Which 'Burb to Buy?

apehead

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Hello All!

I am looking into buying a used Chevy Suburban. They have the hauling capacity I am looking for combined with passenger room, and they are pretty common and affordable.

I've narrowed my selection down to two on CL in my area:

1987 Suburban

1994 Suburban

My question is, which would you buy, and why? I really like to looks and the relatively low miles of the '87, but the price of the 1994 is hard to beat. I can practically drop in a Goodwrench crate engine and tranny with the savings. Both have 350s. Are both of these vehicles TBI? Or is the '87 carbed maybe? The 2x4 vs. the 4x4 isn't that important to me. This thing will be driving kids around and making dump runs, no off-roading planned. I really like the looks of the '87, and there is no emissions in my state for cars over 25 years, but twice the price? I don't know if coolness factor or cheapness factor is winning in my mind!

So, what do y'all think? Thanks in advance,
Jack
 
Update: 94 is a 1500. 87 is a 2500. Both have tow suspension.
 
The 87 is TBI. The 94 has a lot of miles on it but if you are serious about putting in a crate engine and trani that may not matter. I would very carefully look over the 94, condition of frame, suspension, functioning of accessories AC, radio, power windows, etc., everything other than the engine and trani, and if OK go for the 94. Good luck with whatever you decide on.
 
Zora, is your pick based solely on the cost? Is there an inherent superiority to the 90's Suburbans over the square bodies? Are there any other systems on the 94 that warrant especially close inspection? I've heard the electronic transfer case control can get funny.
 
My pick is based on the newer vehicle will have more desirable features. I also recommend you spend a little more money and have it checked by a shop you trust rather than have problems later on after you bought it.
 
Personally, I would rather have mechanical simplicity instead of creature comforts. Would that change your pick?
 
This is getting more into personal preferences and it sounds like you want the 87, so go for it, but again make sure it is thoroughly checked out before buying it.
 
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