Looking to buy a new SUV

[8701]

Hello,
First timer on the forums here. I wanted some feedback/help in deciding which SUV I should go with. I have had Chevy Suburbans since I started driving in high school and currently have a 2006 Z71 Tahoe with 136,990 miles. It just now started leaking oil and giving me some problems so it is time to trade it in and buy a new SUV.
We are considering both the Tahoe (Texas Edition) and Expedition (Limited). I also own a 2002 Ford F-150 with 176k miles so I know both companies are great at what they do.

I coach a girls travel basketball team and we travel often every year so besides hauling my own two daughters I normally get asked to take other players/friends on my daughters team. I am looking for reliability.

Would you all be able to tell me some pro's and con's?
I know Expeditions have individual rear suspension is that good? Cheap to fix should I ever have to?

Why are higher level Expeditions the same price as lower level Tahoe's are the Tahoe's better?

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thank You

 

[03expyMG]

I've only owned ford trucks and have been happy with the 2 I've owned. Very reliable. I had an f150 that I bought with 25k and put over 100k on it and did nothing but brakes and tires and a tune up before I sold it. Took 2 trips a yr from jersey to Florida in the 3 yrs I owned it. I know ppl that have owned Chevys and love them as well. I say drive both and let that be your determination.

 

[Stoned06]

Both the Tahoe and the Expedition are good vehicles. I initially thought of getting a Tahoe as I thought they have better styling, but I liked the ride of the Expy and it's interior a little better. The independent rear susp has a factor in the ride quality. BUT, the huge deciding factor for me was the fold flat 2nd and third row seats. I carry quite a bit in the back of my Expy and have a ton of room, and a totally flat floor without removing seats. The Tahoe (as you know) you have to remove the third row, but the second row will never be flat. Carrying anything of length in the Expy is much easier. And I can attest that it can tow quite a load too without issues.
Other than the bubbling paint on the tailgate, I have not had any major issues with the vehicle. Just regular and preventative maintenance here.

 

[01yellerCobra]

When we started looking for a bigger SUV I looked into Suburbans. Mostly because I wanted the 3/4 ton chassis. But I didn't like that I had to remove the 3rd row seat in order to get the flat floor. We have two kids and two large dogs. Being able to change the seating set up on the fly is something we like being able to do. Plus we've always had good luck with Ford. We bought our old Mountaineer with 78K on the clock and traded it in with 190K. The worst thing that happened was one of the plastic tanks on the radiator cracked. Beyond that it keep plugging away.

 

[mindgame]

If you want comfort in a SUV, IRS is the way to go...

Now.. If you want to lift a new Expy.. You are outta luck... There is no suspension lifts for the IRS after the 2nd Gens.. You'll only be able to get a 3" coilover spacer...

All in all.. IMO, the Expy is more solid looking than the Tahoe...

Cheers

 

[8701]

Both the Tahoe and the Expedition are good vehicles. I initially thought of getting a Tahoe as I thought they have better styling, but I liked the ride of the Expy and it's interior a little better. The independent rear susp has a factor in the ride quality. BUT, the huge deciding factor for me was the fold flat 2nd and third row seats. I carry quite a bit in the back of my Expy and have a ton of room, and a totally flat floor without removing seats. The Tahoe (as you know) you have to remove the third row, but the second row will never be flat. Carrying anything of length in the Expy is much easier. And I can attest that it can tow quite a load too without issues.
Other than the bubbling paint on the tailgate, I have not had any major issues with the vehicle. Just regular and preventative maintenance here.

I really appreciate your input. After test driving both of them the Expedition did have a better ride. Not sure if this is because I test drove the Tahoe Texas Edition which has the sportier 20 inch rims/tires of if in fact the Expedition is a better ride overall.

I am concerned about the bubbling paint issue. As of last night I was leaning towards the Expedition I figured "why not live a little and break out of my comfort zone" then I stumbled upon 100's of expedition owners who all had paint issues and the majority of them had trouble getting the problem fixed by Ford. Was your paint issue fixed without a hassle?

 

[8701]

If you want comfort in a SUV, IRS is the way to go...

Now.. If you want to lift a new Expy.. You are outta luck... There is no suspension lifts for the IRS after the 2nd Gens.. You'll only be able to get a 3" coilover spacer...

All in all.. IMO, the Expy is more solid looking than the Tahoe...

Cheers

No I do not plan to lift either. When I was younger I use to do a lot to my SUV's however now that I am a family man all I need it to do is be dependable, handle heavy miles and traveling every weekend without having to worry about breaking down. As you can see from my 2006 Tahoe at 136k miles we are on the road often.

 

[rexster314]

I'm not so sure how widespread the paint bubbling is. I've had an 01 and 05 in the past and never had that problem. If you intend to haul some extra ball players and their equipment, I would consider the EL version. If you put up the third row seat, you're somewhat limited in space behind the third row.

 

[01yellerCobra]

I've had my 08 EL for about a month now. I don't have any paint bubbling (knock on wood). The ride is really nice even with 24's. And there's a lot of room. I'm glad we went with the EL over the regular version.

Misspelling brought to you by Tapatalk

 

[8701]

I'm not so sure how widespread the paint bubbling is. I've had an 01 and 05 in the past and never had that problem. If you intend to haul some extra ball players and their equipment, I would consider the EL version. If you put up the third row seat, you're somewhat limited in space behind the third row.

we considered the EL and Suburban but since my oldest daughter will be driving in a few years we figured the Tahoe or Expedition would be a better (younger) look if you will for her since we plan to give her whatever we decide on buying.

 

[Stoned06]

I am concerned about the bubbling paint issue. As of last night I was leaning towards the Expedition I figured "why not live a little and break out of my comfort zone" then I stumbled upon 100's of expedition owners who all had paint issues and the majority of them had trouble getting the problem fixed by Ford. Was your paint issue fixed without a hassle?

No, mine started after the warranty expired. I bought it used when it was 2 yrs old, and it started after I passed the mileage limit on the bumper to bumper warranty.
If it happens within the warranty, Ford will cover it. But once past 3 yrs or 36K, you are SOL. I sanded the bubbles and repainted it myself. Not perfect, but I at least stopped the corrosion until I want to pay someone to professionally paint it.