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Powder Toast Man

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Hi, I am in the market for a new Yukon XL from my 05 Yukon Denali. I like the features in the Denali (6.2, HUD, active cruise) but read all about the 8 speed transmission problems. Any insight on the Early 2015 Denalis with the 6speed? Or should I just look for a well optioned 16-18 SLT. My budget is around 35k and I am in SoCal so a 2018 Denali isn't quite in that range yet.
 

gat0r

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15's w/ 6spd can be good
be sure to drive it in varying conditions.... to make sure it doesnt have the buffeting issue


my '15 burb has been great.
if you cant get a 6spd model.... wait to get a 10spd one ;)
 

CMoore711

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My ‘15 Denali XL with the 8 speed has 104K miles and still going strong. The 8 speed has a bad rep on this forum. The 10 speed is nice, it shifts well. I will say slow rolling around town on roads that are 25/35 mph speed limits I already get annoyed with how soon/often the 8 speed shifts and I could only imagine that being worse with the 10 speed.

Though GM put the 10 speed in the 2018+ Denali’s they didn’t just shun the 8 speed because it was so “terrible”.

The 8 speed is in all the C7 Vettes: Stingray, Z06, and ZR-1. As well as the ‘16-‘19 Cadillac CTS-V. Which IMO are all flag ship vehicles for top GM brands.

When purchasing used I’d place more value on maintenance records, vehicle history, and what vehicle you’re more comfortable with versus a few people’s bad experiences.

I also wouldn’t consider downgrading from the 6.2 to a 5.3 if the 6.2 is what you want.

Take that for what it’s worth. Good luck in your vehicle search!
 

CMoore711

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Quick thought: You may want to look into a Yukon SLT Graphite Performance Edition. Not sure what the market is for those price wise; If they’d be cheaper than an equivalent Denali or not? But... It’s not a Denali, and a Yukon model available with the 6.2/10 speed.
 

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