Looking to buy, updated

[swathdiver]

Why do you suggest 2010+? Don't those vehicles add AFM?
I am in no rush so willing to look for what I want/need.

They do indeed have AFM. However, they have an improved navigation unit, the 2012+ have improvements with their cruise control, trailer sway control, hill start assist, etc.

We buy them with JL1, the Integrated Trailer Brake Controller. It cannot be added later, however, an aftermarket controller can be easily hooked up, the wires are already there for it.

 

[mpicasso]

They do indeed have AFM. However, they have an improved navigation unit, the 2012+ have improvements with their cruise control, trailer sway control, hill start assist, etc.

We buy them with JL1, the Integrated Trailer Brake Controller. It cannot be added later, however, an aftermarket controller can be easily hooked up, the wires are already there for it.

So I should be looking at 2012-2014, then? With 6.2L? LIKE the Sierra but with dogs, I would prefer an SUV.

Before posting on here, had been in negotiations for a 2006 Tahoe, 104K miles, 5.3L w/4x4, and asking $11K. Have a deposit on this, expiring 22nd, and need to do a pre-sales inspection. Considering the market down here, guessing I can make back my money if purchased but wondering someone else's opinion. Do I buy the 2006 and take needed time to find moreso what I need? Or pass on the deal and keep renting SUV/truck as needed.

 

[mpicasso]

that being said 07 is a 1st year model re-design

Definitely not buying 1st year re-design but thanks for that note.

in 2010 they made updates, also parts compatibility is better 2010-2014 by then they all had the 6spd and a greater amount of parts can be swapped over.
looking at long term ownership and cost of repair 2010-2014 is a better choice.

Doesn't the 2009 also have a 6spd for the LH9?
With regards to AFM, are you suggesting to not turn it off, then? Have seen many more of the issues reported involved the 5.3, moreso than the 6.2.

 

[mpicasso]

They do indeed have AFM. However, they have an improved navigation unit, the 2012+ have improvements with their cruise control, trailer sway control, hill start assist, etc.

We buy them with JL1, the Integrated Trailer Brake Controller. It cannot be added later, however, an aftermarket controller can be easily hooked up, the wires are already there for it.

Regarding AFM - would you leave it on? A tune is high on my list of things to do, after air intake and exhaust (meaning I could turn AFM off then).
Is there a benefit to having the JL1 vs aftermarket trailer brake controller?
See attached - thinking these are the years/models I should be looking at.

 

[Doubeleive]

Definitely not buying 1st year re-design but thanks for that note.

Doesn't the 2009 also have a 6spd for the LH9?
With regards to AFM, are you suggesting to not turn it off, then? Have seen many more of the issues reported involved the 5.3, moreso than the 6.2.

I turned mine off with a tune simply because of the annoyance and yes there is less risk if it's not being utilized, some people can't feel it going to v4/v8 mode but I certainly can
the denali's and escalades all had the 6spd, not sure on any others I haven't done the research I wanted the 6.2 and didn't even bother looking at the 5.3's, had the 5.3 forever and kicked myself in the butt because of it

 

[swathdiver]

So I should be looking at 2012-2014, then? With 6.2L? LIKE the Sierra but with dogs, I would prefer an SUV.

Before posting on here, had been in negotiations for a 2006 Tahoe, 104K miles, 5.3L w/4x4, and asking $11K. Have a deposit on this, expiring 22nd, and need to do a pre-sales inspection. Considering the market down here, guessing I can make back my money if purchased but wondering someone else's opinion. Do I buy the 2006 and take needed time to find moreso what I need? Or pass on the deal and keep renting SUV/truck as needed.

It's up to you. I would not look older than 2009, they don't have Bluetooth for your phone and those engines are not FlexFuel. There are E85 stations all over Palm Beach county, you can save a bundle running that stuff around town and switch to gas for when you need the range. 6.2s require high octane gas.

I've not owned an 800 but they are thought of very highly here, some who have had both, prefer the older ones because of comfort of seats and fit and finish.

Definitely not buying 1st year re-design but thanks for that note.

Doesn't the 2009 also have a 6spd for the LH9?
With regards to AFM, are you suggesting to not turn it off, then? Have seen many more of the issues reported involved the 5.3, moreso than the 6.2.

All 6.2s are backed by the 6L80.

Regarding AFM - would you leave it on? A tune is high on my list of things to do, after air intake and exhaust (meaning I could turn AFM off then).
Is there a benefit to having the JL1 vs aftermarket trailer brake controller?

I turned mine off, was scared it was going to blow up after reading all the reports. It worked flawlessly, couldn't even tell it was switching or on or off. A fellow at my church had his fail and take out the motor and this did not deter me, he's not a "car guy". The JL1 frees up space so the aftermarket controller isn't hitting your knees and it is truly integrated, working with your brakes to control the load. The later models, 2012+ have Trailer Sway Control and other improved features. Download a brochure or owner's manual for one and read up on it.

 

[mpicasso]

It's up to you. I would not look older than 2009, they don't have Bluetooth for your phone and those engines are not FlexFuel. There are E85 stations all over Palm Beach county, you can save a bundle running that stuff around town and switch to gas for when you need the range. 6.2s require high octane gas.

The 2006 has the ability to add aftermarket radio, so not bothered by that. Looking at it because of the cost along with giving me time to find a proper 2012-2014.
6.2's will run fine on FlexFuel, as well? Did not realize the financial benefit to using E85. Most of my driving will be just around town.

 

[mpicasso]

I wanted the 6.2 and didn't even bother looking at the 5.3's, had the 5.3 forever and kicked myself in the butt because of it

Sorry for my misunderstanding - you went with the 6.2, over the 5.3, correct?

 

[swathdiver]

The 2006 has the ability to add aftermarket radio, so not bothered by that. Looking at it because of the cost along with giving me time to find a proper 2012-2014.
6.2's will run fine on FlexFuel, as well? Did not realize the financial benefit to using E85. Most of my driving will be just around town.

There can be a financial benefit when the price is right. Good quality fuel, like Chevron is about $3.75 at the Chevron on Okeechobee and Congress right now. If you can find E85 for sixty to eighty or more cents less a gallon, it makes financial sense to run that. Besides, the motors absolutely love the stuff, like cheap race gas. MPGs are less but cents per mile is our measure of worth in that instance. Also great for keeping injectors clean. Well, I just used Gas Buddy to check on E85 in Palm Beach County and they are all nuts, asking the same as for 93! So right now at least, it's not financially sound to burn it. But if you were going to the drag strip Friday night (PBIR)...

So, you want a short wheelbase wagon with a 6.2 and 2-speed transfer case or plain rear wheel drive?

 

[mpicasso]

There can be a financial benefit when the price is right.

I almost exclusively use Costco gas wherever I go, which has it's own financial benefits...Premium, at PBG Costco (North lake), is $3.38/gallon.

So, you want a short wheelbase wagon with a 6.2 and 2-speed transfer case or plain rear wheel drive?

Short wheelbase wagon, yes. Still trying to figure out the 4WD vs RWD dilemma. Will not be in the market for a boat for at least 2 more years and know my Tundra had always been able to pull my boat out at ramps I visited.
Question I need to answer - is the additional maintenance/costs for 4WD worth it when I am not sure when a boat will be coming back in to my future (really digging this kayaking and head boat thing).