Thoughts on '13 Denali with 153K miles...

[11bravo]

Does this ‘13 have any goodies like headrest DVD player, retractable running boards or ventilated seats!

Fortunately the Yukon headlamps are upgradable to aftermarket Bixenon LED assemblies.

It has the running boards and vent seats, plus both of the original second-row headsets...not that I will ever need them, but pretty cool to still have 'em.

 

[petethepug]

Escalade in Denali Carhartts. It’s one of the few vehicles that has the a/c to pull the interior temp down quickly and maintain it in traffic without the motor overheating.

In the last year or two the aftermarket really blessed this Gen. A pc based BCM sw update to allow video in motion, manual & automatic options for the back up cam and bolt on Vette 6&4 pot calipers.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

How would this list differ if it was a '07 Denali with 144K? That is another option.

The 07 and 08 Denalis did not have AFM, so if you find an acceptable truck in those years, you eliminate the concern for AFM. If you purchase a truck with AFM, I recommend that you budget an additional $2500 (parts kit and labor) to have the AFM removed. This work can be performed by a local repair shop familiar with GM LS motors.

 

[NELLY1947]

Folks, I just sold my Cayenne today, so I am now "really serious" about buying a used Denali. I have several in mind, and want to know your thoughts on a '13 that is spotless throughout, but has 153K on the clock. Was AFM still giving a lot of problems by the time time the 2013 models came out? I've owned somewhere more the 10 OBS and NBS Suv/trucks, and I know what to look for in the interior, tranny, t-case, etc. But, other than oil pressure, I don't know much about AFM signs of trouble.

Thanks for your help. I need to zero in on a likely purchase soon.

Jim, Las Vegas

Where is the unit from?
Flood unit??
Car fax report?
Insist on a warranty
12 months 20k mike
That is piece of mind

 

[11bravo]

Where is the unit from?
Flood unit??
Car fax report?
Insist on a warranty
12 months 20k mike
That is piece of mind

I never buy from a dealer, so no warranty. Car is sold, so did not ask those questions.

 

[Alicia]

Just for some added perspective, 160K is a rule of thumb that some of us use as the point that things start cropping up. Transmission failures on these often begin with the torque converter lockup clutch, so one way to prolong the life of it is to replace the torque converter with a remanufactured one that has a billet cover and stronger lockup clutch because when they fail, they spread shrapnel through the transmission and coolers, taking all of them out.

Other things not mentioned yet are the front wheel hubs - the bearings will start making noise or you’ll hear some knocking when you’re backing out of the driveway and turning the wheel.

Motor mounts are another item at this age and mileage, as well as the engine oil cooler lines which start seeping.

All of these are solvable and once you get through this point, they’ll run for another 160K with few, if any issues. They’re the best family/road trip vehicles I’ve ever owned. I’m on my 4th.

Hey, thanks for sharing this! I have a new to me 2014 Yukon Denali, purchased in December with 158k miles. Now 161 ish. She drives flawlessly. I've made the trip from MI to FL and then FL back to MI with zero issues. Drives like it's brand new. I've had all the fluids changed, brakes done, oil pan gasket replaced. I added an AFM disabler right away. No noises, ticks, anything. Everything is still original. Motor, trans. What are the symptoms of the torque converter failing? Just to keep an eye out?

I had an 09 Denali for 12 years (I fell in love and never looked back) and went through 2 transmissions with that one, but no lifter issues. Sold that one at 230k. I had fully expected my 2014 to have transmission issues by now, so I feel like I'm just waiting for the problems to start. Would love any input.

Sorry for hijacking. Appreciate your time and input!

 

[Geotrash]

Hey, thanks for sharing this! I have a new to me 2014 Yukon Denali, purchased in December with 158k miles. Now 161 ish. She drives flawlessly. I've made the trip from MI to FL and then FL back to MI with zero issues. Drives like it's brand new. I've had all the fluids changed, brakes done, oil pan gasket replaced. I added an AFM disabler right away. No noises, ticks, anything. Everything is still original. Motor, trans. What are the symptoms of the torque converter failing? Just to keep an eye out?

I had an 09 Denali for 12 years (I fell in love and never looked back) and went through 2 transmissions with that one, but no lifter issues. Sold that one at 230k. I had fully expected my 2014 to have transmission issues by now, so I feel like I'm just waiting for the problems to start. Would love any input.

Sorry for hijacking. Appreciate your time and input!

Congrats on the ride! I’m glad you’re enjoying it.

On the transmission, it will start misbehaving, such as a shudder from time to time, significantly delayed shifts, or in the extreme it will stop shifting and go into limp mode. But by that point, it may be too late. The progression from shrapnel in the fluid to taking out the valve body and the rest of the transmission, is pretty quick. That’s why I recommend the preventative approach.

Incidentally, your 09 did not have AFM. That was a sweetheart of a motor, the L9H. Same as the earlier L92, but with flex fuel capability.