Should I purchase a 2001 Tahoe 157k miles. They are asking $5,500. Heard those vortec engines are reliable.
It can be a good one. The weak point is the automatic transmission. Make sure your mechanic checks out the car before purchase.
Don't let the people here discourage you. Most of the replies are opinions only. No one here has seen the Tahoe but you. If you like it and the seller will agree to a pre-purchase inspection, then go for it.
This is what I look for in a used vehicle. First and foremost, Overall Condition. No body damage, intact glass,no broken head or tail lights. No body rust.
If I buy it,I change the oil, coolant, transmission fluid, upper and lower radiator hoses, thermostat,serpentine drive belt, and engine air filter. Now you have a starting point for future maintenance and know that you have done the most important things you needed to do.
Naturally, make your first offer lower and work up from there. Take the Tahoe out for a test drive of at least 20 miles, checking the trans, brakes, A/C, heater, wipers, lights, horn, and everything else you can. Best if the seller goes with you. Treat him to lunch.
Just like dating, age is not the determinating factor.
Good Luck to you.
I’d adD: checking the condition of the ATF. If it’s burned then, avoid it.
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The 4L60E has a well deserved reputation for being absolute junk.
This fits the funny topic more, but since it's on subject:
@dan
As an owner (and abuser) of two, I think you are way off. They shift marvellously, and they are very robust if looked after, even on vehicles much heavier than the Tahoe.
They are modelled after the venerable turbo400 which still used on the race track to this day due to its toughness.
And if they do fail, repairs are inexpensive, and replacements are very abundant. They are workhorses.
that's a ridiculous price for a 20yo vehicle with high mileage.
I can only speak personally from owning an '01 Tahoe from 2006 to 2014 and let me tell you... It was hands down the best domestic vehicle I have ever owned in my life. All I ever had to do was brake changes and normal tune-ups and oil changes. That thing just never seemed to have problems. It just ran and ran. I don't know if all Tahoes have that reliability and I surely wouldn't advise getting a newer one as Chevy quality has gone down hill a bit in the last 20 years.
Everyone above has given you some sound advice... go check it out, drive it, feel it, run it, do a car fax, have a mechanic check it out and go from there.
Cheers
Bon
