Looking to buy new 2017 Yukon

[New to GMC]

Hello, first post,

MY wife is enamored with yukons, suburbans & tahoes. She currently drives a 2011 for explorer and we are looking to replace it with possibly a Yukon by the end of the year.
Today is my first day lurking the threads and was surprised to read about all the buffeting/vibration issues!
Is this happening regardless if its standard wheel based vs, longer XL? or 18" inch wheel vs. larger?

I am a very conservative vehicle buyer, tend to keep them for long and certainly don't want to buy a platform that is having issues.

What are other know'n issues on the '17?

My plan is to order a base yukon, 4WD, white with beige cloth interior, stickers around $53K is it realistic to expect a price of about $40K plus TTL? I can tap into some GM retirees if needed to get an employee equivalent discount.

Also, if I do order, should I go with higher than the standard 3.07 gears?

Or, maybe I should rethink the whole yukon and at least wait and see the new FORD expedition coming out end of the year?

Appreciate any advise.

Thanks,

 

[Glocksub]

Welcome to the forum. I'll give you my advice, based on several months of research here and on other forums, as well as my own experience in these vehicles. I do not own one, so my impressions of their road manners are based on two or three extensive test drives. I'm also not a GM fanboy, or Ford or Dodge.....I've owned pickups and suvs of varying models covering all three brands.

The buffeting, vibration and pressure issues are occurring over both short and long wheelbase models. At first I believed most problems were in conjunction with 22" oem wheels, but I've seen other info here and elsewhere that proves the issues aren't specific to that. The cabin on these things are so airtight, coupled with the thin sheet metal, roof rail issues and crappy factory tires....it creates the sensation of being inside a base drum in extreme cases (with the buffeting and pressure). Changing to nice Michelins has helped some people, some it has done little or nothing for them. Updated body mounts were hopeful for 2017, and I've read those aren't working out to be a fix either. I've also seen extensive posts about AC failures, which supports some owner data on 2015/2016 models I found on a consumer reports type site.

If I were to decide to purchase one, I'd get the 3.42 rear end. I've not driven one with the 3.08 but the 3.42 to me seems like a good match for either wheelbase, I wouldn't want it to have any less acceleration off of a dead stop than it already does and 3.08 would certainly be a difference.

As for pricing, the very best price I've ever seen on a 4wd Yukon SLE is at Laura Buick GMC in IL, which was around $44k, it had no added options and had a 3.08 rear end, as most of the SLE's they order as of late seem to have. I'd imagine anything close to $40k (if that's possible for someone not connected in some way to GM) on that would not come until the end of this year when they are ordering and receiving 2018's.....unless you have a connection/employee discount somehow.

The only other bit of advice I'd offer.....people here and elsewhere will tell you to go and test drive several yukons in the trim and configuration you want until you find one that doesn't display any of the problems above. I'm not knocking them or that advice in any way, I understand the reasoning behind it. But a vehicle that I should drive multiple examples of in order to find a "good" one......odds aren't in my favor that particular vehicle purchase is going to end up being a pleasant ownership experience. So, maybe I shouldn't be thinking of buying a truck that I need to go out and drive x number of them before I find one that doesn't seem to have problems already....on a brand new truck mind you. That's where I am with the idea of one of these. As much as I like the interior and exterior styling, I'm not sure yet that I want to gamble on the possibility for the hassles and irritation of the problems. Been there and done that.

 

[sam123]

Hello, first post,

MY wife is enamored with yukons, suburbans & tahoes. She currently drives a 2011 for explorer and we are looking to replace it with possibly a Yukon by the end of the year.
Today is my first day lurking the threads and was surprised to read about all the buffeting/vibration issues!
Is this happening regardless if its standard wheel based vs, longer XL? or 18" inch wheel vs. larger?

I am a very conservative vehicle buyer, tend to keep them for long and certainly don't want to buy a platform that is having issues.

What are other know'n issues on the '17?

My plan is to order a base yukon, 4WD, white with beige cloth interior, stickers around $53K is it realistic to expect a price of about $40K plus TTL? I can tap into some GM retirees if needed to get an employee equivalent discount.

Also, if I do order, should I go with higher than the standard 3.07 gears?

Or, maybe I should rethink the whole yukon and at least wait and see the new FORD expedition coming out end of the year?

Appreciate any advise.

Thanks,

Having both a suburban and a Yukon and going on extensive test drives with both I can say that the problem affects both short and long wheel base. However, if you carefully test drive (drive at all speeds) and are flexible with options/color, you can find a perfect truck like I did. Both of mine have the 20in wheels with conti tires and they've been riding amazing. Also I don't think GM offers 3.07 gears on the truck it's 3.08. I would 100% recommend going with the 3.41/heavy duty tow package. The 3.08 only allows you to tow around 6,500 lbs while the 3.41 feels quicker and you can tow 8,300 lbs.

I would also recommend waiting for the expedition later this year, it seems to have more family friendly features (sliding back seats for more room, etc) and it has a significantly better third row seat and cargo volume due to its suspension design.

Hope this helps!!

 

[Tahoe14]

Its 3.08 and 3.42.

 

[New to GMC]

Thanks to all!

I agree glocksub: I don't care to test drive multiple specimens in an effort to find a "good" one, LOL, these things should come out almost perfect from the factory.

Good info on the gearing, if I do decide to buy one, I'll probably order a base yukon 4WD with 3.42.

Wife would like leather, but I'm not about to spend another ~10K in options that allows me to add leather, maybe I could find some leather take-offs or quality aftermarket leather skins, like katzins?

 

[chicagofan00]

A few others on this forum have installed the katzins leather and have liked it.

 

[Glocksub]

Thanks to all!

I agree glocksub: I don't care to test drive multiple specimens in an effort to find a "good" one, LOL, these things should come out almost perfect from the factory.

Good info on the gearing, if I do decide to buy one, I'll probably order a base yukon 4WD with 3.42.

Wife would like leather, but I'm not about to spend another ~10K in options that allows me to add leather, maybe I could find some leather take-offs or quality aftermarket leather skins, like katzins?

The katzkins are great. I had a set in my 2015 1500 and also in my current truck. They wear better than factory Chevrolet leather seats. The 1500 I had previously had all the options I wanted aside from leather, and I paid $1k for that truck to be outfitted in katzkin, which was far cheaper than the same truck in an LTZ which had options I didn't care about enough to pay for.

 

[sam123]

Thanks to all!

I agree glocksub: I don't care to test drive multiple specimens in an effort to find a "good" one, LOL, these things should come out almost perfect from the factory.

Good info on the gearing, if I do decide to buy one, I'll probably order a base yukon 4WD with 3.42.

Wife would like leather, but I'm not about to spend another ~10K in options that allows me to add leather, maybe I could find some leather take-offs or quality aftermarket leather skins, like katzins?

If you go base, you don't get memory seats and only a tilt wheel. Just something to keep in mind

 

[Denali132]

Who does the Katzin? I have leather in my Suburban but if it's a lot nicer I may consider it.

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[Glocksub]

Who does the Katzin? I have leather in my Suburban but if it's a lot nicer I may consider it.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk

My dealer had it done in my last Chevy pickup, by a company locally that I'd never heard of that does nothing but vehicle customizations, mainly interior. I had my current truck done by the same sort of shop that puts katzkin in vehicles for most of the car dealers in my area.

You should be able to search for auto upholstery shops near you and find some who are katzkin dealers, and the katzkin site I believe has a dealer locater there.

 

[Denali132]

My dealer had it done in my last Chevy pickup, by a company locally that I'd never heard of that does nothing but vehicle customizations, mainly interior. I had my current truck done by the same sort of shop that puts katzkin in vehicles for most of the car dealers in my area.

You should be able to search for auto upholstery shops near you and find some who are katzkin dealers, and the katzkin site I believe has a dealer locater there.

Thank you, I appreciate it


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[Hayseed_Yukon]

Have wanted one for a few years now. Looking at a loaded up Yukon Denali. Drove a few - some had the buffeting immediately. Scared me off so I bought a Rover. Kept it for a brief stint and then went to look at the Denali again. But because of the buffeting issue still present, I went with a Jaguar. GM needs to get their act together and fix this issue. Hard telling how much money they have lost on fixing current customers and also on lost sales.

 

[jeffbco]

Rover then Jag...and you're still thinking of Denali enough to post a comment? I've had a 2017 Yukon Denali for two months now - great vehicle, no buffeting. It's 4WD with OEM 20 inch wheels.

 

[ajs800]

possible given the denali has been available since spring of 2014....and if he/she is still set on one. I know I've waited for '16 and '17 model run to trade our 15 XL in and have yet to do it as the buffeting has not been fixed.

.

 

[cardude2000]

Rover then Jag...and you're still thinking of Denali enough to post a comment? I've had a 2017 Yukon Denali for two months now - great vehicle, no buffeting. It's 4WD with OEM 20 inch wheels.

Rover is an exceedingly better looking vehicle (unless you're talking about the LR) but it's just too small and the 3rd row (special order) is tiny.

 

[Yukon John]

Once you pick a dealer that knows their business...have them check with the Arlington (Dallas) plant for what units are shipping with which options to another dealer near you. Your dealer can arrange a dealer "swap" and secure the vehicle you want.

We wanted a SLE standard wheel base with Max Tow option (around $500 MSRP). Max Tow gets the 3.42 gears, automatic air leveling, trailer brake controler as well as heavier PPV brakes, engine and transmission coolers and a few more goodies. I don't think you can buy 3.42s w/o the Max Tow...but at $500 it's a deal.

Our dealer here in Ft. Lauderdale found a truck being shipped to a dealer in Tampa and arranged the deal. We ended up with Max Tow, a Safety and Convenience Package as well as a paint upgrade. Our net before tax was around $47K on a 2016 with 20" wheels. We added $1900 thru the dealer to have Katzkin Leather seats added. We went thru Costco and also got a $700 cash card from them which bought the 1st 12 tanks of gasoline. Our MSRP was about $53k. To have gotten memory seats we would have jumped to the SLT trim package which adds about $6500...not worth it to us...but I still wish we had them.

Believe me...getting the 3.42 gears vs the 3.08s really wakes these Yukons/Tahoes with 5.3 engines up. They are very responsive around town and actually fun to drive.

Good luck.

 

[MVR 155]

Laura has fantastic pricing, bought my 2015 Denali from them. I have the 8 speed, standard wheelbase and 22" wheels and have zero buffeting issues. I have a close friend who owns a Ford dealer and I could have scored a sick deal on an Expedition but the outgoing design is super long in the tooth. The new model looks great and if it follows the line of the new F150 and Super duty line, it will be a serious contender.

 

[K2 Kaiju]

Im serious, most of these issues are complete bs. I drove a 2016 ltz tahoe xmas 2015. I expected to hear earth shattering sonic booms from the feedback I have seen. Honestly, I was surprised to feel it was a complete non issue. Great ride. I had an 06 4runner sport with more boom from rear well going over bumps. This is what people are crying about; booming from bumps. Its called an suv suspension. Try driving an oddessy head on into a tahoe @ 75mph and see who walks away. I only kept my avy because it still rode better, and seemed more open inside the front row. Plus its bad ass...
Now about the gears, 3.08 are fine for 6 speed as the first gear is super low - 3.42 isnt faster off line without a trailer. I have not only owned both, but I have switched out 3.08 to 3.42 in my 11 avy for towing a boat. My 13 is 3.42. About 40 miles a tank difference after I switched gears on the 11.
If you are looking at an LS, you will have lesss issues with tech. The cloth is easy to clean, and I would say more durable than the sleather gm uses. GM trucks are easily 250k mile vehicles with minimal maintence, so dont listen to "researchers" who never owned one...

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[ajs800]

Im serious, most of these issues are complete bs. I drove a 2016 ltz tahoe xmas 2015. I expected to hear earth shattering sonic booms from the feedback I have seen. Honestly, I was surprised to feel it was a complete non issue. Great ride. I had an 06 4runner sport with more boom from rear well going over bumps. This is what people are crying about; booming from bumps. Its called an suv suspension. Try driving an oddessy head on into a tahoe @ 75mph and see who walks away. I only kept my avy because it still rode better, and seemed more open inside the front row. Plus its bad ass...
Now about the gears, 3.08 are fine for 6 speed as the first gear is super low - 3.42 isnt faster off line without a trailer. I have not only owned both, but I have switched out 3.08 to 3.42 in my 11 avy for towing a boat. My 13 is 3.42. About 40 miles a tank difference after I switched gears on the 11.
If you are looking at an LS, you will have lesss issues with tech. The cloth is easy to clean, and I would say more durable than the sleather gm uses. GM trucks are easily 250k mile vehicles with minimal maintence, so dont listen to "researchers" who never owned one...

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sure...all BS. That's why the 15+ GMC/CHevy/caddy SUVS have been the most bought back vehicle for GM to date!

Tell that to the hundreds or thousands of folks dealing with lemons and buybacks surrounding the vibration and buffeting issues over the past 3yrs. It's a well known 3yr problem. Hell, there are even published magazine articles surrounding the issue, so to state "it's all BS" couldn't be further from the truth.

After talking to several GM engineers when dealing with our buffeting, they all admit it's a big issue and thus far they are only able to mask the problem. Like I've said many times, there's a reason why they (15+ models) made the top 10 unreliable/most serviced vehicle.

I personally have attempted to trade our 15 XL in several times for a 16 and 17, but have yet to find one free of the buffeting. I've probably been in 20+ yukons, tahoes, escalades and have found very few that would be acceptable to me and those were only the short version. I may see what the 18s bring, but will most likely go with a different brand this summer/fall. And this is someone that has had an 07 Tahoe, 09 burb, and 2012 traverse prior to the 15 yukon XL. This 15 is definitely a love hate truck. sometimes it serves it's purpose while most of the time, we can't wait to get out of it after long trips due to it literally giving some headaches.

BTW, the booming is a known issue as well but far down the list for me. Plus, the redesign exhaust fixed that problem. For the pre 17 models, there is a TSB to add dampers that eliminate most of the low speed booming sensation.

.

 

[Glocksub]

Im serious, most of these issues are complete bs. I drove a 2016 ltz tahoe xmas 2015. I expected to hear earth shattering sonic booms from the feedback I have seen. Honestly, I was surprised to feel it was a complete non issue. Great ride. I had an 06 4runner sport with more boom from rear well going over bumps. This is what people are crying about; booming from bumps. Its called an suv suspension. Try driving an oddessy head on into a tahoe @ 75mph and see who walks away. I only kept my avy because it still rode better, and seemed more open inside the front row. Plus its bad ass...
Now about the gears, 3.08 are fine for 6 speed as the first gear is super low - 3.42 isnt faster off line without a trailer. I have not only owned both, but I have switched out 3.08 to 3.42 in my 11 avy for towing a boat. My 13 is 3.42. About 40 miles a tank difference after I switched gears on the 11.
If you are looking at an LS, you will have lesss issues with tech. The cloth is easy to clean, and I would say more durable than the sleather gm uses. GM trucks are easily 250k mile vehicles with minimal maintence, so dont listen to "researchers" who never owned one...

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"Researchers" who never owned one......well I'm not drinking the same GM kook aid you are, but I have owned:
2015 1500 z71 crew 4wd 5.3/6sp
2012 Traverse 2wd (wife)
2010 1500 2wd crew LT 5.3/6sp
2010 2500hd crew 6.0
2005 2500hd crew duramax
2005 1500 ext cab z71
2001 1500 ext cab z71
2004 Tahoe 2wd LT
2-1998 4wd suburban 1500's 5.7/4sp (hunting rigs)

I've also owned my share of Ford and Dodge pickups since 1998 also, so I'm not some die hard supporter of any of them. The most problematic vehicles I've ever had were the '10 and '15 Chevy trucks listed above. Gm trucks and suv's in my opinion were better built and better driving in terms of engine and tranny on the pre 2010 models before they changed to the 6sp auto, and even better on the pre 2007 models that had no AFM.

I've not driven a 2015+ SUV that had any buffeting or "booming" that was enough to bother me personally. I have driven one that had a very noticeable vibration, a Tahoe, which acted exactly like the people here and elsewhere describe the vibration issues they have encountered. I've also had my fair share of quirky transmission/AFM issues on the '10 and '15 pickups listed above, so I do believe 100% that AFM is total junk and unnecessary given the extremely marginal benefits (if any) that it may provide. It sounds like you also believe that the 3.08 is not satisfactory unless the vehicle will never tow, as you said you re-geared your avalanche to 3.42. A 3.08 is great for the consumer that will ever ever haul more than groceries, and will never go up at all in tire size, but if left with a choice, I'd recommend anyone to a 3.42. My 3.42 pickup with a whopping total of 3000lbs behind it screamed and shifted like crazy on interstate drives in the southeast, so common sense says a 3.08 would be noticeably worse.

I had factory cloth in my 2010 pickup, which was total garbage, collected lint like it was designed to do just that and held in any strong smells that ever got into the truck (food, wet clothes). It was my first and last vehicle that left the dealership with cloth seats. Cloth by most manufacturers is more difficult to remove stains/spills than leather. As for long term durability of one vs other I haven't the slightest clue and don't plan to find out, because that would require me to run a truck with cloth seats for a while.