How long is the life of a tahoe on average. THANKS

Asked by m_fulk Nov 16, 2007 at 04:49 PM about the 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe Z71 4WD

Question type: General

We are about to purchase a 04 z71 Tahoe it has 98,000 miles. How long is the life of a tahoe on average. THANKS

73 Answers

84,415

Most newer cars are good for 200k miles easily. That said, you might want to check out www.carsurvey.org, where real owners post problems they have had with their vehicles. Read what kinds of problems others are experiencing and see what you might likely face.

45 people found this helpful.
965

i had a 97 tahoe 2 dr and i sold it with 438000 Km on it... original engine.. still held 40PSI oil pressure.... just gotta change the oil, man!!!

62 people found this helpful.
495

well my 2003 Tahoe has 160,000 miles on it now and is still running. i have had nothing wrong with it and we bought it new.

42 people found this helpful.
825

my 99 has 171000 mi on it is strong as a rock it tows like there is nothing back there and rides like a dream

29 people found this helpful.
5,135

It all depends on how the vehicle was taken care of . also how it was driven. some people are led footed & that puts a lot of stress on the tranny as well as U joints. you can always car fax it. carfax.com

16 people found this helpful.
260

I know original post is old....I have a 2003 Tahoe 140,000+ miles it's 2015 now. Changed oil every 3000 miles. I drive a little rough, not jack rabbit, just going around idiots and texters going 55 or slower in the left lane etc,, stuff like that.. Just starting with noises 2014. Piston slapping. Power lagging a little. I don't push it now.

24 people found this helpful.
280

I have a 2003 Tahoe. All maintenance up to date. Drives great, tows great. 145,000 mi. Needs a few paint touch ups. What is the life expectancy? Wondering if I should buy a new vehicle (smaller) for trips. I have had no problems with my wonderful Tahoe.

28 people found this helpful.
400

2003 lt I bought new , now 249000 miles, great truck , I put also snow plow on it . Water pump , fuel pump changed ,

40 people found this helpful.
270

260,0000 miles 2003 Chevy Tahoe 4.8 L Still running great Only replaced fuel pump at 230,000

27 people found this helpful.
450

up till now, not a single problem until @ 170000 and mine recently has just only needed an alternator (from allot of natural wear)& then a water pump followed.Replaced both and then it's back running with full oil press. An high rpms again for another 100,000 or more.i love me a Chevy motor

30 people found this helpful.
500

I got a 99 tahoe and it just hit 205000 and it's still running like a champ it runs like if it just came off the lot

25 people found this helpful.
200

I have an '01 Tahoe LT. She has 206,000 miles. I bought her used 10yrs ago with 84K miles on it. I've never had tune-up, but changed fuel pump, new water pump, new alternator, & new starter & 2 batteries. I think she's done well!

20 people found this helpful.
270

I have 2004 Tahoe z71 , I've taken care of all my vehicles , I've changed alternator , water pump , and tune ups every 50k , just changed all hoses and belts , I'd take it any where and I have 265k . Still tight , good power , I pull my ranger boat a few times a week . Only thing I've done interior is recovered drivers seat .

27 people found this helpful.
1,845

2005 Tahoe (one owner, that's me) with 183,000 still running great. Had to change out small things, normal wear and tear stuff. Motor, trans, a/c, electrical...all in good order.

13 people found this helpful.
170

I purchased a used 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe with 102,000 miles on the clock. runs amazing. All I added was the range technology which stopped the excessive oil consumption. I always loved this body style.

17 people found this helpful.
310

Still driving our 2003 Z71 with 293,000 miles! Minor maintenance repairs due to regular service. Drives as good as new!

31 people found this helpful.
140

I have 208,000 miles on my 2008 Tahoe , and only change the alternator and water pump, master cylinder, but now need to change the oil pan and a transmission gasket. Runs like a beast!

14 people found this helpful.
160

I have a '99 Tahoe 2 door which has been the vehicular love of my life. Has 267k miles on the clock, and still runs like brand new. I've changed the alternator, and the radiator. Best vehicle I've ever owned.

16 people found this helpful.
220

2004 Tahoe bought 8 years ago used for 19k fully loaded LT with DVD and Third Row seat. Gets 18 mpg average and hauls anything I need to. Only at 70k miles. I expect at least 200k before replacing. May decide to rebuild when looking at the price of a 2017 Chevy. New Trucks pushing $50k or more. Unbelievable. I don't make that kind of money so rebuilding a 2004 Tahoe couldn't come anywhere near that cost. back to perfect condition maybe $20k. Happy with the Tahoe. Big enough that the little nats on the freeway don't get in my way and or I'll run them off the road with a polite invitation of what call a warning to not fuck with me.

22 people found this helpful.
140

i have a 2004 Tahoe Z71 and I love this car! I bought it new and it now has 150k. I had the transmission rebuilt at 140K. Engine is strong. Leather seats are broken in nicely. This car is so comfortable to drive and the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. And best of all its paid off! : )

14 people found this helpful.
500

UPDATE MY 99 TAHOE HIT 215000 TODAY STILL RUNS LIKE A BABY HAD ITS FIST TUNEUP LAST MONTH FROM THE ORIGINAL PLUGS FROM 99 BOUGHT IT OFF A 86 YEAR OLD MAN WHO'S BEST FRIEND WAS THE DEALER THIS GUY HAD 73 OIL CHANGES SINCE 99 O HAD IT FOR 3 YEARS ALREADY NO RIPS STAINS LEAKS SLIPS DENTS DINGS NADA

14 people found this helpful.
120

I have a 2004 Z71 with over 250K. Definitely needed some shop time but still runs like a charm!!! And I put that Hoe thru HELL and it is still kicking

12 people found this helpful.
500

Just hit 218000 on my girl still in prestine condition no rust paint still perfect no tranny slippin BUT BUT it just started leaking oil havnt really checked yet but did replace intake manifold gasket cap and rotor and thermostat just cause i had time also changed alternator but she still runs brand new tge way shes going i will hit 500000

9 people found this helpful.
90

We have a 5.3 L 2003 Yukon with 212,000 miles, we bought it new. Engine still fine. We have replaced the rear AC actuator very early on, and the speedometer. The water pump around 75k, alternator at around 175,000k and the serpentine belt. At 197,000k replaced the boots. At 200,000 new brakes. At 210,000 replaced the front and rear shocks, (the rear shocks are expensive got them through Amazon for $500). Replaced the rear window shocks and lift gate shocks. Replaced rear passenger window lift and motor. Also replacing sway bar links today. To be continued....:)

9 people found this helpful.
60

230,000 miles just replaced transmission now it needs a valve job so i would say 230,000 miles

6 people found this helpful.
70

I have2008 silverado use the same engine than tahoe 325,xx miles with the original engine and transmisión just i replaced brakes oxigen sensors and oil. Chevy is the best

7 people found this helpful.
130

I have had a 2005 Tahoe 5.3L since new. It doesnt have as high of mileage (just under 100k) but I did have the 4wd/2wd transfer case solenoid/switch unit fail about 60k miles. I've had a few door lock solenoids go bad, the rear door hatch solenoid. The front ABS sensors under the frame (easy to do), a few batteries, a few sets of tires and brakes. I've had to replace the switches for the 4wd and lighting on the dash, simple repairs. The best thing about this vehicle is its easy to fix and you can find videos for a lot of the repairs online. Nothing really has been horrible as far as costs. The tahoe has no rust, looks great and still is a great running vehicle. It's probably the best vehicle I've had in 30 years of car ownership. My wife primarily drives it and she's happy with it. I thought long ago that she'd want to sell it and move to something else. Even though the fuel economy isn't great, the cost of ownership is money saved.

10 people found this helpful.
410

I have a 2002 Tahoe 5.3L and love it. Just hit 411000, and I think I need to change my water pump for the first time. I changed my original brake pads at 175K and they are still on with about 50% of the pad left. I change the oil every 7500 miles and have used synthetic oil since the first oil change. Great vehicle...

24 people found this helpful.
90

Any vehicles, any, with over 150k are going to cost you major $$ in maintenance, that's the name of the game. If you can get it for cheap, and do the maintenance yourself, do it. If not, don't. There's a reason, and a good one, that if you have over 150k on a vehicle that dealerships will only give you scrap price for it.

9 people found this helpful.
270

I HAVE A 01 TAHOE LT 5.3 AND JUST ROLLED OVER 325,000. AND THE ONLY ISSUE IS THAT DAMN TICKING IVE HAD FOR THE PAST 100,000. AND I CANT GET RID OF IT. OTHER THAN THAT VERY HAPPY

27 people found this helpful.
60

I am the second owner of my 97 Tahoe currently at 292,500 miles. Replaced injectors, and break booster and its on it's 3rd tranny,. Runs like a champ rides like a dream and I've beat the hell out of this truck. Still keeps going don't leak a drop don't burn an ounce

6 people found this helpful.
80

I have a 2007 Chevy Tahoe LTZ I have 213.000 Miles in it and still running I use synthetic oil mobil and engine stabilizer and K&n filter and I change it every the oil every 50%

8 people found this helpful.
500

I HAVE A 99 TAHOE 5.7 JUST HIT 240K AND STILL RUNS LIKE IT DID IN 99 NEVER HAS HAD A OIL LEAK OR ANYTHING SERIOUS I CHANGE THE OIL EVERY 3K AND IKEA M RUNNiNG 10 40 DID THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET LAST MONTH DUE TO ME PUTTING A ENGINE FLUSH ADDITIVE LIKE A STUPID ASS AND IT CAUSED MANIFOLD TO LEAK

2 people found this helpful.
80

2002 tahoe with 260k and it runs like brand new. Had regular maintenance on it.

8 people found this helpful.
410

I own a 2002 Tahoe with 413k miles on it. Most things are still original equipement. Change the oil every 7500 with synthetic oil since first change at 500 miles. Trans fluid flush every 100k. Changed my brake pads for he first time @ 175k, those pads are still on with 228k on them and about 50% pad left. Had to change out the brake lines because of rust. That was a pain in the rear. Little things like lights on radio are gone but not worth fixing. A pretty good knock from a lifter and the bolts on the manifold have rusted. Bad oil leak but again not worth dropping trans to replace gasket. Love my Tahoe as it has been a good reliable vehicle.

16 people found this helpful.
50

My 2003 Tahoe has 200K miles and runs great. We've only had to do fairly minor maintenance outside normal things, so far. Those special things included replacing the alternator, rebuilt the instrument cluster panel, replaced an electric motor driver on the fuel injectors, all of which cost no more than a couple thousand dollars all together, I'd guess. The body is still in good shape with a few minor body rattles, but nothing I can't stand. My guess is we'll probably be able to get at least 300K miles with normal minor maintenance, but regardless, it'll still cost less than buying a new vehicle of equal value. I believe this vehicle is the best one we've ever bought. Kudos to GM.

5 people found this helpful.
50

My 2002 (bought in 2001 new for $37,000) has 198k on it and I would drive it another 198k if it will have me! The tranny went out within the first 62k but was covered by warrantee. We replaced the alternator and fuel pump in 2015 and just this week had the rear brakes and starter replaced. I use this vehicle for everything including to tow a horse trailer several times a week for years. Don't know what I would do without this awesome vehicle!

5 people found this helpful.
150

my 2007 Tahoe purchased new now, as August 26, 2018 has 400,583 miles. Still has original engine, transmission and radiator. Everything is in great condition, so is the paint job and no rust! Carl

15 people found this helpful.
980

Most GM frame-based vehicles will easily go 200K+ but it depends on how they are cared for. Sure you'll get some annoying failures like door handles, wheel bearings, heater controls, upholstery failure, cracked dashboards, etc. (you know, things that SHOULDN'T fail but do) but the engines and drivetrains are fairly robust. Corrosion is the biggest enemy as it will take out fuel/oil lines, brakes, cables, sensors, etc. If you change the oil when directed, and oil the body/chassis (if in salt-belt) these things will last a looong time! I currently have 2 with over 250K running strong, full compression and oil pressure.

2 people found this helpful.
30

I HAVE A 2003 TAHOE WITH 265,000 MILES ON IT I HAVE TRAVELED EVERY WHERE AND MY 5.3 FLEX FUEL ENGINE STILL RUNS GREAT. OIL CHANGE EVERY 3,000 IT GOES TO THE DEALER SHIP WERE I BOUGHT IT FOR MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR

3 people found this helpful.
20

I have a 2008 4x4. Looks 3-4 yrs old inside and out. All original except all calipers, front hubs, and tranny.. 300k. I love it. I will probably drop a new crate engine in once that goes...

2 people found this helpful.
10

I have a 2006 Tahoe Z71 with 228,000 miles on it! It runs like a champ!!!

1 people found this helpful.
10

I have a 2008 bought it used at a tote the bot place with 130,000 something it now has 270,217 miles on the Tahoe... I take it all over for I use it to work out of probably over 2000- 3000 miles a month it’s been a hardly vehicle... my hubby pulls a boat with it when he goes, and my job requires much weight and I am in and out parking lots... it’s been very faithful... changed the radiator out and a hose or two... oh and I think the oil sensor... but I leave my car running on my route at certain parts so radiator may have been my fault

1 people found this helpful.
10

Just bought a 2004 Tahoe with 120000 miles on it. Had frame checked, typical rust. One bad spot on frame near drivers side rear bumper that I should get fixed. Otherwise in excellent condition for price and year.

1 people found this helpful.
30

I have a 2004 Tahoe with 285,000 and still runs strong. No major repairs. I use high mileage synthetic blend

3 people found this helpful.
25

I have a 2003 Tahoe LT that is currently at 197k miles. Received the vehicle at 175k. Was informed of a slight leak due to the eventual rear main seal fix at 177k miles. Didn't do anything about it, oil level did not change from one oil change to the next. Towed a fully loaded dual axle trailer cross country and was told to keep an eye on the clutch and transmission. No issues what so ever so far. I've waxed and clay barred the vehicle, changed serpentine belt, changed battery, swapped all four tires, and swapped coolant fluid and that's it. It is a sturdy, powerful (5.3L V8), and beautiful car inside and out that I hope to have for a long time. Not making car payments is also a good position to be in. Before getting mine I did about a month's worth of research and spoke with friends and family. The only real issue with this generation Tahoes and Yukons come down to not swapping rear main seal in time and risking a cracked block, and/or having the transmission go out. Aside from raidiators, alternators, suspension and other minor parts that can call it quits along the end.

2 people found this helpful.
30

1999 Yukon SLT. regular mobile 1 oil changes. engine started knocking at 175k. thought it was a good idea to replace the engine. bad idea. drive train started going.. thats another $2000. everything that can go wrong on it eventually will. parts are relatively inexpensive, but costly to install (and sometimes terribly hard to find). so far im in it for about $9000. and the AC doesnt work and the seats are ripped. theres a reason KBB says value is $300. should have kept my G35. was running strong at 300k. but in my experience: 175k. major costly repairs were not worth it. all moving (and sometimes non-moving) parts will eventually fail.

3 people found this helpful.

2001 chevy Tahoe four wheel drive 196,000 miles still runs like new. All original as far as I know. Just had to replace all the ball joints and some front end work.

40

We have a 2004 Tahoe with just over 313K...still runs great but smokes a bit on start up due to leaky valve guides. Uses about a quart or 2 a week... still gets about 17mpg

2 people found this helpful.
40

The 2004 has 313K and still has the original motor - a 5.3 vortec. We did replace the transfer case about 50K miles ago. The body is in great shape but as usual....the bumpers look like hell LOL

2 people found this helpful.

i have a 2004 tahoe just hit 167000 on it had to replace the 02 sensor and mass air sensor and the wheel hub assembly puting a new water pump in and a fuel pump i cut a hole right behind the driver seat to get to the fuel pump it safe a lot of time takeing it on a long trip pulling a camper so i to make sure it all good to go

20

Ive had a 2001 GMC Yukon for the last 3 years. It currently has about 295000 on it and ive only had to replace some heater hoses and some suspension components. Great daily driver!

2 people found this helpful.
10

Second owner 06 Tahoe z71 about 3 years now. Grabbed it with around 60,000 on it 3 years later I have 94,000 changes oil every 5,500-6,000 miles.... Haven't had a problem yet!

1 people found this helpful.
200

My 2007 Chevy Tahoe has 297,000 miles on dash. No major problems. Typical services brakes, sparks tune up etc. Hoses...

2 people found this helpful.

Have a 08 Tahoe when it gets to 45 mph it shacks a lil when you get passed 45 it smooths out anyone know what it could be

40

I bought my 2002 Tahoe from a friend in 2007 with 67,000 miles on it. I just turned 346,000 miles and am giving it to a friend (With Reservations) that wrecked his truck. I’m buying a 2007 Tahoe with 110,000 miles. Can’t imagine not driving any other vehicle. Keep the oil changed every 3000-4000 miles and you will not be disappointed.

4 people found this helpful.
100

im thinking about getting a 2001 tahoe with 158000 miles for 7k is that a good idea the tahoe is z71 but the price is financed and with a warranty?

2 people found this helpful.
10

1999 tahoe 4wd puchased in 2002 with 43000 now has 191000, radiator, intake gasket, rear axle, a/c, shocks, water pump, 2 fuel pumps, starter, best truck, Reliable, daily driver, My 2014 tahoe LTZ 59000, stays in the garage for road trips.....repairs are cheaper than payments

1 people found this helpful.
40

I have a 2010 LTZ with 244,000 miles. Still runs great. Shocks and struts have been replaced once and 2 tierods. Little rust around the trailer hitch. This is a NE vehicle that has to deal with a lot of salty roads. Still going strong. All depends on how you take care of it.

4 people found this helpful.
30

5' 11" 205lbs with 208,000 miles on my 2004 LS Tahoe 2 Wheel Drive. 100% Arizona Car. No salt. Only issue was Brake Boost replacement 12/19. That is it. 2nd owner. Treat like baby. Change fluids. Drive like a baby. Best investment ever. Bought used $7800 2013 with 108,000. 5.3 Liter. Gas. Still rides like a Texas Caddy. Love it.

3 people found this helpful.

I have a 2002 with 313000 miles on it and runs great the only thing ever fixed was the water pump

30

LS engines are the way to go my 07 Tahoe has 416k+ just replaced left motor mount, shocks and have done regular maintenance since I bought it with 180k miles

3 people found this helpful.

My 97 Tahoe has 311k miles so far and still runs like new. Shows low oil pressure on the gage but I have had no issues other than fuel pumps alternatives and all the usual items. Love this old truck gonna keep it til one of us dies

130

I've posted before in this chain, my tahoe is now 15 years old, with around 108k miles. I would say for all the years we have had it, it has been great with not many major issues. This 2020 we had 2 episodes of rear back lines failing. It seems where the mount clips for the brakelines are mounted to the frame harbor water/salt/etc and rot the lines out. So lesson learned just replace the lines complete on the rear side of the tahoe if you got a bad spot. We ended up with 2 services and probably paid about 800 dollars vs probably 500 to do it all. I am in St Louis and we don't get a lot of salt on the roads so it was surprising to hear the lines were failing. The car gave no notice, just sprayed out while my wife was driving, she barely made it home. Second time it was in the driveway (lucky), same thing, see the brake fluid at the back wheel area. Both brake lines burst within 9 mo of each other.

10

Have 2005 gmc yukon 5.3 180,000 miles runs like new use full synthetic oil 15,000 mile Purolator boss filter change oil twice a year filter once. change trans fuid filter every 40,000 most reliable vehicle i have ever had.

1 people found this helpful.
410

I just wanted to do a follow up on my post from about a year back. I now have 452000 miles on my 2002 Tahoe. It has been a great vehicle and would love to hit half a million miles before I get a Silverado. Other than the normal things it has not needed much. I have used either full synthetic or half synthetic since day one. Actually the first 300,000 were all full synthetic. The trans fluid gets flushed every 100K miles and the trans filter got changed at 300k even though it wasn't needed. Good luck to anyone who buys a Chevy as I think they are great vehicles.

1 people found this helpful.
10

Dannk1 I have a 2002 Chevy Tahoe all original with 345000 miles that runs like a dream. I worked at a Chevy dealership and everyone said not to do an motor and trans flush but to just add fluids and drain the engine oil no flush. I understand why but my question is why are you able to do it? Is it not original trans and motor or is it because you have always done it? I’m not questioning you to be rude just to learn more. I love my Tahoe I’ve never had a bill over $1000. My 2003 Ford F 250 diesel Supper Duty well that’s another story. I can’t get it outa the shop for under $1000.

1 people found this helpful.

Z71 5.3L - I’m at 232,000 and it still runs like it did new. Original water pump was changed out at 192,00 because it had a wee slow drip / seep and I was getting ready to drive across the country. I did have a u joint give on that trip but I was hauling a cargo trailer with about 5,500 lbs and about mid way over the Hoover Dam when it happened. Still didn’t strand me ! Kept it at a speed where there was no drive shaft vibration (35 ish) and we made it all the way to Kingman AZ to the dealer. That impressed the hell out of me. I personally think a lot of other big ‘ rough, tough, cream puff Trucks or SUV’s makes would of been parked with a drive shaft end dropped to the dirt staring at the driver stare, at their own feet lol I did have to do the repair for the exhaust manifold leak that they mostly all get eventually from the rear (firewall) bolts shearing. I used the Kral clamps on both sides and it is the best $100 on parts & 1.5 labor for my mechanic I’ve ever spent. Old school ways of that fix are def not cheap by a long shot I honestly think my Tahoe body will rot off from the shit they put on the roads for ice nowadays before it decides it’s tired and gives up the ghost and that seriously bums me out. The cancer is starting in GMC / Chevy notorious spots - rocker and rear quarter panels. Bumpers too, rear being the worst. I replaced the original rear this past year @ 18 yrs old. It was far overdue. Front is getting pretty ugly but still solid, so I’ll get to it after this winter season. Chassis, frame, floor pans, etc. I painted and protected from the ice brine caca corroding and rotting everything. Can’t do anything to clean or prevent that garbage from spraying up into and seeping into the body panels over time no matter how much you wash and rinse. It is going to do its dirty deed if your in snow country that uses that crap. I’ve got some good chemo treatments for rust so I’m hoping for another good 200,000 Most reliable and steadfast vehicle I’ve ever owned. Take good care of it and I’m sure it’ll return the favor. Kinda like most things.

670

I’m driving a “97” two door Tahoe this truck only has 145,000 , not bad for 25 years . Small maintenance issues have been the only thing it’s needed. What’s best about these Chevys is plenty of power ( 350 v8 ) and the RIDE and DRIVE is like a Caddie but this thing will go ANYWHERE . IVE not been rough on it but I have went places lots of other 4x4 could not. Best truck I’ve ever had. Not for sale , I get lots of offers as it’s still a sharp truck.

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