10th Oct 2007, 02:48

1991 Suburban, 350, 4x4, 151,000 miles:

So far this is my list of things that need to be replaced/fixed.

Mechanicals: A/C heat compressor, water pump, possibly the starter, ignition (plugs, wires, etc), and brake system. The ignition is making this thing run like crap, and water pump chirps. A/C compressor grinds like crazy.

Past issues: Alternator, headgaskets.

Exterior: Right front fender blinker light, right front wheelwell trim, most of lower trim, and running boards.

Past issues: Blown rear tail lights.

Interior: Passenger front and rear upper chrome door trim, cloth on driver's seat, lower chrome trim on driver's door, light relay on front passenger door, driver side rear door window seal, as well as the front passenger, driver door window motor, and slowly, but surely the passenger's as well, headliner, dashboard, dashboard lights, and 3rd row seat stitching.

Past issues: Both rear window motors, driver's door lock button (WD-40), driver side rear door locking mechanism (WD-40)

Almost all of these things are due to age, but overall the truck has held up very well mechanical wise, especially for towing trailers and living the mountain life for the past 10 years. I'm surprised I haven't had any problems with the transmission, however, because of the extensive amount of towing this rig has done.

I'm not sure if I should go ahead and fix all these things, or just let it go.

19th Jun 2008, 14:55

I have a 1991 V-1500 Suburban, 185k miles, 4x4, 5.7l engine with 3.73 diff gears. This has been a great vehicle. It has been fun on the beach, desert and mountains. It runs fine even full of people/gear but is not so good at towing; I assume because of the 3.73 gears. The kids have loved the family trips in it.

My mileage is 13mpg city and 18 mpg highway. I did take a trip across Texas at 60 mph and got 22mpg! Amazing how much gas it drains to travel at 70-75mph.

It doesn't have a smooth ride... but it is a big 4x4.

My problems have been front brakes - pads wear quickly; and suspension. My left rear springs were 're-arched' twice by GM under warranty but obviously were defective and needed replacement. I converted the A/C to the new refrigerant but it cools poorly.

Overall a great machine. Two of my teenagers have had wrecks with the only damage to my Sub being trim on the bumper. A thief stole it and backed into a store to steal an ATM machine. Destroyed the building but only scratched my paint job. Police recovered and we still drive it daily.

The latest and perhaps killer problem...$4 gas!

20th Jun 2008, 12:00

Yeah they're definitely built to last. I'm 19 and own a 1985 Suburban C-20 (2500) 2WD. Sadly due to the disgusting price of gas my beast is benched right now.

Other than a slight hesitation when taking off, it has pretty good power and torque with the 5.7 litre engine, and as far as MPG's I was averaging somewhere in the neighborhood of 10-13 MPG.

When I move to a 99' Mercury Grand Marquis, I will still keep my Suburban and will never buy Japanese worthless trash, no matter what gas reaches!

24th Jan 2019, 08:45

I must disagree.

This has been the best vehicle I have ever owned. For all of the versatility and ease of operation I would consider the Suburban in a class of its own.

It handles excellent for a truck of its size and can do whatever you need it to do. If fuel mileage is a concern, they have a diesel model that can get over 20 MPG.

The big block is always going to get poor mileage, it would in a 2WD sport coupe with highway gears. The small block actually gets very impressive mileage.

If you want a tighter handling truck, the 3/4 ton versions are stiffer and drive like they are on rails.

These trucks age beautifully, are strong, reliable, and absolutely the most versatile vehicles out there. I will take a slow window motor over expensive major repairs any day.