• Seller: DONN W ILLIAMS
• Location: St. George, Utah
• Mileage: 240,442 Shown
• Chassis #: 3GKGK26JXXG537179
• Title Status: Clean
• Engine: 454 Vortec V8
• Transmission: 4-Speed Automatic

With warmer weather on our doorstep, it is only natural for many people’s thoughts to turn to cross-country adventures and summer family vacations. Often, the challenge is finding the ideal vehicle that will cover the miles effortlessly while providing a luxurious motoring experience. That is where this 1999 GMC K2500 Suburban comes to the rescue. It has served its current owners faithfully but, now that their family has flown the nest, it is time to downsize to a more appropriate SUV. Therefore, the owner has listed the Suburban with us at Barn Finds.

The Suburban badge first appeared on a General Motors production model in 1935 and, by the time this 1999 example emerged from the factory, it had reached its Eighth Generation. It has remained a staple of the company’s model range, and new examples continue to roll off the line today. This one left the showroom wearing classy Pewter paint. It is a genuine survivor with over twenty-five years of active service under its belt. Therefore it is expected that it has accumulated minor chips. However, the sparkling paint hasn’t developed patchiness or a matte appearance, and the only panel imperfection is a small baseball dent in one door. Rust isn’t an issue, with the Suburban as solid as the day it left the showroom floor. The custom lights and wheels add to the vehicle’s visual appeal and ability to turn heads, while the trim and tinted glass look virtually flawless.

If you’re planning long-distance adventures, there is nothing wrong with undertaking the journey in safety and total comfort. This Suburban ensures that is the case because it is loaded with optional extras and a couple of welcome aftermarket additions. The new owner receives front airbags, air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, leather trim on many upholstered surfaces and the tilt wheel, cruise control, and the versatility of third-row seating. The factory stereo has made way for an Alpine CD player and, if the passengers become bored with watching the passing scenery, the Alpine DVD player with its extra large screen should provide welcome relief. The Suburban’s interior is serviceable in its current form, although it is worth noting there is some leather deterioration. Replacement seatcovers in the correct material are readily available, but I would probably adopt a different approach. Slipcovers would hide the defects for a fraction of the cost, and if the buyer opts for sheepskin, they will not lose the luxurious feel this interior provides. Otherwise, the condition is comfortably acceptable for a vehicle of this type and age.

Powering this Suburban is the 454ci “Vortec” V8, with the vehicle also featuring a four-speed automatic transmission, a dual-range transfer case, and power-assisted steering and brakes. The Suburban was ordered with the optional Tow Package, bringing suspension upgrades and a larger radiator to the party. The V8 generates 290hp and 410 ft/lbs of torque, providing the type of performance that would make the best use of the hitch receiver. Therefore, a full complement of occupants and their luggage would present no obstacles to this classic. It will still cruise effortlessly on the open road when fully laden, and with an enormous forty-four-gallon fuel tank, it will cover impressive distances between trips to the pump. The owner has recently splashed some cash on this GMC, fitting new tires and top-of-the-line shocks. This beauty runs and drives perfectly on all road surfaces, and can be considered a turnkey proposition.

It is tempting to follow the “new” path when searching for a large SUV for daily driving and family adventures, and the lure of becoming a “first” owner is understandable. However, that option typically comes at a high price, and buying a new equivalent to this 1999 GMC K2500 Suburban will cost well over $60,000. This classic is a fraction of that price but gives little away to a showroom example in performance, equipment, and comfort. The price difference between the pair would mean that taking this Suburban home rather than driving one off the showroom floor would leave plenty of money to spend on that dream vacation. That makes this classic worth serious consideration.