Trucks & Trailers - 2004 suburban vs. newer model

I have a 2004 suburban 1500 that runs well. Thinking about a newer model but have heard some complain the newer models are more problematic, less reliable, etc. if you could pick any model year, past present, or future, what would you buy? Thanks.

My 2009 Suburban has had zero warranty issues (with over 60K on clock its out now)

My 2001 (same version as your 2004) went over 20 times for warranty issues in the first 2 years it did however make it to 300K miles and is still rolling with the new owner.

THRILLED with my 09, in my opinion a much nicer truck.

I also have a 2009 Suburban with zero warranty issues. Gets better mileage than my old Suburban with the 6 speed transmission and pulls the boat better with 310 hp.

I have 73K on my 08 Sub. The only issue I had was with the door lock actuators. Couple replaced under warranty 1 I paid for as I was over 36K and out of warranty.
Otherwise great truck. Very comfortable and spacious.

I get 16-18 Hwy out of the 5.3 w/4sp tranny too.

I think its random,
1st - 2001 Yukon XL, 84k miles with one set of rear brakes and a rebuilt anti lock brake module.
2nd- 2007 Yukon Blown head gasket at around 24k. traded because I didn't trust it after that(wifes truck)
3rd- 2010 Yukon leaking power steering unit, twice!, nagging door handle that brakes on the drivers side, on the 3rd one right now...
Having said that we like them and they seem to be reliable enough, I don't drive it everyday so things go un-noticed by my wife, unless its leaving a stain on the garage floor....then I call and ruin her day with a day at the dealership, haha

I like the newer models myself.

Same Motor and tranny in most year models you are looking at. If you can find a used 2500 that would be my first choice.

2003, I think 2004 is when they switched to "fly by wire" throttle body. I like the 2003-2004ish body style with a mild leveling kit.

Having been a chevy fan for over 45 years I have owned 2 suburbans in my life both bought new. I now own a sequoa and would never buy another suburban again. Big difference. Check out the specs ; 411 rear gear, more torque than H.P. , fuel millage 18 MPG at steady 80 mph. Tows a 5,000 lb boat like it is not back there.

For what it is worth, I recently retired a 1999 Suburban 1500 and after resaerching Suburbans and Expeditions, found a low mileage 2009 Expedition EL- absolutely love it. You may take a look around at those as well.

I have a 2004 suburban 1500 that runs well. Thinking about a newer model but have heard some complain the newer models are more problematic, less reliable, etc. if you could pick any model year, past present, or future, what would you buy? Thanks.

The only problems I hear of, is with the AFM (active fuel ,management) system... and how some of the (gas) aluminum block engines burn oil.

It all depends on what you're going to be doing with the truck. If you're just pulling a trailer and doing a little weekend hauling with it, spending a small fortune on a late model Suburban may not be warranted.

But, if you're driving the truck every day and getting up there in miles, you may suspect future expensive repairs are in your future. You may need to trade.

I'm a car guy in real life, and worked for a major auto mfg. for 24 years. With the cost of gasoline, I can no longer live with a 14-15 mpg vehicle for everyday driving. A Suburban is a fantastic special use vehicle, but sales have simply sucked in all big SUV's for the last few years.

Keep your old truck, and spend your $ on a late model high MPG vehicle to balance out the gas you're putting thru your truck.