Would you buy this to detail in?

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NinjaPain

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Would you buy this Suburban listed on CL? Guy will not budge off the price of $1800. Runs great, has cold ac, and plenty of room in the back after the seats are removed. My main concern is the fact that the paint is just about completely gone from the hood and roof areas, but other than that the paint is good on the rest of the body. Has no rust. The 14 miles a gallon she gets is giving me heart burn also...I just dont know
 
If price is an issue I'd rather get a super high-mileage cargo van than something like that if I were using it for my business. I think in detailing... image is everything. What would you think was about to happen to your honda, bmw, benz, tesla, ferarri if something like that rolled up in front of your house? I say PASS.
 
"Good on gas" is subject to interpretation. Anything over 10 or so around town is "good on gas". It is definitely a PIG. I had one about that same year. Loved it. Hauled five kids in it.

As far as image, it depends on the clientele you're going for. If you do a lot of classics and hot rods, I could see this as a plus. If you are after exotics it could be an issue. Only you know your market.
 
steamshooter said:
"Good on gas" is subject to interpretation. Anything over 10 or so around town is "good on gas". It is definitely a PIG. I had one about that same year. Loved it. Hauled five kids in it.
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I agree.

A Suburban like this one might only get 10 miles per gallon by these are very dependable rigs and very capable work trucks.



steamshooter said:
As far as image, it depends on the clientele you're going for. If you do a lot of classics and hot rods, I could see this as a plus. If you are after exotics it could be an issue.
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I kind of agree, Ford, Chevy, Dodge streetrod guys would give you respect for Suburban if you polish it till the paint blinds you and put some nice wheels on it, also tint the windows and get some professional signage on it.

It might not register with the Ferrari/Lambo owners but if you build a good reputation people will be hiring you for what you do, not what you drive, just make sure it's clean and shiny.


Now a classic Suburban like a 1971 or 1972 either a lowered 2-wheel drive or a slightly raised 4-wheel drive, now that would be a cool work truck for detailing.


:xyxthumbs:
 
What do you currently drive? I would personally pass in that. The gas alone in that thing will eat you alive. Take that money and either buy an enclosed trailer(if you are able to pull it) or like said before, find a van. You can pick up decent looking used work vans that probably have the shelving systems in them and that still too.
 
Pass. If it was a newer model you could bring back to beauty, maybe. Or even a vintage model that would make you stand out. That beast just makes you look cheap and amateur.
 
VP Mark said:
Pass. If it was a newer model you could bring back to beauty, maybe. Or even a vintage model that would make you stand out. That beast just makes you look cheap and amateur.
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+1. And the gas will kill you.
 
Don't by nothing diesel, down here in Florida regular unleaded is $3.44 and diesel is $4.00/gallon try and find a decent used cargo van. Gasoline of course
 
My Ford Transit gets 26mpg loaded full without water. With water tank full 24.7.

Completely empty, 28mpg.
 
Welcome!

I think I'd pass, just for the cost of gas alone. But you have to do what you think is best for you.
 
Thanks for everyone's comment on the Suburban. Yes it will be a gas guzzler, but after doing some research, most vans will get about the same mileage in gas as the Suburban. According to fuel economy.com the Ford 350 that was posted by Nicholas@Autowerx get 17mpg (on the highway). As far as the van being a beast, cheap, and amateurish...

I guess its to each his own because I'm partial to those big body Suburbans of the early 90's. But as for now , I"m going to pass on the van and look for something else.
 
I drive around in a Town and Country minivan. I have the plastic storage tots that keeps all my stuff organized. I love having the minivan since once I pull up to my clients house I hit a few buttons on my remote and the side doors and trunk instantly open. I bought my van used for about $2200 and it gets around 22 mpg. Last week I detailed 6 high end Mercedes and a Maserati and regularly get Bentleys and other high end cars.

Appearance of a vehicle does matter, but it doesn't really matter if its an official business class cargo van or not just have a professional looking clean appearance when you arrive and show that you are organized and can present yourself as being knowledgeable and efficient with your work. Though I dont have the storage shelves in my van, my tubs are all organized by different stages of the process and my clients see the efficiency of my work by how I setup. It may help my cause by not having an official cargo vehicle; the high end owners have money and if they see a young small business owner passionate and dedicated to what they are doing they are willing to give big financial tips to encourage the business
 
A 1/2 or 3/4 ton Chevy cargo will probably work out well. I started last year with a high-mile E250 with the 5.4L and it's a nice backup rig now. I have since moved on to an extended 2500 Express with the 4.8V8 and the ride quality is much better. I almost went for an Astro, but picked up the full size for the same $$. Expect to dump $500 in front end parts on whatever you decide to get.
 
Pureshine said:
You will be spend a lot of money on gas with that thing :(
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Exactly... also OP. This is JMO here but I'd rather spend a little more and buy something newer but a little more fuel efficient. I've been findind early to mid 20XX Burbs, Yukons, Escalades etc for 6-10k. I've also been finding TBSS's for 12-14. All mentioned will work for pretty much any type of Clientelle. I'm personally leaning towards an Escalade, TBSS or H2 Hummer for my biz.
 
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