My 2004 Tahoe is the best bad vehicle I’ve ever owned. It’s been mostly reliable except when it massively wasn’t, and is really an automotive cockroach: given the opportunity, it would be performing poorly for longer than most other vehicles would perform at all. I’ve had it 2.5 years, which is a long time for me, but it’s reign is over.
The other day on my way home from somewhere I spotted this handsome gentleman sitting in somebody’s driveway. I didn’t stop and look, but I did file it away for the next time I was driving past, which happened to be yesterday.
It’s a ‘99 GMC Suburban 1500 SLT, and it is almost suspiciously clean for a RI vehicle. It also has what I’ve said is my second favorite kind of rear SUV doors: barn doors. And even more importantly than that, check out the interior:
I have a definite weakness for red interiors. Especially red interiors this large and leathery. That wear spot on the driver’s seat is the only flaw on the seats, and replacement seat cushion covers are available. It looks like a younger vehicle than 1999, and for its 22 years of service it only has 111k miles on it. Oh, and I’m buying it from the original owner, which is always cool in a vehicle this old.
In the ‘mixed feelings’ department, this is not the original L31 350. It was replaced two years ago with a low mileage (40k) example. I guess 20 years is a good run for a motor, but only 100k out of a 350 is interesting. That said, the owner is the kind of guy who would replace a motor in a 20 year old Suburban and that’s the guy you want to buy from.
So, what of the Tahoe then? It’s rusty, it has 205k miles, but it runs good. Honestly, I’ve been looking for a 5.3 LS to put in the Olds Cutlass drag car I’m buying, so why not go with the one I know? I’m going to pull the motor and trans and have Pick N Pull come take the rest. It’s not the sort of vehicle I feel like dicking around and trying to get $700 for, so I’ll pull the engine and get like $200-250 for it.
Anyway, I pick that up Wednesday. I don’t have any update on my J2000 road racer because USPS appears to have lost my carb balance levers on their way from the Netherlands, so I’m stalled until replacement parts get here...which is a shame because this motor wants go to home.
