Looking at 2009 Denali

[DonnyJones]

You guys aren't nervous about the amount of miles on it?

This truck would need to last me quite a long time. Would like to hit 300,000 in it without any major issues.

Possible?

 

[adventurenali92]

The miles are up there but they are not more than the current national average for what most people drive per year. I've seen some of these trucks in this year range with close to 300k on the odometer. If they are maintained properly they will run as long as you want it to. The 6.2 V8 is a pretty awesome motor. Its well built.

 

[DonnyJones]

My wife told me that 15,000 seems a little high. She is right though, KBB comes back at around 13,000 in very good condition. Truck needs an o2 Sensor I was told.

It also doesn't have the navigation, dvd, cooled seats, heated steering wheel, etc. Seems like a plain jane Denali.

Thoughts on it? Does the mrs. have a valid point and I should keep looking?

Don't want to let a good deal pass me by.

 

[adventurenali92]

I say keep looking! Find one with all the features you want!

 

[08xldenali]

15k seems to be a good price based on what dealers are asking for these things around here in northern NJ, but if it's anything like mine, that's a downpayment on the maintenance.

I would go with the downmarket model if looking to get 300k out of it. I've serviced mine with religious zeal, and already had the front axle rebuilt prior to 120k miles. The electronic suspension will definitely need to be eliminated if looking to get that kind of mileage. There are kits to do it for ~$600. The rear air shocks and autoride air pump, along with the front magnetorheological shocks are trouble prone on these trucks. 128k miles and on my third set of front shocks. I've also replaced both rear air shocks (blown out, and I don't even tow or move heavy loads) and the air pump burned out once. I suppose 300k is possible from anything if you're willing to replace parts. I had the GMT800 Z71 Tahoe (2005) prior to this Denali, and I would be willing to bet that truck would go 300k miles with far fewer problems; there's just so much less to go wrong. That truck was truly a great vehicle ... 130k with just brake pads and a battery. I traded it on this 08 when we had a third child ... I wanted the third row plus the cargo area that the suburban / yukon xl / escalade esv offer. I regret that move to this day. This denali has been nothing but trouble. Best of luck to whatever way you go.

 

[adventurenali92]

The rear air ride system is troublesome even in the previous generation. My 2006 air ride had to be replaced at 86k. Because it's previous owner beat the crap out of it. So if those are gonna go they're gonna go. But I replaced all my rear air ride components for less than 800 bucks. Not the cheapest of parts but there are ways to replace them and utilize the system of you want to keep it for less than what a dealerwould quote you. Personally I love my air ride system and it's a great setup to have assisting in towing. So when I was looking to fix it all I chose to keep the air ride rather than eliminating it as iveheard a lot of horror stories after replacing with non air ride and parts going bad and not working properly. I haven't had any issues since June replacing my air ride components. And I tow a lot and have all my detailing gear in the back every day.

 

[08xldenali]

yup the dealer charged 800 just to replace the air pump. At the time I could have bought the OEM pump for $400 through my dad's shop, but I was due to drive from NJ to FL within the next day or 2 so I was stuck and had to pay. Believe the air pumps are even cheaper now if replacing yourself is an option. For a long term 300k mile goal, I would look to convert to non air-ride and put air lift bags inside the coil springs if I needed to tow. Those are simple, easy to install, work great, and are guaranteed for life.

 

[DonnyJones]

I appreciate all the advice you are giving.

I don't really do a lot of towing, maybe a trailer twice a year or so.

Just looking to find a decent SUV that I don't have to worry about sticking a ton of money into and for it to be reliable.

I have a jeep now with 183,000 on it and it's starting to develop quite a few issues. I paid $200 for it so I don't want to stick a ton of money into it and would rather find something else to put that money towards.

 

[03_GMC]

15K isn't horrible. I just got a fully loaded XL with 91K on it for 20K just as a reference. just make sure all the options work. Luckily my dealer fixed the broken heated and cooled drivers seat and the tpms system that was failing. the first one that is black is way over priced IMO

 

[DonnyJones]

I've located 2 more that I think might be decent deals. I would like your guys opinions again.

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...ngId=442075453&makeCode1=GMC&modelCode1=YUKON

http://appleton.craigslist.org/cto/5873072787.html

For the second link on craigslist, I spoke with the gentleman's wife who must be handing the sale. He has been a GM technician for the past 18 years and has personally taken care of it. The also purchased the extended warranty for it as well she stated. Reason for selling is they purchased a new pickup truck and no longer need this vehicle. It has weather tech floor mats and from the pictures she sent me it looks super clean. Just not to fond of the brown outside and tan interior. It has all options but the heated steering wheel, ac seats and power running boards.

The red one from bergstrom has everything we like minus the ac seats. It has the black interior and the nice red color my wife and I like. Just unsure of the history on it. They usually sell pretty nice vehicles though.