Rob, I'd pass on that one. Way too many "ifs". Let a mechanic buy it.

96.5-99 were relatively unchanged. 96 has only a driver's side air bag. 97 and up have driver and passenger.

If you decide to go with one, get the 96.5 or newer. The 96.5 introduced the Vortec heads and a much better injection system.

I bought a '97 model new and still have it. Don't worry too much about the surface rust on the frame rails; mine has had some just about since it was new.

At 55k miles I had to replace an alternator. At 85k miles the starter. At 100k miles the lower intake gasket. That's it and I'm at 120k miles now. Still get about 14mpg in town and 17 on the highway but only 11-12 pulling a 20' runabout.

Have had good luck with mine. There were some problems with the '98 models (brakes among other things) but I think they sorted 'em out in '99.

No planes on using it to tow,The 03 dually can do that,no family just a bunch of free loaders:rolleyes:They said my beer taste better that theirs.Main thing I'm trying to keep the miles off the dually.need The room for caring parts etc stuff for boats and my cars.Like if I received a outdrive while at work, I would have to wait to the next day and drive the truck to carrie the drive /stuff home.Thanks for the input:D


I figured my fuel bill for 07 on my Caddy 21.5mpg vs a Suburban at 15mpg ,it would equal to $1000.00 more a year

I've had two drives in the back of a Mazda 626. Getting them in there is EASY compared to getting them out. :D

I would try to find a lower milleage version. Or at least 4x4 so that way its still worth something when you go to sell. That is after you sink loads of money into it.

We still have our 99, since its worth more to us than to sell. I only had to do a few things: New engine, trans, rear, steering components (twice), ball joints, shocks, fuel injectors, ac repair, three way cat system (forgot you'll have to change that too), door locks all freeze up.

Engine was rare..lost a valve...So I build a new one. But the other stuff is common. They were great trucks, unfortunately they need some work with miles.

We have had a 93 to 120 K miles, 95 to 110 K miles and sold to friend who has 158 K on it, 99 to 105 K miles, 03 to 105 K miles, and still drive an 05 with 105 K miles. they were all 3/4 ton, 4X4, big block trucks. Very little trouble over all. The new ones just got better.

i dont know much, but 4500 bucks still seems good.

if you are looking for a 1999 i would look for a 6.5 diesel decent on gas and good for towing

Strip, I think 15mpg is optomistic. I replaced my motor at 147,000. Needed a lot of work when I got rid of it. And I cared for it well. Regular maintenance etc. Have you considered an s-10 with 4.3 v6? Just to tool around and have a little room to haul things, that's what I'd do....And make the free loaders ride in back, they can hand you beverages around the post.:evilb:

I have a 99 Tahoe 4x4 that I've had since new. It's been a great truck.
Now has 114k on it and have had almost no issues other than normal maintenance. Depends on what your using it for, but can be a great vehicle. Only thing negative are the brakes (don't feel very strong).

Wouldn't plan on towing much weight with it. Mine with the 3.73:1 limited slip rear and towing package is rated for 7000lbs. Same year suburban with standard rear is probably rated around 6000-6500.

I plan on keeping mine indefinitely.