97, 98 Suburban owners, please chime in

[JoeJoe231455]

Hey folks,

I'm thinking about trading in my 01 Grand Prix for a 97 or 98 Suburban with fairly low mileage. If you own one could you give me feedback on its current mileage and how reliable it has been? Is there anything specific I should look out for when shopping around for one?

[Old Dave]

My wife and I bought a 97 GMC Suburban K1500 w/Vortec 350 last fall and it's been a great vehicle so far. It had 89K on it when we bought it and we've put about another 10K on it. It gets about 16.5-17 MPG on the highway and about 11 around town. It drives and rides like a dream and has every bell and whistle on it. GM has some transmission problems with these years so that's something to watch for. Usually at 80K and above they need a new transmission. (mine was replaced a year before we got it)

Good Luck

[praisethelowered]

I have a 99 sub (same as the 97 and 98) and love it. I've only had it for 2 months, but it's the best vehicle I've ever owned. The only downside is the gas mileage, but it's a small price to pay for the comfort and convinience it offers, especially carying 2 adults and 4 kids. The only problem you're going to have is finding a low milage sub. Mine had 60k when I bought it, but most I looked at from that year had 100k.

[ladytex70]

I own a 98 Burb and love it! The only problem I have had with mine was a bad transfer case, but due to hubby's wisdom in purchasing a warrenty, it was replaced by our dealer at a minimum cost. The gas mileage does suck, but with gas prices stabilized in my area, it isn't a big deal to fill my monster up. With having 2 kids, well 3 if you include the hubby...we will have plenty of space to spread out on our upcoming trek across country in October.

[010175]

I have a 1999 sububran bought new and now has 130,000 with just small problem. Replaced headlght switch, altnoter

[010175]

I have a 1999 Suburban 4x4 bought new and now has 130,000 with just small problems, replaced headlight switch, alternator, and wiper controller. The most expensive was a head gasket for $800. The car is so nice riding and safe that I just bought a used 2 door Tahoe that has been well care for and garaged with 160,000 miles. I am planning on just rebuilding them as need. I have not found another car that I like more. They have transmission problem and cost $1,800 or so to fix but both mine are still working well nock on wood. Dave

[Ketch]

have a 1999 Suburban since new, about 61K miles so far. Love the space and drivability. Great for long trips to the coast and have hauled lots of stuff from the homecenter. Great for kid tranport. BUT,, have had problems with this vehicle that really should make GM ashamed for what Dad used to call "Gerry-bilt" engineering.



Outside Mirrors vibrated to point of not being usable. Replace under warranty

Original AC Delco Batter exploded. Got new one under warranty. 2nd failed after 6 months. Bought a Die-hard 4 years ago. NO problem.

The water pump failed at 30K - out of warranty

Eats tires no matter how much or how well it is aligned.

Intake manifold leaked and repaired around 50K miles

Heater quick connect fitting failed around 54K miles

A/C high side valve failed and spewed freon into the atmosphere.

Rear pass window motor problem currently in process for troubleshooting

Other than those, she runs great!

[Ketch]

also, 1999 suburban is really a 1998 as they started calling the 98's "1999 models" until the new body style was introduced in fall 1999 as a 2000 model. So when you look up 1998 don't dismiss 1999's as well. So this 1999 I'm talking about is the older body style, 5.7l engine

The new body style for the 1999 Silverado was held back for one year. I'm hoping 2005 Suburban's front end will catch up with current styling of Silverado.