Looking to buy, updated

[Geotrash]

I probably am. The '05 I saw was very nice looking (garage kept), at a 140K miles, decent service records, 1 owner, no accidents, and around $11K.
2012-2014 Tahoes around here are from $20-30K, depending on where one is looking, mileage typically under 100K. So the frugal side of me looks at the $11K vehicle and says, let's save the $10+K. The realistic side says, let's go with the better, quieter ride and spend the little extra.
Ultimately, I am confirming the ride/drive upgrade from '02 to '12 is worth the extra $10K, all else aside.

Hard to beat a well-kept vehicle. And, it's a long-term decision so thoughtfulness is warranted.

As another option, you can get a '07-'08 Denali for under $10K, and they don't have AFM and they also have the 6L80, which is a nice upgrade for towing. I have an '07 as well and it was a 1-owner Arizona vehicle that I paid less then $10K for with 192K on the clock back in January '19. I redid the front suspension, front diff mounts, a valve cover, and a power steering pressure hose in that time, along with a full complement of cooling system belts, hoses and tensioners, and it's been 100% reliable and trouble-free apart from these things, which I consider normal maintenance. It's actually in better shape in many ways than my '12 is with half the mileage on it. So if you can get a dry country Denali, it's a great option.

 

[mpicasso]

But weren't the '07-'08 riddled with problems?
The L9H engine, found in 2009 Tahoe LTZ and 2009-2013/14 Denali (finding conflicting info - the VIN engine number is "2") also is listed to not have AFM, though it does add VVT.
The ONLY reason I am still considering the '05 is 1, it seems to be in good shape (awaiting inspection) and 2, it gives me more cash for boat purchase.

 

[Geotrash]

But weren't the '07-'08 riddled with problems?
The L9H engine, found in 2009 Tahoe LTZ and 2009-2013/14 Denali (finding conflicting info - the VIN engine number is "2") also is listed to not have AFM, though it does add VVT.
The ONLY reason I am still considering the '05 is 1, it seems to be in good shape (awaiting inspection) and 2, it gives me more cash for boat purchase.

Early on there were issues with some of them, like there were with the '21's, but those have been dealt with on probably 95% of the fleet. The early 5.3's got the first generation of the AFM system and some had problems, but most remained trouble free with frequent oil changes. The early 6L80 transmission also had some issues but again, most have been dealt with by now. I have 220K on my '07 6L80 with no transmission issues at all.

The '07-'09' Denali's had the L92 (VVT, no AFM), and in '09 GM switched to the L9H (also VVT, no AFM but added flex fuel) for 1 year, then to the L94 (also VVT and flex fuel, added AFM) for 2010.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy an '07 or '08 in excellent shape. The L92 6.2 is a sweetheart of a motor.

 

[mpicasso]

Found a private seller, 1-owner, 2008 Yukon Denali, for $16 OBO. Waiting to hear back for service records but definitely willing to take a look. Been looking at L92 or L9H motored vehicles.
One thing that has left me slightly confused - you seem to prefer an '07/'08 over '05/'06, though suggested it was because of age of components. Did I misunderstand or misread? Or is there something else I am missing?

 

[Geotrash]

Found a private seller, 1-owner, 2008 Yukon Denali, for $16 OBO. Waiting to hear back for service records but definitely willing to take a look. Been looking at L92 or L9H motored vehicles.
One thing that has left me slightly confused - you seem to prefer an '07/'08 over '05/'06, though suggested it was because of age of components. Did I misunderstand or misread? Or is there something else I am missing?

I've owned both a GMT800 and two GMT900's. That 6.2 is hands-down the best engine for these trucks in terms of power output. And if you run it on premium fuel as it requires, it will last every bit as long as well. I also like the interior aesthetics and refinement much better than the older generation, and with the 6.2 you also get the 6L80 transmission which is a significant benefit for utility and durability, in my view.

 

[mpicasso]

I've owned both a GMT800 and two GMT900's. That 6.2 is hands-down the best engine for these trucks in terms of power output. And if you run it on premium fuel as it requires, it will last every bit as long as well. I also like the interior aesthetics and refinement much better than the older generation, and with the 6.2 you also get the 6L80 transmission which is a significant benefit for utility and durability, in my view.

I have the GMT800 model now and do not mind it. Have rented a '21 Tahoe on a few occasions and find I definitely enjoy creature comforts...but not at the financial costs associated with it.
Set my budget at $30K, out the door. I do like the idea of a cheaper vehicle, if similar quality/creature comforts. Which brings me to my question: 2010, they brought back an "improved" AFM system but weren't there other upgrades with that? Thinking something towing related, say in the 2012 model year, but struggling to find anything supporting that idea.

 

[Geotrash]

I have the GMT800 model now and do not mind it. Have rented a '21 Tahoe on a few occasions and find I definitely enjoy creature comforts...but not at the financial costs associated with it.
Set my budget at $30K, out the door. I do like the idea of a cheaper vehicle, if similar quality/creature comforts. Which brings me to my question: 2010, they brought back an "improved" AFM system but weren't there other upgrades with that? Thinking something towing related, say in the 2012 model year, but struggling to find anything supporting that idea.

In 2012 they integrated the factory trailer brake controller with the stability control system to enable the system to engage the trailer brakes if needed to help control sway, such as in an accident avoidance maneuver. There was also a tech update to the infotainment system. Ventilated front seats were also added somewhere around 2010/11/12.

 

[mpicasso]

In 2012 they integrated the factory trailer brake controller with the stability control system to enable the system to engage the trailer brakes if needed to help control sway, such as in an accident avoidance maneuver. There was also a tech update to the infotainment system. Ventilated front seats were also added somewhere around 2010/11/12.

That is why I was looking at the '12, as I will be towing a 4500-5000 lb boat/trailer. In theory, the integration sounds like a worthy upgrade. According to my notes, a 2012 & 2013 Denali still has an L9H engine, so Flex Fuel but no AFM.
The question I still wonder is whether it is worth spending the extra on a 2012, for trailer brake integration.

 

[Geotrash]

That is why I was looking at the '12, as I will be towing a 4500-5000 lb boat/trailer. In theory, the integration sounds like a worthy upgrade. According to my notes, a 2012 & 2013 Denali still has an L9H engine, so Flex Fuel but no AFM.
The question I still wonder is whether it is worth spending the extra on a 2012, for trailer brake integration.

Yup, it’s a nice feature but I’ve never put it to the test. I pull a 7000 lb camper with our 2012 partly for that reason though. Unfortunately, your notes are off. 2009 & 10 were the only years for the L9H. After that, they’re all L94 (AFM) until 2014.

All of that said, I use a Tekonsha P3 in our 2007, and it’s fine.

 

[mpicasso]

Yup, it’s a nice feature but I’ve never put it to the test. I pull a 7000 lb camper with our 2012 partly for that reason though. Unfortunately, your notes are off. 2009 & 10 were the only years for the L9H. After that, they’re all L94 (AFM) until 2014.

All of that said, I use a Tekonsha P3 in our 2007, and it’s fine.

Thank you for the correction as I read even my own notes incorrectly. 2009 Yukon Denali, as you stated, has the L9H. The 2009-2013 Yukon XL SLT also seems to have had the L9H. Not opposed to the L94, just prefer L92 or L9H.
Need to go back and see differences between SLT and Denali, for 2012-2014. Luckily, I am in a hotel for the next 12 days...