Old model verses new model

I am looking to buy a Suburban.
Low miles are the most important consideration.
Should I get a 1998 / 1999?
OR
Should I get a 2000 / 2001?

Which one would you get? The old model or new model?

98/99

- Better track record... less smog stuff... better aftermarket (big brakes, wheels, lifts, grilles) yada yada yada :rolleyes:

- Stu :twoguns:

Don, how is the Sub doing so far?

Originally posted by stu1435
98/99

- Better track record... less smog stuff... better aftermarket (big brakes, wheels, lifts, grilles) yada yada yada :rolleyes:

- Stu :twoguns:

Of course wich one has been around longer......DUH !!

Anyway on the real dude. The older one's not only look better well they perform better in my opinion and you can look at them and know you see a saburban not a spaceship like the Danali or the new blazer. Just my .02's

~BB~

Not only does the older style look better, they sure are alot cheaper, they want 40 some grand for a brand new one these days!:bigthumb:

I think you should get a wicked old suburban - 72,73,74 or 84,85,86,87, or 91. Pimp it out with a new engine/tranny/interior/paint/soundsystem/suspension/wheels&tires....

You'd still spend less money than a 2 year old truck that was bone stock. Take my word on this...

- STU

The truck was highly modified before I bought it and was going to "flip" it for a dandy profit but the wife said no. Really a fun truck and it quiet downs around 80. Cruises real nice and the 285 / 60 / 18 are fun in the mud. I feel like I am riding in an amusement park water ride on rails.
Have about 4000 miles on it ad it is fun. I think the 1999 's have more room over the newer models with the exception of the spare tire.

Not only does the older style look better, they sure are alot cheaper, they want 40 some grand for a brand new one these days!:bigthumb:

i got my 98 for those reasons Silent

i have only a 94 model but all the options in it only big problem i have is slow shifting and it drinks gas like it is free, i have music,clean paint and 20's
much better than the newer i was going to get for 30 something thousand,hell i just wanted the space!

Looks like I am the odd man out here. I absolutely believe that the new years is far superior in most departments than the old ones. I have owned both by the way...

Advantages of the older style:

Looks good, not sure it is really "better" (that seems to be a matter of taste or opinion)
more room inside (14" as I remember)
thicker skinned body panels
lots more aftermarket stuff
larger gas tank



disadvantages:
Engines are gutless I had the 5.7 in the old one (I have the 8.1 in the new one)
Transmission was weak and didn't have an external cooler (went through one in 125K)
Rear ends were weak as hell (went through 3 in same, not to mention 2 sets of axles because the bearing surfaces flaked off).
Brakes totally suck...rear drums were useless
Electrical gremlins on MY old one cost me a battery/alternator combo per year
Ride sucks compared to the autoride
Fuel economy is no where near as good

In any case this is IMHO, just my .02, and as a result of my experience all of that good stuff....
While I really do miss the space................that's just about it.

I agree with Dr. Eagle.....

I owned a 86 1/2 Ton 4x4... went thru it 100%- Tricked out the 5.7 new Heads, cam, total seal rings, blueprinted yada-yada, Painted it same colors as Boat to look cool. Three months later, rear end grenaded, new Eaton and, 2 months later Tranny, new tricked out one & 2 months later transfer case replaced it and front differential. Next month made 2 trips from Southern California to Lake MEAD pulling a 4000# boat and 2nd gear, 40 mph up the grades sucks. Sold it cheap bought a 03 8.1 and life is good. Rides like a Caddy, pulls like a Mule, color dosen't match Boat but what ya' goona' do. I love it. New ones are better all around than the old ones at least IMHO

I know this is an old post,...but I couldn't resist. GO OLDER! The 98/99 Suburbans are by far my favorite car on the road. When I bought my new truck I was looking at '99 LT 4x4s, but ended up getting a brand new pick-up because I drive a lot of miles and the sub would have 100k miles on it by now even if I bought it with only 40. Plus as a gift from my old man he helped pay the difference for a new pick-up without leather so I could start with 0 miles. The 98/99 subs still turn my head though. I really like seeing a clean, stock 1/2 ton 4x4 LT with the fender flares and a nice young mom driving! :grinyes:
Jeb

Also, my uncle has a 98 3/4 ton 4x4 LT with 150k on it which he uses as a daily driver and a work truck down on our duck lease(it has really been abused). Six years of salt and mud, but she still cleans up nice. Everything works like clockwork except for the wipers(I think he needs a new relay)

Not only does the older style look better, they sure are alot cheaper, they want 40 some grand for a brand new one these days!:bigthumb:

I like the new models also.

Just picked up an 04 model w/ only 8,000 miles. Paid 26,500 !!

There are some good deals out there.

The same Suburban new on the lot, with the same options, goes for 47,500 !! So, I got one hell of a deal.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/278000-278999/278279_261_full.jpg

I really like both models, but I like the newer one much more along with all the new gadgets that GM has with it now days.

I have a 1964 and I love it. 300HP 327 with 350TH trans.

I know this an old post but people still seem to be reading it so..... My 97 K1500 LT has 108k miles and still looks mint. When I ordered it new in Aug.-96, I opted for every option available and the color is Victory Red with Quicksilver metalic on the wheel flairs and lower section(below black beltline).

If your going by looks I agree with the other posts that this vintage of burbs looks way better than the newer style. And as far as technology goes, the jury is still out on the newer ones. Some of my freinds have the newer style and are beginning to have the same problems I've had over the years (tranny, blower motors, front end parts, and so on). The biggest impovement to me was in the addition of rear disc brakes, although they may be suspect too. As during a recent visit to my dealer, the shop foreman told me the rear calipers and rotors are a real problem area. THe calipers get rusted and don't float, while the rotors get rusted so bad they actualy come apart (this is on vehicles with 60k miles that may be on their first rear brake job and I live in northeastern Ohio). Needlesss to say this is quite $expensive$ to fix and GM calls it normal waer and tear? All this on a $58k vehicle! NICE!!

The shop foreman told me to hang on to my 97 as the 96s through 2000s are cheaper and easier to fix in the long run. As a side bar, the poor brake pedal feel of this vitage may be attibuted to the vacum booster. After complaining to the dealer about standing on my brakes to stop, my booster finally went bad all the way. I replaced it with an aftermarket one (stock) and my big burb stops like a Porsche, well not really, but a hell of a lot better than it ever did in the previous 100k miles and by using just the side of my foot (kinda like the old 60s GM cars).

The 2000's and up are a better ride we own a 99' and a 02'. The 02' is far smoother ride than the 99', and the power is better in the 02'

i have to say i like the old body style better....i have a 2000 tahoe limited (old body style) i guess i got one of the last old ones built......could have got a new body style for about the same price but i just think the trim on them looks cheap and they look like vans from the back

Hey, it's one of those hot young Moms. I drive a 95 3/4 ton turbo desiel LT 4X4. I get a lot of comments alright, it's a really nice truck. Now if only I could get one of these idiots to buy it. You gotta have a bunch of money to waste if your gonna keep her on the road. Can never under estimate a repair bill. Could have replaced a gas engine twice over for what we have into her. And the good looks, like us girls, it's only a matter of time.

I preffer the new models. Expensive? that all depends. I had a 1995 GMC K2500 4x4 Suburban and had problems with breaks, electrical, and even with a 454 it had less power then my 03. My new 03 has all the extras, including quadrasteering. Will never buy another large SUV without Quadra Steer, Onstar or Autoride. I love towing my 33' travel trailer with it.

Hi,
NBS (new body style), no question.
You could not drag me back into an OBS (old body style).
I had a 95 Suburban K1500 5.7 Liter and now a 2001 Yukon XL K2500 6 Liter.
It is just better all around.
No more spare tire taking up half the rear, no more truck tailgate to lean over, no more tailgate release button, no more wimpy engine, better seats, better ride, the list goes on and on.
Take care, Eggert :bananasmi

You should post the aftermarket booster replacement on the brake topic because it seems a lot of people are having trouble with brakes. I gues I am lucky because my 99' stops real well.




I know this an old post but people still seem to be reading it so..... My 97 K1500 LT has 108k miles and still looks mint. When I ordered it new in Aug.-96, I opted for every option available and the color is Victory Red with Quicksilver metalic on the wheel flairs and lower section(below black beltline).

If your going by looks I agree with the other posts that this vintage of burbs looks way better than the newer style. And as far as technology goes, the jury is still out on the newer ones. Some of my freinds have the newer style and are beginning to have the same problems I've had over the years (tranny, blower motors, front end parts, and so on). The biggest impovement to me was in the addition of rear disc brakes, although they may be suspect too. As during a recent visit to my dealer, the shop foreman told me the rear calipers and rotors are a real problem area. THe calipers get rusted and don't float, while the rotors get rusted so bad they actualy come apart (this is on vehicles with 60k miles that may be on their first rear brake job and I live in northeastern Ohio). Needlesss to say this is quite $expensive$ to fix and GM calls it normal waer and tear? All this on a $58k vehicle! NICE!!

The shop foreman told me to hang on to my 97 as the 96s through 2000s are cheaper and easier to fix in the long run. As a side bar, the poor brake pedal feel of this vitage may be attibuted to the vacum booster. After complaining to the dealer about standing on my brakes to stop, my booster finally went bad all the way. I replaced it with an aftermarket one (stock) and my big burb stops like a Porsche, well not really, but a hell of a lot better than it ever did in the previous 100k miles and by using just the side of my foot (kinda like the old 60s GM cars).

I know this is an old post,...but I couldn't resist. GO OLDER! The 98/99 Suburbans are by far my favorite car on the road. When I bought my new truck I was looking at '99 LT 4x4s, but ended up getting a brand new pick-up because I drive a lot of miles and the sub would have 100k miles on it by now even if I bought it with only 40. Plus as a gift from my old man he helped pay the difference for a new pick-up without leather so I could start with 0 miles. The 98/99 subs still turn my head though. I really like seeing a clean, stock 1/2 ton 4x4 LT with the fender flares and a nice young mom driving! :grinyes:
Jeb

Also, my uncle has a 98 3/4 ton 4x4 LT with 150k on it which he uses as a daily driver and a work truck down on our duck lease(it has really been abused). Six years of salt and mud, but she still cleans up nice. Everything works like clockwork except for the wipers(I think he needs a new relay)

I know this is a really old post, but nice to know that some guy out there notices us young Moms, well maybe not young to some I am in my 30's, who work hard to maintain a nice physique and drive a 99 sub all stock with the dealership fender flares, 'course I am really hoping the hubby will get me the Jesse James 357 rims for my B-day or Christmas or for a just because, to dress up my beloved burban, make it less of a Momobile if you know what I mean. In the end I wash her I wax her and I change her oil. She is close to hitting 100K and she is the first vehicle I have kept for over two years and I still don't want to get rid of her. I actually bought it new, paid it off and framed the title.

Oh and for those who don't like the drums, they need to learn a thing or two. Put it in reverse, back up press on the brake come a complete stop, repeat 3 or four times. This allows the automatic adjuster to readjust. My brakes work great. Only problem I had was when my auto adjuster rusted up and I had to have good old Dad fix it. He told me to do the back up thing and I haven't had the problem since.

Oh and I tow a toy hauler with hubbies Road King and rear end is fine as well as the transmission and everything else. I did have to replace the alternator after I jump started it with a diesel that was running, oops. Put a tornado Fuel savor in her and I get 18 to 20 miles per gallon in my 44 gallon gas tank and usually only have to fill up once a month, I get 600 or more miles on a tank. The best part about the suburban is I feel safe and I know my kids are safe. We are surrounded by metal and have airbags. You just can't beat a suburban, the new ones may look pretty and have cool new gadgets, but I love mine and wouldn't trade her for the world.
Jodi

Hi Jodi, it is nice to hear from somebody who is happy with her sub. I had a 95 sub K1500 and liked it, now have a 2001 Yukon XL K2500 and like it even better. So far, so good at 95k miles. You may want to give your hubby a shopping list for the rims, if he is half as dense as I am. It's a guy thing. Some of us need instructions, not hints... Keep up working the body and you will always be a young Mom.
Take care, Eggert :bananasmi

With the 06 coming supposed to be January 06 with new body style, better milage, the 99 style becomes "older" old. I love the design and looks of our 99 but of course the quality really is pathetic. I just replaced 3rd water pump at 70,000 miles.

I have a 2000 New Body style, This has been a great truck so far. Mine is a LT trim and 4wd. The best mileage so far has been 18.5 which I have gotten twice. Most of the time on the highway I get around 17mpg.
Brakes, love the 4 wheel disc, but I have not had good luck with the parking brake.
The only rattles are my kids toys.
I am getting ready to put on some Monroe shocks to replace the factory ones in back and the small monroes I put on in front.
In 93k miles, no major problems, I drove to tulsa (200 miles r/t) a few weeks ago and she drove nice and quite.
I was thinking of selling but she drives sooo good it is really hard to spend money on another right now. Others on the forum tell of 150+ miles. Maybe I'll go for 200-250k.
Parts that have been replaced:
Fuel regulator, front shocks, right front tie rod end, idler arm, rear emergency brake shoes (did not help, I must be doing something wrong here) battery, tires, pushbutton 4wd switch in dash, fuel filter, and normal oil changes (I have been using moble 1 10w30 for several years now with out problems, the book recomends 5w30 normally unless you stay above 0 then 10w30 is an option), onstar computer of some sort, one rear seat belt (came with a rattle), ...???...
That is all I can remember at this time.
I had an opportunity to drive a older body style and it was a nice ride also.
I think knowing the history and having it fully checked out it your best bet as with any used vehicle. I have had all major services done at a local chevrolet dealership, ( I have a really good one in OKC ) that has lead to confidence in the product too. I do all minor services myself.

My dads 05 was 52k but with 02 silverado HD trade in and employee discount he paid 36k

My dads 05 LT has Autoiride and it rides like a caddy.The 5.3 needs some mods to give it more power thow.Really sucks in the power dept.It is nice expecially with the leather XM,Bose,sun/moon roof,and the list goes on.Prolly shouldve gone with an escalade or Hummer for looks thow.

I really like my 98' 1\2 ton 4x4, and I plan to keep it as long as I can. I bought it new and used it as our family car for 5 years. In 03' I opted to take it over for my business truck and to haul our travel trailer for vacations. I bought a new 03' Tahoe for the family at that time. I'm very happy with it also. I would have bought a new Burb then but couldn't pass up the deal I got on the Tahoe.

The improvement on the suspension is fantastic. I wouldn't know about repairs etc. for awhile as there hasn't been any.

Waranty is up soon and I assume there will be problems thereafter.

The 98' Burb with the 5.7l is the easiest and cheapest to repair from what I'm told.

There ought to be a law against putting 4ply tires on ANY 1\2 ton vehicle however.

I have a '90 2WD (the '73-'91 boxy style) with almost 400,000 miles on it. Currently put on 30,000 work miles per year in the 11 western states.

With a recent 383 (first replacement engine) I get 17mpg on the highway, about same as a new one but with much more power available.

The main things I refuse to give up are the comfort and cargo space! Without airbags and lower-dash console the dash is much further away. Cargo volume with seats down and out is 165 cubic feet. A 2005 is only 131 and even an Excursion is only about 143.

I keep it nice and shiny, but the bad guys don't try to break in or steal it. All in all it works better for me than a later model.

Should I get a 1998 / 1999?
OR
Should I get a 2000 / 2001?



old model or new model?

Can "old" be applied to either of these?

I have an 88 burb, 4x4 5.7 litre. I wouldn't trade it for the world! The space, is far greater than the new styles. I have 400k plus miles, no engine work has been done, and it runs great. Tranny, transfer, and drive shafts (front and rear) replaced last year, after lasting 385k miles.

Like a rock baby! :smokin:

Just bought a 97 Burb LT (to replace my old basic 97 K1500 government issue 4x4 Burb) that sums it up. 2 years ago I was remodelling my house, and decided to put in granite tiles, bought a crate of nice granite 12x12's over ebay from a local wholesaler. When I went to pick it up, the fork lift operator just grabbed the full crate 2200lb's YOU KNOW THAT IS A NICE ROUND NUMBER, AS IN 1000 KILOGRAMS, A FULL ONE TON!!! and placed it nicelly into my 97 1/2 ton 4x4 Burb. She went down a bit, but nothing was touching or rubbung and I drove the load safely home (50 mi). the new ones ride nice with the coil springs, but seriously doubt that can take a load like this, I know they are rated for less too, than the pre 2000's

And as the old racing saying goes...."there is no substitute for cubic inches". I had a '92 with the 5.7 (350 ci )V-8 and it had so much more torque than my '06 Suburban with the 5.3 engine. The '06 has more horsepower and probably has a higher top speed, but the '92 had the power where you needed it for hauling the goods and tough four wheelin'...........

My 2000 has been great, now as the value of these models falls even more you could pick up a 2000 or newer for a reasonable cost.
I just put new tires on mine and it is soooooo quite going down the road. Tight and rattle free with 130k+ on it. Great Job GM.
Now if I could just fix the front seats....

Way old thread from 2003. Much too old to keep resurrecting. In the future concerning the use of polls, please put a time limit on them ( ex. 90 days) to keep the thread from constantly being brought up.