Reliabilty in the higher mileages

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Vistance

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I was looking at the older NBS Denalis, Tahoes, and Yukons but decided against it because of their gas mileage. I just couldn't justify driving something that would net me 12-15 MPG all the time. I happened to come across both an '09 Yukon Hybrid and an '09 Tahoe Hybrid both with just over 140k miles on them. Seeing that these can get 20+ MPG, that was my threshold. If I can get one of these that doesn't get 12-15 MPG I'd love to get it.

But I have never owned anything hybrid and I'm quite nervous what kinds of things I'd have to worry about on one with higher miles like this. At what interval do things need to be serviced? What are the weak points? At what mileage/age would one of these be highly likely to need a new battery (as I know that's the big dollar item on hybrids). Are there actual alternatives to replacing it, or are you pretty much going to have to pony up the money to get the battery?

A friend has an RX450h and suggested I look at one. When I was dismissive, he explained how in the RX's case it was more powerful than the RX350 and very dependable. He had 137k miles on his and hadn't had any issues, but that's a Lexus and an RX is a lot smaller than a Tahoe.

If I consider one of these, I am guessing it would be paramount to have a pre-purchase inspection performed at a GM dealer? How about the rest of the vehicle, I know Tahoe/Yukons tend to be pretty tough but when looking into the NBS I had heard about various little things here and there adding up. I was actually looking at an RX for their reliability and figured I could haul most of what I needed to in it (I will not be towing a boat nor hauling a full family around basically ever, and for that reason would not drive a non-hybrid full-size SUV). I know the '08s are more problematic, so being '09s are these generally pretty good to go? My budget limit was $16k and both of these Hybrids are $14k which is conveniently below my limit.
 

dnt1010

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Old thread but just to add some info in case other people are looking at buying GM Hybrid. I bought a 2009 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid 4 months ago and have driven it approx. 5,000 miles so far. I paid $6,600.00 cash for it and it had 196,000 miles on it. I just ordered a New Hybrid battery last Friday. I bought the truck cheap enough to allow for that cost. I could limp along for years with the old deteriorated battery but I want to experience the Hybrid Tahoe like it was when new. After I bought it I changed all the fluids installed 2 new front wheel bearings a new rear window to fix the defrost grid and some other small stuff like a headlight and taillight bulb. The thing drives great and with the 3.5 inch lift / 20x10 Mayhem wheels and Nitto Grapplers it is a cool ride. If I could find another just like it that i could buy at 6600 I would buy it today no joke. It will be interesting to see if the mpg changes with the new battery installed. Currently at 17.1 mpg over the last almost 5,000 miles that I have driven it. I am kind of an aggressive driver and the nearly 400hp that is available (6.0 = 332 and 85KW electric motor = 65hp) does tempt me a lot LOL This 6200 lb Behemoth with that much HP on tap at your right foots demand is no slouch. plus with the lift/wheels and tires it would be real easy to crush up some Priuss (aka penalty box cars) "just sayin"
 

dnt1010

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Update new hybrid battery installed. I really cannot tell a lot of difference in the way it drives and only a tiny mpg increase so far, currently at 17.5mpg average over 1000 miles with the new battery versus 17.1 over approx 6000 miles on old battery. It will never produce "great" mpg with the lift/oversize wheel-tires and the current driver LOL. I am still under 10k invested for a unique 4x4 that runs great and actually looks pretty cool. The 09 hybrid had some pretty good std features - Leather Heated front seats/sunroof/DVD system/dual climate/folding mirrors/LED tailights etc. I am pretty pleased with the ole ** so far. I just bought it as a daily driver "Beater" and it is perfect in its roll LOL
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swathdiver

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Darryl, looks good and thanks for sharing info about the mileage and battery.

I was perusing through owner's manuals the other day and noticed that the 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrids listed 3.42 gears while all other years listed 3.08s like yours. Ever heard of that before?
 

dnt1010

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The Cadillacs are really cool looking rides. I have not researched the gearing but I am sure the 3.42 makes the Cadillac a bit more responsive on takeoff.
 

adventurenali92

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Darryl, looks good and thanks for sharing info about the mileage and battery.

I was perusing through owner's manuals the other day and noticed that the 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrids listed 3.42 gears while all other years listed 3.08s like yours. Ever heard of that before?
I thought in the gmt900s that the 3.42 gears are standard behind the 6.2, regardless of hybrid or non hybrid? Correct me if I’m wrong!
 

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