Buying Used Denali XL?, What pitfalls to avoid?

[Jettix2]

Just sold our 2013 3/4 ton Suburban as someone made me an offer I simply couldn't refuse on it............was an LT, purchased with 65k, sold with 95k, lots of

Wife is currently driving a spare vehicle (2010 Chrysler Town & Country) until this Fall, when we'll look into another large SUV for hauling 3 kids and gear around in Michigan snow.

The Suburban we had (GMT900 chassis) was only "average" for reliability, which irritates me to no end for the money these vehicles cost, but there are only a couple large SUVs that have any cargo space behind the 3rd row, so I'm kinda stuck. I'm honestly concerned about getting stuck with a used "problem" here, but don't have many other options. ie, she likes the larger SUV in the winter, versus an AWD Sienna. The Land Cruiser and QX80/Armada are too small in the cargo area, Expedition MAX is nice but enormous $$, etc.

I'd like to spend about $40-42k to spend on a vehicle, which is 2015 Denali XL/Suburban with 75k kind of money.

My parents had a 2015 Escalade ESV that had a torque converter replaced (shuddering issue) at 18k, rear differential recall, rear wiper failed within the first week, and the side B trim moldings kept falling off. They decided not to buy it at the end of the lease. They replaced it with a 2015 Denali XL (purchased sight unseen used online) with 45k this past spring, and it rides and drives fine, no issues.

**I prefer the 6.2 engine and the Yukon front clip, so I think I'll aim for a Denali XL**

My concern areas:

1) Booming/Buffeting/vibration issues (we *very* rarely are able to drive over 60-65mph where we live, so I'm not sure how much of an issue this is?

2) I've read of some engine failures on the 5.3 (and lots on the previous generations due to oil starvation with the AFM system, but I'm looking for a 6.2 anyway....... Any issues with the 6.2?

3) Torque converter issues like my parents had on their '15 Escalade?

4) Have read lots of threads and reviews about A/C failures.......

5) Friend has had constant issues with the tailgate latch not opening on his '15 Suburban.......

Anything else?


Thanks!!

 

[Jettix2]

Anybody?

 

[swathdiver]

I think we're all in shock that you got rid of your 2500! AFM is nearly as reliable as everything else with the Gen V motors. No experience with the K2 but I would wring it out thoroughly and test every single feature, switch, button and setting during a test drive.

Since you're familiar with the GMT900, why not pick up a 2013-2014 Yukon XL Denali? Seems like you didn't NEED the features of the 2500 so a 1500 should work for you.

 

[Jettix2]

Our GMT900 was so-so. Northern vehicle, so had undercarriage rust, front fenders starting to bubble where the bumper rubbed, etc.........6.0 was a total dog compared to the 6.2s I've driven, we replaced the MAF, Both manifolds, power dist module, couple other odd electrical issues during our tenure with it. It wasn't a bad truck, but wasn't terrific. We purchased a Ram 2500 6.4 Hemi that tows *way* better, so the truck became our tow vehicle and mommy was using the 2500 Burb for hauling kids to school, which is way overkill.

Prefer the newer body, but don't need tons of issues like A/C, trans, buffeting/vibration, etc. Maybe we should re-consider a 13-14 Denali XL from a salt-free state......

I think we're all in shock that you got rid of your 2500! AFM is nearly as reliable as everything else with the Gen V motors. No experience with the K2 but I would wring it out thoroughly and test every single feature, switch, button and setting during a test drive.

Since you're familiar with the GMT900, why not pick up a 2013-2014 Yukon XL Denali? Seems like you didn't NEED the features of the 2500 so a 1500 should work for you.

 

[swathdiver]

Our GMT900 was so-so. Northern vehicle, so had undercarriage rust, front fenders starting to bubble where the bumper rubbed, etc.........6.0 was a total dog compared to the 6.2s I've driven, we replaced the MAF, Both manifolds, power dist module, couple other odd electrical issues during our tenure with it. It wasn't a bad truck, but wasn't terrific. We purchased a Ram 2500 6.4 Hemi that tows *way* better, so the truck became our tow vehicle and mommy was using the 2500 Burb for hauling kids to school, which is way overkill.

Prefer the newer body, but don't need tons of issues like A/C, trans, buffeting/vibration, etc. Maybe we should re-consider a 13-14 Denali XL from a salt-free state......

I understand now, those Yankee winters are tough on metal. There's a 50 Horse difference between the L96 and L94 and 600 pounds between them too. However, a BlackBear tune would've done wonders.

Consider the tune for whichever you get.

 

[Jettix2]

Is the 13/14 6.2L and trans the same as the 15+ 6.2L and trans? Any issues with the AFM on them?

 

[Tahoe14]

No, 6 speed vs 8 speed with 2015i(interim) built after 10/15/14.

 

[MVR 155]

2015 Denali (I) owner here, purchased new just under 3 years ago. Very minimal issues (bad GPS antenna, couple of LED's out in one tail lamp assembly, noisy strut and squeaky brake booster) which were all fixed in a very expedited fashion by my local dealer. I'm super happy with this vehicle (had 2 Hummer H2's prior to it.... a 2006 and 2008). Zero buffeting/vibration issues and the 6.2L/8 speed combo is excellent for power/towing.

 

[swathdiver]

Any issues with the AFM on them?

AFM is more reliable in these and runs longer resulting in greater fuel efficiency because they make more power.

 

[BULLITT65]

I have a 2016 Yukon XL Denali. We bought it New. Has about 45k miles now. Antenna was an issue ( Gasket was installed backwards). Selling dealer covered it. I do have a sporatic tail light that goes out sometimes. Other than that the 6.2 8 speed has been an awesome. I never had the booming issue, but I know from visiting forums other people had issues.