2010 Suburban AWD or 4WD, Confusion ?

[kirkdc]

OP here...once again. I'm a picky guy and still shopping around. I'm honing in my search more towards the GMC Yukon XL's (really want the big length of the XL's but it's not a deal breaker) I prefer them over the Suburbans as I like the bigass grills on the GMC too. The denalis are out as I don'lt want that cheesey AWD stuff as I live 9000 feet up in the Colorado Rockies. IMO, it's a damm shame they ruined the Denalis by using that AWD set-up.

My budget has me around $10k or so and at that price the years available are are around 2008 to 2013. I'm in CO, a no rust state, so I always aske for the Carfax to see where they've been. I wont buy from a rust state.

Anyway, any years to avoid (or to gravitate to) in that price range that I posted above (2008-2013?) My most biggest concerns are on history of maintenance and if the trans has been replaced. These trannys seem to puke out around 150k or less.

 

[wjburken]

Since the Denalis with their 6.2’s are not an option, you’re stuck with AFM models. I would go with the later years like 2012/2013.

 

[swathdiver]

OP here...once again. I'm a picky guy and still shopping around. I'm honing in my search more towards the GMC Yukon XL's (really want the big length of the XL's but it's not a deal breaker) I prefer them over the Suburbans as I like the bigass grills on the GMC too. The denalis are out as I don'lt want that cheesey AWD stuff as I live 9000 feet up in the Colorado Rockies. IMO, it's a damm shame they ruined the Denalis by using that AWD set-up.

My budget has me around $10k or so and at that price the years available are are around 2008 to 2013. I'm in CO, a no rust state, so I always aske for the Carfax to see where they've been. I wont buy from a rust state.

Anyway, any years to avoid (or to gravitate to) in that price range that I posted above (2008-2013?) My most biggest concerns are on history of maintenance and if the trans has been replaced. These trannys seem to puke out around 150k or less.

AWD trucks just have to be driven a little differently off road. It's a reliable system.

As Wade mentioned, the 2012 and 2013 have all the latest electronic improvements. Hill Start Assist, Trailer Sway Control and cruise control enhancements. Consider the 2014s too.

Don't just buy any 4x4 you see, make sure it has the 2-speed transfer case (NQH) and 3.42 gears (GU6). We also like the heavy duty cooling system (K5L) with the 700 watt cooling fans, external transmission oil cooler (KNP) and engine oil cooler (KC4).

2009 was the first year of the 6L80 transmission.

2010 introduced the single speed transfer case, MP3010 (NP0) and 3.08 gears (GU4). Great for snow and highway cruising. 2010 also introduced VVT for 5.3 engine.

By early 2011 all the AFM enhancements had been introduced making the system very reliable. It's not a big deal to delete it.

In 2010 there were a handful of Yukon XL SLTs with the L9H 6.2 engine. They did not have AFM. They can be found as RWD and 4x4s. They pop up from time to time for sale.

Suburban/Yukon XL tow better with longer wheelbase. Extra room is great behind 3rd row. 2nd row is wider too. Basically no gas mileage penalty, about 1/4 mpg difference.

Don't be afraid to travel to get what you want. We picked ours up in Idaho, Oklahoma and North Carolina.