Tranny issues on 2013 Tahoe now looking at 2015

[kkwbl]

Background....Purchased a "certified" 2013 Chevy Tahoe LT on May 2014 with 24,000 miles on it (rental return vehicle) and had first tranny issues 1-month into purchase which certification should have caught...I probably should have also. It was a clunk upon acceleration after a complete stop. They found internal leakage between the pump stator and clutch assembly with some debris in it. They removed tranny and found pump stator cover loose and gasket blown out causing leak...so they replaced stator, 1234 clutch and steel plates. This problem fixed....I am not a mechanic so didn't think this was major so no problem at this point.

Last few months feeling shutter at speeds of 45mph to 65 mph with slight acceleration....not AFM issue. Took into dealer last week and they noticed this as well and they had to replace torque converter....they thought it might have been related to first issue with added debris still in system....again I am not a mechanic so don't no enough about this stuff.

All I know is that I have owned 5 always new GM vehicles the last 20 years and this is my first certified vehicle now I have no confidence in this vehicle and I am seriously looking at trading in for a new 2015 Tahoe LT Z71. Dealer has been great and is basically giving me almost my full purchase price back in a trade on a new 2015 Tahoe and plus taking an additional $7k off MSRP. I have never had any issues like this with a GM product before especially with a vehicle with only 32,000 miles on it.

I have read some of the issues with the 2015 and normally would not buy a first year model year of any vehicle but I figure if I go into trade this vehicle a few years down the road who would want to buy a vehicle with a couple transmission issues already....I know I would not....so I am thinking of taking this deal to just get rid of this vehicle knowing the dealership is treating my right.

Opinions? Also, what do those that have the Z71 package think of the ride vs the standard suspension package? The only reason I am getting the Z71 is this is the only vehicle that has the options I want that the dealer has in stock....or is actually getting delivered from GM this week....so I have yet to test drive. This Tahoe has the entertainment and luxury package...don't want the LTZ as I like the basic black without the chrome options and the extra $'s associated with the LTZ.

 

[PokerMunkee]

I'd do it. If you go Tahoe LT route, the Z71 off road package is the way to go, IMO. Great looking 18" wheels that you can get some beefier tires for later on. Removes the ugly black chin spoiler, makes it look meaner and higher. Not much more since the package also includes max tow package. Main features you are lacking from a LTZ is cooled seats and HID headlights. And the magnetic ride.

Main issue I'm seeing is the onstar antenna leaking water. Keep an eye on it. If the navigation is way off, good sign the GPS antenna is going bonkers.

I rented a '15 Tahoe LT for 3 weeks and my main complaint is the headlights. They blow. GM also needs to reverse the windshield wiper spray buttons. The round button at the end of the stalk needs to do the front wipers and the push lever needs to do the rear. Stupid design.

 

[Lyon]

Go for it, the new ones are a huge improvement over the GMT 900 series.

 

[PokerMunkee]

Only concern at this point would be the 2016 models. What will be new? Will the 5.3 trucks get the 8 speed? We've heard Apple CarPlay will added in 2016. Ordering for 2016 will probably be available in the next 2-4 weeks.

 

[kkwbl]

Great points everyone.....lots to consider on this one.....I didn't think the 2016 would be available so soon so might be worth the wait????

 

[PokerMunkee]

http://www.arifleet.com/publications/build-out_start-up_dates/

Order date: 4/16
Build date: 7/20

Would be almost 6 months before a 2016 would arrive to your dealer, so a long wait. But we should get details soon, in next 4 weeks. If no major changes, get a 15i.