Looking to buy a work truck. Need expert assistance.

Hi, after about a year after I got rid of my Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, I came into a need of another work horse. I made a big mistake when I got home that Hybrid thing. Appears to be we have no mechanics in Brooklyn that can work on those. Currently I'm in a need of a work horse, daily driver truck. Some suggested that I should go for a models before 2007 because of that AFM and bunch of electronics. But I still like 2007-2014 design better. I wonde what forum guru would suggest in a car like this? What should I shop for?

2007-09 Denali or Escalade with a 6.2L. No AFM, very dependable

B-train said:

2007-09 Denali or Escalade with a 6.2L. No AFM, very dependable

Click to expand...

I second that or also the 2500s with the 6.0 is also good

B-train said:

2007-09 Denali or Escalade with a 6.2L. No AFM, very dependable

Click to expand...

What mileage should I be looking at?

10-15 mpg

Depends on where you buy it and how it was maintained. I've had good luck buying around 140k while verifying the maintenance records. If it's had good maintenance, some big ticket items have been replaced, etc then I feel good about it. I know that I'll have to put a few hubdred to maybe $1500 into it st some point in the near future, but it's way cheaper than the new garbage.

I'd look down south or out west. The trip is worth the hassle since you live in NY. Start with a clean body and frame, have it undercoated well, do some maintenance, and you'll be all set.

I found something like this
Check out this vehicle I found on CARFAX: 2007 GMC Yukon XL - $4,999 with FREE CARFAX Report. https://www.carfax.com/vehicle/1GKFK66807J315197?no_ul=1&partner=SBC_1
It's nice a bit overpriced. But good looking. Caddy would be the best. I found one which is my dream it has 45 k miles on it but price is 28k

Check out this vehicle I found on CARFAX: 2009 Cadillac Escalade - $28,200 with FREE CARFAX Report. https://www.carfax.com/vehicle/1GYFK23229R221566?no_ul=1&partner=SBC_1

A truck, like a pick-up? What are you using it for as far as hauling? Any towing? How much?

A GMT800 2500 8 lug LQ4/4L80e/14 bolt rear discs brakes is a pretty darn bulletproof drivetrain; that's what just about everyone here uses for landscaping, construction, etc. GMT900 has similar engine and rear end, but has the 6L90e which is more problematic and expensive to repair.

The equivalent 1500s are still decent, but will have the lighter duty transmissions and rear end. If you don't need high payload or towing, they are good options and get better gas mileage. On the newer 1500 trucks you do have to deal with AFM/DOD stuff, but not on the HDs. All of this also applies to the SUVs.

If you are in the rustbelt, things change because a lot of these older trucks I just mentioned have been long gone due to rust, so you may be looking at newer trucks simply by what's out there in your region. Or go south and purchase a southern truck, IDK.

Good luck.

makintoshnex said:

I found something like this
Check out this vehicle I found on CARFAX: 2007 GMC Yukon XL - $4,999 with FREE CARFAX Report. https://www.carfax.com/vehicle/1GKFK66807J315197?no_ul=1&partner=SBC_1

Click to expand...

I'd jump on that Yukon in a heartbeat. Good service records, 2-owner, no accidents, and non-AFM 6.2L. Rust would be my only concern, but I don't know if NJ is a rust state or not.

tooleyondeck said:

I'd jump on that Yukon in a heartbeat. Good service records, 2-owner, no accidents, and non-AFM 6.2L. Rust would be my only concern, but I don't know if NJ is a rust state or not.

Click to expand...

Yes, I would check it out soon. I liked that deal too. First thing is the rust, I will go through with my scan tool as well. I think these trucks have common issues with stabilitrack, it should be disabled too. I plan to install Air ride for better comfort and easier loading and unloading.