I Bought a 2003 Chevy Suburban 2500 4x4 For Less Than $3000!! SCR Project Car Review & Buyers Guide
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- čas přidán 22. 08. 2024
- Introducing the latest addition to my personal fleet of cars, this 2003 Chevy Suburban 2500 4x4! I bought this truck very cheap in order to help with moving from the SF Bay Area to the great state of Arizona. Since then it has really grown on me, so it has now become a project-truck that I plan to do some tasteful upgrades to.
Equipped with the #LQ4 6.0 #Vortec V8 engine, #4L80E transmission, and 4.10 axle ratio, this #heavyduty SUV can tow up to 9600 lbs...which I tested several times during our move!
In this episode I will do a SCR Review, as well as document all the maintenance and upgrades this high-mileage truck will get.
Big thanks to...
Repair work - Tri-Valley Automotive, Dublin CA trivalleyautomotive.com
Parts and Upgrades - Strano Performance Parts stranoparts.com
#chevy #suburban #2500 #4x4 #9seater #towrig #GMT800
Welcome to the club. '02 2500 LT 8.1L 4x4 daily driver with about 315,000 on the odometer. Other than a squeaky idler pulley, she's quiet and not as bad on gas as I had expected.
I drive 31 minutes to and from work through the mountains of Georgia/North Carolina and a full tank will get me through the entire week and usually the weekend.
FYI...the rear left pocket above the jack is a perfect fit for the small plastic Harbor Freight 30cal ammo boxes. I made a small tool box with one and it sits perfectly there. Like it was designed to fit.
Love lifted Suburban’s!!! They’re soo freakin hot right now!! New cars get old real quick. Once you own a Suburban you’ll keep it forever or regret selling it. They are the quintessential do it all vehicle. :). Enjoy
03 Z71 Suburban. Picked it up for $3000. Best vehicle I have ever owned. Have 242,000 miles on it now. I have probably put another $4000 into it over 3 years. Rear main engine seal, oil pan, and oil pickup tube o-ring replaced. Oil pressure up full now, no leaks. Replaced seals at rear of tranny and transfer case. Normal maintenance, plugs wires, brakes, tires. Replaced a few window motors and recovered front seats. Runs like a dream.
When you calculate the costs of a new truck, you are in at $1000-$1500 per month for payments, insurance and maintenance. These 2000-2006 Chevys are a bargain if you shop carefully and find a decently maintained one.
Never watched before but I have a 2003 Chevy Suburban 1500 with 190,xxx miles on it and it drives like new man, I was gonna buy a new one like yourself but then I was like this is such a better decision, and the seats are way more comfortable!! GOOD VIDEO MAN!!! Keep up the good work!
Thank you!!
I just bought a 2003 Suburban 1500 for $1000. 280,000. Runs great.
Great video! I bought my 2000 2500 Suburban from Tucson,AZ and drove it back to Florida. Best investment yet. Only had 127,000 miles and it was a one owner. It now has 161,000 and it’s running great. It does have air bags. Which I really really love. Keep up with it and it’ll take care of you.
Thanks! More video updates on my build to come :)
@@fastpaxSCR Looking forward to it!
I had essentially the same rig, 2004 2500, 6.0, 4.10 gears. I miss it. I have had Land Cruisers for years for traveling but with three kids was looking for something with more room for 5 people and gear. After a bunch of research I ended up looking for one if these GMT800’s with the specific options. I upgraded to the shocks, installed an onboard air compressor so we could air it down when off-road or just on rough dirt roads, and put it in 33’s. What a tank. Bilstiens and airing down made a huge difference in the otherwise pretty stiff ride. We moved twice using it to tow my project cars, UHaul trailers, and we even towed our travel trailer cross country with it. These are such great tow rigs and so versatile. Every bit as durable but heavier duty than the Land Cruisers. My only issues were just constant little sensors and assessories that I feel like I was always replacing. But drivetrain wise, rock solid. I need another. I prefer the barn doors, then you can have a canoe or kayaks or lumber up top and still open the back, plus for camping you can add fold down shelves on barn doors for cooking, etc. Also I would do the 8.1 next time as there isn’t much mpg penalty and the extra torque makes a big difference at elevation. We replaced our Burb with a new at Silverado 1500 with essentially the same tow capacity but despite the longer wheelbase in the truck, the Burb actually towed better.
Isn't the difference around like 5-6mpg highway?
Which Bilsteins did you go with? The 4600’s (HD’s) or the 5100’s?
latorgator23 5100’s
@@Kristian_Saile nice, I put them on my 1/2 ton OBS Silverado and liked them, but the Burb I’m getting is 3/4 ton.
That Suburban is a solid reliable machine that will give you many years of good service . Your money was well spent . Thanks
Got 03 suburban 3/4 with 8.1L with 273k miles. That thing is a beast.
I love this thing, but admit I think I'd love an 8.1 more ;)
First time I drove a suburban I feel in love with it
I have a 2001 suburban 2500 4x4 6.0
Best upgrade I did was depo projector headlights from amazon and rigid industries sae fog lights
Did you mount two pairs of them (fogs) in the factory place?
I've been looking at getting one of these.. mainly for the larger gas tank.
I have an '04 1500 5.3 with 270k miles on it. Original 4l60, Tcase, and rear end. Engine has 100k on it.
I put around 3k miles per month on it and haven't had any major issues besides fuel pump and wiring oddities.
I do find go through a set of tires every year or two.. usually cheap tires though.
Nice Review. I also have a 2003 2500 6.0 4wd 4.10 Summit White Suburban. I will be following this build along and referencing it for tips. Thanks Mark.
Thanks Joel! Didn't know we had twins ;)
I love my 8.1 burban. Tows like a dream or can camp inside when I want. Does everything. Keep oil in these engines and they won’t die, plus the 6.0.
time to replace the coolant, since you are in AZ. At this mileage, do not bother with the brittle petcock valve. Just pull the lower radiator hose off. Flush it with distilled water til it is clear. Then add coolant.
Yeah. I regret selling my 2003 1/2 Suburban. I’m looking again for one. Great video. I’ll be back to watch your progress. Liked and Suburbaned. 3 years ago. WOW. How’s it running?
I would put money on spark plugs with those high miles. I had a ford truck give random misfire codes and it needed a new set of plugs at 75k. New plugs, no problem after that. I would try this first.
Spark plugs lifters &spark wires
My girlfriend is driving my 2001 Chevy Silverado 1500 with the original am/fm cd player, the cd player stopped working in about 2015, so for less than $20 at Walmart I bought her a universal blue tooth adapter which turns any car stereo into a blue tooth capable unit. She can play anything off of her phone and if her phone rings she can answer it hands free. Hello from Kingman.
I have a 2005 suburban for sale in northern California for $1500 really clean. I don't have the funds or time to spend on it. Bose sound system, one owner. Exhaust head bolt passenger side needs pulled and gasket replacement. 196k miles mostly freeway.
Based on some of the comments I've received, you should be asking triple that ;)
Great video. I have a 2003 Yukon 2500 6.L with 165,000 that I bought new. I wouldn’t trade it even for a brand new Yukon or Suburban. You got a great deal on your truck, People are always asking if you ever sell your truck please let me know.
I GOT A 2003 YUKON XL AND HEAT DID NOT WORK WHEN I GOT IT THE DEALER CHARGE MY EYES OUT TO FIX IT. NICE TRUCKS OLD CLASSIC. RUN GREAT I LOVE IT
I purchased by 2001 2500LT ¾ ton 4x4 barn doors new and have always taken great care of the “Beast”. I started in 2021 @ 202k miles delving into determining whether to buy new or maintain and restore for next 20 years. Obviously keeping my rig was best decision ever.
I’m about $45k into making sure all is in great shape for long hauls and road trips. Moving from Washington state to Arizona took its toll through the mountain passes towing a UHaul. I have replaced with rebuilt engine, all new drive train, front differential, transfer case, power steering, front wheel bearings, transmission, tie rods, shocks, headlights (even though AZ detailer are used to buffing them out), water pump, radiator, both fuel pumps (38.5 gal has 2 tanks that feed into each other-news to me), replace high pressure P/S line, alternator, replacement of all hoses, washer fluid level sensor, replaced wiper motor (coming from NW it was necessary), Kenwood stereo w/hands free, backup camera, Alpine speakers. Leather seats still look good but starting to get done checking, needs a little TLC on hood paint.
I’ve replaced wheels and tires. People were trying to talk me into going with lower profile tires. AH, NO. I like my
265/75/16. Took awhile to find me wheels that size, old wheel chrome was peeling.
If you’re in Phoenix Scottsdale area I’d be appreciative of a painter recommendation. I thankfully found an amazing local independent master mechanic !!
Nice 💪 Soo u really have truck of my dream 🙂 can i ask how much cost to rebuild engine.. And all stuff? Was engine so bad that u had to rebuild it? Is there something u have not replace on your rig?
In the future i get my own 2001-2004 suburban 2500.
Greetings from Finland
I think I want to get one of these, doing research on them is how I found this video. Always been a GM fan, and the LS-based engines are my some of my favorites out there. Right now I have a 5th gen Toyota 4Runner, the one with the locker and all that, I like it but I don't love it. I just really hate the drivetrain, it's really very under-powered and underwhelming to drive. That V6 just makes next to no low-end torque, at the slightest grade it just wants to downshift. The transmission hunting has gotten really annoying, and when it does downshift the sounds that come from that engine are pretty horrifying LOL. It just sounds like it's in pain all the time. At least I know what the Burb or a Tahoe, if I get into the throttle I'm going to like what I hear.
I have no need for a 2500, I have no plans to tow anything, but I'm leaning towards it just because of the heavy duty drivetrain.
I'm in New England, so finding a clean example of a 15-20 -year-old vehicle is going to be a trick, so I anticipate I'll have to do some traveling to find a good one.
You should consider a backup camera integrated with a head unit. Makes a huge difference as a daily driver.
You scored a great deal on a sweet ride! We've had two Tahoes on the same platform and were very pleased. If you keep good oil in the LS motor it will last forever.
Awe fond memories. Did the opposite 15 years ago. Moved from AZ to Sacramento. Second thoughts? Me? yes. Looking into buying a suburban to convert into my next camper build. Two leaders so far: a 99 4x4 and 2004 1500. Prices: $3000 to $5000
I'm new to your channel and just wanted to let you know that you gained a few more credibility points when I noticed the stickers on our back window.
Great Buy. Have been looking for one also, because in 2003 I didn’t wait to find a 2500 Avalanche before buying a 1500. I have been looking for a 2500 Avalanche or 2500 4wd Sub.
Thank you very much for this valuable information and the beautiful explanation and photography ...I own such a car and I am following you from Yemen..
Thank you..🌹👍🏻
Okay thanks 🙏 for the review. I appreciate your channel. I’m really considering an overland truck.
Check out Cognito to get your front end done. Rareparts suspension bits to get your HD suspension built
Same boat man! Wasn’t gonna pay 1250$ for a box car and 325 for a trailer. Rediculous what Merica has come to. I got a 2001 suburban for 750. Don’t care about the lil crash it had or the 327k miles it has. It doesn’t make any weird noises or anything like rough idles so I’m going to trust it since it’s almost as old as I am 😁🤣
I have a 2001 2500 Sub, it has 127k on it (original). It has been on non op for 4 years. Wife keeps bugging me to sell it, but I knew there was a reason I kept it! I parked it because the GD sunroof got stuck in the partial open position and there is no way to repair without taking the headliner down which is a major ordeal.
Glad you’re in good health now. Keep on truckin’
Thanks so much!
Just passed 275,000 miles on my 2003 Suburban LT. In just the last 6 weeks, I've driven it to/from Atlanta, GA twice, Charleston, SC twice, Washington, D.C., and then onward to (and back home from) New York City. It had 120,000 miles on it hen I bought in May of 2009, all I've done is routine maintenance, replaced the alternator once, and the water pump once (7 years ago) and it just keeps on running like a top. I should also point out that I used it to pull a tandem-axled enclosed utility trailer two days a week for three+ years and the transmission still shifts perfectly and without the slightest hint of slippage or any other worrisome behavior. I could buy a brand new Suburban, but why would I?
Did you put it in tow/haul when towing the enclosed? I bought one and want to make sure I get some longevity out of it while towing a camper.
@@latorgator23 hey there! Sorry for the belated reply. When pulling the tandem axle trailer I would usually put it in tow/haul mode. When I pull my little 10ft single axle enclosed trailer, I don't use tow/haul mode unless I've got a fair bit of weight in the trailer.
Trying to find one under 3000 in the Bay area and surrounding areas. Always have some kind of issue and when you find one that if just right, you can never get a response or they forgot to mark it as sold.
That random misfire is a crankshaft position relearn. Have it done at a shop. You can do it manually but it's rough on the motor. Start and full throttle 3xs in a row
this is an excellent video, can't believe you have so few subscribers.
Most times the random misfire is a crankshaft position sensor relearn. Ive had a few of these motors, most shops can do a relearn on their scanner
It can also be a bad crankshaft position sensor. Or the catastrophic converter(s) ( 🤣 ) need(s) changing. The problem is that it can be both. But with the crankshaft position sensor, it doesn’t always throw a special code. Just random misfires. It doesn’t give the catastrophic converter code until the crankshaft position sensor is replaced.
My 03 has 354000 and still very strong. It is my daily driver.
Fun fact: the FINAL year of the GMC Suburban was NOT 1999, it was 2006 and for those wondering where the 2000-2006 GMC Suburban’s were made, they were made in Saudi Arabia
You found the only one in the country for that price
Nice video. Quite a find. Regarding the Armada, the engine is actually very powerful (not "smaller"), and tows 9,000 pounds.
Thanks. Yes, the Armada is the closest to this Suburban for the Japanese brands, it's quite strong and they can be bought fairly cheap. However it is still technically "smaller" at 5.6 liters compared to this 6.0, and at 305 HP for the earlier models (317 for 07-15) it's still 15HP shy of the 6.0 in this Suburban. It wasn't until 2016 that the Armada was upgraded to 390 HP. Again a great truck, and one I plan to do a review on ;)
Armada is a joke. It's rated to 8000 lbs for that year.
It's short on wheelbase at 121'' and it's much much lighter than 2500 suburban or excursions.
I also installed electric cooling fans , my mileage went up to 19 to 21 on the highway.
Hoping your health has continued to be well. Where are you one year later with the truck upgrades? Thanks for the speaker how to’s!
Thanks! It's been an eventful year or so, but I do have some more videos in the works on the Suburban...stay tuned!
Agree suburbans are the best...4×4s
you had me at 'droid'. I've an '03 yukon xl.
Intake gasket was my issue on my 5.3 Spend the money and get the Fel-Pro
It’s most likely the intake manifold gaskets. They will cause a vacuum leak.
I'm excited for this! And I usually wouldn't be interested great review.
Thanks!!
When your ready to sell it get ahold of me
Its hot as hell in az
True...for 3-months it can be hell on earth. The rest of the year however is spectacular ;)
This truck is very good except for the following main problems. Rusty fuel line break line maybe the frame engine lifters and burned a lot of gas..and it has a lot of expensive repairs .you don't want to know.. But if you like truck it is worth to having one
Hate to break it to you but LT doesn’t have a sub back there. It’s blank. I have a 2006 2500HD suburban LTZ with a 8.1 and it doesn’t have sub back there. My dads old Escalade didn’t have it either
You are completely correct, since publishing this I discovered that with all the changes made to the 2003 models, the subwoofer in Bose equipped models are actually installed in the center console. That all being said, the rear sub enclosure found in the 00-02 models bolt into the 2003+, I would just need to cut out the slots in the "grill". My first stages of sound system upgrade videos are in the editing stage now so coming soon!
@@fastpaxSCR yep. Sucks, but there’s plenty of rear panels. Always gotta break the news to others there’s no sub in the back 😂 gm just be trolling people with that molding
Am excited to see the upgrades
Thanks! Part-1 of the project is in the editing stages now, and the part-2 video is being shot as we speak ;)
Low turn signal fluid is known to cause a misfire at idle
I have a 2003 suburban that I’d rather drive daily compared to my 11 it seems to be cheaper on some repairs it seems to be less electronics involved
I have quite a few modern fun-to-drive cars available to me...but for some reason I keep grabbing the keys to the 'Burb ;)
It's funny to hear people referencing the pandemic or lockdown in videos. It really makes it seem odd years in the future.
Just bought an '02 with the 8.1 with only 80k miles.
The black bumpers always look cheap. I'd steer clear. You could swap out with the painted bumper covers if you don't like the chrome. If you do go that route, be sure to paint the belt trim and door handles to match or it'll look like you stole them from a junk yard.
Also, aftermarket wheels never look good on these trucks. The aluminum 8 lugs help offset the "Soccer Mom" vibe without looking garish. Just strip the clear coat, polish and re-clear coat. Then add some all terrain/off road rubber to give it a more rugged exterior but, be prepared to buy a new set every couple years.
Brush guards/bull bars are pointless but can add that "I'm a tough guy. Please believe me" appearance. Also, trash those window vents. Those are for grandads and smokers.
As for the mileage, that's not bad but, my '02 8100 4x4 LT just hit 325,000. Little bit o' Sea Foam and Rotella Gas Truck or Mobil 1 Truck & SUV keep it running smooth with no smoke/smell. Still have to add a quart of oil every couple thousand miles though. Just par for the course with these motors. Not much you can do about that.
Really nice vid... moore ? 🙂 is suburban still going strong? 💪
Iam gonna get my own 2002-2004 suburban 2500 or silverado 2500 in future
Wish I could find deals like this I just paid 17500 for my 02 with 145k on it with a 8.1L
Beautiful rig
I got one for $700 all it needed was a brake caliper.
Great year
I’d Just Drive It If I We’re You Not Drive It With The Misfire, But Drive it With the Chipping Paint And Everything Else Thats up With The Truck
I would rather have the few paint issues that you have than to have the usual rust issues.
just got mine 02 hd 6.0 220k running machine grey
Wonder how anyone could find a suburban or tahoe even that cheap in that condition. Ad like $2k with trans going out and a decent oil leak...
Swap in a front Dana 60!
I have some bad news, the compass and thermometer in the rearview mirror are somehow attached to the radio head unit you replaced. I discovered this on my Silverado.
Interesting...I have been tinkering with the mirror and believe it has a bad solder joint, I will attempt to fix it but if not I'll buy a good condition used mirror and install it. Future video on that coming someday!
Guys going to be 20 000 deep
Just replaced the shocks, drives like new with 199k on it.
We have a 2005 Sequoia with 200,000 miles. You can definitely admire the Toyota build quality especially in the inside compared to your GM. However, no way is it towing 8,000 lbs :)
Yep the Sequoia is a great package, Toyota reliability and resale in a large 3-row SUV...which makes them quite popular, I see 200K mile examples going for double if not triple what a Suburban goes for.
Only 200k lol my Suburban 94 has 385k original engine...
The 2000 to 2006 GMC Yukon XL 2500 was better built by GM.
AS SOON THAT I HEARD, I MOVED TO ARIZONA FROM CALIFORNIA, I DELETED THIS VIDEO !!!
You ripped it for 3k
That year Suburban can hold a 4x8 sheets of lumber/sheetrock..
Coronavirus 2020-21... The pandemic that never was.
Rear coil springs on the 1500?
Do you still have your suburban
bad primer thoes years...need a strip...good luck.
Does anyone have any thoughts on AC repairs? I have a 2002 LS 2500 6.0 that is in great shape with 282k miles..going in next week to look at the AC..just not sure what to expect price wise...
How is it going and how many miles on it now? I'm looking at an 01 with 230k miles that has had the 6.0 and trans rebuilt. $5k. Tempting but the mileage is a little high for my taste. Hmm
I'm looking at one with 227000 miles under $9000 what do you think 🤔?
Did you get the truck?
Try to find a deal like in today's chip-shortage covid-suppressed economy.
did you give up on the upgrades ?
I'll buy it from you .haha
I’m calling bullshit on the price. There’s no way that ANY GMT-800 series Suburban costs less than $7500 in decent condition, in California. They can go as high as $17,000. I really wish that all of these CZcams commandos would stop lying about the “insane deals” that they find. They are not special. Unless they are “Short Bus” special. Try being truthful. It really doesn’t hurt.
Marc, I don't know you any more than you know me...so relax. YES I paid less than $3K for this truck, but this was during the beginning of Covid so please keep that in mind. Prices now are inflated no doubt and it would be tough to find one of these for what I paid. I've been nothing more than truthful in everything I've said in my videos, to the point where it likely hurts my future success. If it's not you accusing me of lying, others think my videos are too long and even others think I'm wasting money...whatever, 23K views and counting it can't be all that bad. Cheers!
this is a tank, in a good way, i have an '04 2500 4 x 4 8100 Vortec, 185,000 miles, doesnt skip a beat, L480 tranny with 14 bold rear diff
Sounds like your going to waste a ton of money
I disliked till j wat whole
Thousands of dollars for a U-Haul? The largest 26 ft box truck is $850
And don’t forget the miles you pay for too. It can add up really fast.
Lost me at unprecedented global pandemic.
3k pounds payload capacity? a u.s. ton is 2k pounds. The 2500 designation is for 3/4 of 1 (one) ton. That 3/4 ton rating includes gas, driver, passengers, & any cargo. Towing rating is not cargo rating. tow rating includes the vehicles own weight.
Your math is correct. So is your statement about factoring in the weights of fluids, driver, passengers, and cargo. Don’t forget trailer tongue weight. But the 3/4 ton label doesn’t mean that you can only haul 1500 lbs. People still refer to some medium-duty trucks and SUVs as “3/4 ton” but it is based on an outdated classification that doesn’t apply anymore. Just ask the Google for the max payload capacity of your favorite 250 or 2500 series truck.
As mentioned above, the "3/4-Ton" designation is based on a formula that was implemented decades ago. It's more of a name designation now and has nothing to do with payload or towing capacity, in fact most modern "1/2-ton" trucks have payload capacities of over 2K lbs. Yes, payload capacity does include fluids/passengers/etc, but at 2800+ lbs it's still a lot of capacity for a SUV. I understand payload is not the same as towing capacity, never implied that, and no...towing capacity does NOT include the vehicle's weight...if that were the case this Suburban would only be able to tow like 3K lbs.
Everybody is leasing California for Arizona.
Hopefully they dont keep voting the same way how califorinia ended up
Yup cesspool people jumping ship to ruin and regulate other states.
Guys, I know several people that have either already left CA or want to, plus I'm part of a FB group called "leaving CA"...I promise you, the ones leaving do NOT vote the way CA ended up ;) Plus, now that I have been here in AZ for several months, I see far more plates from WA, CO, UT, NM, and TX than I do CA. All that being said, lets keep the politics out of my channel please...thanks!
👍💖💚
Way toooo loong of a video....jeeeez...
Thanks for your input :)
Ford excursion would’ve been better , V-10 or better
A diesel excursion would have been the ultimate 3-row tow machine, however the price point is more than triple over this Suburban. V10 Excursion is strong for sure, has more torque but actually less HP than a 6.0 Suburban, only tows 900 more lbs, and is pretty sluggish based on weighing about 1500 lbs more than the Burb...and is still more expensive ;)
Lol it's a solid Suv but if you think the 2500 burb is stiff ride then get ready to lose a kidney in an excursion...lol the 2500 gmt800 is a fantastic platform to build off of. The AC, hydrolic assist brakes, 4l80 trans 6.0 motor on this are great easy to maintain.
I worked for Ford, imo it's garbage compared to the Suburban. We always had issues with them, especially the V10
Toyota is stronger then Chevy trucks
No doubt Toyota makes some strong trucks, but in order to match what this Suburban will tow/haul you would have to get a newer Tundra or Sequoia with the 5.7 iForce V8 at well more than double the price...and those 5.7s are not near as bulletproof as the GM Vortec V8s.
@@fastpaxSCR how much would you sell it for?
Future videos should be 7 minutes or less. You ramble and repeat a lot. Also if you were just buying it to move then sell so you can move for "free" why not just spend more for better? Changing cosmetics plus any/all of the mechanical you should have just bought a diesel. You harp about price differences but you are changing wheels and tires and exhaust system and dash buttons that are worn ? This must be that California logic.
OK note taken...thanks for your oh-so-kind words ;) I wish there was a way to review a car in less than 7-minutes, but I guess Demuro and all the other car-reviewers don't know what they are doing either. Sorry for the ramble and repeat...I'm working on getting better :) As far as price differences go, to me it's simple math...spend $25-30K on a 5-year old truck that will be worth $15-20K in a few years, or spend >$3K plus add another $3-4K in proper upgrades = a truck that will ALWAYS be worth $7-8K+. You can call it whatever logic you want, but if you don't understand the value here then I'd be weary of the "logic" coming from your state ;) Anyway, all good fun...thanks for taking the time to view and respond to my video, cheers!
You can buy a used older single cab diesel to tow your vehicles/move that will hold its value. Look at 03 single cab diesel it will be roughly 9 to 14k which is the same or more in upgrades you plan to do. You are comparing a 03 beater to a 2015 priced diesel apples to oranges aka California logic. You can review cars in less than a half hour. But your video on actual reviewing the car was less than the 7 minutes. The rest of the time you spent saying how you were just using it to move. Then compared prices (apples to oranges) in different platforms about other car platforms that you arent versed in. Then it switched to all of the upgrades and changes/fixes you plan to do. I live in Pennsylvania so we get the new Yorkers and New Jersey people jumping ship out of their ruined states just like California. They move here and then brag how awesome and proud they are of it. But high crime, taxes and over regulation are all they leave, then proceed to vote the same policy because it's a culture shock to them that other people dont want those things. I've been watching it happen here since around 2004 so please dont try to dismiss and say you're different. Or all the "people" you know wont vote blah blah blah. Stay in your state and vote for change, dont mess it up and leave.
@trialbyfirehomestead I appreciate your passion for what you believe, again thanks for taking the time to watch my video. I know you don't know me any more than I know you...so lets just agree to disagree ;) I have been in the car business as a wholesale buyer for almost 30 years, I promise you I know a fair amount about values. I tried buying a 06 Duramax today that had 285K miles on it...wholesale book was still over $13K and it brought almost that. I would never buy, nor recommend anyone buy a 01-04 Duramax, horrible head design that eats injectors, and a non-variable geometry turbo. Sure, a 250K mile 03 regular cab Duramax could possibly be had for what I may eventually be in this Suburban, but I'll take the Suburban...especially considering I can lock all my tools an gear up safely inside. Good luck in PA, I can't comment on all you are complaining about there...just know you and I likely vote pretty similar, and my escaping CA means my vote might actually count for something ;)