Trading in the 09 Denali...Denali, Yukon SLT or Tahoe LTZ?

[jeremyp]

It's time to trade in my 09 Denali as I approach 100k miles and I'm looking for advice for my next GM SUV. Base on the little bit of research I've done it I seems like there's very little difference between the Tahoe LTZ and the Yukon SLT, unlike in previous generations. Am I missing something? Are there any big differences that make the LTZ better than the SLT that I'm not seeing? Pricing also seems to be almost identical between the two with similar options. Regarding the Denali, other than the 6.2 powertrain, are there other differences that make it worth the difference in price? I'm not seeing the glaring difference I saw back when I bought my 2009. The key things I want are Nav, sunroof, leather heated seats, HD trailering pkg, 20"wheels.

I'm not too concerned with the difference in fuel mileage between the Denali and the LTZ/SLT as my company pays for my gas. I tow a snowmobile trailer in the winter but I'm assuming that both powertrains should be able to handle it fine. The trailer only weighs 3000-3200 lbs fully loaded.

Any insight and thoughts you can provide would be very helpful.

Thanks,

JP

 

[twhitechurch]

So I went through this exercise when I bought my SLT. I first decided which I liked based on looks, GM won. The tahoe doesnt do it for me and decided to turn to GMC, However I did look at the tahoe based on the comparable price. The LT tahoe matches up more correctly to the SLT, but has less features than the SLT, it doesnt even have fog lights. The LTZ vs the SLT is similarly equipped except that it has Active Noise canceling, the magnetic suspension and real wood.

SLT vs Denali, there is approx $10,000 price difference with the two, the Denali gains 6.2L, real wood, active noise, magnetic ride, HUD display, alot of chrome (Rims, Grille, rear trim), Denali Badges, Denali monogram on seats, HID headlights and upgraded sound.

Everyone has different values and desires, for me the price difference was not worth the upgrade, besides the denali pricing was not within my budget whatsoever unfortunately.

Hope this helps,
Tomas

 

[blackout07]

To me, the tahoe wins in the looks department. But I've always preferred the looks of the Chevys.

 

[George C]

How much money do you have to spend? That's the question you need to ask yourself.
There is no "value" to be had, but rather how much equipment you can afford.

Everyone has a different budget and some can't afford a Denali so they choose the SLT. Those who buy a Denali would not consider an SLT.

Your best bet is to answer that question, and then go the build site and pick out what you can afford.

 

[Reels]

Motorwerks posted this sales training link earlier in the audio section that has a lot of good info on the GMC side. This is for the 2015i that went into production in October.

http://myauctions.us/wp-content/uploads/2015i_GMC_Yukon_DB.pdf

 

[olyelr]

So I went through this exercise when I bought my SLT. I first decided which I liked based on looks, GM won. The tahoe doesnt do it for me and decided to turn to GMC, However I did look at the tahoe based on the comparable price. The LT tahoe matches up more correctly to the SLT, but has less features than the SLT, it doesnt even have fog lights. The LTZ vs the SLT is similarly equipped except that it has Active Noise canceling, the magnetic suspension and real wood.

SLT vs Denali, there is approx $10,000 price difference with the two, the Denali gains 6.2L, real wood, active noise, magnetic ride, HUD display, alot of chrome (Rims, Grille, rear trim), Denali Badges, Denali monogram on seats, HID headlights and upgraded sound.

Everyone has different values and desires, for me the price difference was not worth the upgrade, besides the denali pricing was not within my budget whatsoever unfortunately.

Hope this helps,
Tomas

Very informative post there!

How much money do you have to spend? That's the question you need to ask yourself.
There is no "value" to be had, but rather how much equipment you can afford.

Everyone has a different budget and some can't afford a Denali so they choose the SLT. Those who buy a Denali would not consider an SLT.

Your best bet is to answer that question, and then go the build site and pick out what you can afford.

Judging by his post it sounds like he knows the pricing on the 3 models he is questioning. He's driving a Denali now, and he is considering buying one again. I doubt he needs to ask himself what he can afford or what he wants to spend.

 

[PokerMunkee]

LTZ has HIDs and magnetic ride. SLT has halogens.

 

[Lyon]

The major difference is as you've pointed out, the power train. The Denali gets you significantly more power and a transmission with two more gears/faster shifting. The other stuff, like head's up display, active cruise control and hands-free power lift gate, are just icing on the cake. They really aren't necessary but seem nice to have.

As you've pointed out, either vehicle will tow your trailer (you'll need the HD package added onto anything other than the Denali).

I ordered the Denali because I can and I wanted the extra power/8 speed transmission.

 

[motorwerks]

You may want to check residuals with some lenders for all three models. A higher residual may sway your decision from one model to another with regards to resale when you're ready to sell.

 

[George C]

Very informative post there!




Judging by his post it sounds like he knows the pricing on the 3 models he is questioning. He's driving a Denali now, and he is considering buying one again. I doubt he needs to ask himself what he can afford or what he wants to spend.

It's always about what you can afford, or he wouldn't be asking the question.

 

[jeremyp]

Thanks for the feedback, guys. It is extremely helpful. To clarify my position, yes, I can afford the Denali but if I do buy one, it has to be worth it to me. I'm going to look at some more LTZs, SLTs and Denalis today and start the process of narrowing it down. I'm pretty sure that I'm leaning towards the LTZ or Denali but I'll take another look at the SLT while I'm there.

One thing I'm definitely going to do is check the residual value of the Denali vs the others. That's an excellent point. I will say this, I feel that the new generation is a homerun. I really like the looks, the standard equipment is vastly improved and the quality of the interior materials is so much better in the new models. And yes, I guess the significantly higher prices can account for that. LOL Regardless, I'm very impressed!

One more question...I live in NH but my company is based out of IL and I was told by some coworkers about Laura GMC and even seen their name thrown around here too. Have any of you bought a vehicle from them while living a pretty far distance from them? The pricing they have on their website is just insane and may justify a flight to my home office and either drive it home or pay to have it shipped. Any feedback on this idea?

JP

 

[PokerMunkee]

There's an entire thread about Laura and the buying experience. In a nutshell, a lot of people are flying there to save $$$ and having a great experience. It's worth it if your dealer won't get within $3K of their prices, IMO.

I recently flew from Colorado Springs to Dallas for a used car. Cost me around $500 in expenses and a full day of travel, but was totally worth it to get the exact car I wanted and at a price I couldn't get in anywhere near me.

 

[Reels]

From what I understand, Laura GMC wont ship though.

 

[razor488]

I am flying up to Laura tomorrow to pick up a Denali. They were about $3,500 better than a local dealer... but the practical effect in my situation is that I am getting 4WD for free and 22 inch wheels at half price (compared to what I ordered from a nearby dealer).

 

[George C]

The big difference is the 8 speed, which is not available with the 5.3l
I am sure that any 6 speed Denalis are priced to move, but you are buying old power train components.

 

[JWAustinVTX]

I was in the same boat and went with ltz. power train and optional hud are the differences in denali.

Another factor was gmc dealers in my area unwilling to discount at all and opting out of employee pricing.

 

[jeremyp]

After another day living at dealerships, I finally pulled the trigger on a Tahoe LTZ. I even called Laura GMC but after figuring in 2 days for travel back and forth and expenses, never mind the added hassle of having a trade I figured it was worth paying more locally. Besides, my schedule this month is pretty hectic so I'm not sure when I could actually make the trip.

My new LTZ is White Diamond Tricoat with cocoa/dune interior. It has the sun, entertainment, destination pkg, power retractable side steps, max trailering pkg, 20" chrome wheels, cargo shade and rear cargo mat. Sticker was $69,670 and I got it for $62,283 (invoice minus advertising and other add ons) and the dealer gave me $1500 more for my Denali than any other dealer in my area.

The deal I got was actually from the first dealer I went to. I just spent several days trying to beat it and other than Laura GMC, I couldn't. I look at it as time well spent because at least I have peace of mind knowing I got a good deal on the model I wanted, in the color I wanted with the options I wanted. Thanks to all of you for the replies...they were all very helpful.

JP

 

[Reels]

Sounds like a great deal, congrats!

 

[PokerMunkee]

Hells yes, you did great. Pics?

 

[JWAustinVTX]

Nice!!! Exact ride I have minus power steps. we specifically looked for the white diamond