2007 Denali engine longevity? (200k+ miles) Common issues?

[intheburbs]

I love my '09 Sierra Denali, but man, that's a lot of miles on an all-aluminum engine. I just rolled 100k on the Denali, and I'd honestly be surprised if the engine goes to 200k. It's a performance motor, not an HD motor. I have 185k on my Suburban with the iron-blocked 6.0, and I'd be more confident that I get 300k out of that engine than 200k out of the Denali engine.

Then you have the AWD system - that's probably going to need some repairs soon. Lots more moving parts.

First year of the platform, looks like it's been ridden hard and put away wet, high miles, I'd pass, even at $6500. GM half-tons become pretty big money pits once they pass 150k.

 

[the_tool_man]

The 6.2 doesn't have AFM/DOD.

Yes it does. I have one. Black Bear and other tuners can turn it off. There is a good chance the hardware will last longer if it isn't actuated. Though there are no guarantees.

Mine's approaching 100k miles. I'm getting it turned off as soon as I can.

 

[kbuskill]

Yes it does. I have one. Black Bear and other tuners can turn it off. There is a good chance the hardware will last longer if it isn't actuated. Though there are no guarantees.

Mine's approaching 100k miles. I'm getting it turned off as soon as I can.

Actually your both kinda right...

The 6.2L L92 had the AFM hardware in the engine BUT they didn't turn it on in the programming until 2010 if I'm not mistaken...

L92 got Flexfuel capabilities in 2009 and became the L9H.

L9H got AFM programming in 2010 and became the L94.

So 07-09 Esky/Nalis have the hardware but it's not activated in the ECM.

 

[91RS]

I wouldn't be against it for that price. It can last as long as you're willing to keep putting money into it. Depending on what type of repairs you can do yourself, DO NOT be surprised if this truck needs $2000-$4000 worth of work. It is a ~12 year old truck and they're getting rid of it for a reason. It has the non-AFM 6.2L so it should have plenty of life left in it as long as it was cared for up to this point. I'd pull a valve cover and check out what it looks like inside and if it's clean, I'd go for it. I'd actually love to get another one of these for cheap for my wife since I decided I was keeping the Escalade for myself!

I've had to do all the common stuff to my 08 with only 135k miles. Sway bar links, oil pan gasket, transmission service and reprogram (thought it was going to need a transmission but this fixed it), fuel pump, both engine mounts, windshield, liftgate struts, brakes, front lower control arms (worn ball joints), one door lock actuator, and I changed all the fluids. That doesn't include taking all the seats out to clean the interior and the 10+ hours I have into correcting the paint. I have a booster and master cylinder on the way because the master is leaking brake fluid into the booster and I also want to go ahead and replace the upper control arms so I don't have to worry about them.

 

[Thor Conley]

As the last man said no afm on that model the cam phaser does go out on them the part is not that bad to change. I would say if you can put to get her a lego set for your kid you could handle it with or without those jeans. They also occasionally bend a push tube which is a very easy fix. I have an 2008 6.2 160k on it

 

[89Suburban]

Take a set of those plastic vehicle ramps to drive it up on to check things out underneath.

I have 309K on mine original trans, 5.3, just replaced the ORIGINAL front wheel bearings and lower ball joints/control arms.

 

[KATfishing]

I have an 08 Denali, fully loaded, with 141K. I bought it at 84K miles from a dealer, along with an aftermarket ASC warranty that lasted 45K miles and has now expired. During the last 3 years of owning it, most repairs were covered by my warranty, so I focused putting money into maintenance and wear parts. I also had a comprehensive CarFax showing the vehicle was really well taken care of prior to my purchase. Work on my vehicle since owning it included the following: Fuel pump, front wheel bearings on one side, axel seals, pinion seal, front differential (this was a big one - but covered), oil dipstick tube (corroded and leaked), seat heater, throttle body (cleaned, but was previously replaced by prior owner), rear manifold studs broken off causing exhaust leak (gasket was good, so clamped both and have been good ever since) + 100K stuff, like plugs/wires, fluids, steering pressure/return hoses, drive and A/C belts and pulleys. The engine and transmission have been going strong, even with prior towing of a camper and boat (both well within spec towing capacity). Maintenance is huge. I would want to know what has been done in its history because at 220K, it has already past being around the block for a second time on 100K maintenance schedule. I've always heard, the 6.2 L can go 300K plus if well maintained and issues addressed along the way. I would be happy making it to 220K. Mine drives and rides great, so it will be a sad day when it becomes too expensive to justify not moving on from it. Hopefully that's well down the road.

 

[petethepug]

07 & 08 have the AFM but GM simply had it dormant. There are threads showing owners removing the failed, deactivated parts.

The motor is at it’s end but 300k+ is still not uncommon. Bring soap bubbles to verify the f/r air shocks aren’t leaking. Verify the rear a/c & heat is operational. All seat heater (steering wheel heater if equipped) working?

Drive train seal issues should present themselves. Verify coolant bottle doesn’t show evidence of neglect. Demand to inspect the vehicle on COLD start up. Turn on every electrical switch like wipers, all seat heaters, heat on full front & back simultaneously, etc. With hood open, hold brake and apply throttle in D & R. Look under hood at motor to check for excessive rocking of the motor mounts.

It’s one of the best platforms of its generation. It has the best ride on 20’s in 55 series tires with 100% air ride. Almost every service item that comes up will have a technology upgrade that provides better than new performance and a longer service life at a lower price.

Simply look for the pricey service items you may inherit. Electrical, A/C, Trans & Engine. Maintenance ppwk is always a plus. I have an 08 purchased at 96k 3-2015. It’s at 125k now and has an undetermined cold weather start up engine tick and very slow coolant leak that a service contract will address b4 it expires. Expect 13-14/8-10 mpg on hwy/ slow, in town driving. If the clear coat on the roof and hood has not peeled it will if you don’t have it professionally sealed or religiously wax it.

$6.5k is good if u get no surprises. The AWD provides an insanely good ride on the XL MagneRide (air) chassis. Get a AAA 200 mile free tow package for abt $190 a year and enjoy those rear captains chairs on vacations.


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[volfan84]

i have 209k on my L92 with 0 problems (engine and trans). the heated steering wheels doesn't work. I have a bigger cam in mine but that's because I wanted more power, not because the stock cam failed. these trucks are easy to work on tho. my parents Tahoe went just over 300k before the engine needed to be rebuilt and it's still going. me personally, i'd rather have the 6.2 over the 5.3 but that's just me. and I don't think what the seller is asking is too high. around here (Memphis), that's how much high mileage tahoes and yukons with the 5.3 go for.

 

[daniel tran]

i think 6500 would be a good price. I have debated selling mine, but couldn't sell it for anywhere near 6500....

07 145k bunch of services done, new tires in 11/2017, ext warranty...about 2 years 25k left on it