10k: Plus Sized 4X4: 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe Z-71
The Chevrolet Tahoe (and sister GMC Yukon) was a full sized SUV built on the GMT400 platform that shared parts with the Suburban & Chevrolet’s C/K pickup truck. The Z-71 package was only avaiable in the 4X4 Tahoe and included 3/4 ton suspension/springs, large Bilstein shock absorbers, a taller 3.73 rear gear ratio and G80 locking differential. Find this 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe Z-71
currently bidding for $8,100 on ebay with 3 days to go and located in Etters, PA.
The Chevrolet Tahoe is a big automobile. Walmart sized and ready for snow, it won’t return 30 mpg or apex a turn properly, but it will haul all kinds of junk and probably outlast the earth’s supply of dino juice. The 2-door version sits on a smaller wheelbase than the 4-door version and the only drawback is shoving your rear passengers past the front seats.
The Z-71 is powered by a GM Vortec 5700 5.7 liter V8 that puts out 255 horsepower and 355 ft-lbs of torque. Mated to a 4 speed automatic transmission and all four wheels won’t make for a corner carver, but it should be great for slippery or loose surfaces. This particular car has about 80k miles on the odometer and looks in great shape all things considered.
See a better 4X4 2-door Blazer-esque classic? tips@dailyturismo.com
I could be all kinds of wrong here, but I am 95% sure they never offered the 2 door with a Z71 package. The Z71 and Limited packages on the Tahoe were first introduced for the 2000 model year, to try and move the remaining inventory as the new body styles were introduced. 1999 was the last year for the 2 door Tahoe. More than likely, this is just a Tahoe "sport" (see the sport sticker on the B pillar) with the ever-popular-in-the-90's Z-71 stickers slapped on the back. Still an awesome truck, and as the K5 blazers and Broncos are starting to appreciate, it wouldn't surprise me to see these two-door Tahoe variants do the same in the next 5-10 years. It's a unique driving experience that no other vehicle offers anymore.
A closer examination of the open-door shots shows what looks to be a poor masking job/surface prep and evidence of paintwork done at some point in this vehicle's history. It might be like this from the factory (wouldn't put it past GM in the late 90's), but the 2-tone grey paint is flaking away on both sides vs. wearing/fading slowly over time due to people entering and exiting the vehicle. See also: surface rust behind the driver's side rear wheel flare just as the sheet metal curves under. Also noticed a bit of white (primer? bondo?) showing through the grey towards the rear of both side door openings in the grey 2-tone area.
A diligent buyer would be very well served to bring a magnet and a functioning pair of eyes before taking delivery, as these things rust if you look at them funny north of the Mason Dixon line.
Sorry to always piss in everyone's cheerios re: rust, but 20+ years in New England helps me A: identify it and B: appreciate living in CA, damn the cost of living.