Questions from a prospective Tahoe owner...

[ZKWBQD]

Hi all,

I'm looking into getting a 2025 Tahoe and have a few questions about +/- and what might be best for my use case. I absolutely want mag ride / air suspension, so I'm looking at either RST or HC trims, and for the price I'm thinking HC is the better way to go.

1. I'm strongly interested in the LZ0 Duramax, but a bit hesitant since I know nothing about the mechanical components of a truck in general, let alone diesel. I'd say 60% of my driving is local (15-30 minute drives), with the remaining drive time ranging anywhere from 60 minutes to up to 4 hours, depending on my week. I've read on this forum that the local driving can be a killer for the diesel due to the regen situation, but then have also read that's overblown and not an issue at all. I'm not asking as much due to concern for the cost of DEF as much as a concern regarding potential wear or maintenance issues this could cause.

2. I don't do any towing, so my interest in the LZ0 is purely from a range / mpg standpoint. Does that seem reasonable, or should I just stay with the 6.2?

3. Any major quality concerns or buyers remorse regarding specific packages that I should be aware about? I'm not so worried about the engine recalls, as it appears to be either earlier models (for the 6.2) or something I won't deal with until 150k miles (LZ0). I'm in that situation where I don't know what I don't know, and just am looking for good feedback. I've read through a bunch of the forum posts, and the general response seems to be that happy people don't post about it. Chevy reliability ratings remain at or near the top of most rankings, yet that's not model specific.

4. I've read the forum posts stating to shop around the GMPP and that this can be done separately from the purchase of the vehicle. I've also seen some specific posts mentioning specific dealers / salespeople that are recommended. I'm in NY (Long Island), and almost all of what I've seen posted is from out of state. Can the GMPP be purchased literally anywhere, and over the phone / email?

Thanks in advance for your time and feedback. I tried to source as much info as I could from the forums beforehand, but with the amount of money this will be, I want to be as comfortable as possible with my ultimate choice. Thanks again!

I would try to find out about engine stop-start technology. The EPA announced they are dropping the requirement for this evil feature. If the vehicle does come equipped with engine stop-start you'll have to spend $100 on a gadget to disable it. If it doesn't come with it, then you can save that expense, and the trouble of installation. Although, the only hard part of installing it is popping off part of the dash, if you have strong hands it's easy.

 

[Johnny Fr]

I am from Long Island, too, and the LIE can be brutal in terms of mileage. One minute, you're cruising along at 75 MPH, and the next minute, you're in stop-and-go traffic.

I went with a 2024 GMC Yukon SLT. It doesn't have the magnetic ride, but I tested a Tahoe Premiere with that feature, and I couldn't tell the difference. I wound up getting mine from a dealership in Virginia called Joyce Koons. They shipped it to me for no cost (yeah, right), and they had the best price within 500 miles. I couldn't find one at any of the local dealers, so I had to shop around. I refuse to go to King O'Rourke or any of the Atlantic dealers, as I feel they are all crooks.

I have no regrets with my purchase. Good luck with your search.

That's a great idea, we live in Phila and the dealer websites show no discount. After we ordered, I came across a dealer in MD showing nice discounts and claiming no add ons. Just curious, how many miles were on yours when you got it? Never occurred to me that it could be shipped for a reasonable price. Do they fill up the gas, handle the vehicle carefully, so it's as if you picked it up yourself....

 

[Stbentoak]

U

think that you'd be happy with either motor or Tahoe model. The folks here make a good point on the diesel needing enough run time to really warm up, but outside of that, it is your choice to make. The Magneride is a great feature.

With a coolant control valve proportioning where coolant flows, mine is up to temp w/in 2 miles from home. I have no proof, but I'll bet it's up to temp faster than any 5.3 or 6.2....
I've never had a vehicle that can produce heat faster....

 

[DenaliXL19]

Hi all,

I'm looking into getting a 2025 Tahoe and have a few questions about +/- and what might be best for my use case. I absolutely want mag ride / air suspension, so I'm looking at either RST or HC trims, and for the price I'm thinking HC is the better way to go.

Just keep it mind it's about $4k to replace the mag ride / air suspension and the system wears out about every 40k miles.

 

[jerry455]

Huh, I have 88,000 on my 2021 HC Suburban and the Mag ride works great. I don't have air suspension but I have not seen this generation having those problems yet.

 

[Sgt1411]

Just keep it mind it's about $4k to replace the mag ride / air suspension and the system wears out about every 40k miles.

I have never heard that before can you unpack that for those of us that have never heard that before?

The system wears out?

 

[DenaliXL19]

I have never heard that before can you unpack that for those of us that have never heard that before?

The system wears out?

It's actually more like $5K now that I checked my records. This is a snapshot of an 80k mile recommended service for my 2019 Yukon Denali. Note that the front struts were quoted at $2,690 and rear shocks at $2,206. They had already been replaced at 40k miles. This quote was prepared by the North County GMC dealership in San Diego, CA. By system I was referring to the magna ride structs in the front + air ride shocks in the rear. I ended up doing all that work myself at home for a fraction of the cost including the struts/shocks.

 

[LEsoftballdad]

That's a great idea, we live in Phila and the dealer websites show no discount. After we ordered, I came across a dealer in MD showing nice discounts and claiming no add ons. Just curious, how many miles were on yours when you got it? Never occurred to me that it could be shipped for a reasonable price. Do they fill up the gas, handle the vehicle carefully, so it's as if you picked it up yourself....

The vehicle had 15 miles on it when it was delivered. The dealer offered to cover the cost of shipping, which means they built it into the price. It did not have a full tank of diesel, and the DEF tank was only about 75% full. The car had scratches on the passenger side, but that was from the shipper, not the dealer, and the shipper paid for the repair within a day of seeing the photos.

 

[Sgt1411]

View attachment 463731
It's actually more like $5K now that I checked my records. This is a snapshot of an 80k mile recommended service for my 2019 Yukon Denali. Note that the front struts were quoted at $2,690 and rear shocks at $2,206. They had already been replaced at 40k miles. This quote was prepared by the North County GMC dealership in San Diego, CA. By system I was referring to the magna ride structs in the front + air ride shocks in the rear. I ended up doing all that work myself at home for a fraction of the cost including the struts/shocks.

Ah yes that makes sense I understand what you mean. I also have a 2007 Escalade with Air Suspension and I did the same as you and bought the parts online. The front shocks have the electronic wire connection at the top of the strut and the rears are air. I was thinking after 146,000 miles I should probably change out the compressor in the back as its likely due buts its been a very robust system.

 

[Johnny Fr]

View attachment 463731
It's actually more like $5K now that I checked my records. This is a snapshot of an 80k mile recommended service for my 2019 Yukon Denali. Note that the front struts were quoted at $2,690 and rear shocks at $2,206. They had already been replaced at 40k miles. This quote was prepared by the North County GMC dealership in San Diego, CA. By system I was referring to the magna ride structs in the front + air ride shocks in the rear. I ended up doing all that work myself at home for a fraction of the cost including the struts/shocks.

$10,000+ recommended services? My buddy has a Traverse and it was almost $3000 recommended when the car was 1 year old (scam imho). I get this funny feeling Chevy service will be as disappointing as Buick GMC was, and I'm an optimist lol

p.s. imagine a cabin air filter is $185, while a 4 wheel alignment $140. That makes me wonder if they actually do the alignment. Surely there is more labor on an alignment than a cabin air filter, but not if they can put the car on the rack, and print out a sheet with all green. There are makes of cars where even though it's green, they set everything to the middle of the range.

 

[Jayhawkeye3]

This is why you buy a Warranty. I’ve purchased with my last two (hoe and expy). Max 1k out of pocket for about 7-10k in warranty work for each.

 

[RST Dana]

View attachment 463731
It's actually more like $5K now that I checked my records. This is a snapshot of an 80k mile recommended service for my 2019 Yukon Denali. Note that the front struts were quoted at $2,690 and rear shocks at $2,206. They had already been replaced at 40k miles. This quote was prepared by the North County GMC dealership in San Diego, CA. By system I was referring to the magna ride structs in the front + air ride shocks in the rear. I ended up doing all that work myself at home for a fraction of the cost including the struts/shocks.

I replaced Mag Ride front struts on my 20 RST for less than $500 doing the work myself. Purchased from Amazon.

 

[blanchard7684]

My 5.3 2024 suburban has been great so far.

 

[DenaliXL19]

$10,000+ recommended services? My buddy has a Traverse and it was almost $3000 recommended when the car was 1 year old (scam imho). I get this funny feeling Chevy service will be as disappointing as Buick GMC was, and I'm an optimist lol

p.s. imagine a cabin air filter is $185, while a 4 wheel alignment $140. That makes me wonder if they actually do the alignment. Surely there is more labor on an alignment than a cabin air filter, but not if they can put the car on the rack, and print out a sheet with all green. There are makes of cars where even though it's green, they set everything to the middle of the range.

I'm assuming they take it to an alignment shop and don't actually do it at the dealership so it saves on not paying the dealership's labor rates.

 

[BacDoc]

If you’re looking for a used Tahoe with some extra options go for the High Country. I have had mine for over a year now and absolutely love it!
Air suspension and magnetic ride really makes a difference.
The only nit picking I can do is the OEM brakes. They are satisfactory and do the job but they could be more powerful. The GM performance brakes may come on some new Tahoes but I didn’t find any when I was looking to buy.

The only issue ( besides the recall) I can complain about is the price but if you are buying used some one already took that depreciation.

Extended warranty is a good idea with all newer trucks as there is so much technology that will eventually need replacing.

 

[Roilux]

That's true, but GMT800 owners have to...
They have to...
Hmmm.

Yeah I know it was a good generation and I want one. 05-06 ESV in white please. Will also take Silver Birch, but that color really belongs on a Tahoe

Ah yes, silver birch on a Tahoe. Spoken like a true connoisseur of fine colours.

 

[OR VietVet]

Ah yes, silver birch on a Tahoe. Spoken like a true connoisseur of fine colours.

Like mine. Silver Birch Metallic Z71.