Buying Used

[GBF1]

Our 2006 Yukon Denali has 194000 miles and though we've only needed to replace the torque converter, I can tell there will only be more expensive repairs on the horizon. Would like to get a 2020 or newer Escalade, or a 21 and newer Yukon Denali or an upgraded Tahoe. The 21 and newer Escalades are too expensive at the moment. I`m hesitating because of all the mechanical issues I see when reading the forum. This would be our 4th full size GM SUV, so we want to stay with them if possible. Appreciate any comments. We will most likely pull the trigger on something in the next 45 days. Thanks in advance!

 

[StephenPT]

You will always see issues on the forums. Doesn't matter - go to the Expedition forum - lots of issues. Go to the Wagoneer forum - LOTS of issues.

Before our Yukon we had a Honda Pilot, I joined the Pilot forum and immediately thought the Pilot was plagued with issues. "Lots of people" talking bout oil burning issues caused by the VCM (similar to AFM/DFM system). The reality is the "lots of people" is a fraction of a percent of the amount of rigs on the road. Most people don't join a forum to gloat about their trouble free rig.

That's not to say 21+ platform hasn't been without issues. 5.3/6.2 DFM lifter failures and 6.2 main bearings seem to be the biggest issues. OTA updates causing dead batteries is another one.

Look around, there's plenty of used ones available. Look into its service history and give it a good look over before you buy it. You'll probably be just fine and enjoy many miles with it.

 

[Jocko PDX]

My 2003 Suburban has 281,000 miles on it and still runs well, so you might consider the repair on your '06 and save yourself from paying a bunch for a new one. I did buy a new 2023 Denali in Oct and have had 0 issues with it so far, but I still drive the suburban about half of the time.

 

[StormTrooprSubZ71]

If your buying used, make sure its still under GM warranty or get a good aftermarket warranty. These trucks have a lot of electronics and repair bills can add up quick.

 

[NothEastTahoe]

You will always see issues on the forums. Doesn't matter - go to the Expedition forum - lots of issues. Go to the Wagoneer forum - LOTS of issues.

Before our Yukon we had a Honda Pilot, I joined the Pilot forum and immediately thought the Pilot was plagued with issues. "Lots of people" talking bout oil burning issues caused by the VCM (similar to AFM/DFM system). The reality is the "lots of people" is a fraction of a percent of the amount of rigs on the road. Most people don't join a forum to gloat about their trouble free rig.

That's not to say 21+ platform hasn't been without issues. 5.3/6.2 DFM lifter failures and 6.2 main bearings seem to be the biggest issues. OTA updates causing dead batteries is another one.

Look around, there's plenty of used ones available. Look into its service history and give it a good look over before you buy it. You'll probably be just fine and enjoy many miles with it.

"If you want to find a problem with your *insert anything* go online"

I agree with you, and might add, to look for a decent warranty like @StormTrooprSubZ71 said, for a few years to relieve any instant regret incase something slips past a pre-buy inspection.

 

[Marky Dissod]

Our 2006 Yukon Denali has 194000 miles ... Would like to get a 2020 or newer Escalade, or a 21 and newer Yukon Denali or an upgraded Tahoe.
The '21 and newer Escalades are too expensive at the moment. I`m hesitating because of all the mechanical issues I see when reading the forum.
This would be our 4th full size GM SUV, so we want to stay with them if possible.

I'd keep my distance from the direct injected stuff.
Even if you've the good sense to disable or delete all that variable displacement horseschidt, you'll still have to deal with all that carbon buildup ...

I'd rather buy a GMT926 or GMT936 and fix it up REAL NICE ...
Which'll likely still cost more than fixing the problems your '06 Denali is about to have ...

 

[steiny93]

Our 2006 Yukon Denali has 194000 miles and though we've only needed to replace the torque converter, I can tell there will only be more expensive repairs on the horizon. Would like to get a 2020 or newer Escalade, or a 21 and newer Yukon Denali or an upgraded Tahoe. The 21 and newer Escalades are too expensive at the moment. I`m hesitating because of all the mechanical issues I see when reading the forum. This would be our 4th full size GM SUV, so we want to stay with them if possible. Appreciate any comments. We will most likely pull the trigger on something in the next 45 days. Thanks in advance!

The 21+ mechanical issues are similar to the AFM issues of a few years back. Basically a "pick your poison" type of deal.

If you wanted to minimize your exposure to high repair costs I'd recommend the following:
- fewer options, fewer problems (get a Tahoe instead of an Escalade)
- skip the powered running boards and the air suspensions (not a matter of if, rather when)
- skip the diesels

 

[DuraYuk]

The 21+ mechanical issues are similar to the AFM issues of a few years back. Basically a "pick your poison" type of deal.

If you wanted to minimize your exposure to high repair costs I'd recommend the following:
- fewer options, fewer problems (get a Tahoe instead of an Escalade)
- skip the powered running boards and the air suspensions (not a matter of if, rather when)
- skip the diesels

The diesel new generations are the most problem free and efficient. Air suspension works except some issues at -30.

 

[Stbentoak]

Based on what I’ve gleaned here on this site, there is a whole lot more basis in owning a diesel vs a gas model….

 

[steiny93]

The diesel new generations are the most problem free and efficient. Air suspension works except some issues at -30.

Based on my experience of owning multiple baby diesels (both eco & duramax), multiple large diesels (5.9, 6.7, ISM, ISX) and say 20 gas variants (bmw/ram/gm/jeep)

These 3.0 diesels are the most problematic engines available today, 100% hands down.
I've also had many air suspensions fail during warranty, hyper annoying.

 

[DuraYuk]

Based on my experience of owning multiple baby diesels (both eco & duramax), multiple large diesels (5.9, 6.7, ISM, ISX) and say 20 gas variants (bmw/ram/gm/jeep)

These 3.0 diesels are the most problematic engines available today, 100% hands down.
I've also had many air suspensions fail during warranty, hyper annoying.

Based on my experience you have terrible luck and your experience is unique.

 

[89Suburban]

Inventory

Inventory public page

chicagomotors.com

 

[Seamus]

Based on my experience of owning multiple baby diesels (both eco & duramax), multiple large diesels (5.9, 6.7, ISM, ISX) and say 20 gas variants (bmw/ram/gm/jeep)

These 3.0 diesels are the most problematic engines available today, 100% hands down.
I've also had many air suspensions fail during warranty, hyper annoying.

The most problematic??? Just not true. The lifter and main bearings in the 2021+ are the most problematic engine ever to come from GM hands down. Service departments and parts department cant keep up. They are packed with warranty. I have two friends who are GM techs and I ask them about everything we see here. Told me if i want gas dont get anything past a 2020 and delete it in the tune. 2021+ a big no go as per them. So we bought a 2018 Escalade and did an AFM delete in the tune. The 3.0 is very reliable and most have zero issues. He told me of several known issues regarding my 2021 3.0 . Said some are a real pain to diagnose but overall they are a solid motor. ALL modern diesels have issues due to emissions. Some more than others. But its just a general consensus of 3.0 owners its a great powertrain. Many guys well over 100K and not one warranty issue. These gas motors are eating cams at 7K. Saw a brand new escalade in his bay last week...bottom end shot...two months old! If you have had problems with 20 variants of diesels....your the first person I have heard say that. 20 diesels and all were a problem??? Most 3.0 owners get another one or holding onto theirs. Yes few have had issues......but its few.

 

[todayusay]

not that I'm against the 3.0, but what's the total # of 3.0s vs the V8s over the past couple years? "few" issues on an engine that represents 10-15% of all powertrains...what's the percentage of "issues" between the two?

my 2 cents would be to stay away from the 6.2 if you're scared of failure, but even with that said, ultimately how many failures have resulted in GM not fixing them under warranty? Sure, being without a vehicle for a month would blow, but everyone's loaner/rental/just using the other vehicle situation is different.

had a 21 AT4 with the 5.3 (45k miles) 22 Z71 with the 5.3 (15k miles) and now a 23 Z71 5.3 with almost 50k...only engine problem on all three was an idler pulley on the 21.

if I had a complete engine failure in the first 5k miles I'd be ticked too

 

[DuraYuk]

not that I'm against the 3.0, but what's the total # of 3.0s vs the V8s over the past couple years? "few" issues on an engine that represents 10-15% of all powertrains...what's the percentage of "issues" between the two?

my 2 cents would be to stay away from the 6.2 if you're scared of failure, but even with that said, ultimately how many failures have resulted in GM not fixing them under warranty? Sure, being without a vehicle for a month would blow, but everyone's loaner/rental/just using the other vehicle situation is different.

had a 21 AT4 with the 5.3 (45k miles) 22 Z71 with the 5.3 (15k miles) and now a 23 Z71 5.3 with almost 50k...only engine problem on all three was an idler pulley on the 21.

if I had a complete engine failure in the first 5k miles I'd be ticked too

You make a valid point in terms of total numbers. With that said I don't think there's been hardly any catastrophic lm2/lz0 failures vs gas v8s which are realively common.
Hell I haven't even read or seen a premature oil belt failure either.

The lm2 is also way more common in the trucks so overall numbers are not as small as you think.

But gas v8s are a much larger overall total. Still catastrophic engine blowing in the diesels just hasn't been a relevant thing

 

[StephenPT]

not that I'm against the 3.0, but what's the total # of 3.0s vs the V8s over the past couple years? "few" issues on an engine that represents 10-15% of all powertrains...what's the percentage of "issues" between the two?

my 2 cents would be to stay away from the 6.2 if you're scared of failure, but even with that said, ultimately how many failures have resulted in GM not fixing them under warranty? Sure, being without a vehicle for a month would blow, but everyone's loaner/rental/just using the other vehicle situation is different.

had a 21 AT4 with the 5.3 (45k miles) 22 Z71 with the 5.3 (15k miles) and now a 23 Z71 5.3 with almost 50k...only engine problem on all three was an idler pulley on the 21.

if I had a complete engine failure in the first 5k miles I'd be ticked too

This is purely anecdotal evidence - my nearest GMC dealer currently has on their lot or in-transit:

Sierra 1500 - 75 Total (38 Diesel - 37 Gas)

Yukon/XL - 36 Total (28 Diesel - 8 Gas)

If I had to bet I would say the diesel has at a minimum 30% share in the Pickups and SUVs. It very well could be closer to 40%, but I would doubt if it was beyond that.

 

[Doubeleive]

Our 2006 Yukon Denali has 194000 miles and though we've only needed to replace the torque converter, I can tell there will only be more expensive repairs on the horizon. Would like to get a 2020 or newer Escalade, or a 21 and newer Yukon Denali or an upgraded Tahoe. The 21 and newer Escalades are too expensive at the moment. I`m hesitating because of all the mechanical issues I see when reading the forum. This would be our 4th full size GM SUV, so we want to stay with them if possible. Appreciate any comments. We will most likely pull the trigger on something in the next 45 days. Thanks in advance!

I would go 2018-2020

 

[todayusay]

This is purely anecdotal evidence - my nearest GMC dealer currently has on their lot or in-transit:

Sierra 1500 - 75 Total (38 Diesel - 37 Gas)

Yukon/XL - 36 Total (28 Diesel - 8 Gas)

If I had to bet I would say the diesel has at a minimum 30% share in the Pickups and SUVs. It very well could be closer to 40%, but I would doubt if it was beyond that.

that dealer has almost 5% of all the yukon/XL diesels in the nation

 

[todayusay]

here's the tahoe/suburban numbers...

i'd honestly like to test drive one and wouldn't be against one, but we'll have a better idea on reliability in a couple years.

 

[DuraYuk]

here's the tahoe/suburban numbers...

i'd honestly like to test drive one and wouldn't be against one, but we'll have a better idea on reliability in a couple years.

View attachment 421164

View attachment 421165

That's what's in inventory. Gives a small glimpse into what's going on. With that said the lm2 has been out since late 2019. And have not heard much if anything in terms of catastrophic failure or premature/mature oil belt failure.

But you can read about gas failures all day long.