Need some help quick!

[BigDaddy13440]

Choice of a 2006 Yukon XL 1500 2WD http://ithaca.craigslist.org/cto/5726599101.html or a 2004 Yukon XL 4WD http://utica.craigslist.org/ctd/5679457090.html

2WD getting much better MPG than the 4WD? worth the $1900 more?

 

[Martinjmpr]

Choice of a 2006 Yukon XL 1500 2WD http://ithaca.craigslist.org/cto/5726599101.html or a 2004 Yukon XL 4WD http://utica.craigslist.org/ctd/5679457090.html

2WD getting much better MPG than the 4WD? worth the $1900 more?

I can't imagine that 2wd/4wd would make a significant difference in terms of MPG. This isn't a Camry, it's a body-on-frame SUV with a pushrod V8 that weighs nearly 3 tons. Do you really think a few hundred pounds of 4wd gear is going to make much of a difference in fuel consumption? I don't.

I do notice the 2wd has significantly lower miles and apparently spent much of its life in the South. That may be worth it in terms of it being reasonably rust free.

To me the issue would be: Do you need a 4wd or not? If you don't need a 4wd, then there's no point in spending the $$ to get one. But if you need 4wd, then a 2wd just isn't going to cut it.

 

[jerryjoe28]

2 years newer and 50k less miles ...... my only question would be do you need 4wd or no?

 

[fiatdale]

^ This.

 

[BigDaddy13440]

I can't imagine that 2wd/4wd would make a significant difference in terms of MPG. This isn't a Camry, it's a body-on-frame SUV with a pushrod V8 that weighs nearly 3 tons. Do you really think a few hundred pounds of 4wd gear is going to make much of a difference in fuel consumption? I don't.

I do notice the 2wd has significantly lower miles and apparently spent much of its life in the South. That may be worth it in terms of it being reasonably rust free.

To me the issue would be: Do you need a 4wd or not? If you don't need a 4wd, then there's no point in spending the $$ to get one. But if you need 4wd, then a 2wd just isn't going to cut it.

I agree with you on the mileage point. The 2004 I test drove, the digital readout said it was averaging 14.6mpg, and the guy I just called on the 2006 said he got close to 20. I honestly can't imagine that it would be that high, that's why I'm asking here, figuring someone with a 2wd would have some insight, and chime in.

I don't necessarily NEED 4wd, I've lived here in Upstate NY all my life, and know how to drive a 2wd in heavy, heavy snow. I know a Burb is much better than a pickup, as there's a lot more weight in the ass end, plus I carry 300+ lbs of tools at almost all times.

I can get either one at any time, but the 06 is about 2 hrs away.

 

[fiatdale]

They both look like theyre equipped pretty much the same. Im originally from just east of Syracuse so not far from where you are. I've driven plenty of 2wd trucks thru snow, and plenty of 4wd trucks also, and I will always take the 4wd up there, but thats me.

 

[mizzouguy]

My 04 4x4 i can get close to 20 if I baby it, depending on the roads I'm driving. The same truck can also get 14-15 if I run the A/C and drive with a heavier foot. Don't let the mpg fool you. Same motor and tranny. I'd personally get the 4x4 for the fact that if I needed it, it's there. Peace of mind kind of thing.

 

[BigDaddy13440]

They both look like theyre equipped pretty much the same. Im originally from just east of Syracuse so not far from where you are. I've driven plenty of 2wd trucks thru snow, and plenty of 4wd trucks also, and I will always take the 4wd up there, but thats me.

Where from? I live in Rome, wife is from Utica, grew up in Williamstown (went to APW HS), and Utica College and Herkimer CCC.

 

[fiatdale]

Cazenovia

 

[Martinjmpr]

I agree with you on the mileage point. The 2004 I test drove, the digital readout said it was averaging 14.6mpg, and the guy I just called on the 2006 said he got close to 20. I honestly can't imagine that it would be that high, that's why I'm asking here, figuring someone with a 2wd would have some insight, and chime in.

MPG is probably one of the most lied-about aspects of vehicle performance.

Having said that, I could see 20mpg being achievable - if all or most of his driving was on the freeway at moderate speeds. It's stop-and-go that kills your MPG with a vehicle like this. Think about it: Every time you stop, you then need to get that 5500+ lbs moving again, and that requires a LOT of energy. OTOH, once that 5500lbs is moving down the highway, the engine can just loaf along.

I just recently got 17mpg (hand calculated) driving my '04 4wd LT through the Black Hills of SD. If I'd been on a long straight freeway I'll bet I could have beaten that by a fair bit.

 

[BigDaddy13440]

The facts are:

The '06 is 2 hrs away, vs 20 minutes for the '04

The '06 is only 2wd, and the '04 is 4wd - both set up for towing. My wife MAY have to drive it in a pinch when the roads are bad, and she would feel more confident driving in 4wd.

The '06 I can only guess on the mileage - the '04 I've driven, and have seen the in-dash readout that says it's averaging 14.6 mpg.

The '06, even if I knock him down to $5400, I still have to pay the 9.25% sales tax... while the '04, the dealer (yes, DEALER) will do the entire thing for me, taxes, tags and registration included, for $4000. AND he said he would take care of me if I needed to do some work on my '00 Wrangler to pass inspection.

So.... I just called the dealer, said I'll give him $500 tomorrow to hold the '04 until I get my check from the adjuster for my '01.

And, I told the adjuster I want to buy back my '01, even if it's 500-700 bucks. Can't hurt to have a good, solid 5.3 sitting in my back yard (and the tranny!) JUST IN CASE this one I'm buying winds up dying on me in a year or so.
I can also keep the 285's on the MB Blitz wheels, and the wheel spacers, and the KYB shocks, and the Spectre CAI, and the high-output alternator, and the LED lightbar, and.....

Besides... I think I'll look better in Navy Blue than Tan. And I found out that body lifts aren't available for the '06 (???), which will make it easier to fit those 35's I've wanted. And if I get a 6" suspension lift AND the 3" BL.... time to check out the '04, see if it has 3.73's, or if it has 4.10's, maybe I can run 325/60/20's.

 

[Martinjmpr]

Sounds like a solid plan, but am I the only one would be worried that the dealer seems awfully anxious to unload the '04?

 

[BigDaddy13440]

Sounds like a solid plan, but am I the only one would be worried that the dealer seems awfully anxious to unload the '04?

And that's the funny thing! I asked him why, he said EVERYONE is nit-picking over the stains on the carpet, the tear on the front driver's seat, and the fact that the cover is coming apart on the 3rd row seat.

I DON'T CARE!!!!

I have a complete interior from mine, that I'm buying back, probably about $500 for the entire truck. Simple enough to swap out an entire interior (less dash!), can be done in under a day's time.

And I already have BRAND SPANKIN NEW fender flares, courtesy of CoverCraft on E-bay. Textured semi-gloss black, will match the running boards nicely. Have new 36 watt LED 12-bulb LED driving lights to replace the ones that have been broken/removed - the wiring is still there, just have to make connections. My 32" LED bar is going to have to fit behind the GMC grille, but I don't think I'll have a problem.


DAMN!!! I've got a problem! Already asking about 20" replica wheels, the '07+ brake upgrade to add to the HYDROBOOST this one already has, a full 6" lift kit, a 3" body lift...

 

[SnowBuck]

You left out the most important thing: what kind of transmission does the 4x4 have? If it's the 4H/4L/2H isn't the 2H the same as not even having 4x4 'cept for a few extra pounds of metal? I have a 2005 XL with the funny tranny - Stabilatrac..sorta like AWD on a Denali, but not engaged 4x4 all the time. Oh...I get a solid 20+ mpg on weekly trips DC - NJ. And hey...gas in NJ was $1.71 full-serve.