Should I sell my 6.5 Diesel Tahoe?

[TurboTahoe]

Hi guys,

I'm struggling with a decision.

As many of you know, I have a spectacular condition 1995 Chevy Tahoe with the 6.5 Turbo Diesel. I've owned it for 10 years, and I've fixed it up to a high level of performance and reliability. There are a few pix in my Profile Album: Particulars are in my signature, but to recap:
* 3" body lift
* 15" Centerline wheels with 33" Firestone Destination ATs (Super smooth on the freeway!) with full-sized spare externally mounted on custom swing-away mount.
* HyperTech chip
* Flowmaster crossover/downpipe, hogged out intake, '97 air cleaner assembly with factory filter
* #280 flex-a-lite fans
* PowerSlot brake rotors
* Hellwig swaybars
* Rancho adjustable shocks
* Heath PMD Isolator, Health HD Lift Pump
* OPS Relay Mod
* 170 Amp Alternator (sure helps with the electric fans).
* 0-60 in 9.5 seconds.

Why am thinking of selling? Main reason: I have kids, and it's always kinda a hassle to get them in and out of the rig quickly and easily. The two doors looks cool and is fine when it's just the missus and me, but when the family goes out, the Tahoe elicits groans. I don't blame them. It rains a lot here in Western Oregon, and when it's pouring down rain, it's a pain for the front passenger to get out, then people pile into the back (from only one side) and then the front passenger climbs back in. Given that it has a lift, they literally are 'climbing' in. The youngest is 12 years old, so I've got quite a few years of shuttling them around yet. (When the sliding seat mechanism actually died, it was horrible, because the kids had to climb in over the center console!)

Pros:
1) It's a powerful truck with more-than-adequate speed and torque, especially for such a short wheelbase rig.
2) It is actually rather nimble around town, and I've actually parked it in small parking spaces without anyone getting upset at me.
3) The lift is perfect, allowing me to see over other vehicles, and it looks great too.
4) With the sway bars, it handles great around town. The 4WD works perfectly.
5) The engine runs out perfectly, with lots of power, torque and zero blow-by!
6) It returns 13-17MPG in mixed driving depending on whether I'm running biodiesel or winter or summer petro-diesel.

Cons:
A) Whenever there are more than 2 passengers, it is a big hassle to use
B) GM/Chevy just didn't build these rigs to be quiet. Like all of this generation of Tahoe/Suburban, it does have a fair amount of body shake. My 99 Suburban was just the same.
C) The 6.5 diesel does have a fair amount of vibration, and it does vibrate the rig. Just normal for this generation of IDI diesels.

The possible replacement? Well, the allure of a 4-door, solid-axle with factory-locking-differentials, Toyota FZJ80 Land Cruiser is calling me. It has 4 doors, it is more quiet and comfortable on the freeway. It has solid axles and locking differentials = more capable off-road. It is full-time 4WD = better in wet weather handling on high-traction surfaces. (at the cost of higher maintenance of the front axle). It's not a diesel (BOO!) but the straight-6 gasser is reasonable torquey. Parts are really easy to come by. Very good fit and finish. Styling is a little more boring than a built Tahoe, but I can probably fix that .

Questions:
1) What do you guys think?
2) IF I sell the Tahoe, what do you suppose it is worth on the market?

I love this forum and respect your opinions.

Thanks,

Rob

 

[Big T]

How much you asking for it? I imagine you might get $5,000 for it. It's a 20 year old truck.

My wife is currently looking at new 4Runners and FJ Cruisers, but......

 

[JayTheCPA]

In terms of a replacement ride, check into the lifecycle of the FJ as I recently saw that it was near end of life due to limited appeal.

 

[jrsavoie]

You should save it til I win the lottery. Or at least til I start buying tickets

 

[WarWagon]

How many miles?
Cloth, vinyl, leather?
Starting price on Ebay would be $5000 regardless.

The cons listed are NOT a concern for those looking. A 6.5 is "alive" when running and lets you know it. No wimpy cushy, quiet, stinking gas engine here. It's all choking carbon black covering, shaking noisy IDI.

You will have to be careful not to grind the starter on a quiet running engine in your next ride.

 

[Big T]

In terms of a replacement ride, check into the lifecycle of the FJ as I recently saw that it was near end of life due to limited appeal.

They're making the FJ through the end of the year. I looked at buying used but the resale value was 80% of sticker at 5 years for FJs with 80k miles. With that type of resale value, makes more sense to buy new.

 

[pacificdrumma]

You will not get what it is worth, because the people who know what it is, and can appreciate it, and give you a fair price are few and far between. I would say keep it.

 

[Big T]

KBB Private Party Value for Excellent Condition is $1,427. Throw in some $$$ for the add ons and you're in the $2,500 range. It's just a function of age. The average buyer is not going to give you much for a 20 year old truck.

 

[TurboTahoe]

Yes it's all very sobering.

The majority of 20 year old rigs are beaten to death and are pretty nasty.

My rig has never been wrecked, I'm only the 2nd owner, and everything works and works well. The mods are all very tastefully done, and it is a beautiful rig. I get thumbs up from people everywhere I go... even high school and college kids... just yesterday some guy stopped me at the store and asked if I was the original owner, commenting how gorgeous my "hot rod" is. He went on for a minute or two. It was funny.

When I put all the parameters into KBB.com, I get a blue book value of $2580.

I know that I can probably get between $5000 and $10000 for it for the right buyer who really really wants the diesel... it's a tough choice.

The Toyota Land Cruisers of the same era have held up a bit better. I know that a 1997 with 3 locking differentials is worth between $7000-10000 in good condition.

Hmmm.

-Rob

 

[bison]

I say keep it,..you won't find an other one like it and it never hurts to have a spare vehicle
Besides,...you'll have to change your handle if you get rid of it.lol

 

[TurboTahoe]

How many miles?
Cloth, vinyl, leather?
Starting price on Ebay would be $5000 regardless.

The cons listed are NOT a concern for those looking. A 6.5 is "alive" when running and lets you know it. No wimpy cushy, quiet, stinking gas engine here. It's all choking carbon black covering, shaking noisy IDI.

You will have to be careful not to grind the starter on a quiet running engine in your next ride.

WarWagon, I always enjoy your posts, and you are, of course, exactly right.

Sincerely,

Rob

 

[schiker]

Don't ask GM Guy.

Its a tough call and mostly a personal one. If you can swing it your Tahoe would be a very nice spare vehicle and hard to get out of what you have in it. Most vehicles are very poor investments. People I know that have done well financially have been very patient, lucky, and just ran across the right deals being at the right place at the right time. I can't ever seem to be lucky and am too picky.

My boys are outgrowing my extended cab quickly and I am NOT looking forward to another truck. I hope to keep mine but its not a perfect second vehicle. I'd like one heavier and one lighter.

 

[Paveltolz]

I'm kicking myself for missing out on your Burb when it hit the market but it would have been more vehicle than I need. Congratulations to you on that sale though as it went for more than I thought it would. Suffice it to say, the Tahoe may do the same. I'm looking for a shorter wheelbased vehicle and would be very interested in it. More than the $5000 and I'd have to do a lot of pondering.

 

[Big T]

I'm with Paveltolz, might consider it for the wife at $5,000. I've seen very clean CA 4wd 6.5 Burbs with same mileage for $2,400. At that price, you're buying the clean body with the long term plan of repowering. If you had to paint, it would never pencil out. This one you don't have to paint. Don't know about interior. Still hard pressed to go above $5k.

Toyota 4wd vehicles have the best resale value on the market. Just a solid reputation. Even the Taliban loves them.

 

[matuva]

Are you in a hurry to sell this beauty?

 

[3500GMC]

Good lookin rig. Ohioan envious of the lack of rust...

 

[TurboTahoe]

Are you in a hurry to sell this beauty?

Matuva! I always marvel at the amazing things you do with your rigs out in New Caledonia!

No, not in a big hurry, just seriously considering it.

BTW, it has leather and around 195K miles. PO put leather seat covers on the front. They look great. Rear is in mint condition.

Never wrecked, super-clean, no rust. We don't salt the roads here, and the weather is quite mild all year. Hardly any snow, maybe every 3-4 years or so, and even then they don't salt things.

*sigh*

-Rob

 

[GM Guy]

my opinion:

Dumping too much money in a vehicle is only a money losing adventure IF and only IF you sell it to realize the money lost. If you keep the pet truck forever, it is never a money losing deal, just your cost per mile rate fluctuates. Good clean rigs rarely bring what they are worth. Maybe put it on ebay with a 5-7K reserve and see if you can get it. if so, maybe sell it, if no, keep it.

So, I would say if you are in a position financially to keep it, I would keep it and find a nice 6.5L burb. having multiples that share many of the same parts is allways a good thing, and lowers one's ownership costs. Or, find a nice newer burb/ yukon XL, drive it as is, and if the right rolled and wrecked LBZ pickup comes along....pack it all up for a little trip to Florida, as long as Ferm has the time and you have the money.

Plus, since when does someone not regret selling a vehicle they enjoyed?

 

[Drago]

keep it and get a used dodge mini van with just the basic ac and what ever, you'll kick yourself in the ass if you part with at any price.

 

[matuva]

Thanks for kind words Rob

I'm at the clinic at the moment, recovering after a surgery. Once I get back home, I'll start seraching. No promise, but I might have a customer interested.

Really nice rig

Matuva! I always marvel at the amazing things you do with your rigs out in New Caledonia!

No, not in a big hurry, just seriously considering it.

BTW, it has leather and around 195K miles. PO put leather seat covers on the front. They look great. Rear is in mint condition.

Never wrecked, super-clean, no rust. We don't salt the roads here, and the weather is quite mild all year. Hardly any snow, maybe every 3-4 years or so, and even then they don't salt things.

*sigh*

-Rob