Help needed: want to buy a Denali
- Thread starter jyi786
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Alright, so I've decided to go check these vehicles out in this priority:
1. Cadillac 2012 Escalade ESV Platinum
http://www.koonstoyotaeaston.com/us...V-easton-df4435e90a0e0a175837ce583633bbab.htm
2. Certified 2013 Yukon Denali XL
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/682093326/overview/
3. 2011 Escalade ESV Premium
http://www.koonschevybuickgmc.com/u...virginia-8c490a9e0a0e0a175837ce58b45e871f.htm
The 2011 fell to the bottom because even though the Carfax says that it was personal use only, the second ownership stint actually looks like it was dealer use, probably a loaner vehicle.
1. Cadillac 2012 Escalade ESV Platinum
http://www.koonstoyotaeaston.com/us...V-easton-df4435e90a0e0a175837ce583633bbab.htm
2. Certified 2013 Yukon Denali XL
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/682093326/overview/
3. 2011 Escalade ESV Premium
http://www.koonschevybuickgmc.com/u...virginia-8c490a9e0a0e0a175837ce58b45e871f.htm
The 2011 fell to the bottom because even though the Carfax says that it was personal use only, the second ownership stint actually looks like it was dealer use, probably a loaner vehicle.
VDV18
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Out of these 3, hands down #1 
Fosscore
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Option 3 is pretty sweet. The other Esky is sweet too, but double the miles and higher price for one year newer.
If all stars are aligned and she rides nice, you would be happy with any of those trucks.
If all stars are aligned and she rides nice, you would be happy with any of those trucks.
Ok, so priority changed then.
1. Cadillac 2012 Escalade ESV Platinum
http://www.koonstoyotaeaston.com/us...V-easton-df4435e90a0e0a175837ce583633bbab.htm
2. 2011 Escalade ESV Premium
http://www.koonschevybuickgmc.com/u...virginia-8c490a9e0a0e0a175837ce58b45e871f.htm
3. Certified 2013 Yukon Denali XL
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/682093326/overview/
The only reason why the Denali has fallen to the bottom of the list generally for me is because I am a stickler for good lighting, and the Denali's headlamps are pitiful. I'd have to spend a minimum of $1k to retrofit it to get acceptable lighting.
1. Cadillac 2012 Escalade ESV Platinum
http://www.koonstoyotaeaston.com/us...V-easton-df4435e90a0e0a175837ce583633bbab.htm
2. 2011 Escalade ESV Premium
http://www.koonschevybuickgmc.com/u...virginia-8c490a9e0a0e0a175837ce58b45e871f.htm
3. Certified 2013 Yukon Denali XL
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/682093326/overview/
The only reason why the Denali has fallen to the bottom of the list generally for me is because I am a stickler for good lighting, and the Denali's headlamps are pitiful. I'd have to spend a minimum of $1k to retrofit it to get acceptable lighting.
Fosscore
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Either way those Esky's are a win and the 2012 has the headrest DVDs which is pretty sweet. Better wheels too IMO. More miles and more $$, but both look like a win on paper.
VDV18
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I completed whiffed on the fact the 2011 has 30k less miles.....sheesh. I agree with Fosscore, that looks like a pretty damn good deal.
Alright everyone, I test drove that 2012 ESV Platinum. That thing drives like a dream. I've never driven anything so big, powerful, yet refined. The truck was surprisingly solid for a vehicle with 73k miles. The powertrain was smooth, responded to feathering, stabbing, and regular driving with no issues. I even accidentally spun the tires multiple times on U-turns.
There was ZERO rattling up front, but toward the rear, I heard some trim rattle. I'm not sure if it was because there was stuff in the cargo area (there was), or the bunch of other stuff like accessory packages. Either way, it sounded reasonable to me.
Unfortunately, the 2011 ESV Premium with 44k miles sold right when I got to the other dealership, so I was unable to drive it.
What do you all think? I'm now going to try and talk them down on price. Does $36K sound reasonable?
There was ZERO rattling up front, but toward the rear, I heard some trim rattle. I'm not sure if it was because there was stuff in the cargo area (there was), or the bunch of other stuff like accessory packages. Either way, it sounded reasonable to me.
Unfortunately, the 2011 ESV Premium with 44k miles sold right when I got to the other dealership, so I was unable to drive it.
What do you all think? I'm now going to try and talk them down on price. Does $36K sound reasonable?
I've been chiming in on @DonnyJones thread about buying a Denali. I love the escalades as well I just can't seem to bring myself to want to spend 36K on a vehicle with 73K miles on it. I looked at it and it is a very nice truck. One of my favorite colors ever and always have loved the brown leather interior. Owning a Denali and living in the middle of the Rockies in Colorado I drive at night and we don't know what street lighting is. I can attest that the Denali headlights aren't that bad. So I wouldn't let that be a factor. However one thing to consider is the cost of ownership. The Denali are already a little more than a standard Yukon or Tahoe. But once you go to an escalade you have led everything for taillights and those headlights I would hate to have to replace one. Just remember the more options and fancy it gets the more you have that can break. I hope you get what suits you best and meets all your needs.
Thanks so much for the input, it is much appreciated!
You have to remember that I live in the DC Metro area. Vehicle prices here are cursed to be at least $4-5k more than anywhere else, so this vehicle elsewhere would be around $34k. Also, it has to be that perfect catch:
1. Clean Carfax
2. Clean GM VIN history (I know someone from GM who runs the VINs for me and checks the internal vehicle service history)
3. NOT a rental/fleet/corporate/business use vehicle
4. Has no accidents
5. Well maintained
6. No major issues to speak of that would be an immediate turnoff.
This Escalade ESV is literally the first one that I drove that I feel confident in, and trust me; I'm as picky as they come. So OCD about little things that I've turned down so many other deals it's insane. Now, for the lighting? I'm actually partial to LEDs and the fact that the Escalade's major exterior lighting is already LED helps the cause.
As for the Yukon's lighting, it's highly subjective. All I know is that I myself found their output pitiful, especially when comparing it to my el-cheapo 2013 Impala's H11 to H9 modded lights. I wouldn't want to drive a vehicle around with yellow subpar lighting for the duration of paying the vehicle off, and in order to properly rectify it, no question I'd be spending $1k on a retrofit.
Additionally, Yukon XL Denalis, Suburbans, and Escalades are exactly the same price where I live, so when it comes down to it, it's just choosing what's available. Suburbans are out of the question, because they have the 5.3L V8. That leaves me with only 2 choices, so whichever presented itself as the best deal, I was going to jump for, and this ESV seems to be the best I can find.
I will most likely be signing on it tomorrow. I'll keep everyone posted.
Ralph Varick
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Watch out for V8/V4 vibration....My dealer says they all have it...
If you are referring to the cylinder deactivation system the 6.2L does not have that and he won't experience it. Did you sign some papers today?
Nope. I want the dealer to come down on the price first.
FYI, I test drove that 2013 Certified Yukon Denali. It drove very well too, and completely free of rattles!
I have a question. I've driven now 2 of the full wheelbase GMT900 platform: namely, the Yukon Denali XL and the Escalade ESV. In my opinion, they are markedly more comfortable and rattle free than driving their shorter wheelbase siblings.
Why is that so? Is it because the shocks that are used for the longer wheelbase vehicles? Air ride? Can't be tires, because on their respective brands, the shorter and the longer wheelbase both use the same tires.
Why is that so? Is it because the shocks that are used for the longer wheelbase vehicles? Air ride? Can't be tires, because on their respective brands, the shorter and the longer wheelbase both use the same tires.
Most of us notice the same thing. The longer wheelbase gives it a better ride due to more weight and the extra stability of the wheelbase. I had a normal Denali for a couple days as a loaner and it was a little more harsh than our XL.
Awesome, thanks. I guess that just helps my decision making process get easier.
What do you all think about this one? I emailed the dealer. I'm asking for $34K.
2013 Yukon Denali XL CPO 72K miles
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/682093326/overview/
