Looking to buy, updated

[mpicasso]

Original budget was set at $10K, under 120K miles. Found a '06 Z71 LTZ for $11K, 105K miles, awaiting inspection (out of state).

That said, having time on my hands and apparently money trying to burn a hole in my pocket, I have bumped the budget to low-to-mid 20's, leaning towards '09-'14. Other criteria - leather, bluetooth/backup camera, (at least after market available), sunroof, and would LIKE 4WD (guessing LT or LTZ).

Uses - toting dogs in crates along with field training equipment; kayaking/fishing; no towing and light load on hitch rack.

Reasons for 4WD - some of the places I go can get a little mucky...just a factor of comfort. Otherwise, looking at the times of when I hope to get up to OBX and drive on the beaches. If there is a stronger encouragement to NOT get 4WD, I am fine with that.

Leather - I tend to get wet/dirty. Fake leather would be preferred but cloth seems to be too hard to clean. Again, open to personal suggestions. Leather breaks down and does need to be replaced but still seems easier to keep up with vs cloth.

Size - leaning towards Tahoe/Yukon just for agility. Have seen longer wheelbases recommended for pricing/availability. Want something that is not going to feel like the rear end is catching up when making turns (shy away from Sequoia because of sloppy handling in the rear). 3rd row is not needed.

Location - live in Florida but doing a Nationwide search with pre-purchase inspections and transport.

Originally was thinking 5.3 but leaning towards 6.2, 6sp. I have always been a Honda car/Toyota truck guy and it seems you guys have a fairly good finger on the pulse of what is good/better. At this point, not even sure what the right questions to ask, during my search, let alone how to find the answers. Any suggestions on how to help me narrow down this search would be greatly appreciated.

Did see the post referencing VIN numbers on '09 vehicles. Looking more for real world opinions on why certain engines/trims, etc., were favored.

Thanks in advance.

 

[mpicasso]

1GKFK03279R178101

Came across this, asking price of $15K, 90K in Indianapolis. Not showing any accidents and has a clean title. Waiting on follow-up from dealership as this seems to be almost too good!

1GKFK03299R203385

$20K, 98K miles, 1 owner, list in NY

 

[petethepug]

09 is the go to year, No DOD, e85, piston slap resolved, updates to trans. Do get some kind of Service Contact (S/C) to cya for deferred maintenance and surprises. The 100K major service is coming up.

A S/C covering a leaky rear main seal and axle backing plate gaskets will cover almost all of that 100K major service by changing the fluid and n the trans and rear diff. A win off the bat.

Replacement leather upholstery and foam is readily available on eBay and Amazon for cheap. Even new center console leather and steering wheel trims are available.

Tell them the spare is rusted in place. Make ‘em prove its not. In this market from the little I see, that’s a rare find for the mighty L9H 6.2L. If they don’t have a Nav disc for the Navi unit it’s also a way to conceal its died. Bring a DVD to verify the rear monitor works at least.

 

[mpicasso]

Do get some kind of Service Contact (S/C) to cya for deferred maintenance and surprises. The 100K major service is coming up.

Tell them the spare is rusted in place. Make ‘em prove its not. In this market from the little I see, that’s a rare find for the mighty L9H 6.2L. If they don’t have a Nav disc for the Navi unit it’s also a way to conceal its died. Bring a DVD to verify the rear monitor works at least.

Vehicle is out of state and having a pre-sale inspection done, independently. Will have them check the spare tire and that Navi/DVD works.

Service contract - have never purchased one before. Do they work nationally (vehicle is over 1K miles away from me)? Any recommended companies?

Supposed to have a pre-sales inspection this week on an '06, 105K miles, $11K. In no major rush as I have a DD already, though looking to purchase as quickly as possible. But if the '09, 6.2L is the way to go, I can hold out and cancel this inspection.

 

[swathdiver]

Original budget was set at $10K, under 120K miles. Found a '06 Z71 LTZ for $11K, 105K miles, awaiting inspection (out of state).

That said, having time on my hands and apparently money trying to burn a hole in my pocket, I have bumped the budget to low-to-mid 20's, leaning towards '09-'14. Other criteria - leather, bluetooth/backup camera, (at least after market available), sunroof, and would LIKE 4WD (guessing LT or LTZ).

Uses - toting dogs in crates along with field training equipment; kayaking/fishing; no towing and light load on hitch rack.

Reasons for 4WD - some of the places I go can get a little mucky...just a factor of comfort. Otherwise, looking at the times of when I hope to get up to OBX and drive on the beaches. If there is a stronger encouragement to NOT get 4WD, I am fine with that.

Leather - I tend to get wet/dirty. Fake leather would be preferred but cloth seems to be too hard to clean. Again, open to personal suggestions. Leather breaks down and does need to be replaced but still seems easier to keep up with vs cloth.

Size - leaning towards Tahoe/Yukon just for agility. Have seen longer wheelbases recommended for pricing/availability. Want something that is not going to feel like the rear end is catching up when making turns (shy away from Sequoia because of sloppy handling in the rear). 3rd row is not needed.

Location - live in Florida but doing a Nationwide search with pre-purchase inspections and transport.

Originally was thinking 5.3 but leaning towards 6.2, 6sp. I have always been a Honda car/Toyota truck guy and it seems you guys have a fairly good finger on the pulse of what is good/better. At this point, not even sure what the right questions to ask, during my search, let alone how to find the answers. Any suggestions on how to help me narrow down this search would be greatly appreciated.

Did see the post referencing VIN numbers on '09 vehicles. Looking more for real world opinions on why certain engines/trims, etc., were favored.

Thanks in advance.

Almost all 6.2 that are not RWD are AWD and not 4x4s just so you know. L9H is an awesome engine. What part of Florida do you call home? There are active members on here all over the state.

The Suburbans and Yukon XLs handle like a smaller vehicle to me, even my wife and kids can whip it around a parking lot just fine. You'll appreciate the extra space in the 2nd row and out back and the larger fuel tank with virtually no gas mileage penalty (about .25 MPG).

Of course, the short ones weigh a lot less and that makes them even faster! Those things giddy-up and go!

If interested, there are 2009 Tahoe LTZs and even 2010 Yukon XL SLTs with the L9H. The latter are quite rare.

 

[mpicasso]

Almost all 6.2 that are not RWD are AWD and not 4x4s just so you know. L9H is an awesome engine. What part of Florida do you call home?

The Suburbans and Yukon XLs handle like a smaller vehicle to me, even my wife and kids can whip it around a parking lot just fine. You'll appreciate the extra space in the 2nd row and out back and the larger fuel tank with virtually no gas mileage penalty (about .25 MPG).

Of course, the short ones weigh a lot less and that makes them even faster! Those things giddy-up and go.

I am pretty set on the 6.2L engine and willing to take the time. Is there any reason to NOT go with the 6.2L and look at the 5.3L (which is much more readily available)? If the ONLY reason is to have 4WD, forget that!

I am in S Florida, West Palm area. Definitely NOT wanting AWD, and not 100% sure I even NEED 4WD (only time I can think of is at the boat ramp, though my Tundra pulled just fine). If so, may need to look at a Silverado, instead, though preferring the idea of an SUV.

Thanks for the info about the long wheel base. Have rented a couple of Tahoe's recently and literally impressed with the turning radius of such a monstrosity. Good to know the Suburban offers something similar. Luckily, not worried too much about gas mileage, especially since I am already thinking of air intakes, headers, exhaust, and tune, before even buying. That said, would prefer the Tahoe over the Suburban, pretty much only for the comment you mentioned - the get-up-and-go factor. But hearing what you said at least gives me more vehicles to look at.

 

[Doubeleive]

awd is safer and better (in general 4wd will always have it's place) that's why they put it on the Escalade's and Denali's just saying
if you can find a 2010+ in your price range that would be my recommendation
you can find the 6.2 in non awd if you have time to keep looking they are out there.

 

[swathdiver]

I am pretty set on the 6.2L engine and willing to take the time. Is there any reason to NOT go with the 6.2L and look at the 5.3L (which is much more readily available)? If the ONLY reason is to have 4WD, forget that!

I am in S Florida, West Palm area. Definitely NOT wanting AWD, and not 100% sure I even NEED 4WD (only time I can think of is at the boat ramp, though my Tundra pulled just fine). If so, may need to look at a Silverado, instead, though preferring the idea of an SUV.

Thanks for the info about the long wheel base. Have rented a couple of Tahoe's recently and literally impressed with the turning radius of such a monstrosity. Good to know the Suburban offers something similar. Luckily, not worried too much about gas mileage, especially since I am already thinking of air intakes, headers, exhaust, and tune, before even buying. That said, would prefer the Tahoe over the Suburban, pretty much only for the comment you mentioned - the get-up-and-go factor. But hearing what you said at least gives me more vehicles to look at.

Well, the 5.3 in this generation are more fuel efficient and can be had in true 4x4. But be careful, many 2010+ come as 4x4s with a single speed transfer case and 3.08 highway gears. These are geared towards getting through snow and being fuel efficient, not towing prowess and playing off-road. This refers to 5.3s, not 6.2s, they all have 3.42 gears.

I would much prefer to be in 4LO on a slimy boat ramp.

The 6.2 pickups run mid 14s stock. The NHTs might even be a little faster as they have 3.73 gears.

A 6.2 Tahoe might be right up your alley then! If RWD is preferred, then of course consider the RWD Yukon Denali, 2009 is the only year of the non-AFM L9H in the wagons. There were a bunch for sale last year on the west coast of Florida.

There are quite a few active participants on here in West Palm. My folks are in Lake Worth, so we're down there all the time.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/30fb4cf0-6ebe-4e02-8bd0-a729a67f9ad8/

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for...l?listingId=618534256&clickType=myATCsavedcar - Not NHT, it has 3.42 gears.

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for...l?listingId=620482863&clickType=myATCsavedcar - All-Terrain, 3.42 gears

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for...l?listingId=615032125&clickType=myATCsavedcar - NHT and 3.73 gears

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for...l?listingId=622977900&clickType=myATCsavedcar - NHT and 3.73 gears

The non-Denali pickup trucks with the 6.2 all have the L9H in all years. No AFM.

 

[mpicasso]

if you can find a 2010+ in your price range that would be my recommendation
you can find the 6.2 in non awd if you have time to keep looking they are out there.

Why do you suggest 2010+? Don't those vehicles add AFM?
I am in no rush so willing to look for what I want/need.

 

[Doubeleive]

Why do you suggest 2010+? Don't those vehicles add AFM?
I am in no rush so willing to look for what I want/need.

AFM isn't a issue to really consider, yes it crops up for some but so do a host of other things and the internet is all about complaining not raving.
so you will always see a disproportionate amount of complaints about something versus mean point of failure rates.
that being said 07 is a 1st year model re-design, after a couple of years into a design they usually get all the little bugs worked out better
in 2010 they made updates, also parts compatibility is better 2010-2014 by then they all had the 6spd and a greater amount of parts can be swapped over.
looking at long term ownership and cost of repair 2010-2014 is a better choice.

 

[swathdiver]

Why do you suggest 2010+? Don't those vehicles add AFM?
I am in no rush so willing to look for what I want/need.

They do indeed have AFM. However, they have an improved navigation unit, the 2012+ have improvements with their cruise control, trailer sway control, hill start assist, etc.

We buy them with JL1, the Integrated Trailer Brake Controller. It cannot be added later, however, an aftermarket controller can be easily hooked up, the wires are already there for it.

 

[mpicasso]

They do indeed have AFM. However, they have an improved navigation unit, the 2012+ have improvements with their cruise control, trailer sway control, hill start assist, etc.

We buy them with JL1, the Integrated Trailer Brake Controller. It cannot be added later, however, an aftermarket controller can be easily hooked up, the wires are already there for it.

So I should be looking at 2012-2014, then? With 6.2L? LIKE the Sierra but with dogs, I would prefer an SUV.

Before posting on here, had been in negotiations for a 2006 Tahoe, 104K miles, 5.3L w/4x4, and asking $11K. Have a deposit on this, expiring 22nd, and need to do a pre-sales inspection. Considering the market down here, guessing I can make back my money if purchased but wondering someone else's opinion. Do I buy the 2006 and take needed time to find moreso what I need? Or pass on the deal and keep renting SUV/truck as needed.

 

[mpicasso]

that being said 07 is a 1st year model re-design

Definitely not buying 1st year re-design but thanks for that note.

in 2010 they made updates, also parts compatibility is better 2010-2014 by then they all had the 6spd and a greater amount of parts can be swapped over.
looking at long term ownership and cost of repair 2010-2014 is a better choice.

Doesn't the 2009 also have a 6spd for the LH9?
With regards to AFM, are you suggesting to not turn it off, then? Have seen many more of the issues reported involved the 5.3, moreso than the 6.2.

 

[mpicasso]

They do indeed have AFM. However, they have an improved navigation unit, the 2012+ have improvements with their cruise control, trailer sway control, hill start assist, etc.

We buy them with JL1, the Integrated Trailer Brake Controller. It cannot be added later, however, an aftermarket controller can be easily hooked up, the wires are already there for it.

Regarding AFM - would you leave it on? A tune is high on my list of things to do, after air intake and exhaust (meaning I could turn AFM off then).
Is there a benefit to having the JL1 vs aftermarket trailer brake controller?
See attached - thinking these are the years/models I should be looking at.

 

[Doubeleive]

Definitely not buying 1st year re-design but thanks for that note.

Doesn't the 2009 also have a 6spd for the LH9?
With regards to AFM, are you suggesting to not turn it off, then? Have seen many more of the issues reported involved the 5.3, moreso than the 6.2.

I turned mine off with a tune simply because of the annoyance and yes there is less risk if it's not being utilized, some people can't feel it going to v4/v8 mode but I certainly can
the denali's and escalades all had the 6spd, not sure on any others I haven't done the research I wanted the 6.2 and didn't even bother looking at the 5.3's, had the 5.3 forever and kicked myself in the butt because of it

 

[swathdiver]

So I should be looking at 2012-2014, then? With 6.2L? LIKE the Sierra but with dogs, I would prefer an SUV.

Before posting on here, had been in negotiations for a 2006 Tahoe, 104K miles, 5.3L w/4x4, and asking $11K. Have a deposit on this, expiring 22nd, and need to do a pre-sales inspection. Considering the market down here, guessing I can make back my money if purchased but wondering someone else's opinion. Do I buy the 2006 and take needed time to find moreso what I need? Or pass on the deal and keep renting SUV/truck as needed.

It's up to you. I would not look older than 2009, they don't have Bluetooth for your phone and those engines are not FlexFuel. There are E85 stations all over Palm Beach county, you can save a bundle running that stuff around town and switch to gas for when you need the range. 6.2s require high octane gas.

I've not owned an 800 but they are thought of very highly here, some who have had both, prefer the older ones because of comfort of seats and fit and finish.

Definitely not buying 1st year re-design but thanks for that note.

Doesn't the 2009 also have a 6spd for the LH9?
With regards to AFM, are you suggesting to not turn it off, then? Have seen many more of the issues reported involved the 5.3, moreso than the 6.2.

All 6.2s are backed by the 6L80.

Regarding AFM - would you leave it on? A tune is high on my list of things to do, after air intake and exhaust (meaning I could turn AFM off then).
Is there a benefit to having the JL1 vs aftermarket trailer brake controller?

I turned mine off, was scared it was going to blow up after reading all the reports. It worked flawlessly, couldn't even tell it was switching or on or off. A fellow at my church had his fail and take out the motor and this did not deter me, he's not a "car guy". The JL1 frees up space so the aftermarket controller isn't hitting your knees and it is truly integrated, working with your brakes to control the load. The later models, 2012+ have Trailer Sway Control and other improved features. Download a brochure or owner's manual for one and read up on it.

 

[mpicasso]

It's up to you. I would not look older than 2009, they don't have Bluetooth for your phone and those engines are not FlexFuel. There are E85 stations all over Palm Beach county, you can save a bundle running that stuff around town and switch to gas for when you need the range. 6.2s require high octane gas.

The 2006 has the ability to add aftermarket radio, so not bothered by that. Looking at it because of the cost along with giving me time to find a proper 2012-2014.
6.2's will run fine on FlexFuel, as well? Did not realize the financial benefit to using E85. Most of my driving will be just around town.

 

[mpicasso]

I wanted the 6.2 and didn't even bother looking at the 5.3's, had the 5.3 forever and kicked myself in the butt because of it

Sorry for my misunderstanding - you went with the 6.2, over the 5.3, correct?

 

[swathdiver]

The 2006 has the ability to add aftermarket radio, so not bothered by that. Looking at it because of the cost along with giving me time to find a proper 2012-2014.
6.2's will run fine on FlexFuel, as well? Did not realize the financial benefit to using E85. Most of my driving will be just around town.

There can be a financial benefit when the price is right. Good quality fuel, like Chevron is about $3.75 at the Chevron on Okeechobee and Congress right now. If you can find E85 for sixty to eighty or more cents less a gallon, it makes financial sense to run that. Besides, the motors absolutely love the stuff, like cheap race gas. MPGs are less but cents per mile is our measure of worth in that instance. Also great for keeping injectors clean. Well, I just used Gas Buddy to check on E85 in Palm Beach County and they are all nuts, asking the same as for 93! So right now at least, it's not financially sound to burn it. But if you were going to the drag strip Friday night (PBIR)...

So, you want a short wheelbase wagon with a 6.2 and 2-speed transfer case or plain rear wheel drive?

 

[mpicasso]

There can be a financial benefit when the price is right.

I almost exclusively use Costco gas wherever I go, which has it's own financial benefits...Premium, at PBG Costco (North lake), is $3.38/gallon.

So, you want a short wheelbase wagon with a 6.2 and 2-speed transfer case or plain rear wheel drive?

Short wheelbase wagon, yes. Still trying to figure out the 4WD vs RWD dilemma. Will not be in the market for a boat for at least 2 more years and know my Tundra had always been able to pull my boat out at ramps I visited.
Question I need to answer - is the additional maintenance/costs for 4WD worth it when I am not sure when a boat will be coming back in to my future (really digging this kayaking and head boat thing).