Desirable Diesel: 1997 GMC Suburban 2500 – SOLD!

May 31, 2022, Update – We confirmed the seller of this “Classifind” deleted their listing, so we’re now able to call this one “SOLD!” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

Lately, much has been written about the rise in the value of full-size SUVs from the middle 2000s. Specifically, the huge Ford Excursion has been selling for shockingly high prices as of late, and the reasons for this are far-ranging. This includes millennials looking to hit the open road in a spacious rig with room for their dogs to the prices of new SUVs making a classic full-size vehicle with a robust turbodiesel engine and some collector value more appealing than long-term financing. This 1997 GMC Suburban with the overbuilt 6.5-liter turbodiesel engine originally listed in May 2022 on Craigslist near Denver presents quite well for a truck with 160,000 miles on the clock, with a gorgeous navy blue exterior and an asking price of $14,900. Comparing that price against Classic.com indicates the seller has priced his truck fairly, with an average sales price of $15,950. 

The Suburban has been a mainstay on the automotive landscape for decades by this point, with the current model edging closer to its high-zoot Escalade sibling with each passing model phase. When it all began, the Suburban was a bit rough around the edges, and while it was built with the goal of ferrying passengers with an emphasis on comfort and space, it wasn’t exactly the pinnacle of luxury. Of course, that has changed across the board over the last 20 years as SUVs became not only a means of conveyance but also a symbol of economic status. Seeing trucks like the seller’s Suburban reminds me of a time when a happy medium could exist: yes, you sat on leather seats, but the truck was also not so laden with technology and creature comforts that you’d be afraid to take it too many miles away from the nearest GM Goodwrench center for fear of a freak software issue shutting you down.

The seller provides a link to this great walk-around and driving video of their GMC Suburban 2500:

The seller’s truck presents extremely well in photos, with a lustrous navy blue paint job over a handsome gray leather interior. The color combination is one of the more obvious selling points, as blue over gray generally looks good no matter the vehicle, but it helps that the finish has been looked after and the seats aren’t torn to shreds. The GMC looks tough on steel wheels with tires featuring generous sidewalls, just the sort of thing you’d want for when the pavement turns to dirt. The Suburban also has the most important features, including front and rear air conditioning, the third-row seat option, and of course, the turbodiesel engine. When it comes down to owning a full-size SUV that does what SUVs do best, an appreciating classic like this Suburban makes so much more sense to me than a new Range Rover with far more to go wrong and potentially less propensity for being abused off-road. The seller has seemingly already lowered the price once so perhaps there are more savings to be had with a realistic offer.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“We are regretfully selling our fully-loaded 1997 Suburban which features the rare and reliable 6.5L Diesel engine.

Our suburban is loaded with leather power seats, power windows, front and rear AC and heat, seating for up to 8 (with third row seat option)

Interior is in immaculate shape, never been smoked in or has pets in it.

Exterior is in amazing shape. No dents or dings.

The 6.5 Turbo Diesel engine is (pre duramax and pre emissions control issues) is very healthy and starts right up even in colder temperatures. She pulls strong and the turbo adds to end speed nicely. This is a very efficient and dependable motor.

The automatic transmission shifts smooth and goes through all its gears correctly. 4×4 works great as well.

Overall this is a fantastic hunting, boating, fishing and family rig.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/LEsObWIlMfg”

Modern classic: is the mid-90s Suburban the next full-size SUV that will take off price-wise?