices for rebuilding/replacing the transmission. These can vary depending on the transmission, and usually the cost increases with newer models. This way you can figure out your worst case scenario, and see if the deal still makes sense.

 

[Chickensandwich]

I have a 2001 that runs beautifully (2nd own). 141k on it, but it does have records from the 1st owner.

 

[O2 z71]

I have an 02 z71 4x4 with 197k on the ticker. No tranny issues. I've owned it since 60k and have been religious about services. You'll pull the trigger. You'll love the truck and what you can do with it. Tony