Which one to buy??!! 5.3. 6.2. 2009? 2012 Tahoe Yukon Escalade?

[NIk B]

Looking to purchase either a 2012 and up Tahoe LTZ. Or either a 2008-2009 or 2012 and up Yukon Denali/Escalade.

looking for this specific years because I read the 2012 and up have the updated valley cover to help with AFM oiling. Or 2008-2009 6.2 engine vin code “2” wasn’t equipped with AFM components at all.

Anything else I should be looking for in these? Common problems? First time purchasing a GM honestly. (Converted lol). Downside to either engine? Leaning towards a 6.2 for the 80 more hp. But idk.

 

[avalonandl]

The 6.2 is a monster engine....

 

[14RamHemiSport]

Awd or 4wd or 2wd? I prefer 4wd. I bought an AWD Denali for the wife. 2009 with no afm (if I recall correctly, it had the hardware, just no software for afm). No afm is better than improved afm imo. The denalis are very nice. I love our Yukon. If I had to purchase one for myself I would hunt down an 09 Tahoe ltz with the 6.2l. that would take time but worth it.

Our Denali with falken wildpeaks is a beast in the snow.

 

[mikeyss]

I had a tuned 05 5.3 Tahoe with 4.10 gears, and now I have a 09 Tahoe with tuned 6.2 and 3.42 gears..... I would NEVER, EVER consider a 5.3

The 5.3 is a good engine and I'm not naysaying anything about it. But the difference in power is something that can't be ignored. I get 1mpg less than my old 5.3. On E85 with mostly city driving I'm getting 11mpg.

I recommend anything with a 6.2 in the GMT900 SUV platform.

 

[NIk B]

Awd or 4wd or 2wd? I prefer 4wd. I bought an AWD Denali for the wife. 2009 with no afm (if I recall correctly, it had the hardware, just no software for afm). No afm is better than improved afm imo. The denalis are very nice. I love our Yukon. If I had to purchase one for myself I would hunt down an 09 Tahoe ltz with the 6.2l. that would take time but worth it.

Our Denali with falken wildpeaks is a beast in the snow.

Been looking for an 09 Tahoe LTZ 6.2 forever. If they’re out there they don’t want to be sold lol. 4Wd or AWD. NOt 2wd

 

[NIk B]

I had a tuned 05 5.3 Tahoe with 4.10 gears, and now I have a 09 Tahoe with tuned 6.2 and 3.42 gears..... I would NEVER, EVER consider a 5.3

The 5.3 is a good engine and I'm not naysaying anything about it. But the difference in power is something that can't be ignored. I get 1mpg less than my old 5.3. On E85 with mostly city driving I'm getting 11mpg.

I recommend anything with a 6.2 in the GMT900 SUV platform.

Why do you run E85? It’s my understanding that it’s purely for emissions. No performance or mpg increase. Is it just cheaper? I’m leaning towards the 6.2 for just that reason of the power increase.

 

[01FormulaTA]

Why do you run E85? It’s my understanding that it’s purely for emissions. No performance or mpg increase. Is it just cheaper? I’m leaning towards the 6.2 for just that reason of the power increase.

a lot of people run E85 to get a performance increase, it's equivalent octane rating is 100+, higher octane means less detonation, it's basically cheap race fuel...

for example on the newer Gen V 5.3:

Factory 87 octane ratings are 355 HP / 383 LB-FT.
Factory E85 ratings are 380 HP / 416 LB-FT.

 

[mikeyss]

Why do you run E85? It’s my understanding that it’s purely for emissions. No performance or mpg increase. Is it just cheaper? I’m leaning towards the 6.2 for just that reason of the power increase.

I use it because it gives a little more power, and it's cheaper than using premium. I do most city driving so there is no mpg gain or loss

 

[thompsoj22]

two years ago we bought an 08 yukon denali XL awd 6.2 with 125k miles for approx $17k otd. we now have 140k without a single problem. these are truly "road limo's" just finished another 1000 mile loop to sedona and back in complete luixury. 18 mpg at 73mph getting there and 14.5 coming back with a 4x8 uhaul enclosed trailer at 75 to 80 mph. love the 6.2. This forum and the knowledge of it's members allows you to purchase pre owned knowing you will be able to diagnose/repair "ANYTHING" that can go wrong. you want service records, 6.2, no rust, no afm, 09 up for bluetooth if your cell phone is your alter ego, jmo!

 

[Joseph Garcia]

two years ago we bought an 08 yukon denali XL awd 6.2 with 125k miles for approx $17k otd. we now have 140k without a single problem. these are truly "road limo's" just finished another 1000 mile loop to sedona and back in complete luixury. 18 mpg at 73mph getting there and 14.5 coming back with a 4x8 uhaul enclosed trailer at 75 to 80 mph. love the 6.2. This forum and the knowledge of it's members allows you to purchase pre owned knowing you will be able to diagnose/repair "ANYTHING" that can go wrong. you want service records, 6.2, no rust, no afm, 09 up for bluetooth if your cell phone is your alter ego, jmo!

I love the "road limo" reference, as that is about as close to a really true definition of this machine that I have heard. Heck, my wife hates trucks, but she likes to be a passenger in my truck.

And, every year when we go camping, she has to drive this truck on the final leg of the trip with a trailer attached, and she does it!

 

[swathdiver]

Looking to purchase either a 2012 and up Tahoe LTZ. Or either a 2008-2009 or 2012 and up Yukon Denali/Escalade.

looking for this specific years because I read the 2012 and up have the updated valley cover to help with AFM oiling. Or 2008-2009 6.2 engine vin code “2” wasn’t equipped with AFM components at all.

Anything else I should be looking for in these? Common problems? First time purchasing a GM honestly. (Converted lol). Downside to either engine? Leaning towards a 6.2 for the 80 more hp. But idk.

Let's correct some info to aid in your searching. The L92 (VIN 8) was used in 2007-2008 and does not have AFM and is not a FlexFuel engine. The L9H (VIN 2) was used in 2009 and in some select 2010s and also does not have AFM and is a FlexFuel engine. The L94 (VIN F) was introduced in 2010 and has AFM and is FlexFuel capable too.

The AFM updates were introduced throughout production during the 2010-2011 model years and were complete by April or May 2011 if memory serves. At this point you can just do the easy updates yourself right off the bat and do the others later when needed or time permits.

Bring a scan tool and let it inspect the entire system for problems.

About a month ago there were 12 6.2 Tahoes for sale across the USA. I posted links to them on here somewhere.

Start scanning VIN numbers. I open up every ad (only 2009 Tahoe LTZs for example) and scroll down to view their VIN and then delete and move on.

For a 2009 6.2 Tahoe you are looking for 1GNK332 (4x4) or 1GNFC332 (RWD).

There are other unicorns out there such as the RWD 2008 6.2 Tahoes, the 2013 6.2 Canadian Avalanches, 2010 GMC Yukon XL SLT with the L9H and so on.

 

[mikeyss]

I think you listed those on '6.2 Tahoe for sale' general forum somewhere.

 

[91RS]

Get the 6.2L. Yes, the fuel economy is bad and it needs premium fuel but it's worth it. The 5.3L is adequate and nothing more. The 6.2L has tons of power through the powerband and just drives so much better. Half the time it doesn't have to downshift or even come out of TCC lockup just to keep speed driving uphill on the freeway. I've driven tons of these trucks over the years and I wanted the 6.2L because of the 400hp but I never realized just how much better than the 5.3L they really are until owning them.

 

[kgkoch]

I bought a used 2012 Escalade 6.2. It is wonderful and powerful. Had a 2013 5.3 Tahoe, but the hills out West were ******* that engine. the 6.2 has no problem.

 

[kgkoch]

Correct my typing. My Tahoe was 2003, not 2013! Sorry about that!

 

[petethepug]

As far as features, go crazy while the pickings good. $80k+ vehicles are going for 10-$20k. It’s a rare time when depreciation has swung the other way to benefit the buyer.

The one year option that jumps out to me is the 6.2L w/ no cylinder deactivation and flex fuel in the 09 motor. Don’t forget all those PPV & Gov’t vehicles turning out from fleet use.

I’ve clocked 40k+ on our 08 Denali AWD as the 2nd owner purchasing at 96k for $19k in ‘14. The 6.2L is regularly driven hard and the trans kick down is used weekly to full stomp. It’s on its 100% original drivetrain with no rebuild, knock on wood.

The one observation I made is romping ******* the AWD will cause the engine’s main oil seal to fail. It’s been replaced 2x in those 40k+ mi. The front end is ready for new bushings as expected after 12 years. Regardless of what you go with, do the 6.2L without the cylinder deactivation then choose your platform for 2WD, AWD or 4WD.


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[NIk B]

Let's correct some info to aid in your searching. The L92 (VIN 8) was used in 2007-2008 and does not have AFM and is not a FlexFuel engine. The L9H (VIN 2) was used in 2009 and in some select 2010s and also does not have AFM and is a FlexFuel engine. The L94 (VIN F) was introduced in 2010 and has AFM and is FlexFuel capable too.

The AFM updates were introduced throughout production during the 2010-2011 model years and were complete by April or May 2011 if memory serves. At this point you can just do the easy updates yourself right off the bat and do the others later when needed or time permits.

Bring a scan tool and let it inspect the entire system for problems.

About a month ago there were 12 6.2 Tahoes for sale across the USA. I posted links to them on here somewhere.

Start scanning VIN numbers. I open up every ad (only 2009 Tahoe LTZs for example) and scroll down to view their VIN and then delete and move on.

For a 2009 6.2 Tahoe you are looking for 1GNK332 (4x4) or 1GNFC332 (RWD).

There are other unicorns out there such as the RWD 2008 6.2 Tahoes, the 2013 6.2 Canadian Avalanches, 2010 GMC Yukon XL SLT with the L9H and so on.

AWESOME thanks man. Kinda done
Looking for the 6.2 Tahoe. Been looking for months. People want to keep em. Looking at several Yukon’s and Escalade. Mostly 2009 “L9H” or 2012 and up if the price is right.

 

[NIk B]

I bought a used 2012 Escalade 6.2. It is wonderful and powerful. Had a 2013 5.3 Tahoe, but the hills out West were ******* that engine. the 6.2 has no problem.

yeah not really considering 5.3
anymore. Unless it’s an awesome deal. I may be more impressed then others though. Right now driving an expedition with 225 hp. Lol

 

[NIk B]

As far as features, go crazy while the pickings good. $80k+ vehicles are going for 10-$20k. It’s a rare time when depreciation has swung the other way to benefit the buyer.

The one year option that jumps out to me is the 6.2L w/ no cylinder deactivation and flex fuel in the 09 motor. Don’t forget all those PPV & Gov’t vehicles turning out from fleet use.

I’ve clocked 40k+ on our 08 Denali AWD as the 2nd owner purchasing at 96k for $19k in ‘14. The 6.2L is regularly driven hard and the trans kick down is used weekly to full stomp. It’s on its 100% original drivetrain with no rebuild, knock on wood.

The one observation I made is romping ******* the AWD will cause the engine’s main oil seal to fail. It’s been replaced 2x in those 40k+ mi. The front end is ready for new bushings as expected after 12 years. Regardless of what you go with, do the 6.2L without the cylinder deactivation then choose your platform for 2WD, AWD or 4WD.


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Front or rear seal? I’ll keep an eye out specifically when purchasing. Luckily I do my own work so a seal may only cost $100 total. Lol.

 

[petethepug]

Rear seal & pan have been the crux. Did the pan last time did the rear because it would be stupid not to while the trans/xfer case was out.


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