jalbrecht55
Member
I'm really curious too (gmt400 vs 800 vs 900).
I grew up with a GMT400 (93 Chevy, z71, std cab short box, 5.7, nv3500). I helped convince my dad to buy it (for the family) new when I was 16. While it was "his", I drove/maintained it until it basically fell apart into a sad sad shell of its original self over the period of 15 years and 120k. I bought almost the same thing, brand new in my 2002 chevy, std cab, short box, 4.8, nv3500, 4x4 etc. My gmt800 has been absolutely stellar. After 14 years and 140k the only problems I've had are with the steering shaft, both window regulators (cables failed) and the ABS controller. Otherwise it still feels like a new truck!
I can't think of one thing better on the older package. The controls are improved, (better brakes, shorter and lighter clutch, tighter less truck like shifting, less drivetrain backlash/slop, and the wipers even turn off without an extra swipe-hah!) better ergonomics (easier to reach controls, especially the stereo location), it's quieter, smoother riding, lighter, gets better mileage, has way, way more power and feels so much tighter (in particular the doors, windows and hood) and less clunky overall.
In college we had the honor of tearing apart a brand new 2000yr Sububan for our hybrid vehicle project. As we tore into it I really was impressed at the improvements over our GMT400. The fit and design of the fenders, chassis, body components seemed like an upgrade, it all seemed to fit better and to be of a higher quality to me. Hard to pinpoint why but it just felt like they cared a lot more when they designed this gen truck. We had an engineer from GM pointing out all the things they did to shave weight and as we went though everything it impressed me enough that my first/only new car I've ever bought is my GMT800 Chevy pickup.
Funny side note, we got the suburban with 1000 miles on it. I checked the hour meter and it said "11.x"!!
I guess my mind is already made up! But I am very curious in your thoughts being more of a GM insider, a fellow GMT800 owner and especially how they apply to the GMT900. I really am thinking about a GMT900 Tahoe, my only hold up is that I can't wrap my head around owning a car with an automatic..... But if I have to drive an auto, the six speed seems like a massive upgrade; and they are newer so it's easier to find one that meets my needs/quality expectations.
The things I've noticed in test driving is the the interior looks better, but feels cheaper. The seats feel cheaper (especially the cloth ones). The manual climate control temp knobs are annoying. The auto climate seems ok. Wood trim looks cheap, when equipped. They have a poorer rocker panel/ lower door design. Rear seat design kinda stinks in that it's rediculous that there isn't room to sleep in the back of a Tahoe... And that's about the only negatives I found. Oh and it's really hard to find one with the tow package/low range/coolers/lower gears etc. I can't fathom how a person would not check the box and pay $250 more for that.
I grew up with a GMT400 (93 Chevy, z71, std cab short box, 5.7, nv3500). I helped convince my dad to buy it (for the family) new when I was 16. While it was "his", I drove/maintained it until it basically fell apart into a sad sad shell of its original self over the period of 15 years and 120k. I bought almost the same thing, brand new in my 2002 chevy, std cab, short box, 4.8, nv3500, 4x4 etc. My gmt800 has been absolutely stellar. After 14 years and 140k the only problems I've had are with the steering shaft, both window regulators (cables failed) and the ABS controller. Otherwise it still feels like a new truck!
I can't think of one thing better on the older package. The controls are improved, (better brakes, shorter and lighter clutch, tighter less truck like shifting, less drivetrain backlash/slop, and the wipers even turn off without an extra swipe-hah!) better ergonomics (easier to reach controls, especially the stereo location), it's quieter, smoother riding, lighter, gets better mileage, has way, way more power and feels so much tighter (in particular the doors, windows and hood) and less clunky overall.
In college we had the honor of tearing apart a brand new 2000yr Sububan for our hybrid vehicle project. As we tore into it I really was impressed at the improvements over our GMT400. The fit and design of the fenders, chassis, body components seemed like an upgrade, it all seemed to fit better and to be of a higher quality to me. Hard to pinpoint why but it just felt like they cared a lot more when they designed this gen truck. We had an engineer from GM pointing out all the things they did to shave weight and as we went though everything it impressed me enough that my first/only new car I've ever bought is my GMT800 Chevy pickup.
Funny side note, we got the suburban with 1000 miles on it. I checked the hour meter and it said "11.x"!!
I guess my mind is already made up! But I am very curious in your thoughts being more of a GM insider, a fellow GMT800 owner and especially how they apply to the GMT900. I really am thinking about a GMT900 Tahoe, my only hold up is that I can't wrap my head around owning a car with an automatic..... But if I have to drive an auto, the six speed seems like a massive upgrade; and they are newer so it's easier to find one that meets my needs/quality expectations.
The things I've noticed in test driving is the the interior looks better, but feels cheaper. The seats feel cheaper (especially the cloth ones). The manual climate control temp knobs are annoying. The auto climate seems ok. Wood trim looks cheap, when equipped. They have a poorer rocker panel/ lower door design. Rear seat design kinda stinks in that it's rediculous that there isn't room to sleep in the back of a Tahoe... And that's about the only negatives I found. Oh and it's really hard to find one with the tow package/low range/coolers/lower gears etc. I can't fathom how a person would not check the box and pay $250 more for that.
