Accept Buy-Back or Not

[Javelina]

2026 Yukon Denali 3.0l 8,500mi

My Yukon has been at the Dealer for 21 days to correct a recurring CEL and frozen touch screen issue. It’s been in 8 times prior for these and other presumed software problems. Each time so-called updates were done and several modules including the steering wheel have been replaced. After countless phone calls and case number assignments, the TAC department was assigned along with their case numbering convention. A local Field Engineer did visit the Dealer several times.

While this last service was in process I opened a Buy-Back case. I submitted my sales contract reflecting the out-the-door cost of the truck along with the costs of the OEM accessories I purchased and had installed. The accessories were the black grille w/Galvano surround and 18” GMC wheels & Michelin tires totaling about $4,000 installed.

I received a Repurchase Approval of the Out-the-door cost less $4,900 mileage/usage deduction from when the problems were first reported. I replied asking about the added accessories and the possibility of a direct replacement. I and am awaiting a response.

My intent here is to report on my experience and solicit advice on how to move forward. I expect to have the truck back from this last extended service attempt within a week.

I assume a bit more diagnosis effort was put forth this time but have no firsthand knowledge of what transpired during the Field Service Engineer visits. My preferred outcome is that the truck is now as good as new and just move on. If on the other hand these problems arise once again, to then proceed with the buyback. It would be prudent to take the buy-back now but the financial hit to then replace with a 2026 model including accessories will be too great. I am interested to know for how long the Repurchase Approval is valid.

Mike

 

[Protect1989]

Take the buy-back.

Your vehicle has been in the shop 8 times prior and currently has been at the dealership for 21 days, all within the first 8,500 miles of ownership. That is no where near normal and I would not be confident your local GMC mechanic can resolve these issues permanently.

Sell it back, then either roll the dice and buy another one OR look at other brands. That part is up to you. Maybe you can work out an agreement with them where if you purchase another GM product they wont deduct the $4,900 usage. Worth a shot

 

[Marky Dissod]

Take the buyback. Use the money to buy two or three GMT800s, they'll be more reliable / in the shop less often. Pocket / invest the difference.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

I say, take the buy-back as well. Clearly (to me), this truck is a lemon for whatever reason.

 

[GMCnewbee]

I vote for the buyback as well. Good luck!

 

[OR VietVet]

Anything with an OE touch screen has problems. Buy a GMT800 and be done with the problems and pocket the savings. Most comfortable seats, anyway.

 

[Stbentoak]

Take it and make them swap your accessories to the new vehicle. That way you don't lose their value. Make that part of the deal.

 

[blanchard7684]

Take the buy back. You haven’t driven the powertrain long enough to know if it will be good or not. That could be your next leg down.

 

[2024 White Tahoe]

2026 Yukon Denali 3.0l 8,500mi

My Yukon has been at the Dealer for 21 days to correct a recurring CEL and frozen touch screen issue. It’s been in 8 times prior for these and other presumed software problems. Each time so-called updates were done and several modules including the steering wheel have been replaced. After countless phone calls and case number assignments, the TAC department was assigned along with their case numbering convention. A local Field Engineer did visit the Dealer several times.

While this last service was in process I opened a Buy-Back case. I submitted my sales contract reflecting the out-the-door cost of the truck along with the costs of the OEM accessories I purchased and had installed. The accessories were the black grille w/Galvano surround and 18” GMC wheels & Michelin tires totaling about $4,000 installed.

I received a Repurchase Approval of the Out-the-door cost less $4,900 mileage/usage deduction from when the problems were first reported. I replied asking about the added accessories and the possibility of a direct replacement. I and am awaiting a response.

My intent here is to report on my experience and solicit advice on how to move forward. I expect to have the truck back from this last extended service attempt within a week.

I assume a bit more diagnosis effort was put forth this time but have no firsthand knowledge of what transpired during the Field Service Engineer visits. My preferred outcome is that the truck is now as good as new and just move on. If on the other hand these problems arise once again, to then proceed with the buyback. It would be prudent to take the buy-back now but the financial hit to then replace with a 2026 model including accessories will be too great. I am interested to know for how long the Repurchase Approval is valid.

Mike

What does your state’s vehicle “lemon law” say about the repurchase amount that the manufacturer must pay?

Did you use an attorney, or submit the process yourself?

I have been through two Chevrolet repurchase actions. One I handled myself and presented the case at binding arbitration (and won). The other I had an attorney handle as my state’s lemon law was strengthened and provided reasonable attorney fees.

My state’s lemon law requires the manufacturer pay the purchase cost and any associated costs (tax, doc fee, financing, approved accessories, etc.). It does not allow a deduction for usage.

My state’s lemon law also permits the consumer to choose a refund or a new vehicle.

 

[Javelina]

Thank you all for the opinions. There is a consensus.

I have been communicating with a very pleasant woman at: General Motors GMC California Customer Engagement Center 1-800-462-8782. Unlike countless times before, she promised to not close my case until there is a resolution to my satisfaction. My only complement so far is for this associate who has kept meticulous notes on our emails and conversations and has consistently called back with twice weekly updates as promised. I find it difficult to express my outrage to her. The rest of this is a $$hit $how.

In our last conversation this afternoon I expressed an interest in having an identical replacement provided onto which my accessories could then be swapped. (Thanks Stbentoak) I pointed out that this would not then require further compensation for the cost of the accessories providing they would be installed by the dealer.

The associate promised to explore what this involves which would include my Dealer, availability and location of an existing vehicle, and the process for placing one on order if needed. She indicated that yet another department handles the actual Buy-Back / replacement process.

Mike

 

[CMoore711]

Take it and make them swap your accessories to the new vehicle. That way you don't lose their value. Make that part of the deal.

Took the words right out of my mouth @Stbentoak.

Or if you still have the stock grill and rims swap them back on for your purchases accessories and sell it back to them.

 

[LegalBrief]

The mileage section is common, depends on state. The accessories are added to the purchase contract. If they sqwak, it’s not worth the fight take them off before the turn in. Turn will take up two months after you agree.

If you decide on a replacement, you get a brand new comparable car with new registration. Strictly up to you what you choose, but you may get a 27.

 

[Scarey]

In your negotiations with the buy back people let them know your exploring a lemon law return. Your leverage is, if it is returned under lemon law it can only be sold as a lemon which greatly diminishes its value, cheaper to meet your demands.

 

[2024 White Tahoe]

In your negotiations with the buy back people let them know your exploring a lemon law return. Your leverage is, if it is returned under lemon law it can only be sold as a lemon which greatly diminishes its value, cheaper to meet your demands.

Not fully true.

If the manufacturer repurchases the vehicle before it is ordered (by the court, arbitration, etc.), there is no branding of the title.

Some states do not require branding of the title even with a repurchase order.

If the manufacturer knows the vehicle qualifies as a lemon repurchase, they will often “low ball” the owner (such as a large deduction for usage / mileage), and buy-back the vehicle - then turn around and send it to an auto auction without a branded title. This type of repurchase is considered a “good will” buy-back, and no record exists of the vehicle being a lemon repurchase.

 

[Javelina]

Took the words right out of my mouth @Stbentoak.

Or if you still have the stock grill and rims swap them back on for your purchases accessories and sell it back to them.

I am in CA. I read through our Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act and the parts I could understand do require that the repurchased vehicle title be labeled as such. There is some language which I believe makes it illegal to auction these lemons off out of state without it. The allowable mileage deduction is also specified as (Miles used before the defect(s) occurred ÷ 120000 X Out-The-Door Cost) in dollars. In my case $4,900. This could be negotiable?

There is also a provision for reimbursement of added accessories. It refers to them as "Manufacturer Approved Accessories" without defining what exactly that means.

Having no room to store, I sold the original 22" wheels/tires for $900. I do have the original grille. Swapping the wheels/tires onto a new vehicle would be rather easy and see no reason GM or the dealer would object. The grille on the other hand would require a double R&R and camera and maybe radar recalibration. This is more effort and expense which I could not do myself.

Mike

 

[LegalBrief]

@Scarey there is minimal negotiation left at this point, they are doing a buy back, under CA law the unit will get a branded title. (Wether u say lemon law or buy back it’s all the same thing)

The accessories are the only open topic. It really depends on the evidence (receipts). The intent of the law / process is to make the consumer whole, including interest paid less mileage before first incident.

@Javelina the dealer has no skin this, the car will not go to its inventory, nor come from it’s inventory nor will a replacement count as a sale. The dealer gets a few bucks for the delivery and titling, that’s it, and has to store the car until it gets picked up by the manufacturer. (Who will ship it to another country and resell it). - fun fact 98% of lemon/buyback vehicles are completely repaired by the time they get resold.

 

[LsHart]

This is why I stick with the older stuff.

 

[jerry455]

How does all of this about sticking with older vehicles help us? GMT 800's are not existant in my part of the country. They and most older vehicles have rusted away or have significant rust to not be desirable for most people. I don't understand how people on this forum, 2021+, need to have the owners of other trucks, with their own forums for their generation of truck, need to constantly feel the need to tell everyone to get an older truck. It does not help. People come here looking for advice or help from other owners of like vehicles. They don't want to be told they should have kept, or they need to find an older one. We are supposed to be helping each other here.

 

[OR VietVet]

How does all of this about sticking with older vehicles help us? GMT 800's are not existant in my part of the country. They and most older vehicles have rusted away or have significant rust to not be desirable for most people. I don't understand how people on this forum, 2021+, need to have the owners of other trucks, with their own forums for their generation of truck, need to constantly feel the need to tell everyone to get an older truck. It does not help. People come here looking for advice or help from other owners of like vehicles. They don't want to be told they should have kept, or they need to find an older one. We are supposed to be helping each other here.

Hard to believe that with your first post in this entire thread, you presume to speak for all 2021+ vehicle owners or prospective buyers. The original post talked about a 2026 Yukon that has been in the shop for many many days and was asking opinions. Members here are not locked in to one section when it comes to "opinions". If you live in an area where you have a lot of rusty/salt on the road vehicles, then broaden the horizons with a trip to find a non rusty truck/vehicle state and even with travel and truck buying expenses, you will be money ahead with a nest egg left over.

Believe it or not, the GMT800's just have a much better history than even the newer trucks/vehicles. Opinions/help was asked for and was given. There are responses to the "buy back" question, specifically, and also answers or recommendations about older more reliable vehicles/trucks.

 

[BacDoc]

I’m a firm believer in the fact that every once in a while a hi tech vehicle is likely to be a “lemon” especially the numbers of these trucks that get mass produced.

Unfortunately it sounds like you got one of these. I would take the hit and move on either getting new GM or trying something else.
All the truck manufacturers have issues and we make our choice.
These days it’s more like Russian roulette though