What to look for and avoid in buying a used 2015-2020

Hey you · Sep 30, 2025

My 15 model is running Gr8! Of course there will be things you need to do... The AFM really helps. I have done these mods also...
Trans cooler thermostat replaced with the continuous circulation module, keeps tranny much cooler.
Changed Tranny fluid and filter. Much smoother acceleration.
Oil change with filter.
Replaced headlights with Anzo LEDs. The original low beams were horrible.
22 inch wheels/tires, and I am getting 19 to 20 most of the time.
Replaced plugs, coils and cables.
Hope you find what your looking for and when you need help, this site is the best!!!

GMCChevy · Sep 30, 2025

91RS said:
If you say so.

Its not just me that does.

Rluck1973 · Sep 30, 2025

Thanks for all the replies. I am leaning toward 2018-2020’s with under 80/90,000 miles. Don’t really have a preference as to 5.3 or 6.2, but I want the options that come on the Tahoe Premier, Yukon Denali, or any Escalade. Things like adaptive cruise, sunroof, memory seats, heated and cooled seats, power side steps and so on. Prices seem to be between $30,000 and $45,000 from what I have seen in my area (south east). I am not in a huge rush, my daughter starts driving early next year and we are giving her what I am driving now. So I am just going to keep an eye out for something that catches my attention. Once I pull the trigger I will definitely be back to show off what I picked up and start getting advice on a 6.6 L8T swap

Geotrash · Oct 1, 2025

Rluck1973 said:
Thanks for all the replies. I am leaning toward 2018-2020’s with under 80/90,000 miles. Don’t really have a preference as to 5.3 or 6.2, but I want the options that come on the Tahoe Premier, Yukon Denali, or any Escalade. Things like adaptive cruise, sunroof, memory seats, heated and cooled seats, power side steps and so on. Prices seem to be between $30,000 and $45,000 from what I have seen in my area (south east). I am not in a huge rush, my daughter starts driving early next year and we are giving her what I am driving now. So I am just going to keep an eye out for something that catches my attention. Once I pull the trigger I will definitely be back to show off what I picked up and start getting advice on a 6.6 L8T swap

One more thing to add to what's already been said. One of the other weak links is the A/C condenser coil in front of the radiator. There is a fatigue point where the lines go in that will eventually start leaking, followed by the loss of A/C cooling for the interior. The fix is to replace the condenser (it's Siamese with the transmission cooler, so it's both) and have the system evacuated and recharged.

CaptainMurray · Oct 1, 2025

I have a 2020 Yukon 5.3, bought it used at 20k. I have no issues with it. Pulls 5k lb. boat trailer just fine.

I took it in for a dealer check up before warranty ran out. They reset all computers. Gas mileage before reset was 18 mpg after reset 22 mpg. I don't know why that would jump like that but I'm fine with the extra MPG.

One thing I noticed is the mpg calculation on the display is over stated. The correct calculation is total miles driven divided by total gallons used. I record all gas purchases in Excel to verify correct data. Tires size is the factory tire size with correct pressure.

LSCALADE · Feb 2, 2026

Trans fluid make sure its clean and then go drive it and watch the RPMS like a hawk at steady state on flat ground if you see it moving up and down a little that tells you slip is not well controlled on the TCC and I would be worried or ask for more diagnostics.

Loki223 · Feb 2, 2026

I feel like i'm the oddball out on used vehicles. I prefer to buy cheap and broken and then fix them. I try to find low miles (ish) clean broken vehicles. Get them for cheap, spend some money fixing them and finding all the undisclosed issues, and be happy with the final product. Then waste money on other BS that makes them stand out more and custom to how i want them. If you had to pay a mechanic to fix them, then my method won't work for you. But if you are good at wrenching, then you can save some serious money this way.

MrMonte · Feb 4, 2026

Loki223 said:
I feel like i'm the oddball out on used vehicles. I prefer to buy cheap and broken and then fix them.

A few years back I purchased a 2000 Suburban 2500 4WD for $5,500 that previous owner had $7,500 in receipts less than 1 year old adding upgrades & maintenance. Had a light show randomly on the dash & ramdonly stumble on takeoff that 2 shops couldn't fix. I found some bad grounds & loose vacuum line to fix those problems. Drove it 2 years then sold it for $10,000.

Mike N · Apr 7, 2026

91RS said:
I would only consider 18-20 6.2L only. This body style has a lot of problems so be prepared to spend some money on maintenance and repairs. Avoid 15 and 16 like the plague, do NOT be temped by the cheap prices, there is a reason they’re so cheap. The 17s ride a little bit better, but 8 speed is a hard pass.

I've owned a 2015 for 8 years and the thing has been amazing!

What to look for and avoid in buying a used 2015-2020

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