Looking at 2009 Denali

[DonnyJones]

That's a tough call. I do like the lower miles on the red one despite price. But the black xl is gorgeous. I love the 22s on that one. And that black paint looks super clean. I would say whichever rig is in better condition mechanically would probably be the better buy. But that's up to you. And you have to decide if the longer wheel base is gonna suit your needs. The xl suits my needs so that's why I went with it. I like the ride quality of the xl versus the standard wheel base. But they are harder to park and maneuver.

That's what in trying to determine. We have 3 kids. Granted my wife has a mini van for it. For the longer trips up north I think it might be more practical? Then short base is a little easier to maneuver like you said. It's a tough call.

 

[adventurenali92]

Yeah the xl is nice on longer trips when you have kids and luggage and stuff to bring along. And it's a nice ride to have on a road trip compared to a minivan. Haha. My sister has a minivan and going anywhere in the van with all the kids plus us just sucks. Haha. The xl is a much better road trip rig!

 

[DonnyJones]

Yeah the xl is nice on longer trips when you have kids and luggage and stuff to bring along. And it's a nice ride to have on a road trip compared to a minivan. Haha. My sister has a minivan and going anywhere in the van with all the kids plus us just sucks. Haha. The xl is a much better road trip rig!

Damn it bear! Now your making me double think the whole xl thing. Such a tough decision buying a car.

 

[Fosscore]

Along with @Bigbeardenali1992 comments, which I can mirror.

I've had 3 Honda Odysseys over the last 10 years with my kids from newborn to 10 years old. We ran those vans ragged. They fit the bill perfectly in all functions that we needed with kids, road trips, visiting family and just the day-to-day running around that the wife and family needed. My 06 is more of my fun truck as I have a DD for work thankfully, so that keeps the miles low lol.

This week the Odyssey goes back on lease and I convinced/coerced lol my wife to go with a long body GM. Details to come soon...as this is your thread. The 3 rows and full cargo space behind the 3rd row is invaluable. The ride quality on the long bodies is so much smoother IMO compared to the short wheelbase. Granted the parking and maneuvering takes a little practice for the newbie, but that goes away quickly, even for the wife. If you go with the XL, that space and extra goodies inside for comfort and convenience are so worth it. Just have to teach the kids to not slam those rear doors open!!

A final thought that someone else chimed in on a thread I was asking this very question, saving money upfront (not always) to get the better vehicle, more options, better condition, lower miles, known history, etc....can end up being a better investment, even though the payment may be more than trying to save a few dollars now and settling for something that you are not really happy with. Meaning being fixated on a lower price (of course it has to be in your budget range or this is a non-starter) could end up costing more in the long run with the repairs or unknowns.

I do not think you will be disappointed with whatever truck you pick. Once you start driving it around and playing around with the easy mods and small fixes, you will be hooked.

 

[DonnyJones]

Along with @Bigbeardenali1992 comments, which I can mirror.

I've had 3 Honda Odysseys over the last 10 years with my kids from newborn to 10 years old. We ran those vans ragged. They fit the bill perfectly in all functions that we needed with kids, road trips, visiting family and just the day-to-day running around that the wife and family needed. My 06 is more of my fun truck as I have a DD for work thankfully, so that keeps the miles low lol.

This week the Odyssey goes back on lease and I convinced/coerced lol my wife to go with a long body GM. Details to come soon...as this is your thread. The 3 rows and full cargo space behind the 3rd row is invaluable. The ride quality on the long bodies is so much smoother IMO compared to the short wheelbase. Granted the parking and maneuvering takes a little practice for the newbie, but that goes away quickly, even for the wife. If you go with the XL, that space and extra goodies inside for comfort and convenience are so worth it. Just have to teach the kids to not slam those rear doors open!!

A final thought that someone else chimed in on a thread I was asking this very question, saving money upfront (not always) to get the better vehicle, more options, better condition, lower miles, known history, etc....can end up being a better investment, even though the payment may be more than trying to save a few dollars now and settling for something that you are not really happy with. Meaning being fixated on a lower price (of course it has to be in your budget range or this is a non-starter) could end up costing more in the long run with the repairs or unknowns.

I do not think you will be disappointed with whatever truck you pick. Once you start driving it around and playing around with the easy mods and small fixes, you will be hooked.

lol I'm already looking at exhaust for it and rims. I dk what I want. Such a hard decision. Like you said the lower price attracts me. I would rather pay a little more for a truck that's a little more solid. I might have to make the trip and go look at the xl. Although the red one is very intriguing.

 

[adventurenali92]

I agree with @Fosscore , hes on point!!

 

[DonnyJones]

Much appreciated gentleman. Hard decision. Whichever vehicle I purchase will need to last me a long time. That's why I'm nervous and looking at so many. Don't want to overpay yet I also want to pay for quality.

You think the red Denali might be a better option than the black xl?

 

[Fosscore]

09 Yukon Denali Red Jewel 107345K $22998
07 Denali XL Black 130000K $16000

Comparing apples to apples. Years are close enough in my book. The red is sexy and black looks sweet when clean. Short vs XL (XL wins in my book here as they are same Denali platform with options and bigger motor and with the family that extra cargo space and comfortable road trip ride are a win as a lot of guys have mentioned they would like the longer wheelbase for that reason). The interior and drivers seat on both look great. The XL has the ck375 wheels, but an odd choice of dipped trim on the inside, but easily changed and not enough to sway a sale if you love it.

All things constant with condition not revealed thru photos and maintenance, test drive results, etc....stuff that only you can compare and contrast. I am liking the XL for $7K less money, however I think you said it had some sort of clunk or noise that might be worth checking out. It may be nothing or it might be something that will eat up some of that savings on the purchase price. If you are dead set on it, see if you can take it to your mechanic to have a look.

I had a private party buy my 1994 Z71 4x4 that was immaculate way back when. We met at the mechanic of his choice, they looked it over top to bottom and with nothing wrong we did the transaction. Just my .02 thoroughly to CYA. Should be nothing wrong with you wanting to confirm any issues before purchasing. If the party will not allow you to do that, it may be a sign of something to walk away from. Hope this helps a bit.

 

[#1taho]

I bought the short NBS. I have three kids also. I wish I got the XL. Traveling in the taho gets cramped with all the luggage. I bought a roof top unit to help.
The guys here giving you info here are all on point. I love both of your choices. Good luck in you decision

 

[DonnyJones]

09 Yukon Denali Red Jewel 107345K $22998
07 Denali XL Black 130000K $16000

Comparing apples to apples. Years are close enough in my book. The red is sexy and black looks sweet when clean. Short vs XL (XL wins in my book here as they are same Denali platform with options and bigger motor and with the family that extra cargo space and comfortable road trip ride are a win as a lot of guys have mentioned they would like the longer wheelbase for that reason). The interior and drivers seat on both look great. The XL has the ck375 wheels, but an odd choice of dipped trim on the inside, but easily changed and not enough to sway a sale if you love it.

All things constant with condition not revealed thru photos and maintenance, test drive results, etc....stuff that only you can compare and contrast. I am liking the XL for $7K less money, however I think you said it had some sort of clunk or noise that might be worth checking out. It may be nothing or it might be something that will eat up some of that savings on the purchase price. If you are dead set on it, see if you can take it to your mechanic to have a look.

I had a private party buy my 1994 Z71 4x4 that was immaculate way back when. We met at the mechanic of his choice, they looked it over top to bottom and with nothing wrong we did the transaction. Just my .02 thoroughly to CYA. Should be nothing wrong with you wanting to confirm any issues before purchasing. If the party will not allow you to do that, it may be a sign of something to walk away from. Hope this helps a bit.

Lol so many cars I've looked at and asked about it gets confusing.

The clunk and noise I talked about was the short version black with tan interior denali that was 18,999 fully loaded. Dealer said I could have it for $18,500. It had every factory option on it available.

The black XL I haven't looked at yet, I just seen it online the other day and figured I would ask about it. They are asking 16k for it.

The red one, which is also super nice, just has the cracked dash. Sales manager told me 20,800 for it.

Recap

09 Red denali with black interior. Missing cooled seats, power running boards and Blind spot. 107,500 for $20,800
09 Black Denali with tan interior. Has every single factory optiion on it. Makes a clunking noise when shifting from reverse to drive and vice versa. Also has a humming noise at hwy speeds. 120,000 for $18,500
07 Black XL Denali. Missing cooled seats, power running boards, blind spot and I'm not sure about the heated steering wheel. I haven't test driven it or seen it in person yet. Has new front pads and rotors. Had the rear compressor and air shocks replaced @ around 90,000 miles with Arnott Industries parts. New front shocks. 22" CK375's and tires are 2 years old. It has 130,000 for $16,000

Also I keep my eyes out daily for any further deals I might think are decent. Has of now, these are my top 3 picks. Possibly more toward the Red short version and the black XL if the test drive and inspection looks good.