97 tahoe question

I am looking at a 97 tahoe but it has high miles, like 107k, was wondering if i should be looking for any special problems that are common, i've noticed all the treads and honestly it is freightening. I really am not sure weather to get into this mess or to get into a 01 Dodge Dakota quad cab mess. any thoughts?

I purchased a 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe with 72,000 miles, and since then I have done the following:

82,000 miles - replaced fuel pump, $450
90,000 miles - replaced radiator tank, $225
94,000 miles - rebuilt transmission, $1800

I know the history of this vehicle, and I use it for pleasure driving, and there has been no abuse whatsoever. I am extremely disappointed in the quality of the vehicle, and internet information reveals that I am not the only owner with these problems. I would definitely be hesitant to purchase another Tahoe at this time.

I bought a '97 Tahoe LT in March of '03. The first week, the retaining ring in the transfer case went out. (Dealer fixed it) Over the next 3 months, I replaced the starter($250 + $125 towing) the fuel pump ($630 + 125 towing) the interior light switch ($65) Wiper switch & motor ($150) and a few other things totaling over $1200. The dealer rebuilt the transmission & 4WD modules during my 3rd month of ownership. (Because I threatened them with legal action. I wouldn't have had a leg to stand on, but they didn't want the bad P.R.) Now - after a whole 12 months of no major repair bills, I have to replace the ball joints & arms. (Estimated by CarX at $585 per side.) I still have another 37 months to pay on this piece of crap, but I'll never buy another one!

Just my 2 cents.

Well I got my 97 LT with 43,000 miles on it in 2000, paid like 19,000 for it. The only thing that has gone wrong with my Tahoe is that I have had is the fuel pump replaced (would love to kick the engineer in the nuts for putting it in the fuel tank) and new rotors and drums....nothing else. Car runs great.
Good luck.
If I had my chance now I would get a 2000 Z71 or newer Denali or like. The new Tahoe’s are to soft, smaller, and look like a Durango.
B.

I'm gonna have to disagree with you guys...

Unless you know the complete history of these vehicles before purchasing them, don't blame Chevrolet. A lot of this stuff is maintenance, or lack of.

Transmissions and radiators don't last forever. Especially if you don't service them.

Fuel pumps will probably have to be replaced every 100k.

Ball joints and front end parts depends on how often you grease them.

I'm not saying that your transfer case or transmission can't go south on you. I'm just saying that I have had very good luck with my vehicles. I am a maintenance freak and OVERSERVICE everything.

We have Suburbans and Tahoes in our Fleet and they get abused pretty bad. But they do hold up.

This of course is only my opinion...

Anytime you buy anything used.You have to expect putting some money into it.Truth of the matter is parts wear out and have to be replaced sometime.Most times when you buy a car from a dealer someone traded it in because it needed work .Most dealerships will try to fix less as possible .The more they spend on parts and labor is less money in there pockets.Therefore they will try to bandaid most situations.It boils down to how the customer will be satisfied.If you go in there and raise hell they will bend over backwards to make you happy but most people wont do that and they take the dealerships word that it is fixed and let the dealer dick them around till there warranty is up .Personally I found that whenever you buy any vehicle with over 100k it is better to get it from a private owner .Most people keep service records and be able to tell you exactly what parts they replaced.Ane dealers mark up prices big time .for instance a 98 tahoe lt with 100k in mint cond from a dealer will cost you well over 8 grand. The same truck from a private owner will be around 5 to 6 grand .That leaves you with 2 grand for fixing the problems that will eventually come out.And not to mention dealers charge 72$ an hour to fix cars .Your local mechanic is much cheaper and in most cases will try to treat you better .When you buy used most dealers will give you a 60-90 day warranty after that your on your own .and dealers will also try to sell you extended warrantys for big money and as most of us here know those warrantys dont cover shit.So that 8 thousand dollar tahoe just went up to 10 thousand with an extended warranty.I am not trying to preach and diss the dealerships but through my own experience I found out the hard way.And I hate to see an honest hard working person get raped by the dealership that was supposed to take care of them.Its a gamble either way but at least with a private owner you can get more info on the car and see how it was maintained .Just don't be afraid to ask questions after all it is your money..But to answer the question my 97 tahoe has 140k on it and it runs awesome because I took care of it .So don't blame chevy for lack of maintanence .Chevrolet does make good products .It's up to you to be a responsible buyer....Just my o2....Good luck

[QUOTE=Pamsdad]I'm gonna have to disagree with you guys...

I bought my Tahoe new in 99. I have had none of these problems you all write about maybe it is because I have a 2wd. I killed my 36,000 mile waranty within 10 months of purchase, I now have over 118k on it and I use it to tow my car trailer too. I did a major tune up at 100k. Changed everything including all the fluids in the whole truck.

Replaced at
90k power steering pump
110k alternator
115k Steering position sensor

1999 Tahoe on 22s

http://pic6.picturetrail.com/VOL176/1467695/3089190/53461081.jpg

tealse

$72 is a bargain. Here in New York it's well over $90.

I've had my share of problems with salesman.

They ALL suck...

I purchased a 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe with 72,000 miles, and since then I have done the following:

82,000 miles - replaced fuel pump, $450
90,000 miles - replaced radiator tank, $225
94,000 miles - rebuilt transmission, $1800

I know the history of this vehicle, and I use it for pleasure driving, and there has been no abuse whatsoever. I am extremely disappointed in the quality of the vehicle, and internet information reveals that I am not the only owner with these problems. I would definitely be hesitant to purchase another Tahoe at this time.


Bout your fuel pump? was it it makin an enoyin sound? and that $450 was that just the part. I just got a 97 2dr 4wd bout 3 weeks ago.