1990 Chevrolet Suburban 2500 5.7 petrol from Mexico

Summary:

Reliable, strong and classic beauty

Faults:

Normal issues for the age.

Crack in the frame due to the previous owner installing the wrong shocks.

New headliner.

Automatic trans overhaul.

Exhaust repair.

Cassette stereo serviced.

Carb refurbished and gas pump replaced.

General Comments:

All repairs were done very fast, excepting the cracks on the frame that took one week. Parts are incredible inexpensive and easy to find.

For a teenager with friends transportation, church activities and Baja tours, it's perfect. It is sturdy, easy to clean and fix.

This unit is not USA made, is Mexican assembled and is very simple; no many plastics, no electronics, of course, everything is in kilometers, liters, and Kps, but with the help of a friend, all math conversions are done.

After 20 years of service, it makes less noise than my 2008 Patriot Jeep.

All documentation, specs, repair manuals, and wiring schematics available and all sort of aftermarket options.

If you are not fashion oriented, this truck is perfect.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th June, 2010

17th Sep 2010, 21:54

Hey Amigo, It does not surprise to me, I know Mexican subs were assembled with the "Mexico Package", means suspension reinforced for poor surfaces and less complex accessories.

1990 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 Silverado 5.7L V8 (350 cubic inches) from North America

Summary:

293000 miles and still going strong..

Faults:

Nothing unusual considering the mileage. As a matter of fact, this truck has aged far more gracefully than other vehicles with less than half the mileage.

General Comments:

I used to own a 1993 Ford Taurus LX, equipped with the 3.8 litre V6. The car was okay, but it certainly had its moments, particularly with trouble that's fairly commonplace with this model and its sister, the Mercury Sable. However, the car has performed pretty well since it has mileage in excess of 226000 miles and shows no signs of breaking down thus far. But when things do break down, parts can be expensive and repairs difficult to perform due to some creative contortionist engineering on Ford's part. In addition, gas mileage on this car was less than stellar for its class, averaging between 18-21 MPG.

With the arrival of another car, a 1999 Nissan Sentra, my father's 1990 Chevrolet Suburban is going to me while the Taurus, due to its overall expense of ownership, will be sold.

My father required the Nissan as it certainly gets better mileage than either the Suburban or the Taurus, and he must drive in excess of 90 miles on certain days of the week for work. So I get a Suburban while the Taurus goes away.

Ironically enough, the Suburban gets excellent gas mileage for its class and, disturbingly enough, is better than the Taurus! For those doubting this, you all must remember that this truck is the 1500 series with regular rear wheel drive and the 5.7L V8 with nothing special done to it except being filled with Amsoil synthetic oil. This is not like the 2500 series where an engine with greater displacement is used and may come equipped with the 4x4 option. Plus, Ford doesn't really design the most fuel-efficient vehicles, anyways. GM seems to have better economy than Ford with many comparable models.

There were a few repairs that were required, like replacing a rear-end seal. But, this isn't a complaint as stuff like this is to be expected in a vehicle with miles in excess of 290,000. As a matter of fact, it's in fantastic condition for the mileage and the body was given a new paint job with expert bodywork done (no bondo crap, but REAL metal welded in to replace metal in a couple of spots that had rust (which was, of course, cut out and prepped for the weld, and then prepped for painting afterwards).

Working on this truck is a breeze. Everything is easy to get to and is usually arranged in a no-nonsense fashion. Even major work, such as a drivetrain overhaul, can be accomplished fairly easily in little time. Plus, parts are cheap for this thing! You can also do a lot of the work yourself, which saves more money compared to hiring a shop to do various kinds of work with the Taurus (like changing the heater core).

This thing is a true truck, made before the term "Sport Utility Vehicle" was ever coined by anyone for describing these kinds of vehicles. I am very happy to own this truck and look forward to when the odometer rolls over to 300,000 without a sweat.

Of course, if the tranny or the engine croaks: no problem. I'll just get a crate replacement and install it with the help of my father. You can't do that with a Taurus (well, you could, but it's truly a PITA compared to the Suburban). - Reinhart.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 19th May, 2005

24th Nov 2013, 22:48

BETTER GAS MILEAGE THAN THE TAURUS?!?

Mine's a 2500 4x4, but it still only has the 350. So it's a bit heavier, but that's about it, and it gets 6-8 MPG without a trailer, and with a trailer, 5 MPG. Granted it's not in the best shape, but still!

I just don't see it. Not saying you're wrong or lying. I just don't see it.

27th Nov 2013, 14:38

I do. The elevated vehicle with 4WD, likely big off road tires, and added weight. My Silverado work truck with 2WD does better than my 2500. I have P235 16 Michelins; there's little roll resistance on the 2WD model.

4th Dec 2013, 09:48

The truck-based SUV's from GM are the best vehicles on the road. In 2003 we bought my wife a new GMC Envoy. Up until then she had averaged trading vehicles every 18 months. She fell in love with the Envoy. Last week she asked me "Do you think it will last me another ten years?" Considering that in 11 years and 120,000 miles it has cost us a whopping $77 in total repairs I said "Sure". Several of our friends have well over 200,000 miles on their Suburbans, Trailblazers and Envoys. Ours is like brand new and has not even required brake pads yet.

1990 Chevrolet Suburban Scottsdale 2500 5.7 gasoline from Guatemala

Summary:

A good looking and powerful monster!

Faults:

I just got the car a week ago and runs like a new suv! some things are not that good like windows, doors and stuff that a 12 year old car always will have, nothing I can't afford.i m planning on put some headers and new moflers, maybe a k&n filter for better performance

General Comments:

Incredible power in the street, highway and off road, a monster! the 350 v8 engine makes you feel the suv power running all the time.

The manual is pretty tough and the 4wd is the best I have ever tried.

I definitely buy another one!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd August, 2002

12th May 2004, 20:13

What do you mean "the manual is tough?" I'd be very interested to know this.

14th May 2009, 12:25

I've owned four Suburbans, 3- 4x4 and 1 was 2wd.

There is nothing better that I've found for driving on snowy roads. The long wheelbase and weight of the beast gets it going and keeps it straight. That said, I've owned two 4 Runners, a Pathfinder (presently) and a Nissan pickup. If you drive in snow and don't mind poor mileage (relatively speaking) you won't find anything better than a Suburban. Plus, used ones are cheap!!

The cons: Besides mileage, the brakes can be a pain. This is a heavy vehicle and the brakes tend to be a problem area. If you can afford it, maybe aftermarket heavy duty brakes would be a good investment.

Also, one of the beasts was a 1/2 ton, a 1500. I would go for the 3/4 ton variety if you have a choice. You get taller tires and heavier suspension. Works better if you tow.