2015 Yukon Denali - Engine Failure - Sell or Fix?

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

k_arnold72

Full Access Member
Joined
Jun 2, 2023
Posts
107
Reaction score
118
You don't lose much by listing it for sale and shopping it around. Maybe a bit of your time. There's always a few do it yourselfers willing to take a chance, depending on the potential of the vehicle of course. Especially in the current market. Trading it towards a new vehicle is also realistic.
 

TollKeeper

Full Access Member
Joined
Feb 21, 2010
Posts
3,054
Reaction score
6,097
Location
Brighton, CO
12k is HUGELY over priced..

No idea where you are in the world, but I would imagine you could find a better lower mileage engine from ImportAPart or J&J, for cheaper than that, and get it installed for less than that.

So where are you in the world?

If your truck was able to take it, there is a BRAND new engine, with 100 miles on it, for 7k.

Edit: Hell, even eBay has good options for a L86 engine. Right around 70-85k miles for 5-7k (which I still find rediculous!)
 
Last edited:

Big Mama

Full Access Member
Joined
Jul 21, 2015
Posts
3,406
Reaction score
2,079
Location
Virginia
And the other unfortunate thing is any potential buyer has to take your word that the transmission, transfer case, A.C. etc all work since you can’t start it. I get selling it. My wife gives up an a rig if it breaks down while she’s driving it.
 

L8T BURB

Full Access Member
Joined
Jul 3, 2023
Posts
124
Reaction score
313
Location
Kentucky
After spending around 12k for an engine and transmission replacement in my 2015 Suburban last Fall... I have one word... REGRET!! It has been absolutely trouble free ever since but my goodness I am so far upside down on this thing it is absurd. Thankfully I have no lien on the vehicle, but when looking what I could sell it for on private market versus what I have invested in it... SAD!!

If I had it to do all over again, I'd 100% take the hit on selling it BEFORE repairs are made. The amount I would have lost on dumping it before repairs is FAR less than what I stand to lose on it now.

Do you limit your market selling an inoperable vehicle? Sure.
Do you limit financial loss by selling before sinking 12k into it? Absolutely.

My recommendation is to take the hit, but try to trade at a GM dealership. I feel like they'd be more willing to deal with you on this, as they can hack around the numbers in their shop and likely complete the repairs for a fraction of the cost you'd be paying.
 

Toy Tow Denali

TYF Newbie
Joined
Jul 18, 2023
Posts
10
Reaction score
4
Hi all! First time poster. We own a 2015 Yukon Denali with 125k miles. Up to date on maintenance and always ran premium 93 gas. Wife was driving when engine failed - shaking, and internal engine loud clanking. Mechanic took engine head off and said engine is completely shot (failed valve that dropped something into lower part of engine. Antifreeze also leaked into engine?). Apparently a known issue and it will need a full engine replacement. No new ones available but can source a used 6.2L with 110k miles (12 month warranty). Estimated cost is $12,000 to replace. Car is worth $20,000 +/- from my research as it has all features. Seems like others have had similar engine issues on here. I’ve had other issues with the car and am debating just selling it as-is and moving on. New struts for the second time were just put on.

Questions:
1. Does $12k seem right? Used engines seem to be $5-6k on eBay. He estimated 30hrs of labor
2. Would you think it would be better to fix then sell or sell outright as-is?
3. What do you think it is worth as-is and how do you find a buyer?

Thanks for any insight!!
We sold ours at 135k miles as we had two fleet vehicles fail at 150k miles. GMC knows these engines with AFT are a problem. I am sorry you lost the motor.
 

Trey Hardy

8” fabtech icon coilovers uniballs 24x14on35/15.50
Joined
Jun 12, 2020
Posts
3,374
Reaction score
9,083
Location
Eastern North Carolina
Thanks all. Located in NC and vehicle is in great shape. Going to list for sale. Any thoughts on what I could expect to get? Looks like similar comps are listed in the low $20ks.
Shoot you could go to the scrap yard and find a wrecked truck with a 5.3 or 6.2 for maybe a grand or two in my area you can get a motor swapped out for 2-3,000 unless you go to the back yard mechanic and get the 500-1000$ special I’m in eastern Nc I got a buddy with a shop in Morehead city in Jacksonville and Raleigh I could probably hook you up with him if your nearby
 

Bigburb3500

Full Access Member
Joined
Jun 7, 2024
Posts
283
Reaction score
557

I just read this thread and you sound like a perfect candidate for this swap. Sorry for the engine issues…
 

petethepug

Michael
Joined
May 4, 2016
Posts
3,070
Reaction score
3,361
Location
SoCal
It kills me when I see owners getting fleeced when stuff like this occurs. Your truck has the L83 5.3L & 6L80 6SP.

All the buyer is going to do is grab a another direct injection motor from a wrecker (that’s got a warranty) and slap it in.



The 8 & 10SP swaps are happening now too.

 

Forum statistics

Threads
132,596
Posts
1,871,276
Members
97,375
Latest member
2020YUKXL
Top