2015 Yukon Denali - Engine Failure - Sell or Fix?

[Scud509]

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!!

 

[Big Mama]

12k seems like a lot but everything seems to. I guess the question is how much you like this truck. You’re at the age and mileage where things need service.
Have you checked other engine builders? There are quite a few sources for remanufactured engines with 3 to 5 year warranties and zero miles.
Selling a rig with a bad engine is hard but there are people out there looking for them.

 

[tom3]

Where located. 9 year old SUV up here in the rust belt is probably a hard sell with a blown engine. Southern machine in nice shape would be easier to unload I think. If I were keeping it I'd look for a rebuilt or new long block motor replacement.

 

[15burban]

I'd get more then one quote to compare. A tow to another shop is worth it to save thousands. I haven't had the pleasure of yanking our 5.3 yet but 30 hours seems a bit high to me to remove and throw a new or used one in.

In my area it seems like shops are pretty busy since new vehicle prices are pretty high. Possibly some of them throw out a high estimate. If they get the job great. If they don't they have numerous other vehicles coming in to work on.

Location and rust. If it's not rust free and good shape you probably won't get much as it sits.

 

[Marky Dissod]

... 2015 Yukon Denali 125k miles. Up to date on maintenance and always ran premium 93 ... engine failed ... Mechanic took engine head off and said engine is completely shot ... 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.

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?

You will NOT get back the parts-plus-labor costs of removing & replacing an engine unless you keep the vehicle and use the replacement engine.
Sell outright as-is, mechanic's special.

 

[Scud509]

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.

 

[B-train]

I'd take KBB, or comps, and deduct 8k from the price with a disclaimer as to the discount. Then there is haggle room and both parties will feel good about it.

 

[Doubeleive]

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.

your not going to get much for it, that's a given.
I would get my calculator out and start counting beans for of cost of replacment vehicle - versus- cost to repair exisiting vehicle.
if money is not a factor then just donate it to a local college or school vehicle repair training program which is excalty where you "might" get it fixed cheaper anyway.
my sister used to take her car to the local college and have students work on it, took longer time but the cost was a fraction of what a repair shop would charge, basically it was parts cost and the students got credit for there work. that would of course depend on if there was such a program in your area.
to find out just insert your (city+vehicle repair training) into google search.

 

[Scud509]

Thanks fellas! Appreciate all the help.

 

[15burban]

Selling it as is limits your buyers by a lot. It's worth a shot I guess. I just don't see a lot of people willing to spend $10k+ on a vehicle and then drop another $8-12k replacing the engine if that's the going rate in your area. Now if a guy (buyer) can replace it himself he could save some money at the risk (your word) that the transmission and everything else works that can't be tested. Not saying you're that type of person, but there are a lot of those type of people out there.

 

[k_arnold72]

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]

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!)

 

[Big Mama]

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]

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]

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.

 

[Scud509]

Thanks all! We are selling it. Have two offers at $7.5k which seems reasonable as the KBB is probably $20-23k

 

[Trey Hardy]

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

 

[Tahoe14]

Someone will be getting a great deal.

 

[Bigburb3500]

6.6 Gas L8T Engine Swap in 2015 Suburban

Hello all! My 2015 Suburban is currently dead. 186k miles with a collapsed lifter and a VERY tired transmission. Current plan was to refresh the engine with non-AFM parts, and go back with a GM reman 6l80 transmission. However, I am recently seeing a lot of information about the L8T engine...

www.tahoeyukonforum.com

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

 

[petethepug]

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.

L83 to L86 Swap

Hello all, new to the Forum. Just became a member so I could share how straight forward swapping an 2015 L83 for a 2018 L86 is. It was absolutely plug and play. The only thing I didn't do is change the LPFP in the tank. And unless I have a problem, I prolly wont replace it. The boot connecting th...

www.gm-trucks.com

L83 SWAP TO L86 Anyone done it?

I really want the L86 motor in my truck but i'm currently stuck with the L83. Has anyone done a successful swap of these 2 motors? I'm curious what all would need to be modified or changed out as well. other than the obvious ECM/PCM. but Would the 6 speed be useable or would I need to swap out fo...

www.gm-trucks.com

The 8 & 10SP swaps are happening now too.

L83/6l80e to L86/8L90E or 10L90E - PerformanceTrucks.net Forums

GM Engine & Exhaust Performance - L83/6l80e to L86/8L90E or 10L90E - I'm sorry if this has been asked, I've googled and never got a great answer. I have a 2016 Tahoe with the L83/6L80e and all around hate the drivetrain. I had a 18' Sierra L86/8L90E and 21' Escalade L86/10L90E and generally...

www.performancetrucks.net