Shopping a 2013 Yukon: Shaking at 70-75, moisture in head lamps, suggestions

I am 2 months into shopping for a 2012-2014. I am asking for suggestions. I have been lurking and learning for a couple of months. I have learned more about the cracked dash and AFM issues than some of the sales reps I have met during this process. I still have a lot to learn. I am trying to make a smart purchase.

I drove a 2013 Yukon SLT 5.3L yesterday, and again today. Is nice, outfitted just right for me. No moon roof, has bench 2nd seat, remote start, with 83K miles. We are close on price. I like it. But the steering wheel starts vibrating and car starts shaking ~70-75 mph, before and after tire balance, on both test drives. I was planning to take this Yukon to my mechanic today for the inspection, but decided to wait until dealer resolves this issue. I left it at the little dealership, and start again on Monday.

Dealer rep supposedly had all the tires rebalanced and rotated this morning at a tire shop. The dealer manager said today when they purchased this car from the auction, one of the chrome wheels was missing, it had the spare on right rear. So dealer has just purchased/added a brand new wheel this week, and switched 3 old Cooper tires and another off-brand tire around, and texted at noon it was “ready to go!” But it is still shaking at 70-75, I think it moved from rear to front, so probably a bad tire, I hope.

The yellow dash light for tire sensor is still lit-up with a Tire Sensor error msg. on the display.

Also, the headlamps have some moisture inside around the edges. Is this a concern?

They are planning to glue a dash-cover over the cracked dash, the cover is on order.

I am wondering if the shimming ~ 70-75 mph is something beyond out of balance tires? Even when it’s not shimmying, at lower speeds, none of the 12-14 drive like my 1999 Tahoe SE 4wd. I was relieved to be driving my 99 home tonight. I have already decided to keep my old 99 friend around for the time being, but that’s another topic, a mental issue.

I am going to give this small dealer another chance to balance/fix the tires, and then have inspected. I read here that shaking at this speed could also be a number of issues: front bearings, warped rotors, or just a bad tire - belt. Thank you for any suggestions about how to buy one of these…

For instance, is moisture around the edges, inside the head lamps a concern before I purchase?

I think they bought a knock off or used bent rim, didn’t balance it correctly or put a tpms sensor in because from what you’re saying the shimmy moved location and the dash light is on...

The headlights.... i guess it happens... but there is moisture getting in so maybe they have been replaced with cheap aftermarket because truck was in an accident...

Dash cover.... meh.. I don’t personally like the look and I would get them to drop the price by $600-700 (even $1000) instead then purchase a new dash from gm and install it myself but very common on thes trucks.

I’m with @Galante on this. The dash cover is glued on meaning you have to tear it off if you ever need to remove the dash the shimmying sounds like a balance issue it’s too early for axle shafts. The lights are a common issue good luck

My mechanic rejected the 2013 Red Yukon. Among other things, he found the underside was very muddy and already rusting. The metal seat rails in the cabin are rusting. He said it looked like it had sat in muddy water for a long time. I rechecked car-fax and it was just north of Houston area. Of course I returned it, and found a clean 2014 Tahoe LS at a large (Toyota) dealership. Much better experience. The 2014 Tahoe is a TX edition, and it looks very good underneath. I had two shops check/drive it. I looked underneath myself before I purchased it. Take your time shopping. I am very glad I did. Even my color preferences changed over the 4 month period.

Ok now where are the pictures. The other was definitely a flood car. Seat rails don’t usually rust. Congratulations

Salty_Dawg said:

My mechanic rejected the 2013 Red Yukon. Among other things, he found the underside was very muddy and already rusting. The metal seat rails in the cabin are rusting. He said it looked like it had sat in muddy water for a long time. I rechecked car-fax and it was just north of Houston area. Of course I returned it, and found a clean 2014 Tahoe LS at a large (Toyota) dealership. Much better experience. The 2014 Tahoe is a TX edition, and it looks very good underneath. I had two shops check/drive it. I looked underneath myself before I purchased it. Take your time shopping. I am very glad I did. Even my color preferences changed over the 4 month period.

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No pictures, it didn't happen. Lol

Here is the 2014 Tahoe LS - TX edition at the Toyota dealership, in Alpharetta, GA. I waxed it yesterday, will post these images soon.

Looks great

Wanted to see pics of the one you bought but you covered that looks great

Big Mama said:

Seat rails don’t usually rust.

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Unless you're in South Florida and drive along the beach with the windows down and the t-tops off all the time! BTDT!! LOL

Salty Dawg, congrats!