Buying Advice

[nottmbantam]

Folks,

Hello, newbie here. I'm a British expat living and working in Saudi Arabia. Currently have a 2007 Trailblazer, but looking to buy a GMC Suburban, around 95 / 96 kind of age. The main reason is just wanting something bigger and I really like the idea of having a big block engine as I'd never dream of being able to run something like that back in the UK.

These trucks are very very popular here, the average Saudi family is quite large, so they hold their value really well as being a popular people carrier. Doing some basic research, a 1996 2500 model 454 block will fetch around $6000. There is of course a successful trade in importing the trucks directly from USA to here, where there is a ready market for them.

Fuel is cheap here so , my TB has an 80 litre fuel tank which costs around $12 to fill up.

So - onto questions, bearing in mind that I'm after a 2500 7.4L engine:

Do they all come with 4x4 drive?
If so, are they electronic switching or manual switching ( lever in floor pan )
How big are the fuel tanks - capacity?
Are the rear seats fully fold down flat or do I have to manually remove them?
What are they generally like to service and maintain?
Are the 'barn door' rear access better or the fold down doors? Practically speaking.


Daft questions:
Why does it have little lights on the roof?

Daft but Curious:
What are they like to drive - I've never driven one.

Why should I avoid 1997 models ( as read on another thread )

Any other info gratefully received.

I'm off down the local car market tomorrow to have a closer look, so far, just been searching online. Cheers.

 

[nottmbantam]

Can't find the edit button....

I'm going to look at a 1994 K2500 7.4L, hopefully in the next day or two. Problem is that is has 460,000 kms on the clock - around 280,000 miles.

Not stellar - I guess kind of average for the year? How long are these trucks 'good for' ? When can I expect it to fall to bits?

Cheers.

 

[Karl Stevens]

I own a 96 K2500 with 7.4L. I get about 12-14 mph on a good day. I tow a 5,600 pound trailer. It drives very nicely and is quite stable for its tall profile. I've not had good luck in snow or mud, but that's the tires I've chosen. Never driven in sand. I certainly don't think I'm getting the power I should from a 7.4L. Rated at 296 horsepower. Some new 5.7s are rated at 400 hp.

Do they all come with 4x4 drive?
Don't know if they all do. 4WD is indicated by the K in K2500.

If so, are they electronic switching or manual switching ( lever in floor pan )
Mine is push-button (electronic).

How big are the fuel tanks - capacity?
Mine is 42 US gallons

Are the rear seats fully fold down flat or do I have to manually remove them?
Third seat back folds over the seat bottom. Is not flat with the floor. You have remove the entire seat for a flat surface. Seat weighs about 75 pounds, so it's doable by one person. Second seats folds flat to the floor, but you have to move the driver and front passenger seat forward a few inches to make it possible.

What are they generally like to service and maintain?
I have bought mine at 68,000 miles. Now has 126,000 miles. Very few issues. The A/C gave me troubles. Several $hundred to fix. Low Beam headlights quit working because of faulty switch. I bypassed the switch and wired in a relay and toggle switch. Right now the front differential actuator has failed ($85), but I can still drive in 2WD until I get it replaced. Mine is 16 years old and everything inside works as it should. Radio and CD player act funny sometimes. The biggest complaint I have is the deteriorating paint on hood and roof, and the plastic headlight covers are oxidized and reduce the brightness of the lights.

Are the 'barn door' rear access better or the fold down doors? Practically speaking.
I like the barn doors. You can unhook the catch and open them 180 degrees. The electrical contacts for the defroster don't connect sometimes. I can fit a full 4x8 sheet of plywood inside, or 10 foot lengths of pipe or lumber. Roof rack will hold 20 foot length of lumber or pipe.

The lights on the roof are marker lights. Mine does not have them. They server no real purpose other than appearance.

Good luck.

 

[nottmbantam]

Karl,
Many thanks for the comprehensive information, very much appreciated. I didn't go to look at the one with high miles - the buyer didn't get in touch with me, so I guess it's no go.

However, did spot one locally ( in Riyadh ) with around 175,000kms ( 108,000 miles ) on the clock, looks pretty tidy, so will hopefully go have a closer look on Friday. The usual practice here in Saudi is to take the car for an inspection - will cost in the region of $95. Get a full computerised engine check - compression etc, and a pretty through going over by body work experts and mechanical inspection. Also includes a road test of the vehicle. It's a '95 K2500, 454 engine.

42 gallons ? I reckon that's about 160 litres? At these prices, will cost around $25 to full up!

Thanks again.