1999 Suburban 2500 4x4 here, last year of the Vortec 350 in a 2500. It's slow, it drinks almost as much gas as a big block, and while it's plenty large inside, the spare tire in the back takes up an awful lot of room. Still, it floats down the road at 75 mph comfortably and seats 6 with enough room in between everyone to meet the Federally mandated COVID-19 social distancing recommendations.
Probably a little older than what you're looking for, but I still maintain that the GMT400 was one of the last things that GM got really right.
We picked up a nice southern (we're in New England) 2004 Suburban to replace our shot 00 Durango RT.
The standard LS engine seems great. We have had to rebuild the transmission (as usual it seems) and replace the intake gaskets though.
The suburban tows a car trailer like it isn't even there. It tows our 20Ft camper really easily as well, we just actually have to push the tow/haul button with the camper.
I think last long trip with the car trailer, had a Focus SVT on it, we got 12+ MPG from Central Connecticut to the hills of upstate NY.
Towing the camper is about 12 MPG.
Thanks for all the replies, gents. I'm going to pass all this information on to my dad. I believe my dad will be looking for a newer one, and they'll be towing a camping trailer, nothing too excessive. My stepmom has a bit of claustrophobia and prefers larger vehicles. She'll definitely want something comfortable. It looks like either the ecoboost Expedition or the LS Tahoe/Suburban would be a great option. Do either of these have any known weaknesses? Also a good point on the Expedition rear suspension causing more tire wear under load.
Also how is the maintenance of the ecoboost turbo V6 compared to an LS?
infinitenexus said:
Also how is the maintenance of the ecoboost turbo V6 compared to an LS?
Nothing but oil changes so far on ours (63k), but I have to admit that's one thing I don't like about it. Oil changes are a PITA. You have to remove one of the covers to get to the drain plug, and the filter is way up in a spot where you can't see it and can barely touch it. And when you do get it off, it's going to drip onto the other cover and make a mess and continue to drip for a couple of days after. It's not a fun job.
Haven't had my truck long enough to comment on longevity, but I tow about 5000lbs of race car and trailer all around the southeast and I won't go back to a naturally aspirated engine. The 2.7 in my F150 is a beast - I've towed this same car/trailer combination with 5.3 and 6.2 Silverados and the low end torque makes towing up and down these hills a cake walk.
And, when I'm not towing, 26mpg on the highway is awesome.
