Tahoe vs. Denali Advice

JoeTahoe · November 10, 2004

Hi All,

I am looking to replace my ’99 Tahoe LT and I wanted your advice.

Based on the market up here in Ontario, I can get a higher mileage ’03 Denali for approx. the same price as a low(er) mileage ’04 or ’03 Tahoe.

The reason I would go for the Tahoe is a) I love Tahoes and b) it would be nice to get a used vehicle with a fair bit of warranty on it c) also would be nice to not have to worry about the heavy wear and tear issues (Pitman, Idler, brakes, tires etc.) right off the bat.

In favour of the Denali is the fact that it comes with basically everything incl. StabiliTrak and AutoRide, 320HP 6.0L engine, AWD etc. But for the budget I’m working with, the ’03 Denali I can afford will be well past warranty and that kind of makes me nervous.

Questions:

1) Does the 2003 and 2004 Tahoe LT come with AutoRide, or is it an option? If I correctly understand what AutoRide is (automatically self-levelling rear suspension?), this is something I really want.

2) Based on my research, they added StabiliTrak as an option for the ’04 Tahoe (maybe ’03?). What do I look for on the VIN for StabiliTrak?

3) Which would you choose and why?

Thanks in advance.

sperry · November 10, 2004

IMO, I would choose the Denali, unless you are looking at a considerable mileage difference (50K Vs. 15K as an example).

Listen to the stereo too. Unfortunately, Chevy usually gets the dumb amps.

Denali's most always get the Luxury amps that sound considerably better.

As far as the other goodies, I'll pass on this one. Not of my knowledge..

millerwd · November 10, 2004

In June I drove our friends Denali for a weekend. 300 miles of hiway/freeway.

2 days in Seattle.

Their son and duahgter in law have the same year Yukon.

the parents are in their late 50's the kids are late 30's.

The Denali get's better MPG

I was impressed.

I would go with the Denali

100R1 · November 10, 2004

Now you see, Everyone has a opion on matters and here is mine,

as you stated you are working within a certain budget at this time, a 03 or 04 tahoe will have some factory warrenty left which could save you money down the road.

how long will you keep you next vehicle ? longer if a 03 or 04 ? What will the value of the vehicles be in 2 - 3 -4 years ????? How about difference in insurance ? Want a extended warranty, How much and can you still get one on the Denali ?

Other than appearance, How much difference between a Tahoe / Yukon / Denali and is it work the difference to you ?

Luxury is nice until you start paying for repairs.

buy the -03 or 04 and add the items you want aftermarket

Here is a web site to get the BLACK BOOK used car values that dealers use for trade in and banks use for loan values.

USED VEHICLE TRUE VALUES

Then click on "VEHICLE PRICE" upper left hand corner.

I used the black book on my -01 Yukon and saved a ton of money

Good luck with the decision

deaf electrician · November 11, 2004

WE have a 2003 yukon xl denali and a 2001 chevy silverado and my father in law has a 2001 Gmc sierra SLT. Can honestly say the 6.0 vs the 5.3 is no comparision. I would go with the denali for just that reason. I also like the bose stereo in the denali. Don't know if the yukon Lt comes with that. We tow a boat and also haul around six adults quite frequently and the self leveling ride is great.

I don't know if I would worry about warranty. Most major problems dont occur until after 120,000 miles. Our last suburban a 96 lasted till about 140,000 before and major repairs.