What's the best year 2015-2020

[Woodblocker55]

What year will give you the least amount of problems if you want to put a lot of miles on.
I'm thinking up grading from a trusty 2006 Yukon xl. Ya just looking. Any advise would be great .

 

[Big Mama]

The later the year in most generations usually gives GM time to figure things out. Reports show many problems, TSB’s and some recalls with the 2015. DOD/AFM has been a problem almost since it’s inception. Be sure to listen for the tick tick tick of lifter problems on any rig you find.
If gadgets aren’t important you can probably find a GMT 900 with low miles. You might also come across a K2XX that’s had the lifters replaced, the trx case repaired and the A.C. condenser replaced.
Of course all of this is based on hearing about problems versus hearing nothing from rigs with no problems, which is certainly the majority of owners.

 

[PG01]

Personally i would go with the later years… 18,19,20….like. @Big Mama said… most problems were ‘worked’ out by then… most.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

As stated above, your best bet is to go with the later model years within the same generation of truck. That said, my 07, the first model year of the GMT900 generation has been almost flawless, since I purchased it (used).

 

[Doubeleive]

2019-2020 pre-chip shortage/pre-pandemic
avoid the 8 speed, from what I have seen some of the little gizmo's/buttons/switchs go out prematurely but that stuff is not hard to fix but can add extra cost
suspension parts fail earlier on this gen, metal is thinner, paint is thinner, increased road noise (at least on the lower trims) probably due to the thinner metal and no sound insulation
door seals are better but that doesn't stop the road noise. Overall there are more buttons, lights and functions so hence more stuff to fail.
the engine's make more noise's you will hear what seems like strange stuff, def more ticks and clicks like a grandfather clock
there more "alive" on this gen, you will see and hear strange stuff when you simply open the door. Ever want to see the mileage? simply open the door and it pops right up on the cluster.
they have electric steering, vacuum pump, push to start (depending on trim level)-not a fan myself of push to start
starting with the 8 speed no transmission dipstick, but it can be retrofitted.
different operating system (GDS2) and behavior so if you DIY a lot you will want to invest in a decent scanner figure $500 for one that can do what you need
luckily you can still program modules with techline and sps, requires a windows 10 pc/laptop $45 per vin for 2 years access
a good low mileage one is going to still be in the high 20's or even 30's which is overpriced
I window shop from time to time, gotta pay off the wife's 16 before I can seriously start looking.

 

[Bigburb3500]

If you like creature comforts, shoot for a 16+ as the Apple CarPlay comes into play. Otherwise it’s still just a GM truck. They have issues but are generally pretty robust. They have to be otherwise they would be such consistent sellers for GM. Good luck in your search! I had a 01 2500 and now an 18 3500 burb and it’s good to be back with one. Not sure I can rationalize the price new, but love them used!

 

[Hobert]

If you like creature comforts, shoot for a 16+ as the Apple CarPlay comes into play. Otherwise it’s still just a GM truck. They have issues but are generally pretty robust. They have to be otherwise they would be such consistent sellers for GM. Good luck in your search! I had a 01 2500 and now an 18 3500 burb and it’s good to be back with one. Not sure I can rationalize the price new, but love them used!

I have a 2019 suburban Z71 owned since new. It's been trouble free.

 

[Bigburb3500]

I have a 2019 suburban Z71 owned since new. It's been trouble free.

If it’s the red one in your profile pic I love the color. That red is one of the best colors on the road. Full stop.

 

[CaptainMurray]

2020 Yukon slt, 6 speed, no issues so far. Everything works as designed. I pull a 6000 lb boat, no issues. I do all maintenance, easy to do. My old 07 was great but like this one better.

 

[tooleyondeck]

Also, just to throw this out there, consider investing into your 06. For far less than the cost of a newer model you could refresh you engine, suspension, new paint, update your interior, etc... Unless, of course, there are major rust issues or something making it less worth the effort.

 

[Woodblocker55]

Personally i would go with the later years… 18,19,20….like. @Big Mama said… most problems were ‘worked’ out by then… most.

What about 2017 GMC Yukon Denali about 84,000 miles . ?

 

[Bigkevschopshop]

What about 2017 GMC Yukon Denali about 84,000 miles . ?

Check it out completely. I bought a 17 Esky, 8 speed and as long as the service records are good, check it and drive it, see how you like it, then drive a 18 to 20 with 10 speed. Personally if the 8 speed is good, the driving experience is better and it pulls harder and I believe is actually faster 0-60.

 

[Woodblocker55]

Check it out completely. I bought a 17 Esky, 8 speed and as long as the service records are good, check it and drive it, see how you like it, then drive a 18 to 20 with 10 speed. Personally if the 8 speed is good, the driving experience is better and it pulls harder and I believe is actually faster 0-60.

Would you buy one with over 100,000 miles ? 2017 6.2L Yukon ?

 

[Bigkevschopshop]

Would you buy one with over 100,000 miles ? 2017 6.2L Yukon ?

If the service records were stellar, 3 to 5k oil changes, a few trans services shown, Struts and shocks already replaced, and it drove great and shifted fine, then yes.

 

[Woodblocker55]

What motor and transmission is be the most reliable. A 2017 5.3 L 6 speed or a 2019 6.2L 10 speed. Both looking at around are at 100,000 miles . And would like to put another 150,000 miles on it. Please advise . Shopping.

 

[Bigkevschopshop]

What motor and transmission is be the most reliable. A 2017 5.3 L 6 speed or a 2019 6.2L 10 speed. Both looking at around are at 100,000 miles . And would like to put another 150,000 miles on it. Please advise . Shopping.

Both the 6.2 and 5.3 are pretty equal in reliability, its the gadgets and gizmos that are a bit different on higher trim vehicles.

I lean to the 5.3 and 6 speeds myself as they are cheaper to rebuild in case of failure.

Bulletproofing 101 here..... a 100k mile 5.3 with 6 speed, I would do a cam lifter swap to get rid of DOD and do a torque converter swap to save the trans from the dreaded converter failure.

End of the day there are folks here with 200k plus on both power plants and the 10 speeds are starting to get up there also, but tons more 6 speeds at over 200k mark for sure partially due to production numbers and years produced. Service records are key, look for transmission service, and regular oil changes. Honestly you can get by with turning off the DOD with a tuner or Range device and prolong the motor failure and help the Torque converter also.

All GM transmissions, FLUID SERVICES are crucial in longevity. Plus cooler bypass modification also. The trans temps need to stay as low as you can get em...

 

[B-train]

I have a 2017 Denali with the 6.2 and 8 speed. I bought it used at 41k, now has almost 160k on it. I have AFM tuned off, I've only used 5w-30 full synthetic since my ownership every 5k, and I really don't mind the 8 speed trans. I did the dipstick retrofit and it was super easy and worth the $$.

I would agree with a lot of the above statements about gadgets and gizmos that can fail. Road manners are great, just avoid the 22 inch wheels - look nice but I hate them for the ride on bad roads.

I'm not a fan of electric steering and a vacuum brake assist pump (this can be deleted BTW). But, both systems work well. The DIY is limited to basic maintenance and repairs, not much you can do computer wise without a subscription.

I have a 2008 6.2 Denali as well and would buy that again no sweat. Your 2006 is the last run of a good generation, so that is something to consider if it's rust free. But, I totally understand the wanting something newer/change it up routine.

I won't buy anything 2021 and newer. I will probably look for a 2017-20 unit in a couple years to update the wife's ride and I'll take the high mileage 2017 and run it some more.

Maintenance on these is key, more so than older generations. But, fluids and filters are cheap in the long run. The 2017 with 84k has a lot of life left in it.......I'd buy that one. It'd be like trading in an old lady for one half her age

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Would you buy one with over 100,000 miles ? 2017 6.2L Yukon ?

I purchased my 2007 Yukon XL Denali with 125,000 miles on it. I'm at 165,000 miles now, and the only significant item that I've replaced due to failure is the front differential. I replaced it with a front differential from a junkyard with 90,000 miles on it.

 

[B-train]

I would buy a 2017 over 100k as long as I had verified maintenance records, or a really **** guy like myself that did his stuff on time and not half-assed

 

[Woodblocker55]

Found really nice looking 2017 Tahoe premiere. 5.3 with 6 speed . Only thing confusing is . What's the Z82 trailering package I don't see a tranny cooler unless I'm looking at the wrong spot. and what's with the Z95 shocks rear shocks only have an airline going to them. Front ones have a wire going to them.