Should I keep my 2003 with 140,345 miles Chevy Tahoe?

260

Asked by luvmyTahoe Jan 28, 2015 at 09:59 AM about the 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I don't want to shell out $ for another car and was wondering if it's worth keeping my 2003 Chevy Tahoe (I am the only owner and is well maintained).  Don't know what package but it was $33,000 in 2004...was a 2003 leftover from Chevy dealer. 140345 miles NJ climate around town driving, and summer weekends to NJ shore, no work commute. I don't mind the expense of repairs or even a new transmission if it will pay for itself. Last yr 2014 it is really showing it's age..had to disconnect seats as seat warmer would turn on buy itself and not turn off, heat is stuck on 77 (I dare not adjust as it gets stuck on 62), has a weird rubbing noise when taking a right curve (thought repair shop fixed 2 yrs ago), The engine is now loudly clicking when initially driving in the cold (sometimes I just don't have time to warm it up for 15 mins). Throughout the years my engine would sound a loud bang after I started and sat for a couple of minutes at grocery store, summer or winter (mystery). I would want another used SUV as I love this car but it looks like they are all over $35,000! should I keep and if so what kind of maintenance should I do on it now?  How many years can I get out of it without the worry of breaking down?...loaded question but really appreciate. Thanks

6 Answers

260

Edit to above...I just found out the clicking upon start up in cold is affectionately NOT know as piston slapping...common in GMs. Embarrassing though.

70

I still have my 2003 Tahoe and it has over 290,000 miles. I have taken care of it. The transmission does slip a little when shifting and my windshield wipers don't work. These are repairs that can be made easily. I love my Tahoe and haven't found a single vehicle that compares to this year model and make.

7 people found this helpful.
260

Thanks. Relieved to know. Keep my great car and more $ in the bank! We took care of the piston slapping and bearings and heat a few days ago...sounds great. Continued enjoyment with yours!

I have a 1997 Tahoe - am going into Buffalo today to pick it up at the shop. Had several necessary repairs made, aging of the vehicle and rust were causes. Transmission lines replaced, gas leak fixed, power steering and brake lines checked, all adjustments needed to pass inspection made. It has between 250,000-300,000 miles on it, bought it lightly used in 2003, under 47,000 miles on it then. I love this car - getting a newer Tahoe would almost be equal to a mortgage! I won't say how much these repairs are costing, but it is still less overall that a monthly payment for 5-6 years, probably on a much smaller car with more computerized aspects to go bad. Hang onto your Tahoe and baby it.

260

Update to my question. Well its now 2016 and my 2003 Tahoe now has 150,000 miles on it. Now ball bearings need to be replaced. It started to feel really mushy. Quoted $1300. Thats ok, its still my baby and I love it, however dont trust to go on long trips say visiting out of state colleges etc. Bought a 2016 Tahoe, sight unseen. From an internet dealer for $43,000 before tax n tags. I was looking for used and only wanted to spend in the 20s. They happened to be all govt cars with lots of cosmetic problems, high miles. Even newer used cars like 2010s all had @ 97,000 mis on them and were selling for $30s and with that mileage Id b in the same boat im in now in a few yrs. So got brand new. They even delivered. Had to act by Feb for all the discounts. Buyer beware from local dealers who do not always disclose all the discounts you can get. Research online. There is a GM loyalty discount. Anyway, new car feels huge, the hood goes straight out, no slope so need to get used to parking. Windows are smaller, thats what I didnt like on all the new suvs like buick enclave and ford explorer. Plus i always banged my knees in my parents enclave. Im 5'7" thin woman. Need a PhD to figure out fancy electronics. Wish I could have forgone all the fancy stuff. Including back up camera. I like the old fashioned turn head around when backing up. I dont know how I feel about 1 less seat b/c of the 2nd row captains seats. Also the cargo floor in back is the back of the bench seat when folded down which eliminates headroom Id say by 6". Also drivers side seat a lot higher so I set it on easy out. Lets see when the seat electronics break with use. Fyi the 2017 i believe will have a V6 and many changes like no am/fm radio or cd i think. Not all of us want to spend $ on sirus. I will let my free trial expire. Onstar too, but free for 5 yrs. Im glad I will have another reliable engine for another 20 years. At 70 yo by then I hope I will still be able to get in and out. I still love my 2003, its like an old comfortable shoe.

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