By Josh RosenbergIn today's very high-priced used car market, a well-maintained and lower-mileage older Tahoe could make a more budget-friendly choice. But careful and patient shopping will be required because "older" really means a vehicle's reliability and dependability are all the more crucial.
The Chevrolet Tahoe has been one of the most popular SUVs since the mid-1990s ... for a number of reasons. With seating for as many as nine passengers, V8 power and lots of niceties, large American families have found the Tahoe to be a great fit.
In fact, it was the Tahoe that pretty much put the modern full-size SUV on the map. And in this case, Chevy has lived up to its promise of delivering a sturdy, multipurpose family vehicle that performs well both around town and off-road.
Before getting into an older Tahoe's reliability and potential mechanical problems to be on the lookout for, we'll cover some background information for SUV shoppers considering an older Tahoe in today's high-priced market.
But first, two very important suggestions ...
1. Things To Do When Considering An "Older" Tahoe:
Locate Lower Mileage Vehicles: They are certainly out there to be found with careful and patient shopping. Be willing to drive a distance if you have to.
Vehicle History and Maintenance: Ask for the vehicle history report (CarFax or AutoCheck) as well as documented maintenance and repair records. If not provided by the dealer or private seller, it's best to move on.
Pre-Purchase Inspection: Have the vehicle independently inspected before making a final decision. This usually will cost in the $150-$200 range but is well worth it given the potentially thousands in savings over the long term.
2. Know How To Get The Lowest Used Car Price:
Get Dealers To Compete For your Business: When you are searching vehicles to possibly purchase, the following is the absolute best way to get the lowest price, and it is extremely easy and stress-free.
Just go to a national car listing site, (I happen to prefer CarsDirect.com for their massive dealer participation and ease of use, although others will get the job done as well) and find several listed vehicles that you may be interested in.
Then write something like the following in the "Check Availability" box or "Contact Dealer" box or whatever the site you are using uses.
"Hello, I've contacted several dealers about cars I am interested in and am looking for the best value. I am also a serious buyer planning to make a decision soon. Please send me your best out-the-door price. Thank you.
After receiving the offers, follow up by explaining that based on the price, you're leaning in another direction but still really like their car and would certainly consider another offer. When dealers drop out, you'll know you're at the best price.
Using the internet to get dealers to compete for your business is extremely important. More details on this and how to intereact with the dealers can be found here at Best Used Car Buying Techniques.
2007 - 2014 Chevy Tahoe Overview
Third generation Tahoe: As the full-size SUV market was growing, the Tahoe underwent a full redesign in 2007 (and was produced through the 2014 model year) to keep it competitive. Most notable is the interior which was upgraded both in design and quality. There are three main trim levels from this generation: the LS, LT and LTZ.
The base model LS could meet the needs of many buyers as it is already pretty well equipped with features such as tri-zone climate control, keyless entry, a driver information center, heated outside mirrors, side-mounted assist steps and a programmable Homelink transmitter that opens garage doors or automatic gates.
Older Chevy Tahoe models from this generation can be found with available options including the towing package, third-row seat, power sunroof, a rear entertainment system, navigation, XM Satellite Radio and OnStar.
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The LT and LTZ have more luxury-based features such as heated leather seating with eight-way power adjustments, power-heated side mirrors with turn signal indicators, puddle lamps and adjustable pedals.
Buyers also can select from two different V8 engines and two or four-wheel-drive, while the Z71 model was designed for better off-road driving and offers a specially tuned suspension. The engine choices during this production run include a 4.8-liter V8 that produces 295 horsepower and a 320 horsepower 5.3-liter, both paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission.
A 6.2-liter V8 good for a robust 395 horsepower was made available for the 2009 model year, as was a 6-speed automatic paired to the 5.3 and 6.0 V8s.
It should be noted that engine choices were simplified for 2010 when they were reduced to just one, the 5.3-liter V8, which also came standard with E85 capability. Also new for 2010 were standard front seat-mounted side airbags as well as a USB audio connection.
Other significant changes during this production run generally involved safety features. Before the 2008 model year, side curtain airbags were optional and front side airbags weren't made available until 2010.
2007 - 2014 Reliability, Overall Pros And Cons
The reliability of the third generation Tahoe is generally considered to be very good, with many owners reporting reaching the 300,000 mile range with proper care. It's been praised for its robust build, towing capabilities, and spacious interior.
However, as with any vehicle, there are both positive and negative aspects to consider (the actual potential mechanical problem watchlist is a bit lower on the page).
3rd-Gen Pros:
Durability: The Tahoe is known for its sturdy construction and durability, making it suitable for various driving conditions.
Towing Capacity: It has a strong towing capacity, which is a significant advantage for those needing to tow trailers or boats.
Interior Space: The third-gen Tahoe offers a spacious and comfortable interior, making it a popular choice for families and individuals who require ample cabin space.
Performance: The Tahoe's performance, especially in terms of engine power and handling, is generally well-regarded.
3rd-Gen Cons:
Fuel Efficiency: Larger SUVs like the Tahoe tend to have lower fuel efficiency, which can be a consideration for some buyers.
Maintenance Costs: While the Tahoe is generally reliable, the cost of maintenance and repairs for larger vehicles can be higher compared to smaller cars. And an older vehicle has an increased likelihood of incurring higher repair costs going forward.
Parking and Maneuverability: Due to its size, parking and maneuvering the Tahoe in tight spaces may be challenging for some drivers.
Outdated Technology: As a model that spans several years, older third-gen Tahoes may lack some of the modern technology features found in newer vehicles.
2000 - 2006 Chevy Tahoe Overview
Second Generation Tahoe: This generation was produced for the 2000 through 2006 model years and is a little smaller, but still accommodates up to nine passengers.
These older Tahoes can also be found in two V8 engine choices. There's a 4.8-liter that delivers 285 horspower as well as a 295 horsepower 5.3-liter. Again, both 2WD and 4WD versions were made.
During most of this run, models came in LS, Z71 or LT trims. More safety-conscious used Tahoe shoppers should note that Chevrolet began offering the optional stability control system in the 2003 model year for those outfitted with the larger V8.
While standard features vary to some degree and increase over the years, newer base LS models from this generation came with tri-zone manual climate control, keyless entry, heated mirrors, cruise control, a CD player, side-mounted assist steps, OnStar and a driver information center.
It also came with two seating rows that could accommodate up to six passengers due to a front bench seat. Passenger capacity can be boosted to nine by finding one with the optional third-row bench seat.
The off-road-oriented Z71 model is outfitted with a specially tuned suspension, leather upholstery, 10-way power front captain's chairs with heaters and unique trim accents, while the top-of-the-line LT model comes standard with the third-row seat, automatic climate control, XM Satellite Radio, adjustable pedals, and power heated side mirrors with turn signal indicators and puddle lamps.
Models from this generation can also be found with options such as navigation, a sunroof, a DVD-based entertainment system, a towing package and second-row bucket seats.
2000 - 2006 Reliability, Overall Pros And Cons
The second generation Tahoe is also generally considered reliable, with several positive aspects that contributed to its popularity.
2nd-Gen Pros:
Durability: Similar to the third generation, the second-gen Tahoe is known for its robust build and durability.
Towing Capacity: It has a respectable towing capacity, making it suitable for towing trailers, boats, or other heavy loads.
Interior Space: The Tahoe offers a spacious interior with comfortable seating, making it a practical choice for families and those who need ample passenger and cargo space.
Versatility: The Tahoe's versatility is appreciated by buyers who require a vehicle that can handle both daily commuting and more demanding tasks like towing or off-road driving.
Performance: The second-gen Tahoe generally received positive reviews for its performance, with powerful engine options and competent handling.
2nd-Gen Cons:
Fuel Efficiency: Larger SUVs, including the second-gen Tahoe, typically have lower fuel efficiency. Potential buyers should be mindful of this if fuel economy is a priority.
Parking and Maneuverability: Due to its size, the Tahoe may be less maneuverable in tight spaces, and parking can be challenging in certain situations.
2000 - 2014 Chevy Tahoe Possible Mechanical Problems
While both the second and third generation Tahoes are generally considered reliable, like any vehicle, they have had some common mechanical issues reported by owners.
Keep in mind that individual experiences can vary, and not all vehicles encountered the same problems, but these issues should be included in an inspection before buying one today:
Transmission Issues: Some owners have reported problems with the transmission, including rough shifting or failure.
Fuel System Problems: Issues related to the fuel system, such as fuel pump failures or fuel leaks, have been reported by a portion of owners.
Electrical Problems: Some Tahoes experienced electrical issues, including problems with the power windows, door locks, or electronic components. This could be related to wiring or control module failures.
Suspension Components: Wear and tear on suspension components, including shocks and struts, have been reported.
Oil Consumption: Some owners reported higher-than-normal oil consumption in their vehicles.
Brake System Concerns: Brake-related issues, such as premature wear on brake pads and rotors, have been reported by a subset of owners.
Cooling System Problems: Instances of cooling system problems, such as radiator leaks or coolant leaks, have been reported by some owners.
It's again important to note that individual experiences with reliability can vary, and factors such as regular maintenance, driving conditions, and how the vehicle was used can influence its overall dependability.
Also, Always Know The Value Of Your Trade-In
Whether you are trading or selling on your own, it's just a good idea ... even whether you are in the market or not at the moment. You can then use this important information for a number of purposes ... to negotiate with a dealer, or to know how to price your car in the retail market, or simply to know the value of one of your assets, which is always a good idea.
Getting trade-in values online tend to vary a lot from site to site. But I've found the one at Edmunds Trade-In Quotes is particularly comprehensive and accurate.
It's free and just takes a couple of minutes. I think what helps its accuracy is the inputs will include either your plate# or VIN# followed by many simple, but specific, yes/no questions. It really focuses in on the detail of the specific vehicle.