Faults:

It was a second owner, and the engine was the original, with a non-foul on the #2 cylinder, the engine ran low on oil once and threw a rod... so now it has a brand new engine. And it's even better that before.

General Comments:

I have a 1989 GMC SLE Suburban that I purchased for $400.

It now has a rebuilt/new 350, dualled out with long tube headers and cherry bomb/flow master's. The TBI has a spacer, and the Suburban is currently in the stages of dual-forced air, allowing it to get up to 20mpg (I get 19 mpg right now (13 in town)), while boosting my torque and horsepower.

It has been very efficient and strong, the interior is still in good shape, minus the dash. They will almost always be cracked.

Also the transmission is very responsive, no lag. Soon it will have an after market torque converter for even more efficient results.

The suburban is a very well built vehicle (the older ones).

They don't make 'em like they used to tho...

All in all, buy an old Suburban today!

Faults:

Rebuilt turbo 400 trans at 100,000 miles.

Put a new factory crate motor in at 197,000 miles (blew head gasket/destroyed motor).

Lots of rust around door seals (tops, sides). Factory paint poor quality or application.

Rear cam bearing seal plug has leaked oil since new -- replaced once, leak continues to date!

Never more than 13 miles to gallon.

Window seals have deteriorated due to dehydration.

Has been through several alternators and 2 air conditioning compressors, as well as 3 starters and one flywheel disc -- chewed up by a bad starter.

One coil replacement.

The truck is currently suffering from a coolant leak at the rear of the engine. Coolant runs down the transmission bell housing -- not yet resolved.

Dual front shocks - replaced front springs at 300,000 miles - symptom was a metallic snapping sounds when turning.

Other than above -- good performance, 4 wheel drive, manual front hubs, locker rearend, rear brakes last forever, front brakes last between 30 and 40 thousand miles on average, front end alignment stays put between tire lives.

All in all, a good vehicle!

Faults:

Rust at the bottom of all the door openings and rockers.

Clear coat peeling off the paint, roof and hood.

Coolant leak where the thermostat housing meets the intake manifold.

Rear transmission seal leaks.

Rear half ton axle bent from the weight of the truck, replaced it with 14 bolt full floater from three quarter ton truck.

Power steering leak from hoses between pump and cooler.

All of this has happened within last 2 years and 10,000 miles.

General Comments:

Overall, for as many miles that are on truck it runs great.

This truck has never had a transmission problem.

This truck has never had a motor problem.

This truck has never had a problem with the 4 wheel drive.

This truck has good towing capabilities.

The truck is very comfortable and roomy.

This truck gets 18 miles to the gallon on highway with it's TBI 350.

This truck has good power.

I like the fact that the truck has power accessories, such as windows locks, cruise control.

I believe that it is a great idea that they added a oil cooler, transmission cooler, and a power steering cooler and that is what I believe makes the truck last this long.

Faults:

Fuel injectors replaced when 5 years old.

Yearly front end alignment.

Replaced shocks 4 times. Need to get top end models due to weight.

Quarter panel and fender rust, but not bad for 15 years old.

General Comments:

This is the ultimate family vehicle, lot of room, power and dependability.

I'd buy another one in a moment if could afford a new one.

Faults:

Rear air conditioning condenser rusted out.

Repair was estimated at about $800.00 so I opted to forgo the repair.

General Comments:

This is my second suburban and I love it! The factory seats are not as comfortable as I would like on a long trip.