I'm looking into getting my wife a new vehicle. Would a diesel Suburban or a diesel Excursion be the better choice ? Which one of the two is more durable and dependable ?

 

I think the suburban's ride better and will be older if you want a diesel(which is a piece of junk one ).The excursion are newer with a decent diesel if you get the 7.3,I don't like the 6.0 motor so enter at your own risk on that one .The gm gas engines are better in my opinion especially if you are getting like 2000 and up years .The suburbans don't tow as much but might not be a issue for you.Good luck Joe

 

I'd get a 7.3 diesel Excursion, then A 6.5 TD Suburban.

If Gas, I'd go Suburban, then Excursion.

 

Agreed, but if you do go with a GAS engine, make sure you do your homework, GM has a bit of a problem with the 2003-06 (??, not sure what year it ended but I know it started in 2003) heads cracking on the 5.3l motor.

For some reason the 1999-2002 5.3 motor is a great motor and I have one in a 1999, which has not given me a single problem but there again it only has 35k on the clock.

If you do go with a GM subruban go with the 2500 version with either the 5.3 or 6.0 from like an 01 or 02. The 2500 comes with Leaf spring rear end and the 1500 is a coil over rear end....(BAD SAG when towing)

just some "Beware" thoughts

NCA

 

Thanks guys !

 

Have you considered a V10 Excursion? It's a gas hog, but they're pretty durable. A 5.3 Suburban won't be the best pulling rig, and I've heard lots of horror stories about GM's 6.0 gas engine (piston slap, oil consumption, etc)

 

You're going to pay 2X more for a diesel Excursion over a V-10. Far cheaper to buy the V-10 and do the Cummins conversion.

P.S. My neighbor has a V-10 Excursion. Went boating with him last summer and towed a 17' MasterCraft up over the pass to the lake. Was not impressed. 45 mph tops with the pedal to the floor and the engine screaming. We got passed by a semi.

 

The Excursion is no longer being made.

 

Depends on where you live and what your wife is planning to do with it.

Diesel shine in two areas - high altitude and towing. If neither apply to you, then stick with the gas engined Suburban. It will warm up better in the winter, weigh less, be cheaper to buy, and cheaper to feed and maintain.

 

i've been looking for a older 4x4 subruban diesel as a plow truck with the 6.5 there scarce up here

 

The 2500 burbans only get the 6.0 and the 8.1l gas engine,The 8.1 I beleive have the option of having the allison behind them so something to think about.

 

I have also been inthe market to get a Suburban. My granite guy just sold his 02 Excursion 7.3 but I couldn't swing the loan and I really don't need a one ton for the wife.
My 02 GMC crew had the 6.0 and that mother knocked pretty good at every start up. That's why I dumped it for the Dodge primarily. I told the dealer if I wanted that sound I would've got a diesel.
The diesel subs of 99 and back are pretty hard to find. So are 2500's around here. I'm still looking but hate the thought of getting rid of my 97 Tahoe, 147000 and still running strong!

Kurt

 

We have a 2004 Yukon XL (Suburban) and love it. We looked at the Excursion and it was nice, but it is HUGE!! It really is overkill if you are looking for a daily driver. The Suburban is big, but a lot more mangeable. The only reason to get an Excursion is to tow and carry the family. Then you need the diesel because the V10 is pretty gutless and the fuel economy is TERRIBLE! We average around 18 in our Yukon and love the ride.

 

From my research, get a 2500 Suburban with the 8.1/Allison combo. Fuel consumption is meger between the 6.0 and 8.1 plus the 8.1 has better retail value.

 

Thanks for all your input guys.