Budget for a 2500 burban?

Yeah if it was from a board member for sure. But what about a dealer inventory someplace across the country?

Dealer shouldn't be a problem. If you can have someone check it out first before you commit, all the better. 

There are two locally, a 97 for $4k and a 99 for $12k.  I guess there is a bit of a price spread out there! 

Hmm those seem really expensive for pre 2000

I've seen really nice 8.1l 2001+ for like 8k

I have also seen some ratty looks ones for around 4500

https://charlotte.craigslist.org/cto/d/2001-chevrolet-suburban/6286930182.html

Says its the 8.1 for 3800 bucks but 300k miles

That one doesn't look bad for that price, body is in decent condition. I have 247K miles on mine and it runs good and strong. The 8.1s have been known to make 400K+ miles so if it runs good, might be one to look at.

I may call them and try to get the vin and run it on autocheck etc make sure its an 8.1 also charlotte is a good 2.5+ hrs away

Bummer this one looked good but then some of the pics I can see some rust

http://www.midamericaautogroup.com/9797393/Photos/Details.aspx

In reply to Jaynen :

This is the only one that worries me. If the rockers are solid, I would say it is worth a look. I loved my 8.1L Suburban and this is clean(ish) and could likely be had for a bit less than what the asking price is. 

I saw a rust free looking one with 187k miles and a replaced fender go for less than 2k on Copart today and it was an 8.1

Really wanted to bid on that

This one shows there is plenty of rust in the rockers.  I would say stay away.

Heck, my Burb has rockers that look like that (will be replacing them this winter). It is a common problem with the GMT800 trucks. Plenty of replacement rockers are available, you could use that to try and get a lower price. On mine, it is the outer rocker that rusted, inner rocker is still in good shape. I wouldn't necessarily pass on that one, if the price is right.

A while back I did see a 2004 Burb 8.1L for sale in near perfect condition. 83K miles, loaded, but they wanted $15K for it. While it was nice, it wasn't that nice to me.

Are you checking Facebook marketplace? Just a generic "Suburban" or "Yukon" search and just comb through. Nearby me in Wilmington, DE, there's a 2001 Suburban 2500 LT w/ 139k for $4k. Sounds like a better deal than what you're looking at. I've given up on finding a good <$3k one. Just going to stick to my Tahoe for another year.

81cpcamaro said:

Heck, my Burb has rockers that look like that (will be replacing them this winter). It is a common problem with the GMT800 trucks. Plenty of replacement rockers are available, you could use that to try and get a lower price. On mine, it is the outer rocker that rusted, inner rocker is still in good shape. 

My Silverado is the same way, outer sills and cab corners are toast but the inner, floors etc are all completely rust free.