Noob question about Denali for sale

[Jewel or Jalopy]

Hey gang,

Does anybody have any thoughts on this Denali that popped up while I was searching tonight? http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/ctd/3000663901.html

They are asking $9k and it has 124k miles

Also:

- Is there a good post here that talks about the key differences between the 2000-2002 and 2003-2006 model years?
- Is there a good reference for options on LS, LT, etc?
- What are the key maintenance issues I should look for as I start test driving candidates?

Here's a little background on me.

I'm in the market for a Tahoe/Yukon to pull our 13' vintage travel trailer. I'm currently towing it with a 2000 BMW 540it (wagon) but we plan to buy a larger trailer soon as we now have two girls, and this little 13 footer only really sleeps 3 easily. She only weighs about 1500 lbs so the BMW tows it just fine, and even though the BMW is rated to tow 5000 lbs the tongue weight max is 200 lbs. Anything bigger than what we've got will put me over that.

I have a friend from the BMW forum who owned a 2003 Tahoe and gave me a few tips about the differences pre/post 2003. But I am still trying to figure out whether I'd be better off with an earlier model that's a bit less money, or pay more for a 2003-2004. Most that I'm seeing for sale are 120k miles and up, find anything with 100k miles or less is tough. At least here in Portland at the moment.

All I really want is the 5.3L, tow package, and heated seats. I'm happy with 2WD as we don't do much skiing or off-roading. I'm OK with cloth as it's cooler in the summer, warmer in winter. But I'm not sure you can get cloth with heated seats, or if I need to find an LT to get heated seats. Worst case I could always swap seats, but I'd rather just find what I want.

I'm also trying go figure out color options, I'm seeing a lot of gold / grey which is a bit bland. I've seen a few interiors with a darker dash that I liked.

Sorry for the noon questions, just point me to another post of tell me good search terms to use and I'll keep searching.

Thanks!
Ian

 

[ATL]

that denali would do better for towing, it has a 6.0, tow/haul package, and awd

 

[Rivieraracing]

Seems way too cheap, especially around here!! But if the title is indeed clean and it doesn't show signs of past major repair and runs good, I'd go for it!! I love my denali, I have an '02 but it has the 6.0 and AWD and it's awesome especially for towing anything! And it's a denali, that's the best trim level you can get in my opinion, has stuff the other ones don't!!
Also nice to see another Oregonian on here, welcome to the site!!

 

[ATL]

price seems right to me, i paid 13k at 90k miles on my 03

 

[big_b_in_PA]

Price wise you're in the ball park. I paid 13,5 for mine Denali with 83,000 on it. As far as anything else, it's your call. Options and whatnot are all creature comforts. The denali has all options in them already. If you aren't sure about the vehicle do a car fax on it and take it to a reputable mechanic.

Good luck!

 

[DenaliAK]

It all sounds and looks good, but I'd still get it checked out somewhere by another mechanic. Is there even a 2-wheel drive version of a Tahoe/Yukon??? Not sure, honestly.

I love my Denali. The miles aren't that high for these trucks, either. The engines really hold up if you treat them right. That price seems too low to me, but the market on these is generally a bit higher where I live so I don't know for sure. Either way, sounds like a good deal. I'd definitely consider it pending an inspection.

 

[Jewel or Jalopy]

Thanks for all the opinions guys. We're going to look at a few tonight, compare the pre and post 2003 versions, and if the dealership still has it take a look at the Denali and see if it's worth spending a bit more for that one, or go with something lower spec and save a few $.

AFAIK they did make 2WD versions, but they're rare. Not the Denali, but other Tahoe/Yukons. I've seen 2-3 for sale around here, less than 10% of the available trucks.

There is one ex police Tahoe for sale, but it sounds like it would be too much work to convert it back to a more family standard (replace carpet, hook up rear doors again, etc). But I love the dash on it.

 

[sparks]

mines an 02 with 75k on it and i paid 13k for it. im in central florida, that price was pretty average for the 100k mileage ones, so for 75k miles i was super happy with the price. for $9k i would really look it over closely, maybe even have your mechanic give it a once over. it sounds like a solid deal, just make sure and do a bit of due diligence.

as far as the differences, i know that the 03+ models use the "databus" system which basicaly = more computer integration. the interiors are slightly different in many ways, but still very similar (if that makes sense). as far as i know, drivetrain and major body components are all the same. and to reinforce what the others said, the denali is essentially the escalade of the yukons and tahoes, it has all the options, all the upgrades, all the gadgets, the big 6.0 engine, awd, etc etc.

 

[felixgun]

The 03+ has a different dash (including newer updated DIC) that's double din instead of 1.5 din and has newer/different leather seats then the 00-02 models. It also has a different center console area. I had an 01 Tahoe a few years ago and always wished it was an 03+. The Denali has a 6.0L instead of a 5.3L which is a HUGE upgrade especially when towing.

 

[04SS99Denali]

seems a bit cheap to be honest. it looks like a clean truck from the pictures so id really dig through it and make sure nothings "patched" up.