Broad range of choices...recommendations?

[11bravo]

I know it's a common thread, but all seem to be different. I am 74, and between 1996 and 2019,owned twelve '96 to '03 Tahoe/Silverado Chevy's, but never a newer year. None owned since 2019, just Vettes.

I am now looking for a Tahoe as a second car. High miles, up to 150k, doesn't bother me. I've found several nice '03 to '10 LT Tahoes. The AFM thing has me a bit concerned. I like the later models, but don't want a huge repair bill on something that was running perfectly one minute, and completely broken the next. Also don't want to put a cheap AFM kit on, yet don't want to spend $3,000 or more to replace valves that are just fine, and mod the system.

So...I am curious about how serious, or likely, the AFM engine-breaking issue really is. Like, one in 10, or 1 in 100. I don't expect a real number, I am just phrasing like that to get an idea of how bad the problem really is.

Thanks for reading my long message.

11bravo, Vegas

 

[swathdiver]

The newer the vehicle the less of a problem as the system became more reliable as the improvements were released. 2012-2014 are best.

The solenoids wear out at some point, just like an alternator or starter and when they do they often take out a lifter or two. Plan ahead and delete it or turn it off.

2009 Tahoe with 6.2 does not have AFM. Neither do 2007-2009 Denalis or Escalades.

 

[petethepug]

08/09 Tahoe w/ 6.2L non AFM is an extinct unicorn and sellers know it.

07, 08 & 09 non AFM 6.2L Yukon Denali in standard or XL length is a bit easier to find. 07/08 are AWD only. 09 had a 2WD option same year as options for a/c front seats, retractable running boards.

All Denali have 1st & 2nd Row heated seats and leather. All 09+ have e85 and hp from 385 to 403.

All 07-14 5.3L have AFM. All 10-14 6.2L have AFM. All Burbs are 5.3L w/ rare exceptions of 6.0L & 6.0L 3/4 Ton Burbs & Yukon XL.

As swathdiver said 07-09 Standard & ESV (XL) Escalades 6.2L don’t have AFM with 09 also having the 2WD option same year. Almost all Esky have cooled front seats and all 07-14 are 6.2L 403hp, e85 starting in 09.

 

[Doubeleive]

74? vegas? meh find yourself a nice 00-02, cloth seats, 2wd. call it day
drive by cable, fan clutch, no nannies, safe, reliable. (tons of used parts available, for less then new ones)
do expect it's going to need tlc at 150k
as you are likely aware, the less bells & whistles the less to go wrong.

 

[Marky Dissod]

... High miles, up to 150k, doesn't bother me ... AFM has me a bit concerned ...
don't want to put a cheap AFM kit on, yet don't want to spend $3,000 or more to replace valves that are just fine, and mod the system.

... curious about how serious, or likely, the AFM engine-breaking issue really is. Like, one in 10, or 1 in 100.
I don't expect a real number, I am just phrasing like that to get an idea of how bad the problem really is.

On a long enough timeline, it'll be no less than 5 in 6.
Engine Half@$$ parts are just not as durable as simpler lifters.

I'd prefer another '00-06 GMT800, or a non-AFM GMT900. If that means I don't get a 6L80E, so be it.
If the previous owner disabled Engine Half@$$ (or the owner prior to the previous), that's a plus,
but even Half@$$ disabled engines have had Half@$$-related component failures.

At that point the question is, is a non- Engine Half@$$ engine cheaper than
rebuilding an Engine Half@$$ engine, for the purpose of deleting Engine Half@$$?

 

[homesick]

74? vegas? meh find yourself a nice 00-02, cloth seats, 2wd. call it day
drive by cable, fan clutch, no nannies, safe, reliable. (tons of used parts available, for less then new ones)
do expect it's going to need tlc at 150k
as you are likely aware, the less bells & whistles the less to go wrong.

I second this. My '01 Tahoe only had one failure while I owned it, between '05 and '18, a fuel pump. It's been in the family from '03 to now, and has been rock solid.

joe

 

[Bigburb3500]

As @petethepug notes, if you are willing to setup to a lwb, go with a 2014 GMC Yukon XL 2500. The 6.0 is great, 6L90 trans and just a bit “tougher.” Many of the trucks were just grocery getters or supervisor trucks.
That would be my choice.