From tahoe owners... 2007-newer tahoes

[ka0tyk]

I'm done with my 07 navigator ultimate. Theres nothing aftermarket for it, the 5.4 3v motor leaves a lot to be desired and while its an amazing truck, drives well, smooth, etc its not something I look forward to driving everyday. I'm absolutely in LOVE with our Infiniti FX37 but theres no way in hell I would let sweaty sunscreened bodies sit on the interior of a new QX80 SUV, even though I get massive discounts on them. Its just a beautiful luxury car. I've always liked the look of the tahoes but the interior just leaves a LOT to be desired. The column shifter for example, ugh. Also the 3rd row doesnt fold into the floor like my navigator does. But theres a lot of aftermarket stuff for it, lowering kits, etc. I've always had fords. lots of mustangs, expedition, and now the navi. A chevy is a huge step...

Are the motors reliable? Transmissions? Towing concerns? What are the main differences between years and what should I be on the lookout for? Common failpoints/concerns? (ie the 5.4 3v is plauged with cam phaser issues, spark plugs break off in the head, etc) Do they have airbagg'ed assist rear suspension like my navigator and my expeiditon had? I like being able to load down the car and it pumps itself level. What wears out?

id love something like this:

 

[gqchris]

Thats Badd Ass. I have an 05 Escalade that I freakin love.

Im curious how do they lower the new ones like that? Wonder how the ride is. I had my 06 Expedition withe the Sport Eibachs, it had a nice stance but nothing like that!

 

[RogerThat99]

Someone on RDP has a newer Suburban that is lowered...I think Rivermobster or MrRvrLvr. Yes they have air leveling. We have an 11 Tahoe and it drives very nice, better than are expedition drove. We used to have a lowered Suburban and it rode nice also...except in the 3rd row which was right over the rear axle.

 

[454Rocket]

Funny... I just started shopping for Tahoes tonight. A quick run around Edmunds.com will get you the basics.

What I can't get is the value according to Edmunds for a 2007-2011's is about $10k lower than every asking price on autotrader... that's a lot to knock off. That being said, I don't see how people are asking $30k+ for a vehicle that started at $42k new with 100K miles??

Chevy couldn't have come that far in resale value, lol.

I'm also contemplating a new Dodge Durango or Jeep Grand Cherokee...

 

[LowRiver2]

Had an 09 sub lemon lawed, 11 tahoe traded in with 45k on it. .5.3 will do 200k easily with no problems. We had 15 03 tahoes in the squad do it.

Only concern is 2nd gear in the trans, will go out around 80k If you ha ve it loaded a lot or tow close to capac ity a lot. Most dont so
It will need repair around 130k mikes otherwise

5 different 08/09 tahoes/subs including minehad chrome come off edge of inner door handles and cut passe nger fingers.
Fit finish on 08 s ive seen were not as good as 10/11s . From many I have seen.
Overall a good suv, my 04 bauer expedition rode like crap in comparison.
My tahoe was an LTZ quad capt chairs were great. Mine was $53k new, traded in for $37k

 

[SOCALCRICKETT]

What about even going a generation back. We bought this from grandma from a little old lady in havasu. 19k with 34,000 on the clock. 4wd with a 3/5 drop kit and 20x9 BBS wheels wrapped in 305/50/20. Handles like a slot car and plenty safe for a 78 year old woman to drive.

 

[RitcheyRch]

Both are beautiful rigs. I am really liking the newer body styles.

What about even going a generation back. We bought this from grandma from a little old lady in havasu. 19k with 34,000 on the clock. 4wd with a 3/5 drop kit and 20x9 BBS wheels wrapped in 305/50/20. Handles like a slot car and plenty safe for a 78 year old woman to drive.

View attachment 310440

I'm done with my 07 navigator ultimate. Theres nothing aftermarket for it, the 5.4 3v motor leaves a lot to be desired and while its an amazing truck, drives well, smooth, etc its not something I look forward to driving everyday. I'm absolutely in LOVE with our Infiniti FX37 but theres no way in hell I would let sweaty sunscreened bodies sit on the interior of a new QX80 SUV, even though I get massive discounts on them. Its just a beautiful luxury car. I've always liked the look of the tahoes but the interior just leaves a LOT to be desired. The column shifter for example, ugh. Also the 3rd row doesnt fold into the floor like my navigator does. But theres a lot of aftermarket stuff for it, lowering kits, etc. I've always had fords. lots of mustangs, expedition, and now the navi. A chevy is a huge step...

Are the motors reliable? Transmissions? Towing concerns? What are the main differences between years and what should I be on the lookout for? Common failpoints/concerns? (ie the 5.4 3v is plauged with cam phaser issues, spark plugs break off in the head, etc) Do they have airbagg'ed assist rear suspension like my navigator and my expeiditon had? I like being able to load down the car and it pumps itself level. What wears out?

id love something like this:

 

[LomitaBob]

I have a 2011 suburban, I love it. we drove it on a 3900 mile road trip and averaged 23-28mpg on the highway. I would imagine a Tahoe would be better. we tow our tow box ( about 8500 lbs loaded ) we had no problem doing 65 up the 10 on the way to the river, does about 40 up Cajon pass with a tail wind lol.

 

[copterzach]

http://www.riverdavesplace.com/forums/showthread.php?t=96890


My wife loves hers.

 

[Runs2rch]

I have a 2011 suburban, I love it. we drove it on a 3900 mile road trip and averaged 23-28mpg on the highway. I would imagine a Tahoe would be better. we tow our tow box ( about 8500 lbs loaded ) we had no problem doing 65 up the 10 on the way to the river, does about 40 up Cajon pass with a tail wind lol.

Hand calculated no way. Maybe what the DIC showed. The LS motors are great. Good power, longevity, reliable, and easy to wrench on. A 2wd Tahoe with a 5.3 will average around 15-16. All highway cruising 65 17-19. Drivetrain wise it is super capable and you will be way happier than with that 3 valve. I'm a Ford guy first, but after working for Ford and dealing with the 3 valve's ugh.

 

[OCMerrill]

We have an 02 Yukon. The best vehicle owned to date. One Fuel pump in 11 years and 105k miles. I'm getting my monies worth out of this car.

5.3 with 3.73's on 18's. The newer stuff gets way better fuel economy.

 

[LowRiver2]

Hand calculated no way. Maybe what the DIC showed. The LS motors are great. Good power, longevity, reliable, and easy to wrench on. A 2wd Tahoe with a 5.3 will average around 15l highway cruising 65 17-19. Drivetrain wise it is super capable and you will be way happier than with that 3 valve. I'm a Ford guy first, but after working for Ford and dealing with the 3 valve's ugh.

Agreed, 15 was best we ever did with the tahoe or sub, the trans had trouble finding the right gear in the sub , Id go with a 6.0 if I did a sub again, that 5.3 is screaming mercy on tje highway with 4 passengers luggage,and 20" rims.

 

[LowRiver2]

My buddy had an 02, 06,08.

02 was best fit/finish by far.

 

[ryanshaw07]

I cant say anything about the Yuhon/Tahoe SUV questions but I have had a few 5.3 Vortec V8 trucks.... The motors have always ran great. On the 07+ a simple air intake system and exhaust does a TON of good. I just did those two upgrades to my 2012 Sierra and was blown away at the throttle response I gained...

 

[OCMerrill]

My buddy had an 02, 06,08.

02 was best fit/finish by far.

Our 02 is Victory Red. Never parked in a garage and the paint is still nearly perfect. Amazing.

The leather seats however are giving up.

 

[LomitaBob]

Hand calculated no way. Maybe what the DIC showed. The LS motors are great. Good power, longevity, reliable, and easy to wrench on. A 2wd Tahoe with a 5.3 will average around 15-16. All highway cruising 65 17-19. Drivetrain wise it is super capable and you will be way happier than with that 3 valve. I'm a Ford guy first, but after working for Ford and dealing with the 3 valve's ugh.

way!!!! I don't go by the BS on the dash. I added up all of the gallons purchased on the trip. at 70+ mphh good fuel. I never run that E85 Crap, we get like 10mpg with it

 

[PVHCA]

I loved my 2004 Tahoe LTZ, I have an 08 CC LTZ with 74K, the motor is fine but they suck for fuel economy but so does the EXP/NAVI, I avg 12/13 in the city 17/18 HWY, I have always complained about the lag in the trans, especially accelerating going into a turn from 1st gear, they(GM) says nothing's wrong, ya ok!! I've driven a new Chevy every 2 years since 1990 with the exception of my current 08, I love the truck, I still think the motors are great I just don't understand the shitty MPG. As for the look exterior and interior, IMO nothing beats the Chevys.

 

[JD D05]

I had a 08 Tahoe and loved the thing....I did hear that they where having injector issues though. I guess when it drops 4 cylinders the dropped cylinder injectors keep firing....

 

[alohajeff]

We have an 07 Yukon 4x4 that I purchased for $20k +++ from a Benz dealership in LA back when fuel prices were going up up up. The SAT NAV showed the previous owner lived in Coto de Caza. It was a mommy mobile. Super clean and pampered. Bought it with low miles and have put another 100,000 on it and so far so good.

The plastic chrome is falling off the door handles and it is razor sharp. Easy fix. The dash cracked between the gauge cluster and the windshield. The "color" wears off the HVAC controls and looks ratty. The interior leather is still in really good shape. It isn't Luxury but it is really comfortable and it has enough umph to tow the boat up the grades. We have the 4 captains chairs / 3 rear folding setup and I really like it.

Regarding mileage... 12 mpg over 120,000 use. To get this pig up and going requires lots of RPM. It is a dog down low but once you get above 3500 she flies.

Knowing what I paid for ours I would have a hard time paying $32k for a used one. Wait for the new 2015's to come out and watch the used market come back down to reality.

Aloha

 

[dribble]

I just had to put new brakes on our 06. at 107,000 miles. The only other thing was the controller for the climate control which was an update that I had to wire in. Cost me $60.00.

 

[ChevelleSB406]

I have an 04 Silverado myself so I will just comment to the durability of the GM drivetrain. Nothing has ever broken on the vehicle, i have 105k and am nowhere needing brakes, my battery lasted 9 years, and I am pleased with the fuel economy. My buddy has an 03 tahoe, even more miles, only has done an elective tranny service, oh he broke a spider gear in the rear end as well. Other than that, that one has been great too. My personal ownership with the Chevy has been great and easy on the wallet.

 

[paradise]

Wifey digs hers, this is an old pic but it looks the same. 97k miles and still running strong. It's an 07 with 5.3 and the LTZ package with air ride. They are pretty easy to lower and still ride OK.

The air ride is THE SHIT for towing, always sits at the same level, no matter the load, super cool... WE don't tow with it much, but with 3.77 or higher gears they do fine.

:tbi

 

[RogerThat99]

Hand calculated no way. Maybe what the DIC showed. The LS motors are great. Good power, longevity, reliable, and easy to wrench on. A 2wd Tahoe with a 5.3 will average around 15-16. All highway cruising 65 17-19.

Our 03 suburban 4x4 got 20-21 on the highway. It was lowered 5/3 on 20's. The guy I bought it from said he put something called a vortex or something in the air intake that was supposed to help get better mileage. I took the air box and intake apart and didn't see anything in there. I think her got scammed. LOL

Our 2011 Tahoe is stock and gets about 21-22 on the highway.

Both were checked by hand not the onboard computer.

 

[RitcheyRch]

Love the color. making me want to get a lowered Tahoe.

Wifey digs hers, this is an old pic but it looks the same. 97k miles and still running strong. It's an 07 with 5.3 and the LTZ package with air ride. They are pretty easy to lower and still ride OK.

The air ride is THE SHIT for towing, always sits at the same level, no matter the load, super cool... WE don't tow with it much, but with 3.77 or higher gears they do fine.

:tbi

 

[Dan Lorenze]

I have an 07 Tahoe 4x4 ltz. It's been a great car. I had the water pump go out but was covered by the warranty. I have about 105k miles, just replaced the front struts as they were leaking, my mechanic told me that the rears (air ride) will be next and that will be expensive. My Tahoe has been losing a quart of oil between oil changes, it's a know issue with the rings used that year, there are many threads on the internet regarding the issue. It tows great and rides real nice.

 

[Richard.E]

Have a 2007 with the 5.3.

only issue is the side moldings that have paint issues due to the a factory recall.

Before that I had a 2001 suburban with the 8.1 and the air ride from the factory. It was in the shop 23 times over 5 years, transmission went out on the way home from Powell, and we got the newer style.

 

[Runs2rch]

I have an 07 Tahoe 4x4 ltz. It's been a great car. I had the water pump go out but was covered by the warranty. I have about 105k miles, just replaced the front struts as they were leaking, my mechanic told me that the rears (air ride) will be next and that will be expensive. My Tahoe has been losing a quart of oil between oil changes, it's a know issue with the rings used that year, there are many threads on the internet regarding the issue. It tows great and rides real nice.

You can ditch the air ride. Z71 springs, Bilstein 4600's ride amazing for so much less than replacing factory nivomat's or air ride.

 

[nordic454]

We got rid of the wifes Audi and picked up a smokin deal on a used 2013 Yukon SLT 4wd back in Nov. The man. date on it was 02/13, had 15k miles on it and picked it up for $38k. sold new for $55k. So far have no complaints. Rides great with the 4wd, leather is super plush, with plenty of room for everyone and everything. and it will pull the boats no problem. I installed 22's on it as soon as we got it, and dont plan to mess with it too much more. 16mpg around town, and 21mpg on the highways.

 

[shippingguy]

This is my wife's 07. Bought it brand new in Sep 07. It is 2wd, LTZ lowered on 24's. It has only had the boat hooked up to it twice and that was to go to and from the launch ramp. It has been solid and is paid for! Has 93k miles. Only thing I can complain about is that these 07+ eat brakes. The autoride is perfect like mentioned earlier. Always sits at the same height loaded or not. It pulls the boat out of Jack Smith(steep ramp) with zero issues.

 

[BoatCop]

I've had an '04, '07, '09, and now '13 Tahoe. All were and are great vehicles. Only reason I upgraded so often was for the new tech and gizmos on the newer models.

Towing isn't an issue, although MPG suffers greatly, as would be expected. Never had any mechanical issues. Normal MPG runs near 21 on the highway and around 17 around town.

2015 will introduce a new generation Tahoe, as shown in the photos above. I'm not sure if I really like the styling. Looks too much like an Expedition. Here's my 2009 (red) and 2013 (silver)

 

[RitcheyRch]

Glad to see these are getting about 17 mpg on the highway. Definitely will be keeping an eye out for a good deal on one. I dont use my truck as a truck and only use my truck on weekends to keep the battery charged up and tow the boat which doesnt weigh much at all.

 

[RogerThat99]

You can ditch the air ride. Z71 springs, Bilstein 4600's ride amazing for so much less than replacing factory nivomat's or air ride.

We have only had our 11 a few months. I haven't towed anything with it, so I'm not sure if it has air ride. How easy is it to add if it doesn't?

 

[h2o225]

We have an 04 Yukon with the 5.3. Motor is great at 152k. Transmission and rear end different story replaced both in May of last year. Wife loves her Yukon xl I tried to talk her into an excursion this year all that got me was the stink eye. It tows our boat ok would like little more power but it does do good on fuel on long trips.

 

[Parkrbound]

Selling my low mileage 2008. $22,500 or offer

 

[454Rocket]

At the dealer now killin time... Pics to come soon lol

 

[RogerThat99]

At the dealer now killin time... Pics to come soon lol

Threadjacker!!!! Good luck on the purchase.

 

[454Rocket]

Done and Done

 

[shippingguy]

I have an 07 Tahoe 4x4 ltz. It's been a great car. I had the water pump go out but was covered by the warranty. I have about 105k miles, just replaced the front struts as they were leaking, my mechanic told me that the rears (air ride) will be next and that will be expensive. My Tahoe has been losing a quart of oil between oil changes, it's a know issue with the rings used that year, there are many threads on the internet regarding the issue. It tows great and rides real nice.

You know that is covered under warranty and they will fix it even if out of warranty? You will pretty much get a complete top end at no charge. Also the rear will not be that expensive. Check out Arnott suspension. They have the kit for it.

 

[alohajeff]

Got any more info on the out of warranty repair? Our 5.3 has 129,000 on the clock and burns a quart (or more) between every oil change.

Aloha

 

[H2O]

Had an 09 sub lemon lawed, 11 tahoe traded in with 45k on it. .5.3 will do 200k easily with no problems. We had 15 03 tahoes in the squad do it.

Only concern is 2nd gear in the trans, will go out around 80k If you ha ve it loaded a lot or tow close to capac ity a lot. Most dont so
It will need repair around 130k mikes otherwise

5 different 08/09 tahoes/subs including minehad chrome come off edge of inner door handles and cut passe nger fingers.
Fit finish on 08 s ive seen were not as good as 10/11s . From many I have seen.
Overall a good suv, my 04 bauer expedition rode like crap in comparison.
My tahoe was an LTZ quad capt chairs were great. Mine was $53k new, traded in for $37k

Shopping for a used Tahoe/Yukon and notice several sellers (and a few board members) mention transmission replacement in the 100K 'ish mileage range.

Is this an know issue for both the 4 speed and the 6 speed trans? Anyone know if they used the same trans to the end of the last gen (say '11-'14 years)?

Thx...

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Shopping for a used Tahoe/Yukon and notice several sellers (and a few board members) mention transmission replacement in the 100K 'ish mileage range.

Is this an know issue for both the 4 speed and the 6 speed trans? Anyone know if they used the same trans to the end of the last gen (say '11-'14 years)?

Thx...

Get an 09+ they were all 6 speeds after that. Before that just the 6.2s had 6 speeds.

11-14 were all 6 speeds regardless of engine choice.

 

[H2O]

Get an 09+ they were all 6 speeds after that. Before that just the 6.2s had 6 speeds.

11-14 were all 6 speeds regardless of engine choice.

Do you know if it's the same model 6-speed all the way from '09 to end of run at '14?

 

[Flying_Lavey]

Do you know if it's the same model 6-speed all the way from '09 to end of run at '14?

I believe they were. 6L80e. Great transmission. I've had a couple in work vans. Never a blip of trouble and really made good use of the engine power (I only had 4.8's in the vans). The 4L60e..... very different story.

 

[H2O]

I believe they were. 6L80e. Great transmission. I've had a couple in work vans. Never a blip of trouble and really made good use of the engine power (I only had 4.8's in the vans). The 4L60e..... very different story.

Hey F-L...how's the water level holding up? Are the Ranger boats back out on the lake this summer? (didn't see any out at the Bash) Trying to make another trip up soon.

 

[Flying_Lavey]

Hey F-L...how's the water level holding up? Are the Ranger boats back out on the lake this summer? (didn't see any out at the Bash) Trying to make another trip up soon.

It's dropped a good bit. But still pretty full. Definitely no concern of running out of water this year.

Ya know, I honestly don't recall seeing a ranger boat this year. I'm sure there have been, but I don't recall seeing them yet.

 

[oldschool]

There was a definite issue( I think it was a solenoid) with the 6L80 till 08, I believe. Once that was addressed the transmission is fairly sturdy.

 

[Abc123]

Shopping for a used Tahoe/Yukon and notice several sellers (and a few board members) mention transmission replacement in the 100K 'ish mileage range.

Is this an know issue for both the 4 speed and the 6 speed trans? Anyone know if they used the same trans to the end of the last gen (say '11-'14 years)?

Thx...

It's common with the 4 speed (4L80E). I think it was used til 2010.

You'll know it is time when the trans goes from 2nd gear to neutral. It happened to me at around 120,000 miles. Rebuild cost me around $2,200. I always thought my trans ran pretty warm too (before and after the rebuild). It was on 22s and typically ran around 185-190. Towing a 21 ft boat, it got up to 230+ degrees.