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.

 

[Shadow17]

I'll chime in. BULLITT65, there is a bulletin about the taillight. Mine was doing the same- off and on. They replaced it for free out of warranty.
Issues my truck came with initially was a glitchy center display- bad cable. Clunking torque convertor; sometimes makes quite a bang releasing while traveling down a hill- never fixed. Squeaking front suspension- after 30k miles finally decided to change front suspension bushings- fixed. Takes a while to engage drive after shifting out of reverse especially during cold temps- never fixed.
The OE tires are horrible FWIW. So I'd say any used Denali should have replacements on it.

I never encountered the booming as many do. It does make an odd sound that can hurt your ears with the sunroof open. But many large SUV's do that. The back of these things is like a huge cave. Crack a rear window and it goes away.

The AFM is horrible as in several GM vehicles I have owned. I would highly recommend the BB tune to eliminate it. I didn't notice any lack of mpg savings for my style of driving by doing so.

Mine just started a weird vibrating in in the past 3 months which may be the drive shaft. This should be covered by the powertrain warranty.

Besides all that...it is still my favorite large XL SUV. If I was in the market for a regular sized SUV (Tahoe sized), I'd probably test drive some different vehicles. Large SUV's are far and few from manufacturers. 'Regular sized' SUV's are much more competitive and plentiful.

 

[Jettix2]

Thanks all for the help!!

 

[GTNator]

I'll chime in. BULLITT65, there is a bulletin about the taillight. Mine was doing the same- off and on. They replaced it for free out of warranty.
Issues my truck came with initially was a glitchy center display- bad cable. Clunking torque convertor; sometimes makes quite a bang releasing while traveling down a hill- never fixed. Squeaking front suspension- after 30k miles finally decided to change front suspension bushings- fixed. Takes a while to engage drive after shifting out of reverse especially during cold temps- never fixed.
The OE tires are horrible FWIW. So I'd say any used Denali should have replacements on it.

I never encountered the booming as many do. It does make an odd sound that can hurt your ears with the sunroof open. But many large SUV's do that. The back of these things is like a huge cave. Crack a rear window and it goes away.

The AFM is horrible as in several GM vehicles I have owned. I would highly recommend the BB tune to eliminate it. I didn't notice any lack of mpg savings for my style of driving by doing so.

Mine just started a weird vibrating in in the past 3 months which may be the drive shaft. This should be covered by the powertrain warranty.

Besides all that...it is still my favorite large XL SUV. If I was in the market for a regular sized SUV (Tahoe sized), I'd probably test drive some different vehicles. Large SUV's are far and few from manufacturers. 'Regular sized' SUV's are much more competitive and plentiful.

I agree, I think really there is only one other viable competitor at the moment, the Expedition Max. I'm curious what you think about it, as it appears that you have compared the XL Denali against available competition. It definitely doesn't look as good as a GM LWB (any model, in my opinion).

 

[JayceeP]

The Armada is not a lot smaller than the XL/Suburban. It’s 210” long so it’s in between a short-body and long body GM/Chev. Having said that, the Armada SL comes nicely equipped for what you pay and has tons of power and even th 2018 demos can be bought in the 50’s in Canada so probably cheaper in the US. I rented one last week for a wedding and we had 4 adults, a toddler in a car seat, 2 teens, and a bunch of wedding gear and we jammed everything in no problem. The only thing is the Armada doesn’t have CarPlay. The big plus is it’s made in Japan and is based on the global Patrol platform... my exepereince seems to be anything made in Japan in the BOF segment is a winner.

Too bad the Sequoia still hasn’t been updated and looks like you won’t be able to wait for the new Yukon/Tahoe platform.

 

[Jettix2]

Couple comments............

The 2nd Gen Sequoia driver's seat doesn't fit my wife very well.....she's 4-10" and the seat base is too long for her legs, it hits mid calf and gives her an awkward driving position. Also doesn't have much space behind the 3rd row.

At one time we had a '15 QX80 which is the same as the 2nd Gen Armada.......beautiful vehicle, Japanese built on the Patrol chassis, silky smooth drivetrain.....3rd row legroom is tight, cargo room is very tight. My dad actually has a 17 Armada Platinum and has offered it to us for his payoff at any time we'd like it......but that tight cargo area is our main sticking point.

Land Cruiser/LX570 has no 2nd row captains (making egress into the 3rd row clumsy) and even less cargo room.

The MB GL-Class has decent specs, but in real life it's nowhere near as big. Durango is the same story..........

In all reality, it's either a LWB GM SUV, or an Expedition MAX which is a beautiful ride but being a brand-new-model, there isn't any supply of used ones, and I'll be darned if I'm going to spend 60+k on a new one.

 

[swathdiver]

And none of those come close to carrying capacity either.

 

[Tahoe14]

And they have issues just like all other manufactures.

 

[Shadow17]

Yeah, the Expy El is about it. Of course you have the Cadi and Navi if willing to spend another $15-20k.
Ford makes a good product. But i find most of their vehicles lifeless. Nice but boring. No real edge.
My Denali was far from perfect. But imo, the best in its (limited) class.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Jettix2]

Yeah, the Expy El is about it. Of course you have the Cadi and Navi if willing to spend another $15-20k.
Ford makes a good product. But i find most of their vehicles lifeless. Nice but boring. No real edge.
My Denali was far from perfect. But imo, the best in its (limited) class.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Yes, they all have issues for sure.

There’s basically nothing in the “XL” class other than the GM triplets and the Expedition MAX.

Even the most lifeless of them is more exciting than the 2010 Town & Country She’s driving around for the summer LOL!!!!

 

[Jettix2]

Ok. More questions.

She wants something soon.

I live in a town of 800 people in Northern lower Michigan. Nearest GM dealer is 50 miles away, and we normally have to travel 300+ miles to buy vehicles to get any selection and reasonable prices.

I’ve bought 8-9 vehicles from out of state, sight unseen, from franchise dealers, over the years, and had them shipped to me.

This one can’t be done that way, unfortunately, because I can’t risk getting one that buffets/vibrates/etc.

She REALLY wants an XL GM SUV but all these issues really turn me off. How prevalent are the issues? Hearing folks talking about driving 8-9 of them before finding a “good one” scares the beJeesus out of me.

I’d buy a nice ‘14 in a heartbeat if she wansnt so set on the newer body style.