What to look for and avoid in buying a used 2015-2020

[Rluck1973]

Hey, I am new here, I am looking to buy a 2015-2020 Tahoe/Yukon/Escalade. I was curious what I should look for and what I should avoid. Doing a little research seems the 6l80 has torque converter issues and I should get an AFM disabler. Other than the obvious power difference, is either the 5.3 or 6.2 more reliable? Have there been any major issues with the 8 or 10 speed transmissions? I am pretty handy and do almost all of my own maintenance. So i am not afraid to do some work. Thanks for any input.

 

[RST Dana]

19 or 20 6.2 for the more smiles per gallon

 

[MrMonte]

Check the service records and walk away if rusty.

2018-2020 6.2L + 10 speed is the way to go. For peace of mind & better performance + better mileage do an AFM delete via a cam/lifter replacement.

My 2018 Yukon Denali with 130K miles runs better than new. AFM deleted 45K miles ago. 10 speed transmission is still smooth with just fluid & filter changes every 50K miles. I do all the work & did the AFM delete myself as well.

 

[KeiJonZ71]

Check the service records and walk away if rusty.

2018-2020 6.2L + 10 speed is the way to go. For peace of mind & better performance + better mileage do an AFM delete via a cam/lifter replacement.

My 2018 Yukon Denali with 130K miles runs better than new. AFM deleted 45K miles ago. 10 speed transmission is still smooth with just fluid & filter changes every 50K miles. I do all the work & did the AFM delete myself as well.

When you did your DOD delete, did you do it with the engine in the truck?

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Welcome to the Forum from NH.

Lots of knowledgeable folks here who freely share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. Knowledge is power.

I hope that you will become a participating member in the Forum's discussions.

You are already receiving sage advice from the knowledgeable folks on this Forum.

 

[lbenson]

2018 Denali with the 6.2L and 10 spd. 131K miles now. Certainly have spent some good $ on maintenance and repairs but it's never left me stranded. I've had to do a water pump (2x), front struts, rear shocks, lower oil pain, valve cover gaskets, engine oil cooler lines, motor mounts, spark plugs, all fluids multiple times, etc. My 10 speed is certainly not shifting like it did when it was new, but I'm not too worried about it at this point. Probably doesn't help that I like to pretend as if I'm in Nascar sometimes. I'm sure if I had babied it some more it would be in better shape, but it's too tempting with 420HP to not use it all !

Used to own a 2015 Denali with the 6.2L and 8 spd. The 8 spd went out at 175k and got rid of it then, early 2021.

 

[MrMonte]

When you did your DOD delete, did you do it with the engine in the truck?

Didn't remove the engine & didn't have to drop the oil pan either. I have a full write-up on this forum of my AFM failure & cam replacement.

 

[91RS]

I would only consider 18-20 6.2L only. This body style has a lot of problems so be prepared to spend some money on maintenance and repairs. Avoid 15 and 16 like the plague, do NOT be temped by the cheap prices, there is a reason they’re so cheap. The 17s ride a little bit better, but 8 speed is a hard pass.

 

[vcode]

Hey, I am new here, I am looking to buy a 2015-2020 Tahoe/Yukon/Escalade. I was curious what I should look for and what I should avoid. Doing a little research seems the 6l80 has torque converter issues and I should get an AFM disabler. Other than the obvious power difference, is either the 5.3 or 6.2 more reliable? Have there been any major issues with the 8 or 10 speed transmissions? I am pretty handy and do almost all of my own maintenance. So i am not afraid to do some work. Thanks for any input.

I'd avoid 2015's for the 1st year GM blues and anything with the 8 speed. The 6 speed is solid if you just change the fluid every 50K. 2019-20 is the way to go if budget allows. The 5.3L in my 2019 Yukon XL is powerful enough for my daily needs and doesn't need premium, which is a buck a gallon more here.

 

[mike singleton]

Hey, I am new here, I am looking to buy a 2015-2020 Tahoe/Yukon/Escalade. I was curious what I should look for and what I should avoid. Doing a little research seems the 6l80 has torque converter issues and I should get an AFM disabler. Other than the obvious power difference, is either the 5.3 or 6.2 more reliable? Have there been any major issues with the 8 or 10 speed transmissions? I am pretty handy and do almost all of my own maintenance. So i am not afraid to do some work. Thanks for any input.

2018 Denali with the 6.2L and 10 spd. 131K miles now. Certainly have spent some good $ on maintenance and repairs but it's never left me stranded. I've had to do a water pump (2x), front struts, rear shocks, lower oil pain, valve cover gaskets, engine oil cooler lines, motor mounts, spark plugs, all fluids multiple times, etc. My 10 speed is certainly not shifting like it did when it was new, but I'm not too worried about it at this point. Probably doesn't help that I like to pretend as if I'm in Nascar sometimes. I'm sure if I had babied it some more it would be in better shape, but it's too tempting with 420HP to not use it all !

Used to own a 2015 Denali with the 6.2L and 8 spd. The 8 spd went out at 175k and got rid of it then, early 2021.

Go with 6.2 and 6L80 IMO - or 6.2 with 10L80.
I have a 2019 Yukon Denali 6.2 with 53K and 10L80 - no problems at all but I'm religious about changing transmission fluid and filter about every 30K. Also I have a 2011 chev suburban with 5.3 with 156K miles. Replaced Torgue convertor once under warranty.

I replaced the oil pan on the 2019 Yukon with a larger capacity cast aluminum oil pan with drain plug by Pacific Performance engineering and replaced the oil pan on the 2011 chevrolet suburban with a the same configuration but one with a drain plug so I can do a drain&Fill one time and the next time do both filter and fluid change.

I would only consider 18-20 6.2L only. This body style has a lot of problems so be prepared to spend some money on maintenance and repairs. Avoid 15 and 16 like the plague, do NOT be temped by the cheap prices, there is a reason they’re so cheap. The 17s ride a little bit better, but 8 speed is a hard pass.

 

[91RS]

The 6L80 needs the torque converter replaced with an aftermarket billet housing one, 6L90 converter, or LSA converter and properly tuned to survive, not just fluid changes.

 

[fozzi58]

Most everyone has covered recommendations. I would also agree 18-20 with the 6.2/10 speed is your best bet. If the bigger motor isn't your thing, then a 17 with a 5.3/6L80 is good too. (ok iI admit I am biased)

Things to do\expect
AFM/DOD delete - thru a tune. You don't have to do the cam and lifters but way better if you do
Torque converter
remove thermostat in trans
Oil catch can
Big 3 - have all major power and ground wires replaced with Oxygen Free Copper and add a few extra grounds - engine to body, body to frame, frame to engine
Coat the exposed portion of the rear evaporator (rear passenger side) with undercoating

Bonus: Upgrade the brakes.

The 6L80 needs the torque converter replaced with an aftermarket billet housing one, 6L90 converter, or LSA converter and properly tuned to survive, not just fluid changes.

This right here. My trans is in perfect shape cause I put in a Circle D triple disk TC at like 30k miles and change the fluid every 25k.

 

[Smokin Denali]

Hey, I am new here, I am looking to buy a 2015-2020 Tahoe/Yukon/Escalade. I was curious what I should look for and what I should avoid. Doing a little research seems the 6l80 has torque converter issues and I should get an AFM disabler. Other than the obvious power difference, is either the 5.3 or 6.2 more reliable? Have there been any major issues with the 8 or 10 speed transmissions? I am pretty handy and do almost all of my own maintenance. So i am not afraid to do some work. Thanks for any input.

Im truly sorry but my Yukon Denali 6.2L stranded me TWICE IN FIRST 80K MILES!! ( IM ORG OWNER)
The DOD,AFM, and all suck! I changed oil religiously w Syntec. Eng valves, lifters busted while driving!! Almost got me killed. First time 48K and under warranty. Both heads received work. Then again at 70k. My Extended

I'd avoid 2015's for the 1st year GM blues and anything with the 8 speed. The 6 speed is solid if you just change the fluid every 50K. 2019-20 is the way to go if budget allows. The 5.3L in my 2019 Yukon XL is powerful enough for my daily needs and doesn't need premium, which is a buck a gallon more here.

Hey, I am new here, I am looking to buy a 2015-2020 Tahoe/Yukon/Escalade. I was curious what I should look for and what I should avoid. Doing a little research seems the 6l80 has torque converter issues and I should get an AFM disabler. Other than the obvious power difference, is either the 5.3 or 6.2 more reliable? Have there been any major issues with the 8 or 10 speed transmissions? I am pretty handy and do almost all of my own maintenance. So i am not afraid to do some work. Thanks for any input.

 

[Smokin Denali]

Im truly sorry but my Yukon Denali 6.2L stranded me TWICE IN FIRST 80K MILES!! ( IM ORG OWNER)
The DOD,AFM, and all suck! I changed oil religiously w Syntec. Eng valves, lifters busted while driving!! Almost got me killed. First time 48K and under warranty. Both heads received work. Then again at 70k. My Extended

My first Reply cut me off about and hour ago.....
I loved my Yukon but couldn't stand the worries anymore and everyday I worried about any long trips "outback", where Tow trucks fear to go.
I traded in without sinking SEVERAL $$ into a complete elimination of the Dod/ Afm, 4 to 8 cyl deactivation crap.
Then my neighbor,s Email f died EVEN W THE PLIG -IN ELIMINATOR TOR! BYE BYE GM!

I hate 4cyl Turbos in big SUV
( MORE TROUBLES) so I hot a Grand Cherokee Summit! Big 6 cyl e 300 Hp, 8 spd bullet proof tranny by ZF.

Very, very happy! Almost same tow power, better MPG, Air lift suspension, cornering lites, 4 Heated AND A/C SEATS too. $18k less than new Yukon
Best wishes!!

PS.....I DID get the Dod/AFM module on Amazon that stops the eng from dropping to 4cyl. That worked ,as I never saw the "4cyl lite" again

Best


Smokin Denali

 

[91RS]

I’d buy a Ford before I’d buy a Jeep over a GM if long term reliability was the goal. The Pentastar is hot garbage and I’m pretty sure that ZF transmission isn’t so hot either.

 

[GMCChevy]

17-20 gets you one with the earlier year problems solved. Ours is a 2017 Tahoe Premier with 5.3 and have no major complaints about it.

 

[GMCChevy]

I’d buy a Ford before I’d buy a Jeep over a GM if long term reliability was the goal. The Pentastar is hot garbage and I’m pretty sure that ZF transmission isn’t so hot either.

The Pentastar is more reliable then the V8s from the various makes are and those transmissions are pretty much bullet proof. But the Jeeps and Durangos are uni-body and different style of SUV then these.

 

[91RS]

If you say so.

 

[Jetskier77]

17-20 gets you one with the earlier year problems solved. Ours is a 2017 Tahoe Premier with 5.3 and have no major complaints about it.

Same here. Found a very low mileage 17 Tahoe Premier and pulled the trigger last year. I'm very happy with the vehicle and it is a joy to drive.

 

[Doubeleive]

Hey, I am new here, I am looking to buy a 2015-2020 Tahoe/Yukon/Escalade. I was curious what I should look for and what I should avoid. Doing a little research seems the 6l80 has torque converter issues and I should get an AFM disabler. Other than the obvious power difference, is either the 5.3 or 6.2 more reliable? Have there been any major issues with the 8 or 10 speed transmissions? I am pretty handy and do almost all of my own maintenance. So i am not afraid to do some work. Thanks for any input.

nothing to really look out for other than avoid the 8 speed if possible, the rest is just common sense and checking every thing, fluids, shock, leaks, check every SINGLE button and control, if buying from a car lot/dealer. do all the checking before you sign anything and have it fixed or agreed to be fixed in WRITING, before you sign and drive it away.
And unlike many others I recommend buying a 2nd or 3rd tier warranty, no 1st tier. there worthless might cost you $2-3k but the gamble is it will pay you back, sometimes much more. one paid me back $13k and another $5k so far, still have another year of coverage