Thinking of getting a full size SUV

[kturner]

something along the lines of a Yukon XL. I'm trying to find some information like what features came on what years, common problems to look for, etc. This will be primary used by my 5' tall pregnant wife, so things like adjustable pedals, running boards, suspension drop when parked, power liftgate, etc will likely be helpful. Trying to get most of my research done before going to test drive different models. Are there any buying guides or anything like that which may have this type of info?

I don't mind turning a wrench to make it the way I want it (or maintenance), but I'd prefer not to get into something requiring regular repairs. I'm mainly a bmw guy, and my most recent wrench turning being heater pipe replacement on a 1997 740i (basically, remove everything between the firewall and the front seats so you can swap out a small aluminum pipe hidden between the heater box and the firewall). Any special tools or equipment (scanner or PC interface) that are needed to work on these?

Keith

 

[blueflamed03]

welcome Keith, look at an 03-06 version, see if the fuel pump has ever been replaced and tranny service/replaced. Only two weak links I cna think of.

Welcome to teh site

as far as scanner, you can buy one for as cheap as $100 at NAPA.

 

[M3PO]

I have read some issues of some sort jam-nut or something in the front end of AWD and 4WD trucks coming loose and causing major front diff issues. Not sure how often this happens, but I have read more than a few posts about.

 

[uvacarbuff]

Power lift gate was optional on 2007+

I am happy with my '05.. I too came from a BMW. I had a modified 528iT wagon, but needed the AWD and towing capacity of a SUV.

From this:


To this:



I am very happy with the switch.... except for the gas mileage.

 

[h4mmy]

Kelly, welcome to TYF.

Your best bet is to take your wife out to the used dealerships and see what she likes, see what she's comfortable with. Ultimately it is going to come down to what beast of an SUV she is going to like. My wife loves driving our yukon over her honda accord. Notice how i say "our" yukon and "her" accord, haha.

 

[Effeckt]

Welcome to the forum! I'm a BMW convert also. Here's my old 5 series. Made the switch for the same reasons. Wife was pregnant and was looking for more room.

welcome Keith, look at an 03-06 version, see if the fuel pump has ever been replaced and tranny service/replaced. Only two weak links I cna think of.

Welcome to teh site

as far as scanner, you can buy one for as cheap as $100 at NAPA.

Those are the two things I've seen to be problematic too. I've seen/heard people with tranny issues in the higher mileage and I too have the fuel pump issue. They sometimes have the sending unit fail and it makes reading the gauge difficult to say the least.

 

[2005yukonxl]

Guess we converted too...we came from a 07 C class Mercedes and needed extra space...

 

[07Burb]

We came from a 2004 Chevy Malibu.......That doesn't quite have the same ring to it, does it?

 

[blueflamed03]

We came from a 2004 Chevy Malibu.......That doesn't quite have the same ring to it, does it?

ah...no

 

[07Burb]