Looking to purchase 2015-2019 Yukon SLE or SLT Not a Denali

[sjay89]

Hello everyone,

I was looking to purchase a 3 row SUV for the family. I started my search by looking at Escalades but quickly noted that the 2015-2019 have multiple costly issues - 1) Magnaride 2) Cue System 3) 6.2 Lifter issues and 4) 8 Speed Transmission. While all makes/models have their quirks it appears that several of the issues with the Escalade/GM have resulted in class action lawsuits.

I had decided to look into other brands for a big SUV, but then noted that the Yukon (SLE/SLT) come with a 5.3 V8 and 6 Speed (older tried and true transmission). While the 5.3 motor may have the lifter issues as well, it is obviously priced lower than an Escalade and worthy of consideration. Accordingly, I was looking to get insight from owners with a Yukon SLE or SLT. As I understand it, minor changes were made 2017. I have not been able to find too much information on the difference between SLE (base) and the SLT.

I would consider a Denali I suppose 2018 or newer as it has the 10 speed transmission but ideally a 2017 Yukon SLT seems to be a good year to look into..

 

[RST Dana]

Lifter problems were not abundant until 21-22.

 

[Thrust]

I think he's referring to the AFM issue.
Good luck with your search.

 

[AESO]

You are on the right track avoiding the "Covid" vehicles of 21+.....;-). There is something wrong with the whole manufacturing chain from about mid 2020 until, well, yesterday at best! IMHO
Don't discount the 2018-2020 Denali. The 6.2/10 speed combo is really good and most of the niggles of the 2015-17 run have/had been pretty much worked out.......You get all the bells and whistles and the price point compared to newer ones can't be beat. Good low mileage ones are still out there! Good and regular maintenance is also the key to a better ownership experience!
In a few years, look at a 2024 or 25 and rinse and repeat!!!!!

 

[sjay89]

I did mean the AFM/DOD issue. And yes I can look for a 18-20 Denali but they are basically priced similar to an Escalade here in Toronto, Canada...that is why I was thinking about looking into the SLE/SLT.

 

[slupie]

Hello everyone,

I was looking to purchase a 3 row SUV for the family. I started my search by looking at Escalades but quickly noted that the 2015-2019 have multiple costly issues - 1) Magnaride 2) Cue System 3) 6.2 Lifter issues and 4) 8 Speed Transmission. While all makes/models have their quirks it appears that several of the issues with the Escalade/GM have resulted in class action lawsuits.

I had decided to look into other brands for a big SUV, but then noted that the Yukon (SLE/SLT) come with a 5.3 V8 and 6 Speed (older tried and true transmission). While the 5.3 motor may have the lifter issues as well, it is obviously priced lower than an Escalade and worthy of consideration. Accordingly, I was looking to get insight from owners with a Yukon SLE or SLT. As I understand it, minor changes were made 2017. I have not been able to find too much information on the difference between SLE (base) and the SLT.

I would consider a Denali I suppose 2018 or newer as it has the 10 speed transmission but ideally a 2017 Yukon SLT seems to be a good year to look into..

The 6 speed transmissions go out also, its not only the 8 speed ones. My '18 Burb, 5.3 with 6 speed had the trans shudder, dealer did the flush and it almost completely went away. Frequent oil changes are your best defense against the AFD/DOD issues in the 5.3 and 6.2. Like it was earlier mentioned the new ones, '21+ seem to have more lifter issues than the previous gen ones. The '17-20 have updated infotainment and '18-20 have HDMI instead of composite inputs for the rear entertainment if you have it. Good luck in your search.

 

[sjay89]

I came across a nice 2016 SLT. Any reason to opt for a 2017+? There are some changes but jts hard to get info as all articles pertain DENALI DENALI DENALI.

 

[SpyShops212]

I came across a nice 2016 SLT. Any reason to opt for a 2017+? There are some changes but jts hard to get info as all articles pertain DENALI DENALI DENALI.

Get the 2018 with the 10 speed and be happy with your purchase and gas mpg. The 8 speed had issues and the 6 speed is so 2007. The 2015-2017 had boom issues. I am not saying all are bad but you are taking a big chance.

 

[mb1500]

I came across a nice 2016 SLT. Any reason to opt for a 2017+? There are some changes but jts hard to get info as all articles pertain DENALI DENALI DENALI.

2016+first year of CarPlay. Many regard 2018-2020 as slightly more refined in build quality but everything is essentially the same as 2016+ as far as the lower trims are concerned.

SLT has all of the nice appointments without paying the premiums. No premium gas for the 6.2 in the Denali. No expensive magnetic suspension to replace when it fails. Avoids the 8 speed found in 15-17 Denali/Escalade

Watch for paint issues on hood/roof of dark vehicles 15-17 years seem most affected.

 

[sjay89]

As much as I would consider the 2018+, they price difference between a 2017 to 2018 is about $5k. Roughly a 2016 can be had between 35-40k, 2017s are about 40-45k. and the 2018s are all north of 45k to about 55k depending on mileage. I am looking at about 60k-80k Miles driven.

 

[T Ford]

Very happy with my 2017 Slt. Ask me anything.

 

[sjay89]

Very happy with my 2017 Slt. Ask me anything.

I appreciate the reply. Im just wondering if there was anything different for 2017 in the SLT vs. 2016, it appears nothing "major" - RCA ports to HDMI on models with tv screens and various color options for exterior changed. And also apparently interior accent lighting went from red to blue.
What made you go with SLT vs. Denali?

 

[91RS]

An SLT will have all of the same problems as a Denali or Escalade minus the Mag ride. Just buy the Escalade. 15s and 16s are terrible anyway so unless you’re going to spend for an 18-20, I would skip this body style entirely. Get a 13-14 if you need/want repair costs minimal.

 

[SpyShops212]

I would get a 2018-2020 because of the 10 speed which is awesome. I noticed 30 percent better mpg than my 2008 Escalade. On the highway I can get up to 28 mpg on road-trips. The best I saw in 14 years of ownership with my 2008 was 17.1 mpg.

 

[T Ford]

I appreciate the reply. Im just wondering if there was anything different for 2017 in the SLT vs. 2016, it appears nothing "major" - RCA ports to HDMI on models with tv screens and various color options for exterior changed. And also apparently interior accent lighting went from red to blue.
What made you go with SLT vs. Denali?

I purchased Certified Pre Owned in 2021. Prices were extremely inflated and cars were hard to find. I love the look of mine, it had a warranty, I’m comfortable with the 6 speed transmission and lastly, the gas mileage. I would not have been as happy with an SLE and would also be happy with a Denali. If you look, 2016 still had more electrical issues, by 17’, most kinks were worked out. Where are you looking?

 

[sjay89]

I am in Toronto. I will look for 2017+ SLT.
I really want an Escalade but 2018+ are well outside my budget. I started by looking at 2015-2017s that were priced better ( but now know why).......

 

[T Ford]

Good luck, stay away from 8 speed transmission.

 

[NT Automotive]

First want to say after being a member only a few days the members here are very nice and supportive. Unlike other forums. Such a relief.

We just bought a 2019 SLE a week ago. Priced below book bc dealers having hard time selling cars in my area if not MSRP or less.

See pics of our SLE. Will take more once I sign off on it (everything done 1-3 months). Keeping it pretty much fully stock minus few small things.

Normally we opt for top trim models of whatever car we own the last 20-25 years. We are Very happy with the SLE despite being lowest trim level. It also has the convenience pack and couple other things which is nice bonus on SLE trim.

Suspension is non mag but that is ok. Less to worry about and cheaper to replace. Comfy. Bouncy with body roll but after a week adjusting to how it drives...its no longer a thought. Enjoyable.

The SLE is Comfortable, safe, practical, good power, brakes are middle the road a tad hard but stops good for a big beast, looks sexy, nice stereo exactly in my range, sweet color combo, cloth seats very soft still look new, easy to drive, plenty of space, never used CD player to power my dusty but reliable case logic collection, interior design seems nicer than new models minus nav screen, miles per tank 350 Minimum, 6 speed tranny is solid if you need more gears to get from 0-100mph in a big SUV you might want a diff vehicle, it can tow no prob + has trailer brake/gain control, the 2nd row bench I think is actually better than buckets which are becoming more stiff/desolate/cold design, not a bunch of junk I dont need minus 4wd only zonk it doesn't have wish it did but its ok here in desert/SoCal, it was built before covid in Feb 2019 during the ****** of mankind and lastly I always wanted to have my own silverish on light color interior Unikon. Now I have my oldish man boat on wheels after years of many extremeish vehicles. We are way beyond satisfied.

On the sour side. Taking it to dealer this week to get engine checked with under 25K miles. Runs good but noticed minor tick when cruising under light throttle and tiny shudder from engine when stopped at light. Still under warranty (cough dont buy one thats out of factory warranty or nearing same). We have at least 1yr left on our powertrain warranty. Hallelujah. I will know more by end of week after engine diagnostics complete.

*Regardless, planning to get it fixed + do a few more things that I trust will add many more years to its service life for my family here in the desert, for my business, and rowing it all across the USA until I fall over some day.

Good luck with your search and keep us all posted

 

[NT Automotive]

First want to say after being a member only a few days the members here are very nice and supportive. Unlike other forums. Such a relief.

We just bought a 2019 SLE a week ago. Priced below book bc dealers having hard time selling cars in my area if not MSRP or less.

See pics of our SLE. Will take more once I sign off on it (everything done 1-3 months). Keeping it pretty much fully stock minus few

Normally we opt for top trim models of whatever car we own the last 20-25 years. We are Very happy with the SLE despite being lowest trim level. It also has the convenience pack and couple other things which is nice bonus on SLE trim.

Suspension is non mag but that is ok. Less to worry about and cheaper to replace. Comfy. Bouncy with body roll but after a week adjusting to how it drives...its no longer a thought. Enjoyable.

The 20 inch wheels are just right on our model. 22s ride rough and not durable. Under 20 and doesn't handle corners as confident as it could. Plus wheels not black color which most of ours have been ever since we helped jumpstart the black wheel fad back in 2007 sorry guys ha ha. We powder coated OEM wheels black on my old 1st gen SRT Supercharged Jeep then drove it cross country twice. See pic of jeep for posterity & few vids of it still on youtube long before auto influencers were a thing.after many sets of good looking black wheels we are very happy to not have em on the SLE.

Back on the SLE. The SLE is Comfortable, safe, practical, good power, brakes are middle the road a tad hard but stops good for a big beast, looks sexy, nice stereo exactly in my range, sweet color combo, cloth seats very soft still look new, easy to drive, plenty of space, never used CD player to power my dusty but reliable case logic collection, interior design seems nicer than new models minus nav screen, miles per tank 350 Minimum, 6 speed tranny is solid if you need more gears to get from 0-100mph in a big SUV you might want a diff vehicle, it can tow no prob + has trailer brake/gain control, the 2nd row bench I think is actually better than buckets which are becoming more stiff/desolate/cold design, not a bunch of junk I dont need minus 4wd only zonk it doesn't have wish it did but its ok here in desert/SoCal, it was built before covid in Feb 2019 during the peak of mankind and lastly I always wanted to have my own silverish on light color interior Unikon. Now I have my oldish man boat on wheels after years of many extremeish vehicles. We are way beyond satisfied.

On the sour side. Taking it to dealer this week to get engine checked with under 25K miles. Runs good but noticed minor tick when cruising under light throttle and tiny shudder from engine when stopped at light. Still under warranty (cough dont buy one thats out of factory warranty or nearing same). We have at least 1yr left on our powertrain warranty. Hallelujah. I will know more by end of week after engine diagnostics complete.

*Regardless, planning to get it fixed + do a few more things that I trust will add many more years to its service life for my family here in the desert, for my business, and rowing it all across the USA until I fall over some day.

Good luck with your search and keep us all posted

 

[T Ford]

I am in Toronto. I will look for 2017+ SLT.
I really want an Escalade but 2018+ are well outside my budget. I started by looking at 2015-2017s that were priced better ( but now know why).......

Definitely! Good luck!