I’ve said for a while now that square vehicles – virtual boxes on wheels – are some of the hottest makes and models you can find. Yes, the swoopy and aerodynamic models often capture our imaginations when they appear on the car show floor, revolving on a turnstile. However, it seems the basic and boxy continue to appreciate, if only because we completely missed how special they were when they were new. The Chevrolet Tahoe two-door is one of those vehicles, and this example listed here on eBay has the desirable sport package upgrades.
These days, it’s not uncommon to see some eye-watering prices for these sporty, two-door trucks. To some extent, enthusiasts love any truck that makes them feel like they’re 5 minutes away from embarking on an adventure at any point in time. Most of us will never actually do it, but we like how it feels to know we purchased a vehicle with purpose. In addition, when these trucks were new, we didn’t give them much of a glance other than noting they looked good with the short wheelbase and blacked-out trim. Now, nostalgia has kicked in and we’ve realized how few of these trucks still exist.
Of course, the real hot ticket is the GMC version, branded the Yukon GT. Those are very hard to find these days and during the pandemic pricing craze, a few examples got absolutely stunning sale prices. That’s all settled down now, and you can usually find even a nicely preserved example for safely under $20,000. The seller’s Tahoe has around 130,000 miles ND has clearly been looked after, with its black paint and light gray cloth interior both in excellent condition. Bidding is just over $8,000 at the moment with the reserve unmet.
Under the hood is a reliable and powerful 5.7L V8 with 250 horsepower on tap. This is a terrific engine and one that will provide plenty of grunt for whatever adventure you take this truck on. Occasionally, you’ll see a truck with a manual transmission show up, and there was supposedly an elusive combination of a diesel engine and the short wheelbase body, but I’ve never seen one. The question is, have these trucks had their moment already, and now it’s settled into a zone of $10,000 – $15,000 for a good one? Or will the lack of decent supply cause prices to spike again in the future, much the way a K5 Blazer in mint condition still goes for strong money?
Clean , low miles examples are doing 40k plus .
The 6.5 turbodiesel absolutely was an option in the 2 door, and it could be ordered paired with the NV3500 but of course that combo is extremely rare. When I was in college a friend’s father had one with the TD 5 speed combo and I lusted after it heavily. I tried tracking it down a few years ago but of course, no dice.
These are rare as people would no longer accept a 2-door SUV. I did get to take a short drive in a 5.7/5-speed prototype. Seldom a good measure of a production vehicle, but benefited from the new front suspension. Years later in 2004 we got a 6.5/5-speed as a trade in at dealer. Internet shopping was becoming quite popular and we received calls from all over, Connecticut, Montana, Arizona, but the best prospect said to only all during specific hours. He lived in Hawaii. Okay. I sent him photos and we emailed back and forth. He told me he would be on the Mainland in three weeks, as he had business in DC. Turned out he was contracted to maintain the Pearl Harbor base. Said this was going to replace his ’84 CUCV Blazer. We picked him up at the airport and he drove it back to Washington state to ship it home.
I have owned a ’97 2-door Tahoe for 24 years. Great truck, very versatile. At nearly 250k its original engine runs great. My well-known classic-car insurance company values it at $2823 because of its age and “non-collector status”. I have been trying to get them to raise the value and have sent them a link to this listing.
Hagerty, and a couple of other classic vehicle insurers will insure it for an agreed value.
Yeah, well Grundy said it’s just an old truck. I’ve been totally happy with their rates and a large claim I had on my ’57 Dodge wagon, but lately it’s been like they hired a bunch of grade schoolers. They don’t even read the policy before sending it out. They included a car I sold a month ago and dropped the collision on one of my late models without my approval. Right now I have a payment due in 10 days but they haven’t told me the correct amount. Hagerty’s rates were twice as high.
hay Darryl don’t know what company you use but i have Hagerty for my 66 gto and last oct i found a beautiful 96 2dr Tahoe all org paint red gray inter they covered it for $10,000 no problem
i have had Hagarty for 12yrs with no issues except that newer cars are more expensive with them than regular ins. i just insure the oldies with them
My brother had a Yukon like that. 250k miles, sold it after 25 years for 2k. Should have kept it. It was all original. New GM trucks won’t hold up for as long.