Sold the 4runner, shopping for a 'Burb or XL

[Martinjmpr]

Well, I did it - sold the 4runner on Tuesday.
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And now I seem to have a hard time finding a Burb or XL with what I'm looking for. Must have seen a dozen of them over the past few months but now, they're as rare as hens teeth.
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So if anyone in the Denver or CO Front Range area knows of an '04-'06 suburban for sale let me know. Looking for an 04-06 with <150k, leather seats and no sunroof, and the final stipulation is that it can't be black or dark blue. Otherwise I'm open. Yukon XL would also be acceptable as long as it's not a Denali (Denalis have the 6.0 and AWD single speed T-case.
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Been looking at CL, Autotrader, Cars.com, carsforsale.com and carsdirect.com. Is there anywhere else I should be looking?

 

[ExplorerTom]

Have you checked other markets? I know a guy who saved thousands by buying a used Land Rover from Dallas and drove it back. Buying a 4wd in an area that doesn't need 4wd usually means it doesn't have that 4wd premium attached to it like trucks around here.

 

[justcuz]

I'll second what Tom said, especially in Texas.
Texas used to be the largest market for Suburbans for years, probably still plenty sold down there.

 

[geo.greg]

selling my 2500 burb was the biggest mistake ive made. still wish i had it back 3 years later.

 

[Martinjmpr]

selling my 2500 burb was the biggest mistake ive made. still wish i had it back 3 years later.

View attachment 319616View attachment 319615

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There are a few 2500s for sale in my area but I think it would really be overkill for me. Still if they're in my price and mileage range I'll take a look. If I understand correctly the 2500 has a more stout transmission in addition to 3/4 ton running gear.

 

[njtacoma]

leaf springs in the rear instead of coils I believe on the 2500s vs 1500s

There are a few black 2500s I've seen on CL. one of them didn't have rear air either, whew that would be hot!

 

[justcuz]

Correct, 2500 will have rear leaf springs, bigger rear axle, bigger front differential, heavier suspension and the bigger 4L80E transmission. Generally the 3/4 tons will come with the 3.73 or 4.10 axle ratios and bigger engines too.
If the Suburban will not be used as a daily driver, even a big block is not a bad buy. Brakes may be bigger and GVW is going to be much higher and better for towing.
2500's are not as popular for resale as 1500's are, but they are good vehicles. I would not hesitate to purchase one if it is clean and well maintained.

 

[POS]

And all that stuff makes for a more reliable truck. They also come with much larger gas tanks.

 

[Martinjmpr]

The gas tank size is the most appealing thing about the 2500. 37 gallons! On the down side the 2500s seem to be rather stripped down compared to the 1500s.


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[Martinjmpr]

2500 on CL today. Low miles, low price and it's in my favorite color (green.)
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So why am I not running out to get it? Well, don't hate me but....it's the motor. It has the 8.1.
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No way do I need 500 cubic inches to pull my little one-ton trailer.
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I know, I know: #ExpoProblems. :sombrero:
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EDITED TO ADD: Unless one of you HP junkies can talk me into it. What is the real world difference between the 5.3, 6.0 and 8.1 in terms of MPG? I'm assuming it's somewhere between "Terrible" and "are you KIDDING me?" But I thought I'd ask.

 

[Martinjmpr]

May look at an Avalanche today, too, if I can get the seller to get back in touch with me.
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Otherwise I'll prowl the dealers' lots here in town...

 

[zigsrig]

Late to the party.. sorry.

my thoughts on the 8.1 vs. the 6.0 in the 2500 burbs is this.. GO WITH THE 8.1!

My current daily driver is a 2005 2500 withs he 8.1, and I love it. Yea, gas milage is not good. But neither is the milage in any large SUV. Plus, the 8.1 just cruises on the highway. Going over i-70 is NO PROBLEM at all... even with my 8000# trailer behind it.

Just for the heavy-duty-ness of it, id stick with a 2500 burb over the 1500...

If you find one thats been taken care of, it will run forever. Mine currently has a little over 250k on it, and it still runs as good as the day I got it years and years ago.

Since we are both in denver, let me know if you want to drive one with the 8.1, id be more than happy to let you take mine for a spin.

ZIG

 

[RoyJ]

So why am I not running out to get it? Well, don't hate me but....it's the motor. It has the 8.1.
.
No way do I need 500 cubic inches to pull my little one-ton trailer.
.
I know, I know: #ExpoProblems. :sombrero:
.
EDITED TO ADD: Unless one of you HP junkies can talk me into it. What is the real world difference between the 5.3, 6.0 and 8.1 in terms of MPG? I'm assuming it's somewhere between "Terrible" and "are you KIDDING me?" But I thought I'd ask.

You couldn't GIVE me a 6.0 in the GMT 800 3/4 ton Burbs! I'd gladly pay extra for the big block. The only 6L I'd consider is a post-08 GMT 900, with the 6L90, which the small block desperately needs.

Mileage depends on application - it's unfair to compare the 5.3 because it's in a much lighter chassis. Between the 6.0 and 8.1, you're looking at maybe 15% difference in mpg - 13 mpg in town vs 11. On the highway, if you drive like a big truck (65 mph instead of 75), you're looking at something like 17 vs 16 mpg. Try driving 75 and you'll be down to 13...

Like many others, I'd highly recommend the 2500. The 1500 is a big tall wagon; it'll go off road but nothing special. The 2500 IMHO is truly up there among the world class overland platforms in terms of chassis strength, axle and payload capacity. It's every bit as heavy duty, if not more so, than G-wagens, Defenders, and LCs. The only other American vehicles in that class is the Excursion and Power Wagon.

 

[ExplorerTom]

Here's some real world numbers from Fuelly
http://www.fuelly.com/car/chevrolet/suburban_2500?engineconfig_id=64&bodytype_id=&submodel_id=

 

[legendaryandrew]

+1 for the Suburban/XL with the 8.1. I love mine. It drives great, but does suck gas. My 'burb is lifted 6" on 35" toyo MT's, magnaflow exhaust and a blackbear (I recommend) tuned. The tune really wakes it up. As for gas mileage, well.... In the city driving to work and back about 2mi each way, I get 8mpg. Freeway I get 14. .373 gears too, so not ideal. Beyond that, it has more than enough power to do anything, and its been super reliable.