What do you guys think about these?

I'm looking for this size suv for 5 grand ish

Are there better options to consider?

I'm a bit of a truck/suv newb.

Just starting my search, but I so far, I was looking at the 2000/2001 if I can find it in the right price range, or an older 1998/1999

4wd would be cool, but isn't a deal breaker.

Occasional towing of a 10 foot, dual axle enclosed trailer.
Very very Occasional towing of a 25 foot dual axle enclosed trailer.

I'm looking for something that I'm not going to "grow out of" in a year or two.
I want a decent level of comfort. I'd like to be able to "build" the engine and all of that. I don't want to get stuck with no options and have to buy a different truck if I want to go faster or something like that. That's why the Chevy seemed like a decent option.
The whole muddin' thing isn't really my style.
Being the newb that I am when it comes to both SUVs and domestics, I don't even know what engine(s) are in those year Tahoe and/or which one I should look for.

Like I said, I'm just starting my search/research.
Thought I'd get you guy's input and guidance.

Thanks

 

98/99 Tahoes and suburbans have a R code vortec 5.7 for the V8. If you go with a 4wd they have issues with the dash switches, and the encoder motors on the transfer case.i would look into finding a 2500 suburban with a the 6.0 and a 4l80e.

 

the appeal I had with the 1500 was that it had spring/strut suspension.
doesn't the 2500 have leaf springs? for not towing that often, leaf springs seem like they would make for a rough ride.

what's wrong with the 5.7 vortec?

 

Nothing but the 2500 is more heavy duty and honestly more than you probably need. The 4wd switches are know to go bad but are easy and cheap to fix.

I personally hate SUVs with a passion. They are just huge and lack a bed.

 

the tahoes are leaf sprung up to 99. 01 and up are coil sprung and have a lower towing capacity. Yes th 2500 are still leaf sprung but the strength of the 4l80 would make it justifiable in my opinion its a lot better trans. Nothing really wrong with the R code 5.7. but they werent the best engines made. they were the used between the TBI Vortecs and the LSx based vortecs. Seen some last 200k miles and some that were replaced under warranty.