How to buy used Chevrolet Suburban 2000-2006

I walk through the features of the 9th generation Chevrolet Suburban, inspect a used 2000 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 LT, and then take it on a test drive to show you how to buy a great used Suburban.
If you want to learn more about how to utilize a Chevrolet Suburban to go anywhere, camp for free, and be prepared for anything, check out my website www.suburbancamping.com/.

[@thebiggestmac4202]

I'm surprised that this video doesn't have many views, this is one of the best car buying guides out there, it just so happened to be related to the car i am planning on buying

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thank you! It has not been out too long. I am very glad you found it useful. Good luck in your search for a Suburban!

[@Wicked_RotF30]

Love the info in the vid. I was very fortunate. I bought my 2005 Suburban Z71 4x4 sight unseen for just $2300. Runs and drives great and the body/frame isn’t rusted to hell. The oil pan gasket needed to be replaced. Now the truck is cruising towards 400k miles and the transmission was rebuilt less than a year before i purchased it. Was so pleased with the Suburban, I purchased an 07 Yukon 4x4 pre AFM sight unseen for just $2500 and it also runs and drives perfectly, but I don’t plan on having it in the woods as much as the Suburban. The Presidential Motorcade still uses these Suburbans. Been in service since G.W. Bush and still more reliable than the new stuff GM is charging way too much for. Mine is Pewter as well, thinking about painting it all black. Also the mods available to these engines are endless and reliable when done right. Richard Holdener has built many of these and show what to expect.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks for sharing this! Great to know.

[@gtopp9619]

Great video. I just got my 2nd 9th Gen Suburban. Mine is pretty good for its age. Your video confirmed my choice.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks for the comment and congrats on your new (old) Suburban!

[@JohnJohn-wr1jo]

Love the video and the channel. As a long term owner of the 9th generation you have touched on most of the important components. One that I would add is to fully inspect the brake lines and all fittings. If the vehicle was, or will be driven in regions that use salt or calcium chloride type products during winter. This generation came with an inferior steel composition and the lines will deteriorate over time even with minimal salt exposure. Besides the safety aspect the repair cost if farmed out can be expensive due to the labor. Big problem up north that GM has refused to take responsibility for in my opinion. I swapped mine out for about 250 bucks and spent almost 2 days on it. I have heard people paying over 2 grand for this repair. Thanks for the video.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks for the comment John John! Great advice on the brake lines. Thanks for sharing that info.

[@MN2_Kevin_Hill_1970]

Thanks for the video. I own a 2004 Z71 Tahoe and it's been converted over into an overland camper. I currently have over 300k original miles on the original engine, transmission, differentials and transfer case. I just now have the dreaded lifter tick and my 4x4 encoder motor is going bad also. But she drives like a tank.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks for the comment Kevin. Glad to know it is still going strong at 300K! Happy camping!

[@natlovell122]

190k miles on my '04 so looks like I hopefully have plenty of years of life left in mine! 300k miles is fantastic!

[@lnsuvasquez2466]

Great overview of what to check

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks!

[@trackrat62]

Carvana just bought my VW for an irresistible price and now I find myself on the hunt for one of these GMT800s. This video is very helpful.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Excellent Greg! Good luck with your search!

[@Captain_Zero_]

low mileage, one owner Suburban or Tahoe in my area is like a unicorn. Most of them I find have transmission problems, a bad engine, or body damage. Even at that people want $7,000 for them. I like the ones that have put a lift on them and done their own wiring. Those are the gems.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Sorry to hear that! Hope you can find a solid and affordable one somewhere!

[@bluescan92]

I believe the rear hatch is made out of aluminum. At least it is on my 02 Yukon XL, so it won’t rust. But it does corrode, and that is visible as bubbles underneath the paint. But you will not get a hole through it 😊 anyways, great video! I really appreciate the time and attention to detail that you put in your videos. Greetings from Norway 🇳🇴

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks for this info and the comment David. Good to know! I appreciate you taking the time to provide positive feedback. Norway is on my short list of places to visit. Just need to ship the Suburban over there!

[@natlovell122]

I was lucky enough to get an '04 Suburban LS 2WD as a gift from my aunt (who unfortunately due to health related reasons can no longer drive) It's a California burb so it does not have any of the rust issues. The thing is an absolute tank. I have put about $,2,500 into it to get it tip top(including DMV back fees) but then this thing should be an amazing family vehicle for years to come. Sure beats having a car payment! Thanks for the video!

[@SuburbanCamping]

You are welcome! Welcome to the club!

[@shtboxgarage]

Got my 03 2500 with the 8.1L a few months ago for $2650 with everything working, just needed a couple repairs. You should definitely try driving one with the 8.1L sometime, the torque is almost instant

[@SuburbanCamping]

Nice find on the 8.1! Would love to have that power!

[@Tahoe95]

I have a 2017 Tahoe Premier and I love it

[@SuburbanCamping]

Awesome!

[@djboss2k3]

Good Chanelle I like alot

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks so much!

[@drbvo9578]

Nice video. Very informative. We are in the process of buying a newer Suburban, although not brand-new, to eventually convert. Any newer type or year you can recommend? Or not recommend? Thank you!

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks for the comment Dr Bvo! I have not spent much time researching the newer generations. No matter the year, the key is the fold-flat ability of the 2nd row seating, so be sure to check that first. I have seen comments on this channel stating 2011-2014 model years are solid rigs. Be sure to research the specific model year issues with Active Fuel Management. That technology was not so good when they introduced it in the 10th generation. And if you are looking at 11th generation, oil consumption is what you need to be on the lookout for. They re-designed the piston ring oil delivery system and kind of messed it up!

[@drbvo9578]

@@SuburbanCamping Thank you so much for your quick reply. I will definitely look into fuel situation and the fold flat ability. I am 6'4 so that's important. My wife and I are almost seniors, we love to camp also in tents but looking for a bit more comfort, therefore we started thinking about a converted Suburban ! And we were excited to see so much good info on KZbin! But we do not know a lot about car repair etc. that's why we look into the newer models. We just started our search and your video info is definitely a very good start. Thanks!

[@rodrogers6895]

Had a 1999 suburban LT, just one year prior to this generation. It was a magnificent vehicle. I now have a 2005 Tahoe (The kids are gone and we don’t do a lot of “hauling“). Just like the suburban, it is solidly built. I highly recommend one of these and he gives great guidelines for checking various features to make sure you’re getting the vehicle you want.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks Rod!

[@johnnowakowski4062]

What an education!...

[@SuburbanCamping]

Glad you learned something! I have learned a lot owning my Suburban!

[@the1manshow905]

I'm going to look at an 02 Suburban NEXT week and wish I had you inspecting it for me. You were VERY INTENSE with your check list and looked at things I wouldn't think to look for in a truck that old. My question is, is $10,000 too much for a burban with 152,000 miles on it 🤔?!

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks 1 Man Show. I appreciate your positive comments. Well, I know things are crazy out there in the used car market, but $10K is definitely a tough pill to swallow. I would recommend checking out my 12 common problems video along with this page on my website www.suburbancamping.com/common-repairs. If all the things I list have been repaired or replaced, then it may be worth $10K. Otherwise, I would wait until the used car market cools a bit. Otherwise, your $10K Suburban could be a $12 - $15K Suburban in the near term. I would be happy to take a closer look at it if you send me the link.

[@the1manshow905]

@@SuburbanCamping The 1 Man Show 1 minute ago @Suburban Camping Is there an email I can get, I made a comment & it was removed... I think it's because of the website to where the truck is I had in my comment. 🤔

[@SuburbanCamping]

Sure thing. Here you go: [e-mail]

[@rodrogers6895]

Before you do any other inspection, bring a flexible magnet and use it to check for bodywork in the common rust areas, Such as the lower rear quarter panels and the rocker panels. Make sure you’re not buying a bunch of Bondo that has been painted. 😂

[@SuburbanCamping]

Great point!

[@shanesolar3924]

I would say the lifter tick is definitely something to negotiate over

[@SuburbanCamping]

Yes indeed! Especially having lived with it for a couple years!

[@user-ww9xl1cu5m]

Friend, thanks for sharing. I may buy a 2003 one. The owner said it need change cam sensor. They found this issue 1.5 year ago. Seems that it didn't damage engineer. Do you have any advice? Replacing this should not too tough.

[@SuburbanCamping]

You are welcome. I am not familiar with the cam position sensor issue. I would definitely research that specific issue for a 9th generation Suburban to assure it is not a major issue. I don't believe it normally is, but best to be sure. Let me know what you find out. Sorry I could not be more help on that.

[@user-ww9xl1cu5m]

@@SuburbanCamping Thanks all the same. I read some artical. Different people have different opinions.

[@williamrobinson6680]

I thought we were inspecting Suburban exclusive. This check list can be for any vehicle.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Yes it can!

[@jamesgray4590]

Hey there I am looking for a older suburban. I am getting rid of my 500 a month car payment. I want a older solid suburban. Do you recommend one year over the other. Are these solid even if I buy it with 150,000 miles?

[@SuburbanCamping]

Hello James! I recommend either the 8th (1992 - 1999) or 9th generation (2000-2006) Suburban. There are two main reasons - the fold-flat ability of the second row seats and the simple and reliable engine technology. The engines can easily go 300K+ miles if maintained properly, so 150K is relatively low miles. I bought mine with 167K and I currently have 211K on it. Just keep in mind, you will still need to spend $1K to $2K every year for repairs and maintenance, but that is only a max of four $500 payments as opposed to 12! Good luck with your purchase!

[@jamesgray4590]

@@SuburbanCamping sounds good man I am in the hunt now for one. You said 1k to 2k what kind of maintenance are we talking about? Also I found one but it is lifted but it is a beauty the inside looks brand new! Even the stock radio looks brand new

[@SuburbanCamping]

Hello James. If you check out the 12 Common Problems video that will get you up to speed on what to expect. Also, I document all my repairs on this page at my website: www.suburbancamping.com/common-repairs

[@p.t.archive3020]

“low milage”, nearly IMPOSSIBLE nowadays with how Americans neglect these beautiful history relics! I live in Virginia, and you won’t find many ninth generation Chevrolet Suburbans and Tahoes where I’m from! Still, I would l really like one my favorite color: jet black.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Yes, low miles is something I dream about! Black is good too!

[@p.t.archive3020]

@@SuburbanCamping Yes, it really is. Wish people would get the bigger picture and stop neglecting these types of sport utilities.

[@scoremxcom]

How did you fix the high speed blower fan?

[@SuburbanCamping]

Hello The Duke! I have not fixed it. It still works fine except for speed 5. I know it will go at some point, but I am going to wait until it does as it is a major job removing the dash.

[@JohnJohn-wr1jo]

SC, double check the process on replacing the blower motor. I have a 2005 and had to replace mine a few years back. Simple process took 15 minutes. No need to tear the dash apart. I want to say the part was inexpensive also.

[@SuburbanCamping]

That would be great! Will check into it.

[@aspiceronni4462]

I don't want to be rude sir, but what is this Suburban worth? I am looking at one very similar and it might be "the one". Its got higher miles and it's just a bit rougher but overall I was very pleased with the vehicle. I am only asking because in my area the prices on these big boys vary quite a bit.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Not rude at all Mr. Spiceronni. This channel is all about helping you! I paid $3,800 for my Suburban and I have invested $3,500 into maintenance and repairs.

[@aspiceronni4462]

@@SuburbanCamping Thank you sir. The one I'm looking at is priced at $2750, and my negotiating skills can probably see it down to $2500. So thats just about right on course as far as condition goes compared to yours. I'm willing to live with a few more minor problems, knowing its gonna take some bucks down the road to keep it operational. You sure got yourself a beauty there. To be honest, Suburbans don't come up for sale very often around here. People tend to hang on to them so I think I'm gonna jump on this one while I can. Thanks again for the reply and the great information in this video! 😊

[@randominsights1012]

@@aspiceronni4462 Did you buy it? Consider yourself lucky. Where I am in So Calif, the ‘04 Suburban in this video would fetch $6,000-$8,000 now (Dec 2021). The ones I’ve seen that were priced lower w me had serious problems! Not sure if it’s my location, or inflation has hit the Suburban market 😕

[@aspiceronni4462]

@@randominsights1012 I didn't. I ended up buying a 2001 Tahoe instead. Yeah its shorter but as long as I got 6 feet to lay in I'm alright with that. It has 200k and a lot of repairs done like brakes and brake lines. Along with hubs and wheel bearings. The transmission is in excellent shape and the engine runs strong. 4wd works great as well, which is something a guy needs for winters in Wisconsin. I haven't put any money into a build yet so right now I'm all in at $1500. Not a bad deal if you ask me.

[@YuriDontPlay]

@@randominsights1012 i bought a 02 burban all shot out for 1.6 recently in LA wish me luck

[@hashimgm3451]

اشششكرررر

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks for the comment

[@dymereforeman982]

Is it stock exhaust?

[@SuburbanCamping]

Yes

[@jamesnewsom5899]

What did you end up paying for it?

[@SuburbanCamping]

$3,800

[@MN2_Kevin_Hill_1970]

The rear hatch is aluminum and cannot rust.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks Kevin! Good to know.

[@maurice8824]

Let's get something straight about suburbans of this gen....your not going to get much for 3 or for 4k!around the area I live in to have something that nice is north of 9k....people just don't want to part with these yeats....so figure it out holmes!

[@SuburbanCamping]

Yes, used car prices are way up, but I still see solid Suburbans in that price range, and I would recommend traveling to a market where prices are better than $9K!

[@jefffrayer8238]

Appreciate the comment Maurice. I just bought an '04 Surburban, Z71, 198K in great cond. from private seller. Seller and I share the same great mechanic so had it checked out before buying. Transfer Case has the usual pinhole leak but had plenty of oil in it and being fixed now. Rear Evap was no good so having Evap & heater core replaced. New fuel pump, new oil pick-up tube seal and dash cluster fixed. It came to Mich. from Kansas 4 yrs. ago and just light surface rust. Very clean. Haven't even brought it home yet. Putting lots of money in it but this is even more than I wanted for years. Paid $4,000.

[@tylerkimdura6690]

If it has 24inch rims… don’t buy it lol

[@SuburbanCamping]

Exactly!