ch47d99 wrote: Not sure why you are limiting your search to not look at Nissan Armada or Toyota Sequoia. Another option that should be available very soon is the Nissan NV Passenger van. If you can go without 4x4, it will have payload better than the 3/4 ton suburban and much more flexibility with seating. I am watching it closely. I got a call from Nissan the other day that 4x4 might be an option in the near future as they are pairing with a third party to offer a 4x4 that will be sold by Nissan dealers.
Your post made me chuckle. We live close enough to Detroit that it would never even occur to us to check out a "foreign" car (and, yes, we realize that all cars these days have parts from all over the place and that many "American" cars are built in Canada and Mexico, and many "foreign" cars are built in the states).
Thanks for the suggestions and thanks every one else who's responded. I think we'll dig a little deeper into the 2500 Suburbans. Should I be looking for a particular model or axle ratio on those?
What I'm finding frustrating is that I can't find any used ones; at least not on the used-car websites. And when I do, there's not enough information to know exactly what model they are selling and whether that particular model has the towing package.
Thanks again!
2011 Passport Ultra Lite 3220BH pulled with a 2008 Dodge Ram Big Horn with tow package and HEMI engine.
http://whatevertakes.blogspot.com/
reinita wrote: Thanks for the suggestions and thanks every one else who's responded. I think we'll dig a little deeper into the 2500 Suburbans. Should I be looking for a particular model or axle ratio on those?
What I'm finding frustrating is that I can't find any used ones; at least not on the used-car websites. And when I do, there's not enough information to know exactly what model they are selling and whether that particular model has the towing package.
Thanks again!
@reinita, in the 3/4 ton market you should have a lot less trouble finding rides properly equipped i.e. large enough engine, proper axle ratio, tow group, etc... I think in most cases they are ALL equipped to work. I don't know if there is a whole lot of market for the "Soccer Mom" group in 3/4 tons. 1/2 tons different story, they can often be equipped without necessary tow goodies.
Take it from someone that searched Autotrader and other sources for several months, finding a low mileage 3/4 or 1 ton anything that has not been beaten like a rented mule in the hands of a contractor or a landscaping/plow company......especially a diesel took some time and effort. If you want a nice 150/1500 P/U or SUV, take your time and pick from hundreds all within 10 minutes from home. But if you're looking for a good 3/4 ton, you have to be looking daily, heck almost hourly and be ready to move on it in a blink. I had several nice trucks snapped up the day they went on the lot, before I could even get there after work to look.
What I found helpful was getting some sales reps working for you. I bought my Dodge at a GM dealership. At one point I went to the GM dealership because I saw a nice '06 Chev 2500 Duramax go on their website that morning, drove there after work, SOLD. Talked to sales rep and gave him exactly what I was looking for along with my contact info, within a month, he called. Said a used '06 Cummins Ram just got traded on a new dually Duramax 3500, wasn't clean, wasn't prepped for the lot, wasn't on their website or Trader yet. This time it was my turn to snap one up, the rest is history.
It's an important purcahse, take your time, get it right the first time, good luck.
2008+ 2500 Suburbans and Yukon XLs are all equipped the same with respect for for towing. 6.0L/3.73 axle/6-spd trans. All have the "towing equipment/package" that includes trans cooler, receiver, 7-pin plug, integrated brake controller. You can check out GM's web site for features and equipment on the LS/LT or SLE/SLT models. Should be very close for 2010+. Cloth = 2 bench seats, leather can have bench or captain chairs in middle.
I looked for used 2500 GM SUVs for a year before buying my new one. I wanted either <75k 03-06 8.1L/4.10 or a 2008+. Not many 03-06 came up that I would buy (in all continental US) and so few 2008+ that prices were not good compared to what I would pay new, full warranty. For a feel of the vehicle, the body and interior is the same as the half ton Burb at your local dealer for you to take the family and see how it works for your family and needs. The 3/4 ton frame/chassis/axles/drivetrain are just different, so it will ride and drive a little different than the half ton. Still good (except those darn underdamped shocks!).
GM may sell the most full sized SUVs, but the 2500s are something like 10% of them, and I bet half go to fleet (business/government). With the downturn of the economy and auto sales (especially large SUVS) dropping so much from 2008+, there just are not many used. You may find something that works for you. I saved a search at Autotrader and used Autotempest and checked daily. I hope you have better luck!
If you do not already have it, I can get you GM supplier price on a new one. Maybe find a leftover 2011 if you are not picky on the colors/equipment as I was. I found only 7 2012 models and no 2011 in stock within 150 miles of Detroit. Salesman could search better. New LS 4x4 should be in the low $40k range for 2011, or mid $40s.
* This post was
edited 01/26/12 08:15am by APT *
A & A parents of DD 2005, DS1 2007, DS2 2009 2011 Suburban 2500 6.0L 3.73 pulling 2011 Heartland North Trail 28BRS
I am again amazed and grateful for the collective knowledge in this group. Wow.
OK, it looks like we've better start looking daily for a newer 2500 Sub. because it may take us, what?, forever?
It does help a ton knowing what your experiences have been. I will make it a point to touch bases with some dealers and will check out the sites mentioned.
We are very much looking forward to camping season (DH would say I'm a bit obsessed), so this gives me something to obsess over in the meantime.
Thanks again! I'll update our progress.
reinita wrote: I am again amazed and grateful for the collective knowledge in this group. Wow.
OK, it looks like we've better start looking daily for a newer 2500 Sub. because it may take us, what?, forever?
It does help a ton knowing what your experiences have been. I will make it a point to touch bases with some dealers and will check out the sites mentioned.
We are very much looking forward to camping season (DH would say I'm a bit obsessed), so this gives me something to obsess over in the meantime.
Thanks again! I'll update our progress.
You may want to consider a 12 passenger van in a 3500 series. You can find them very easy, they are manuverable, stout, easy to get in and out of (especially adults). You can pull most large TT with it.
And you can find them with diesels fairly easily.
Thanks
TT: 1995 Layton 2910
Tow Vehicle: 1999 F-350, v10, , 2wd, Crew Cab, Dually
Hitch: Draw-Tite Trunnion WD Hitch with Reese Dual-Cam sway control
Ugh. Found the perfect Burb at a dealer in Ohio, but didn't move fast enough because I was on a business trip and someone else bought it. I am telling myself that it was someone on this board; it makes it hurt less.
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