Buying '08 Denali 6.2L AWD w/ 250k Miles??

TnTA2 · June 1, 2021

My dad's been looking for a truck and we came across a really nice-looking, one-owner '08 Denali AWD, 6.2l for $9k. My only immediate concern is that it has 250k miles. Apparentyl is all original and mostly highway miles. Owner states has had it maintained regularly and has almost exclusively ran premium (91) fuel. Said everything works and not mechanical issues that he's aware of. I know to check for rust around the wheel arches and the undercarriage, door locks and windows that don't work, etc. I understand in '08 the 6.2 has VVT but not AFM, so that's a little reassuring. Just wondering if this is a good buy or not? He's going to use it as a second vehicle and probably will put 5k-8k miles/year on it. If it checks out, would you guys pop on it? The body and interior look really good, save for a small dent in the left front fender and a missing driver side running board. The passenger side looks to be power folding so that's a little weird, but certainly not a big concern.

Sharpz · June 1, 2021

a rust free truck, that is a denali, w/ 6.2 motor and everything works as it should for 9K? I would jump all over that. In Oklahoma people are paying that for 2001's w/ 5.3

TnTA2 · June 1, 2021

Thx! so 250k miles wouldn't scare you? It's hard to find many 6.2l trucks for sale with 250k+ miles. He's really interested in it and ready to buy tonight if everything checks out. Just didn't want to make a big mistake with something that will grenade itself in a few thousand miles. The seller's wife said someone came and drove it earlier and was gone for about an hour and would most likely be back in the morning with the cash. That leads me to believe that he may have had a mechanic check it out. If the story is true, and the guy really does want it, might be a good sign. I believe if we walked in with cash in hand, we could buy tonight.

Edited June 1, 2021 by TnTA2

intheburbs · June 1, 2021

Well, the front diff is really expensive to replace. It's unique to the Denalis. Ask me how I know, and it happened at a lot less than 250k.

At 250k, a lot of other major components are going to need replacing, if not now, soon - suspension, steering, hubs/bearings, etc.

A friend's son recently bought a 2011 Suburban with 156k miles for $10k. He's already thrown another $4k in repairs into it, and is still chasing a low oil pressure problem.

Lastly, the 6.2 is an aluminum-blocked hot-rod motor, not an HD motor like the cast-iron 6.0 in the 2500 Suburbans.

Now is not the time to be buying a used vehicle. But if it was me, given a $10k budget, I'd be looking older with fewer miles, even GMT800, maybe 2004-2006. Just my $.02

diyer2 · June 2, 2021

Anything with 250 k I would run from. IMO

More like a BOAT. Break Out Another Thousand.

Edited June 2, 2021 by diyer2

TnTA2 · June 2, 2021

Just drove it. A few concerns: A very pronounced wine from the front at any speed under throttle and a noticeable clunk when taking off from a start. Also appears alternator may be dying as the “check charge system” came on while driving. Feels like a lot of slop in the drivetrain. Has some small rust bubbles starting on passenger rear wheel arches.

I’m most concerned about the whine and clunking which I suspect could be front diff at end of its life.

Sharpz · June 2, 2021

9 hours ago, TnTA2 said:

Just drove it. A few concerns: A very pronounced wine from the front at any speed under throttle and a noticeable clunk when taking off from a start. Also appears alternator may be dying as the “check charge system” came on while driving. Feels like a lot of slop in the drivetrain. Has some small rust bubbles starting on passenger rear wheel arches.

I’m most concerned about the whine and clunking which I suspect could be front diff at end of its life.

so yeah, now you are into some money. The 6.2 is a good motor in its own right, especially if you only plan on using it part time. I wouldnt be afraid of 250k but I do most of my own wrench work. The thing is, 9k for a truck that everything works as it should, isnt a bad price IMO but when you start finding problems you can pile up thousands quickly.

intheburbs · June 2, 2021

This is a perfect example of what I would buy for $10k - sorry for the FB marketplace link

2004, 2500, 8.1, 114k miles, fully optioned-out, $9500

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1716439075226122/

I bought my 2008 2500 with 106k miles. I drove it to 200k miles over a period of 7 years for a TOTAL of about $300 in repairs, and of course the cost of fluid changes. The 3/4-ton trucks are going to be MUCH more durable than the half-tons. My 2009 Sierra Denali is already a money pit at 130k miles - front diff, suspension, front axle half-shafts, brakes, etc. - I'd be petrified of what it'll be like at 250k.

TnTA2 · June 2, 2021

Thanks for the advice! As good as the rest of the truck is, I think I'm gonna advise my dad to take a pass on this one. He's OK with some maintenance and repairs but if it's costing too much to keep going he's not gonna be happy. It may be sold already as the seller was going to wait until this morning for a buyer promising to return with the money and purchase it. He's in no hurry (other than wanting a truck) so we can keep our eyes peeled for another one.

KARNUT · June 2, 2021

You can find regular pickups and SUVs for that or less. I would (did) look before cylinder deactivation and close to 150K with the usual car fax records. My 02 Avalanche 10K miles after purchasing is a jewel. And a cream puff. It was 5700$ and 168K miles. Ten year old vehicles should be safe from the buying crazy’s going on recently.