tungo

iTrader: (16)

I'm really considering going American this time when shopping for an SUV, as I've always been fond of the new body Tahoe's.

Considering just leasing a new one or buying a CPO, as they drop in value so fast and resale on them sucks, so the buying new is out of the question, but more than likely, we will buy a CPO.

How reliable are these things? I hear countless stories saying GM is junk, P.O.S., just about everything you can call them, I've heard it. I've browsed the forums, and know the trimming around the rear windows comes off and that's not too big of a deal for me.

I'm afraid of major things like, electrical issues, the transfer case, transmission, etc.?

Being that they are the ideal "soccer mom" vehicle, many that we have looked at tend to have high mileage. Average low mileage for an 07-08 LTZ is about 55k-65k, but most of them that I've seen is around 80k to as high as 181k. I'd consider an 09, but that's still basically new to me and the prices in the midwest for these things are insane for 09+. I'm looking at loaded 4WD LTZ's with navi, rear DVD entertainment, parking sensors, captains chairs, the works!

My GS 350 is an 08, almost 4 years old and just hit 35k, so I consider that low.

Anyone with personal experience or know someone personally care to chime in? I am ready to buy as soon as this weekend and I know every option to look for, but don't know as much in terms of their reliability, as we've been looking for a few months and the winter season is just around the corner.

I've looked at other SUV's as well. I like Lexus' sedan lineup, but their SUV lineup to me in particular is straight ugly, except for the new LX570, but even that doesn't appeal to me as much as the new Tahoe. Considered BMW X5 4.8xi and even the Porsche Cayenne, but German reliability sucks, so the Tahoe it is unless you guys say otherwise.

KillaIS250

iTrader: (1)

A quick search yields transmission issues for the 07 on Edmunds

http://www.edmunds.com/chevrolet/tah...liability.html

Looks like they may have fixed it for 08...

http://www.edmunds.com/chevrolet/tah...liability.html

Good decision leaning towards CPO though. I think CPO is the way to buy. You get a good warranty and a lot of the depreciation is already done

tungo

iTrader: (16)

I saw the edmunds listing. Brother in law has an 07 Burban with no transmission issues, except the recall problem in which they place a plastic gasket somewhere to keep the thing from consuming or leaking oil.

He is a mechanic and keeps up with it. I would do the same.

KillaIS250

iTrader: (1)

Well the 07 Suburban doesn't have the 4L60E/4L65E.

It had the 4L80E/4L85E it looks like.

Just something to keep in mind

FrankReynoldsCPA

My hell, they still make the 4L60E?

That transmission has been around forever...... I hope they at least have updated it really well.

I thought all the 07+ had 6-speed autos now.

KillaIS250

iTrader: (1)

Looks like they did on certain models!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_Tahoe

tungo

iTrader: (16)

07-08 have the 4-Speed. The 09+ have the 6-Speed transmissions. Correct me if I'm wrong.

J.P.

They are pretty decent all around, I would do the 08+.

I have a Silverado 1500 with the 5.3 as a tow rig, no complaints really, add a back cab on and its a tahoe

The 08-09+ has the 100k \ 5 years warr which is a bonus

tungo

iTrader: (16)

I am looking at an 07 LTZ CPO with every option, including power running boards, and also purchasing an extended warranty. Worth it or should I really just venture for an 08? Powertrain warranty runs to 100k, but it doesn't cover electrical and I worry about that as much as I do the transmission.

bolido

I was looking at the Tahoe as well but was shocked at how small the third row seat is as well as the space behind it. The expedition is way bigger than the Tahoe. Otherwise, I like the looks of it as well.

Fizzboy7

I think Consumer Reports rates it at average or a bit below. I don't think it would be a big burden to you if you didn't drive the heck out of it. Just be prepared for abismal fuel mileage.

KillaIS250

iTrader: (1)

My uncle has a 2009, +1 on the 3rd row being basically impossible to use lol. There's NO leg room whatsoever back there. He just ditched the 3rd row and uses the car with 2 rows and room in the rear now.

AZDesertGS

iTrader: (4)

I've had my 07' Tahoe since brand new. Have about 95k on it now. There were a few bugs for the first couple of years but GM addressed them with TSB's. So as long as the seller is **** about maintenance and keeping up with TSB's, you should have no issues.

I've had no Transmission issues at all. Gas mileage is not that bad at all....average about 17.5-19 with about 50/50 city/hway driving. I've added quite a bit to it over the years like 22's, headrest moniters, dvd system in dash, 2/3 Belltech drop, projector headlights, exhaust, intake blah blah blah

The brakes lasted forever on this thing....just did my first brake job at 92K for the fronts and the backs are still the same from when I bought it. I'm probably one of the few on here that has owned one for almost 5 years and i can say it's been a great vehicle. Good luck finding one.

KillaIS250

iTrader: (1)

Wow 92k for brakes for an SUV? That's excellent

LexBob2

Yes, Consumer Reports rates the 07 & 08 Tahoe "Below Average" in "Predicted Reliability". For Trans Major and Trans Minor they rate Above Average and Well Above Average.

Some kind of extended warranty sounds like a good idea.