Suburban (SUV) People...Questions

[Northern GSDs]

I'm not really in the market for a new vehicle, as I adore my 4Runner to pieces but what the heck...you never know ...a 2011 LT model might fit the bill nicely.

Aside from mileage, what are some considerations that would deter or encourage you to go with a Suburban (or another one if you already have one)?

Obviously the roominess is incredible! And the towing capacity for anyone with an RV is noteworthy indeed.

What (if any) issues mechanical wise have you encountered? Reliability factor? etc.

Thanks in advance

[Stosh]

We bought a used Suburban a few months ago and I love it! It's a 2005, has all the options- OnStar, dvd player, leather seats, all kinds of a/c controls, heated seats, 4 captain chairs plus a bench seat in the back besides the cargo area in the way back where Stosh rides. I get about 18 mpg around town. I've driven a 1987 Suzuki Samurai since the day it was new and I was so ready for a big vehicle. It's got a great towing package which is nice since we have some utility trailers and a sailboat on a trailer. I haven't found one thing about it that I don't like and Stosh LOVES having his own space that's flat and where he can stretch out after herding, agility, etc.

[wolfstraum]

I got a Suburban after my Silverado - which I loved! Both were pretty loaded - heated leather seats etc...the Suburban has a moon roof which is nice for ventilation when the car is locked up.... The pros are that the dogs are inside the vehicle and I don't worry about the temperature as I can control the heat and AC for them - I have a 500 crate parallel to the front seats, facing the passenger door, then 2 more side by side....I can still put another 400 between the door and the crates so 4 dogs fit easily.

I like the hatch back better than the barn doors....can lock the vehicle and have the window open along with the moon roof.

Lee

Mileage sucks - but it is comfortable for long drives and has enough room for the dogs....

[GSDBESTK9]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE my Suburban and always will have one. I too bought mine used about 6 years ago and not a problem! best SUV/truck in the world!!!

[Packen]

Suburbans are great when you need room + towing capacity. I drive a Tahoe which has a shorter wheel base as compared to the Suburban otherwise same vehicle, it has 140K miles and going strong. Problems I had were with the AC compressor that needed replacement, other than that no big issues. Replaced suspension and steering worm gear at 90K as I like smooth/quiet/no slop steering and suspension at all speeds.

Plan to run it to around 200K miles then buy another. Only reason I chose a Tahoe over a Suburbal is the tight turning radius as I did not need the extra room (we have 1 kid and 2 dogs) and everyone can ride in comfort with all the luggage for a w-end getaway. Tows a boat effortlessly fully packed with family and gear. I do not think you can go wrong with a Suburban. The only vehicle that I consider an upgrade over the Suburban/Tahoe class is the Toyota Land Cruiser.

[ponyfarm]

Love mine!! Has 125,000 miles on it...still love it!! Will always have one.

[Northern GSDs]

Thanks so much everyone! Keep 'em coming for anyone else who has anything to contribute.

It is indeed tempting, having found a pretty darn mazing deal on one that still has low kms and balance of factory warranty in addition to option to purchase extended. More of a "want" than a "need" at this point but the plus factor for many things is there.

Ah yes, the Toyota Land Cruiser...I often drool over that one...nice indeed but yikes price wise!

[GSDBESTK9]

Sorry but Toyota trucks SUCK in gas. Way worse than a Suburban.

[RocketDog]

I have a 2001 that has around 120-30,000 miles (I'm too lazy to go check). It is still going strong. I have three kids and we usually have a few more too haha. Also tow a 21ft trailer with a slide very easily. Gone all over the Western US with it, from Spokane down to Grand Canyon. We also get up to 95+inches of snow here (average is around 60) and I can freaking go anywhere. A few years ago we had 3 feet in less than 48 hrs and parents were calling me and asking if I could get their kid when they decided to shut school down in the middle of the day. I love it.

Someday though, when the kids are gone, it will be nice to have something with better gas mileage however.

[Northern GSDs]

Originally Posted by GSDBESTK9

Sorry but Toyota trucks SUCK in gas. Way worse than a Suburban.

LOL I was amazed at looking at the Fuel economy on the Suburban 2011 V8 - with the active fuel management system on the newer models, it is pretty decent for a full size SUV! Very cool that it switches over to only 4 cylinders when it's not under load then it kicks it up to 8 when needed.

Right now my '07 4runner averages about 10.1 L/100km. I guess thats about 23 mpg?

I don't even want to look at what the Land Cruiser gets