First year model peace of mind

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kameronth

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So... I've been a member since 2013 but I don't post very often.

A lot of the threads I've come across tell others to avoid 2015 model years or any 1st model year runs. While there may be some valid points to that, I wanted to inform others that may be lurking here and thinking about potentially purchasing a 1st model year run of my experiences with GM 1st model year runs.

2007 blue Tahoe 4x4(1st year): I kick myself everyday for trading this thing in. I should've just kept it as a "beater". I bought it in 2012 with 50k miles and traded it in with 120k miles. Besides routine maintenance the only issue I ever had with it was a leaky front axle seal at 90k miles. (it was 4x4 and I bought it with the 22's but changed them out after moving up north)
tahoe1.jpg

2015 white Yukon Denali 4x4(1st year, early run - 6 speed transmission): I purchased this one in 2016 with 58k miles. Besides routine maintenance it did drop a valve and was covered under warranty - the dealership said it was a bad valve casting and did no further damage so they only replaced that valve. I traded it in with 90k miles. Wife wanted an XL because of the new baby.
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2015 black Yukon Denali XL 4x4 (1st year, late run 8 speed transmission): I purchased this one in 2018 with 27k miles and still own it. Currently it has 32k miles and it's had zero issues besides a service parking assist error after another car backed into the bumper.
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All 3 of these have been my wife's primary vehicles (I drive a Ford diesel.. I know), used as a daily driver, towing and regularly see -30 to -40f temps with our winters. My across the board complaint with all 3 of these is they have the cheapest/ thinnest paint jobs I've ever seen on a car.

What it boils down to is this, don't be afraid to purchase 1st year run GM's. I've done it 3 times already and will happily do it again in the future. They have all treated me well, and I'm a Ford guy!
 

Stresst

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I totally agree! I have come to realize it truly all about luck! I know many people that bought new models and NEVER HAD A SINGLE ISSUE while others have second, third, fourth year models and have nothing but issues. So odd!
 

cardude2000

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Really think it depends. If it’s a new model with a new engine, trans, suspension etc then it’s certainly more prudent to give it s year before jumping in. But either way it’s covered under warranty. Just depends on how nice your dealer waiting room is lol
 

Stresst

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Really think it depends. If it’s a new model with a new engine, trans, suspension etc then it’s certainly more prudent to give it s year before jumping in. But either way it’s covered under warranty. Just depends on how nice your dealer waiting room is lol

I always felt the same way but it seems that is not the case as the OP has pointed out. I was always scared of first year models but close to 10 years ago I did buy a used 07 Denali (first year) with like 80k and it was more reliable then my 17 Escalade THAT I BOUGHT NEW! Let that sink in for a minute, a used 07 Denali with 80k was more reliable, literally oil changes, brakes and tires. Sad.....
 

cardude2000

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I always felt the same way but it seems that is not the case as the OP has pointed out. I was always scared of first year models but close to 10 years ago I did buy a used 07 Denali (first year) with like 80k and it was more reliable then my 17 Escalade THAT I BOUGHT NEW! Let that sink in for a minute, a used 07 Denali with 80k was more reliable, literally oil changes, brakes and tires. Sad.....

The 17 was a third year model...Im not sure I’m totally following your point?
 

Stresst

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The 17 was a third year model...Im not sure I’m totally following your point?

The 07 (first year model) with 80k was more reliable by a long shot to my current 2017 (bought new) that was not a first year model.
 

SnowBuck

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My across the board complaint with all 3 of these is they have the cheapest/ thinnest paint jobs I've ever seen on a car.
I have a thousand "scratches" that only appear in a certain light at a certain angle. One person said it was from my brushing snow off it. A very reputable paint shop said, no, the paint feels as smooth as glass...it was a deteriorating clear coat. The factory paint job I wanted (take off everything, strip it to bare metal)...would be in the $8,000 range...to just "forgetaboutit"..."drive it and/or sell it".
 
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kameronth

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I cursed myself with this post! I have a tail light out now. Looks to be a common problem with 15 16 models. I’ll open it up tomorrow and solder it up.
 

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