Trade my '02 Tahoe for an '04 Yukon SLT?

sgiangregorio · March 14, 2004

Here's my delimma...I have a 2002 Tahoe Z71 with 35,000 miles (warranty almost over). It's been in the shop 5 times since I bought it new in August 2002.

I was at a local GMC dealership, and they have a 2004 Yukon SLT with Autoride, 17" wheels, sunroof, third row, Bose, etc, etc. Fully loaded. Sticker is $48,500. It's a "demo" with 3,000 miles on it, and after some negotiation, I have the deal at $35,500 for the Yukon and they'll give me $24,500 for my Tahoe.

Basically, it's almost a wash, payment wise. I would just be restarting my loan over again at 5 years, for almost the exact same payment. But I'll have a Yukon SLT over a Tahoe Z71, and a full warranty again.

Would you do it, and throw away the last 1.5 years of Tahoe payments as "rental charges?"

Please help...I'm trying to decide if I want to go today and do it up...

airbalancer · March 14, 2004

Remember you are up grading trucks

Also I have trade from 2w LS to 4 w SLE with same payments and kicking my self for not getting a SLT

It is in male genes to want a better truck

Get the truck because you will not sleep until you get it if not now in a couple months.

d**n the companies for putting out nice trucks ever year.

Shaners · March 14, 2004

I'd do it!!! It sounds like a nice truuck!!!

100R1 · March 14, 2004

Demo = Demolition

I would not buy a Demo, I sold New cars and had demo's. I know how they are treated by not only sales personal but also by customers on test drives and as loaners.

You will have a vehicle that basically was "road hard put away wet".

dealer gets incentive from GM to put into Demo service (a type of hold back on cost) but must pull out of Demo service by 3,000 miles. Dealers true cost is much lower on Demo's than on new cars fresh off the truck or from the lot with floorplan cost.

I don't remember what the Demo hold back was/is but that should be considered in your negoation. I would consider a demo a used vehicle (this is my own consideration)

I once had a Buick GN Demo. everyone that test drove the car had to see how much smoke they get from the rear tires. They loved to hear the tires "chirp" from 1st to 2nd gear. The dealership found out in short order that GN's did not qualify for Dealer Demo hold back and I had to turn it back in for a skylark. It was fun while it lasted!

If you still pursue I would offer below dealer cost after all rebates, incentatives and dealer holdbacks.

As far as trade in value I would have the dealer show you the "black book" by hurst publishing as this is the bible for used trade in value. Most dealers try to steal at "rough book" on a trade in where most deserve "average" depending on millage and desirability of the used trade.

Here is a link to the BLACK BOOK through IBM CREDIT UNION

99silveradoz71 · March 14, 2004

I tossed around an upgrade myself recently, and I'll just say, if the payments are the same, it can be very tempting. Things to consider are that you know the service history and reliability of your vehicle. Also, do you have any possible unexpected expenses that may pop up- home repairs, etc? In other words, don't overextend yourself. Other than that, I'd say, Game on.

PewterC3 · March 14, 2004

remember the old rule....someone gives you the keys to a vehicle that's not yours.....you HAVE to drive it hard!

Not a good way to break a new one in though.

dogzapper · March 14, 2004

I don't know the attitude of the dealers in your area, but here (Portland, Oregon) loaded Tahoe LTs and Yukon SLTs are going for 10K to 12K off of MSRP. I bought a totally loaded Tahoe LT last month for 10K off MSRP (a $46,505 rig for $36,505). The same dealer is now offering a 11K discount.

At prices like that, a demo would be out of the question. Who wants the bad miles during a time when you would be normally properly breaking it in? Also, if you buy a new rig, you have a choice of color and options (the demo is a one-of-a kind, with no input from you).

Also, if you want to get rid of your Tahoe, for goodness sake sell it yourself through your local newspaper. You can ALWAYS get more by selling it yourself than trading it in. Yes, it's a hassle, but you will get several thousand dollars more than the dealer will give you.

And when it comes time to buy, be a hardass. Let logic, not emotion, guide you to the best buy.

Steve

sgiangregorio · March 14, 2004

Thanks everyone. We're heading up to take another look.

Mach5 · March 14, 2004

Do it! I LOVE my SLT!!!!! It's a nice @$$ ride!

Payments shmayments, the minute mine's paid off I'll buy a new one!

Shaners · March 14, 2004

I seriously doubt that 3k miles have hurt that truck in the least. They are run harder than that at the factory!!!

Most people will give it the gas to see how much power it has, but they will rarely climb on it harder than they would have to in normal everyday driving.

When a person testdrives a vehicle, they are driving something unfamiliar, and generally take it easy.

Being this truck was classified as a demo, most of the miles were put on by a salesman, as it was his personal vehicle.

sgiangregorio · March 15, 2004

The vehicle was driven my a GM exec. It had 3800 miles, but I decided against it. Upon looking at it closer tonight, I was surprised to find it pretty dirty inside, with lots of rug stains. And the third row of seats was practically useless for adults. That was one of the main reasons we wanted to upgrade the Tahoe. So, I'll be sticking with the Tahoe for a while longer, and within the next few months, we'll trade in my wife's '02 Nissan Pathfider and get her an '04 or '05 Envoy XL LT.

Thanks for all the opinions guys!

Roktman · March 15, 2004

The vehicle was driven my a GM exec. It had 3800 miles, but I decided against it. Upon looking at it closer tonight, I was surprised to find it pretty dirty inside, with lots of rug stains. And the third row of seats was practically useless for adults. That was one of the main reasons we wanted to upgrade the Tahoe. So, I'll be sticking with the Tahoe for a while longer, and within the next few months, we'll trade in my wife's '02 Nissan Pathfider and get her an '04 or '05 Envoy XL LT.

Thanks for all the opinions guys!

See if they can find you an Denali XL.The extra lengh is a better looking vehicle IMHO ..then mod the hell out of it.

sgiangregorio · March 15, 2004

Roktman, I'm with you! I sat in the 3rd row of a Yukon XL tonight and it was more of what I was looking for, I'm just not sure I'm ready for that length yet! And I do love the Denali, but I'm having a hard time justifying the price difference.

citydriver · March 15, 2004

Just remember that buying a vehicle is not a investment,they all lose value as soon as you drive off of the lot ...so if you have the money and you think its a deal for you..GO FOR IT...ME,I dont have the money so I'm retricted to high milage cream-puffs

Roktman · March 15, 2004

Roktman, I'm with you! I sat in the 3rd row of a Yukon XL tonight and it was more of what I was looking for, I'm just not sure I'm ready for that length yet! And I do love the Denali, but I'm having a hard time justifying the price difference.

I can even get my big arse back there. I like the versatility.If I need more room I have it.Like they say ,better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.It is a big vehicle though,I will give you that.

The price difference is a lot I guess.I saw the Denali after looking at the Z71 Tahoe and that was all it took.