Hi Folks, Some of you might remember about a year and a half ago, I was contemplating buying the Suburban in my subject line. Well I've got it and while I like the vehicle, I've come to understand that this truck is just WAY more than I need for my camper. I pulled the camper out to Tennessee this summer about 2500 miles round trip and the Suburban never even broke a sweat. So here's my question for you folks. This is the Suburban with the 8.1 big block with the 4.10 rear end and it's 4wd. I hear on here all the time that this truck is a really sought after vehicle because it's so rare. The Blue Book value isn't that great. Is this thing rare enough that I can put a premium on the price? I'm thinking about just putting this out on Craigslist and asking a price that's 4-5K above blue book and just seeing what happens. I've got my eye on a newer 3/4 ton suburban with the 6.0 and 6 speed transmission. The one I've got now is paid for, but I need a roadtrip vehicle (when not pulling the camper) and would like the added comforts and fuel mileage of a newer one. Anyway, just rambling here but thought I'd open this up to people's thoughts on just how rare and sought after a vehicle like mine is.Thanks! P.S. I haven't decided to sell yet either since mine is paid for. I can buy LOTS of gas for the equivalent of a used car payment....

Put it on CL and set your price. Maybe you will get some bites.No harm in trying.

The difference in fuel economy is not going to be worth it IMHO.

let me see. Trading a vehicle that runs great for a vehicle of unknown reliability.Hmmmm

The only mileage benefit of the 6.0 is when on the highway and possibly a couple of mpg around town; depending on the number of stop lights. If you don't do much highway driving I'd keep the 8.1.I get 9 mpg on my 6.0 the same as on the 8.1 when towing and around 9 - 12 around town on the 6.0.BUT because the 6.0 has to downshift so often when approaching the slightest incline I question how long the transmission will last. I now have 53K on mine.

The 8.1 2500 Subs have become somewhat like the Excursions (esp the "fabled" 7.3 diesel)!!! What it usually boils down to is: You want to sell yours for as much as possible, and the other guy wants to pay as little as possible!!! AND, it is usually reversed when you are the buyer!!!In the real world, you should be able to ask a somewhat "premium" price, but you should be able to tell from your ads reception and adjust as needed for a serious buyer.

2004 3/4 ton Suburban with the Big Block 8.1 | Good Sam Community

gbopp
Explorer
Dec 02, 2015
Put it on CL and set your price. Maybe you will get some bites.
No harm in trying.
donn0128
Explorer II
Dec 02, 2015
The difference in fuel economy is not going to be worth it IMHO.
darsben
Explorer II
Dec 02, 2015
let me see. Trading a vehicle that runs great for a vehicle of unknown reliability.
Hmmmm
Dick_B
Explorer
Dec 02, 2015
The only mileage benefit of the 6.0 is when on the highway and possibly a couple of mpg around town; depending on the number of stop lights. If you don't do much highway driving I'd keep the 8.1.
I get 9 mpg on my 6.0 the same as on the 8.1 when towing and around 9 - 12 around town on the 6.0.
BUT because the 6.0 has to downshift so often when approaching the slightest incline I question how long the transmission will last. I now have 53K on mine.
TUCQUALA
Explorer
Dec 03, 2015
The 8.1 2500 Subs have become somewhat like the Excursions (esp the "fabled" 7.3 diesel)!!! What it usually boils down to is: You want to sell yours for as much as possible, and the other guy wants to pay as little as possible!!! AND, it is usually reversed when you are the buyer!!!

In the real world, you should be able to ask a somewhat "premium" price, but you should be able to tell from your ads reception and adjust as needed for a serious buyer.
Lantley
Nomad
Dec 03, 2015
My thought is the market will only pay so much. Yes the trucks are rare, but there is also just a niche market for those that actually need a 8.1 Burb.
You have one of the rare birds why give it up for a less capable truck? MPG's?
The hope that someone is willing to overpay?
I understand the PT Barnum factor but,if you still require a tow vehicle going to a 6.0 from your 8.1 is a step backwards.
Creature comforts won't get your rig up a steep hill but your 8.1 will!
Carrera_man
Explorer
Dec 03, 2015
No one is going to pay 4-5K over Blue Book. You would be lucky to get Blue Book. This isn't a classic car. I have a 6.0 with 6spd auto and its a great truck with 113K on it so far with most of that towing. Rock solid motor and trans but don't expect much better if any better fuel mileage then the 8.1.
Bionic_Man
Explorer
Dec 03, 2015
I bought a 2003 8.1 Burb earlier this year. I looked for about 6 weeks before I found one that was in the condition/mileage/price that I wanted. And I payed less than blue book.

I hear you on the MPG. The 8.1 does drink, and I'm not even that in love with the way it pulls my 6500 pound boat (not nearly as effortless as my CTD, and honestly not any better than my old Hemi Grand Cherokee pulled my last boat that was 1500 pounds lighter).

If I were looking to trade out of it (which I somewhat am), I would go for a 2007 + Escalade over a 6.0 Burb.
Golden_HVAC
Explorer
Dec 03, 2015
I just bought a 2002 E-450 based shuttle van because it only had 52,000 miles, and the cost was only a few dollars more than a 800 pound wheelchair lift that it had installed in 2002. . . Much less expensive than buying a new wheelchair van.

But I am also getting 8 MPG with the thirsty 6.8L V10 and 4.60:1 rear axle ratio. I like that the van is only 9600 pounds with all the kids and 400# wheelchair inside, but still I wanted better MPG. Perhaps changing to a 3.73:1 rear end will help me with the MPG, as it would with your Sub, but changing both axles would not save you $750 in gas over 100,000 miles. .. . I would hope to see 10 MPG with the high reving van that is only about 2/3 of it's designed GVWR. GVWR on mine is 14,050 pounds, and GCVWR is 22,000. But if I end up getting the travel trailer that I want, it would come in around 10,000 pounds, needing the 4.10 or current 4.60:1 rear axle ratio again. . .

So given the choice of paying much more than $1,000 to change the rear axle, or upgrade to another higher MPG vehicle, I would rather pay for the 8 MPG for a while, and wait to trade in the van for another one.

Good luck,

Fred.
CampingN_C_
Explorer
Dec 03, 2015
Being rare and sought after doesn't translate to pulling a higher price necessarily.
IMO I'd keep what you have. It's close to a sideways move to me. You're losing HP and TQ but gaining the six speed tranny. I also think the MPG savings wil be minimal, you'll be working the smaller engine harder. Both are great combo's though.