My New $750 Chevy Tahoe!! Trash Or Treasure?

Found this tahoe on craigslist listed for $1100. Talked with the seller and ended up paying $750, then tow it home! Is it junk? Let's find out. Its a 2002 chevrolet tahoe ls with 4x4, the 5.3 V8 and 4l60e.

[@many-points]

Dude, great find. The engine is worth over $750 alone. You live my dream life of buying and selling cars. I am currently banned from craiglist by my wife so I am living vicariously through you.

[@rickymcdicky1469]

Time to find a new wife!

[@noname-wo8zp]

​@@rickymcdicky1469You don't know that. He might not know what he's doing.

[@noelcobb7205]

Your personality is really starting to shine through the camera more and more. We love it!

[@hunterwahl6245]

I love the truck

[@hx.925]

Treasure. You could easily list this off 2k, with a bit of tlc.

[@ronmclean6778]

A cool trick is when you have the gauge cluster rebuilt, a lot of those shops can add the trans temp gauge out of the 2500's and 3500's. The truck already has the sensor, can be accessed through OBDII, just doesnt have the actual gauge on the half tons.

[@calebsmith9497]

that could come in handy, im always wondering my trans temp on a half ton, might have to do that

[@Chuck_Norris10]

You can’t just add the motor, needle, and gauge face though, you have to program it in to the dash cluster with a tech 2, other than that its super easy, ive added trans temp gauges to all my 99-07 gm trucks that didn’t come with one

[@85square]

You know it's a good day when Rural Vermonter uploads! my truck is an 06 and still has the original battery, too bad the battery in the Tahoe was dead because those ole interstates last a hell of a lot longer than new batteries.

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

good lord thats gotta be one of the oldest batteries on the road!!! what brand lol

[@STREETRACEN4U]

I had a 99 taurus with an interstate battery, i used to let that cars set for months in negative temps with snow ontop of the car taller than the car and it would always start first try-!!! I have no clue how old the battery was but i know it was old

[@STREETRACEN4U]

@@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182 i bought a 03 hyundai one time that still had the original hyundai battery from 03😂 we swapped thealternator and battery though that stuff was no bueno🤣🤭i wonder why lol

[@WildBill236]

@@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182 Still have an Autocraft battery from 2003 in our 77 Malibu, think its from Advance. But this car only sees 200 miles or so a year, and does sit 6 months over winter, never disconnected, never put on trickle.

[@thagerdorn2009]

SnapOff I guarantee it's not the original battery. An 06 Tahoe will NOT go over 14 years with an original battery. I've been in the automotive industry for many years. You can buy an AC Delco battery at the dealer. Sorry to burst your bubble, but thats just something thats not possible.

[@codecamo1688]

Your videos are so underrated! I love your stuff man, always so excited when I see a new post!

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

thanks!!

[@cinrambrad]

Where I live for 750 dollars you can't even sniff the seats for that amount...... and air costs 1.75 everywhere......

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

Haha 😄

[@JohnSmith-gq9gn]

Shoot....I can't even pay for air in my big city. All the tweekers steal the air valve off the air hose so it's not even usable. WTF are they doing that for?

[@codyshearer7626]

@@JohnSmith-gq9gn to sell on ebay

[@JohnSmith-gq9gn]

I just bought a portable air compressor pump for $30.00 on Amazon. Now I can get as much air as I need anywhere I want for free. Screw those tweekers and the stations charging for air.

[@Valdemar-Perez-III]

You live in California or what lol

[@Dsdcain]

If you can make the 4 wheel drive work again you've got yourself a heck of a deal for $750. Considering it's a New England vehicle it's not too rusty TBH. 👍 Take it easy man. 😎

[@n1ksf]

Damn good deal!

[@BinkieJarret]

That power steering impression at 9:27 is funny as hell, the abruptness had me chuckling. Also my cousins love and stand by these trucks.

[@Robert-to9zv]

Another great video. A real nail-biter watching the unit traverse the snow. Many vehicle unknowns yet. Cheers!

[@matthewbrosseau3730]

Got a 2003 Chevy Tahoe for $700 ,with 4 brand new tires and battery less than a year old. Little rust 5.3 LT loaded 293k runs awesome.

[@connorszymkowicz1520]

gotta love old chevy's

[@ryandiesel7149]

9:28 Harley Davidson sound effects

[@losbanos999]

That's a steal. These rigs drive forever and ever. We have a 2003 GMC Yukon...with 233k miles. It does not burn nor leak oil. We will keep it forever.

[@johnswanson3741]

I learned long ago that old bowtie trucks have a very high chance of being money pits. They are not made to last.

[@chopfather2730]

I got a 2000 tahoe with 283,000 original engine and trans! Lov e it!!

[@grahamkyle7465]

I use to have one of those pop the range selector (4x4) buttons out jiggle the harness going through dash and you’ll see the small red light turn back on if not theres a ground wire directly under the driver door on the frame clean with sand paper or grinder good luck

[@lucioa6994]

Hey man! Just saw this in my recommended I have an ‘02 Tahoe and has 249,000 miles and it still runs like a dream!! Enjoy it!

[@andrewmarshall1142]

I got my 04 Tahoe for $800, ran and drove perfect! Just needed a knock sensor and a recharge on the AC!

[@taylorgray5359]

That’s a super cool truck!!! I think I might know the girl your talking about lol 😉🤣 my Tahoe will have 330,000 miles on it sometime in the next couple days!!! Thank you so much it means so much to me that you mentioned it!!!!! I bought my Tahoe for $750 almost 3 years ago lol

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

Haha you are welcome!

[@STREETRACEN4U]

Heck yeah, i always wanted one of these but the z71 edition fully loaded, il get one eventually! 750 is a great deal!!

[@EvanT1995]

I had a 2018 silverado 1500 with the 5.3 pulled about 13k lb skid steer and trailer 2 hours up north with no issues with one part going over a bridge at a pretty steep grade. No issues. Your truck can do anything

[@jameshackman761]

I love the early GMT 800 Tahoes! I’d love to get one for that cheap.

[@tarekmakky2804]

My 02 burb with stock running gear just crossed 325,000 miles today. Best vehicle I’ve ever owned.

[@matthewanderson7766]

Probably going to need a wheel bearing to fix abs really good deal you got there

[@TheMW2informer]

Those were made in my hometown! I want one to bring back to its hometown so badly.

[@mrwashur1991]

The only problem with any vehicle in VT is the salt. Might as well move to the coast with how long a car lasts in the salt belt. I moved to Oregon and the difference is insane. I can buy 30 yr old chevys and there’s not a spot of rust. I love it.

[@savetheminnows39]

i own a 1996 chevy tahoe did most of the mechanical work on it myself and it runs great,

[@ronaldgartner3700]

I have a 01 suburban same color. 23,375 miles. 5.3. Rust but trusty. I think you got a steal

[@fcm2790]

These gm are greattgg!! Only prob rocker panel rust and underbody.. will crumble like crumbs

[@rustyramblings5807]

I have been enjoying your videos.I have bought a lot of cars over the years,many non running,so I enjoy watching you retrieve the vehicles.I can’t believe the deals you get.I can’t imagine a Tahoe like that here for under $4k,maybe $5.But we don’t have much problems with rust . My only suggestion for you is a electric winch for the trailer in case a car doesn’t run.Thanks for the great videos.

[@jameshackman5345]

I love this generation of Tahoe!😊

[@jimmyjudefilms4757]

this is my favorite generation of Tahoe/suburban I really want a 2000-2006 z71 suburban some day.

[@Mixwell1983]

The 2015 silverdo and years after before the redesign look soo much better.. Im a Ford guy anyways but your year silverado looks nice. If i were to get a new chevy id go with the GMC as there front end looks better.

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

Agree

[@jasonp410]

Amazing find man. They don't make em like they used to do they. Cheers!

[@freestang6662]

Looks like another good score to me. An old Chevy with a decent headliner is pretty rare, LOL!

[@pi1797]

Nice Tahoe.. For interior carpets on my cars. A little Simple Green mixed with hot water and a scrub brush will take care of most any carpet stains. Just a thought..

[@lyleperry9824]

Great shape for almost 20 yrs old. Easy profit $!

[@resurrectionmotors2421]

Man that's a really clean Tahoe

[@trailfinder932]

I had the same Tahoe paid 1200 for it and put 40000 miles on it well worth it pulled a 2 sled trailer up to nek many times.i have a new ram and love it

[@ethanmycke2185]

On that service 4wd light. I would check the fuse boxes to see if there’s a blown fuse because I have a 2001 Chevy Silverado 1500 and when I replaced my transfer case the service 4 x 4 light came on and we took it to go get a diagnostic check and it turned out it’s just a blown fuse

[@Kingjvy_88]

Was driving down the highway in my 02 tahoe lt , realized she had 281k miles....guess i haven't been keeping up with mileage....she purrs and runs strong regardless of miles!

[@buddyrevell6369]

I had the cluster on my 04 rebuilt for $50. They offered odometer reprogramming as well. I think you did well on that one, should go quick.

[@blackshirt5530]

Where did u have the cluster rebuilt for $50?

[@craigh6129]

dude you are always finding the best deals!!

[@deadcalifornia]

I purchased a 93 Silverado about a week ago for 800 dollars from a drug addict, who was down bad for money. Put a new starter in, brakes, shocks, and oil change and now I’ve got a decent running OBS with the 350 v8, with 210K. I’ve only put about 1000 bucks into this project. a true blessing to have.

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

well done, hopefully the addict can use the money for good but doubtful.

[@deadcalifornia]

@@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182 sadly, I think we both know where that money went 😆😆

[@johnswanson3741]

Support the down trodden...... NOT, lol

[@waiting4aliens]

For loading a HF come along is a godsend. Get the 4 ton for less than 40 bucks.

[@dakotasimpson1883]

Just rolled over 372,000 on my 02 z71

[@mikedegregorio9113]

In Vermont, they rust out too quick. U would have to put on 50000 a year to reach 372,000 before the rust does it in.

[@dakotasimpson1883]

@@mikedegregorio9113 I'm in upstate NY. Only seen 5 winters. Truck spent 15 years in Colorado. No salt in winter.

[@sammolloy1]

In 2001 or 2 I took my used 99 S-10 in for a pinion seal under warranty and I was sitting in some like this. I really liked them and still do. Oh and yes I checked the 90W in the S-10. Level with the pinion seal as in, they did not fill it back up. Chevy dealer.

[@dcpoolsvc]

Not bad at all for $750. I’ve thought about getting one of these for some time and I enjoy seeing videos like this.

[@Guillotines_For_Globalists]

That's another $6000 truck. Amazing deal.

[@jasonjgr8580]

Blaine bugaski there is no way that truck is worth 6000 dollars, maybe 3000 dollars on a good day.

[@Leatherkid01]

My brother had 1 (i picked it) and i had a 2003 suburban...... i dont regret it

[@Blue04Z71]

Encoder motor on the t case. Easy swap. Make sure you get 99-02. 03-06 is different.

[@mudder517]

My 02 had service 4x4 light and no 4x4 lights worked. Same thing. it was the ATC fuse under the hood.

[@southernfarmtech]

Treasure. My favorite generation. I would take that over a new one any day.

[@ashtonbt1672]

I had an 01 Tahoe and my Servise 4wd like kept coming on and it would get stuck in 4wd. If you take the front dash cover off, remove the vent and 4wd buttons there will be a silver box. That is the 4wd module, unplug it wait like 5 minutes then plug it back I then it should work. Hope this helps!

[@dogbyte555]

Beautiful truck. I have 2 of them, a 2001, and a 2002. Not to mention a 2001 Silverado.

[@randyburke4444]

That truck comes with a HD auxiliary transmission cooler running 194 -210 is normal temperature especially towing heavy depends on the gear ratio you can pull up to 11,000 lbs

[@LSswapGarage1]

Your 2015 has a thermostat in the cooler line block where it bolts to the side of the trans. That's why they run so hot as GM wants them too for fuel economy reasons. You can bypass that thermostat and drop the trans temp considerably. The 6L80e never had this thermostat stuff until the 2014 body change so it's not going to harm it not having it lol.... and none of the HD 6L90e's have it either. If you have no auxiliary cooler whatsoever then you should add one but if you don't touch that thermostat don't expect much in the way of fluid temperature change as it won't flow to the cooler anyway.

[@MC-kb9vt]

The Silverado is such a beautiful truck, you should go on a road trip with it

[@stevenramsie3055]

Chevy- built like a rock

[@keeganhoward5850]

I just bought one for $400 and it was the best thing I’ve ever done in my life. Those things are made for Vermont

[@vicarod]

These are really nice SUV'S considering their GMT800 underpinnings. Sadly they don't bring as much money down here as a GMT800 pickup does... Nice 2015 standard bed crew cab!

[@fortitudegarage8956]

Great Video as usual! Can't wait to see a video on the '15 Silverado!! Keep up the Great Work!!

[@joeyh7796]

“the three chevs lined up”👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻 yes sir all minty over here no fords allowed

[@iBonnieYT]

I like those old GM cars and trucks Who else agrees ? Who remember Oldsmobile or Pontiac?

[@jackrobb1609]

Please do not read this is negative tone of voice, I am not trying to talk down to you by any means. I just wanted to share my thoughts in the hopes to improve the channel. First the videos feel rather random, jumping between cuts and no real flow. I would be a great benefit to plan out the video out first and thus help us go through the video with a more solid story. Second, when you are driving we are here to see you and the things you are working on. I would invest in a DJI or GoPro and then mount it on the windshield pointed at you while you drive. This can also be a good time to tell us more in detail about what car/truck are you working on and why. Third, please get a external light source so that when you are working in dark conditions you can light that puppy and we can see what you are working on. Finally please do not read this in me trying talk down or be mean. I am a happy subscriber, and more than anything thankful for the fun videos you are making. Super lastly, I would like to see a 3 or 5 part series on making the RV mint, bringing it back to full life and fixing everything top to bottom. Not many YT-ers are doing RV restos. Thank you again for all you have done.

[@kingjlinza]

That Tahoe is really nice. Shoot, I’d drive one of those.

[@MrDrHouse]

Unless you have the money for gas, lol

[@stephenh5166]

That rust spot is in the exact same spot as the only rust on my '03 yukon xl. These GMT-800 trucks were the last that could easily go 300k+ on a regular basis. The cylinder deactivation seems to kill a lot of the newer trucks too soon. Also your buddy Jeb has a real nice 'burb.

[@ronmclean6778]

Couldn't agree more, I have an 06 silverado. No cylinder deactivation, no traction control, no tpms sensors. They were the last of the good ones

[@robs1852]

The rockers always seem to start rusting there, under the back door. Water must sit inside there and rust from the inside out

[@jakemason9436]

Thanks. Can't wait for part 2 repairs.

[@JoeBidenIsNotMyPresident]

If I am not mistaken those gauge clusters don't save the mileage. Mileage is saved in the Body Control Module. I had to work on a 03 Caviler that I changed the BCM in it before. The mileage went to 000000 after I changed that.

[@Swatsrus]

You should get a engine oil pad heater and test out how well they work in extreme cold.. kinda like old school cold starts

[@harkin3684]

The 4wd problems could be cause by the hubs not engaging. They have grease in them that goes bad if you don't use them often enough.

[@tooolboxx]

Don't toss that Interstate battery before you test it. Your battery cable had some acid build up; doesn't take much on an older battery to keep them from cranking. Pour some Coke on that acid next time. Also, if you plan on driving to places to pick up vehicles, invest in one of the new battery pack jumpers. Mine has been a big help in starting several cars in the neighborhood. No messing with another car and jumper cables. I hope that ABS light is due to the tires and not the sensor in the hub. I just replaced both hubs; one for a bad bearing and the other for a bad sensor. If you notice your front brakes slipping in turns, it's probably the sensor. All in all, looks like a good buy. The rockers were probably saved from rotting out due to the running boards. Good luck!

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

Thanks! Appreciate all the tips. Definitely need to invest in a jumper pack

[@BobPegram]

Do a good detail on the interior. The buyer might even believe the odometer if you do. 8-)) Fix that broken passenger vent too.

[@dennism1344]

I had one the same year with 225 they ride good I just let it sit for a year also and it started cutting off so I sold it and told the person what was wrong with

[@cbro6535]

More then likely you are correct about the 4x4 actuator on the Tahoe. I’ve had a 2000 Chevy Silverado 5.3 v8 z71 4x4 and so did my buddy in high school and he’s had the 4x4 actuator issue. I’d buy another 99-06 Silverado or GM truck any day! Right now I cruise around in a 10 Silverado with 207k 😂😂😂 my 2000 was rusted to all hell and back and was getting unsafe to drive 😢

[@rockymountainjazzfan1822]

Yep, same thing happened on my old '96 GMC 1500 4WD. It's a common failure in a lot of the GM 4WD's of that era.

[@Damage-Case13]

Sweet find. I had a Tahoe with over 300000 miles on it. The rear of the frame was roached from rust but everything else was still running strong. Damn New York winters. What ever happened to that yellow VW Beetle you fixed up ?

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

Thanks. Sold the vw last year, was a fun car while i had it but the frame was too rusty for it to be a safe driver

[@175south]

Awesome find ❤

[@dogsandguns2625]

It's galvanized steel. They don't rust. Just something I'm pointing out on the video

[@masonburhoe2559]

My dad had an 04 yukon denali with 350,000. Everything was original, body rotted out before 400k

[@salgonzalez908]

I think you got a deal. Here in New York it can be 4 tires and a running engine no less then 1k. Completely rusted out lol 😂

[@cappaculla]

Great truck and good luck with the sale

[@TVCColin]

My guess is it needs the transfer case actuator motor. I replace them all the time on these and Trail Blazers at work.

[@TVCColin]

Also try pulling the ATC fuse under the hood.

[@amrakx1]

Are you happy to be back home and back to your routine? Is there a part of you that kinda misses the open road travel adventure?

[@koltonlemaster9254]

It is probably the 4wd module my truck had the same problem

[@rob3389]

Been yanking my 7k lb boat around with my 2018 silverado, does well enough

[@bobber22]

Looks like you got a good one this time! Congrats

[@MrPland1992]

Good deal but strip it for parts. I buy these all day for $750. Pull the engine and trans you can get $1500 for it. Both cats are worth $350. Rear end $200. Aluminum driveshaft $150. Front clip $400. Rear bumper $50. Wheels and tires like $150. I list the rest for $50 so I don’t have to deal with hauling it off. It’s not worth fixing up to sell, worth way more in parts and the parts sell way quicker. I listed my super clean 150k mile Tahoe for $1800 and no buyers after 3 months. Sold the engine and trans with a standalone harness for $2500 and the roller for $1200 the next day after listing it. I don’t understand it but whatever. Money is money.

[@triviace]

You should give some buying tips to Tyler Hoover of Hoovies Garage fame,you could save him some money!

[@fierce1894]

got my 03 tahoe today, traded my 01 wr250f and a Remington 700. only had $1400 into the bike and $300 into the gun😂

[@RyRyWags]

You could spend some money on a professional detail, cause of he carpets, but probably not the best return on investment if you want a quick sale.

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

im gonna do that at some point to one of my projects, but probably not to this tahoe

[@ANWATZ1333]

Invest in a jump pack a lot better then jumping with cables

[@jaysonburns4423]

What a steal...I would put all.new tires on that tahoe new wi shield...all new brakes plus wires pile change trans flush

[@buck43201]

Wow, you are like the Chevy Whisperer. That is another great deal, that you will turn a huge profit on. Do you have a dealer's license? Here in Ohio, you are only allowed to sell 8 cars a year, as personal owner.

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

I applied for one. We'll see in a few months!

[@garyerfourth3637]

I have a 98 GMC yukon with 346,000 miles I got it from my dad in I'm only 16 so hick ya she drives great

[@richammerle]

Looks like another good purchase....just hope the 4x4 is an easy fix???!!!!

[@MrEddieWoods]

Heck yeah you got a steal on that truck.

[@zachtravers]

I don't think I've seen one of these around here in MA that you can't see through the rockers.

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

Lol its rare

[@sammolloy1]

A dealer here had a white Escalade with the same hole. They wanted $12K

[@organiccold]

You made it again. Nice buy.

[@gregsmith4817]

A couple of cans of POR-15 for the frame?