Looking at buying a 2001 GMC Yukon XL DENALI

[MPDano]

Hello All!

First post here. I am coming from a 1997 4.6l 4x4 Expedition that I recently destroyed pulling my 18' Toy Hauler.

I was wondering if the 6.0 4x4 Denali might better fit my needs. I live in San Diego and head up to the Desert to do some Dirt Biking. My TH is about 5k dry. I always figure with my toys and stuff, I am adding about 2500 pounds to this. I got a mini buggy I also put in the TH, which weighs about 900 lbs on it's own.

There are a few hills on the way to the desert and my Expy did very poorly on them. Having to put the tranny in L and get up the hills at about 20 -25mph.

I am hoping this Denali would fit my needs. I thought the Yukon XL was basically a Suburban but after some reading, I found the Denali is still only a 1/2 ton. I was also looking at the Excursions v-10, which I know are 3/4 but I really like the way this Denali looks. Will the 6.0 liter fit my needs?

Thanks in advance,
Leo

 

[BigDaddy13440]

The 6.0 has some balls, especially comparing it to the 4.6 Expedition.

I had (2) '98 Expy's, both with the 4.6. Actually, my wife had both of them, first one lasted 7 years (bought it with 204K, died with 340K on the odometer), the second lasted 9 months (bought it privately, wound up as a turd). They were decent pulling a small trailer (about 2800lbs loaded), but had no grunt with anything heavier. My '96 Tahoe I had with the 5.7 was the work vehicle, much more grunt.

Now I have a '01 Suburban, with the 5.3. The 5.3 is an improvement over the 5.7, runs smoother and has just as much grunt, if not more. I drove a '04 Silverado with the 6.0, and couldn't believe how much more seat-of-the-pants power it had compared to my Suburban.

If you are worried about the handling of the Denali while towing, you can always add RideRite airbags to help keep it level (I have them on mine).

 

[MPDano]

Thanks for this real world experience. I too installed air bags on the Expy as well as a Distribution Hitch set up. Nice and level. Just when I was hitting those hills, it got a bit scary. I literally thought I was not going to make it and/or blow the engine up.

So you think I should pull the trigger on the Denali 6.0? I looked at a 00 Excursion yesterday and I would have pulled the trigger if it didn't have so many little things I would need to repair. I may still do it, but want to have as many options as I can and not be too hasty on a decision I will be stuck with for awhile. My budget is small so I have been looking at SUV's around the $3500 price point.

Is 3K is good price for a Denali with 190k? Going to look at it today.

 

[BigDaddy13440]

Three grand if the body is in good shape and there aren't many bugs to work out, that's a very decent price, especially for the 6.0.

There are quite a few here with 5.3's over 200K, and the 6.0 is/should be no exception. FWIW, you can always go with a BlackBear tune to free up a few more ponies and change the shift management points, add a CAI, upgrade your exhaust, and more to get every bit of performance out of that 6.0.

With my Sub, I get 13.0 mpg almost religiously, no matter if I'm on the highway or around town. The 6.0 might get a mile per gallon less or so. The V10 in the Excursion is a thirsty beast unloaded, maybe getting 9-10mpg. When loaded down, you'd most likely see around 7-8mpg.

If you really want grunt (and to stick with a GM), a 2500 series Suburban with the 8.1 will move mountains. Just don't expect to pass many gas stations while towing a trailer.

My cousin just bought a 2012 Dodge Crewcab Dually with the Cummins diesel in it, primarily for towing the 38' camper he and his wife just bought.

 

[MPDano]

Just checked it out and wow, the 6.0 is a powerful beast. I def know I will no issues on the hills with Denali. The Exterior and Interior were immaculate. So good that I feel I am stealing it. I have to do this transaction with my bank so it's now in their hands. It's got some CL codes and seller said his mechanic said it was a bank 1 cat. Not a big deal if that is what it is. $160 cat and install myself. I brought my OBD reader with me and I still have the codes in the reader so I will research them out.

Out of state Title so this may be an issue with my bank, we'll see.

 

[BigDaddy13440]

That's a steal at 3G's!!!!

 

[#1taho]

You have to pull the trigger on that one. It's in great shape !

 

[MPDano]

I think I am passing on it. Paperwork is not together. Bank wont fund to someone not on the title. If I had the cash, it would have been mine today. Bummed.

 

[MPDano]

Bought a 2002 Yukon XL 2500 4x4 with an 8.1 liter engine and Allison Tranny. Pics to come soon as I am picking it up tomorrow.