Gmt800 Vs Gmt900 New Vs Old Suburbans?

cc1999 · November 30, 2008

What are some of the main difference in say an 06 loaded to the hilt Z71 Suburban and an 07 loaded to the hilt Z71.

The only thing I can think of is the 06 would not have a backup camera of MDS on the 5.3. Can anyone think of any other major differences.

I was going to just lease another new in 09 when my 07 goes back, but GM is not really leasing anymore, so buying a new one is such an awefull investment with horrable resale, I just can't seem to bring my self want to buy a new one for 50k and drive it off the lot and have it drop down into the 20k range a year later. So I have been looking at used and there are some real bargans out there with under 30k on there clocks. I have seen some really nice 06 loaded Z71s for under 25k. I have not normally gone backwards but when you can buy a nice super clean low milage used model for less then the first couple years depreciation on a new model. I find my self thinking used is the way to go. I am just not 100% on what I am giving up going from an 07 to an 06.

superjim · November 30, 2008

If you really like the '07 you have now...Have you checked to see what you can buy it for?

And if the truck market stays slow, like it is now... I would THINK that they would cut you a deal on it.

cc1999 · November 30, 2008

If you really like the '07 you have now...Have you checked to see what you can buy it for?

And if the truck market stays slow, like it is now... I would THINK that they would cut you a deal on it.

They don't ever deal on them, at least I know they never have before. The Residual on my 07 is about $39,000. I have been told they are going through auction in the low to mid 20s. So I would be crazy to pay 39k for a 2 year old model with 24k on it. When I could buy a used one just like it for around 27-30k. If they would deal on it, I would just keep the one I have. I wppi;d have no problem paying them 25-28 for the one I am in now. I think they are crazy for not dealing on them. They would rather send it though auction and get 22k for it.

I am thinking back to the yukons I owned and other than the backup camera I can't really think of anything that I would miss from the 900 vs going back to a 800. I am thinking with as high as auto finace rates are now days, and the crazy loss I would take on buying an 09 outright. The thing to do for me would be to try and find a super clean near new condition 06 for around 20k and just pay cash for it. I figure in a year or two the SuV market might begin to stableize and I will go back to a new one then, provided it has at least a decent reseale value. If not then I can sell the 06 and get a super clean 2010 or 2009 then for around 20k.

superjim · November 30, 2008

I doubt that I will EVER buy another new one. Too big of a hit when you drive it off the lot.

One other thing you may want to look at... the Cadillac version of the Suburban.

They are going REAL cheap and you can find some with ridiculously low miles.

Another great thing about the Cadillac... you can get it CERTIFIED for 1200 to 1500 bucks and it gives you a SIX YEAR, 100,000 mile, BUMPER to BUMPER warranty.

You can get them for not much more than the price as a Chevy.

cc1999 · November 30, 2008

Ya, I have given a lot of thought to the ESVs, I always buy my Suv's loaded to the gills with options,. I really like the 6.2 motor and the 6 speed auto. I do pull a trailer quite often and the extra power would be a very nice option to have. With the ESV it would be a must that it be a 900 series rather then the old body style with the 4 speed and 6.0. There is a major differnce in fuel economy betwwen a ESV 6.0 800 vs the 6.2 900. I found some 08's online with closeout red tags that listed near 70k on sale for 48-50k.

What was funny was there were also some brand new 08 closeout Z71 Suburban LT3s, for less than the Residual on my 07 identical leased burb. LOL

With the Factory laying off and slashing production hard and fast these days. I am just unsure which way to go. If I were to buy new, now looks like the time to do it. The 09s are not as likely to be over built like the 08s and I really doubt these massive rebates will come back next year when I am really forced to do something. On the other hand like I was saying before, I could go used find a super low mileage loaded slightly used Suburban for in the low 20s if I were to go with the old body style. I have just lossed so much money in the markets this year, I am just sick of taking these big hits.

rotaryenginepete · November 30, 2008

Ya, I have given a lot of thought to the ESVs, I always buy my Suv's loaded to the gills with options,. I really like the 6.2 motor and the 6 speed auto. I do pull a trailer quite often and the extra power would be a very nice option to have. With the ESV it would be a must that it be a 900 series rather then the old body style with the 4 speed and 6.0. There is a major differnce in fuel economy betwwen a ESV 6.0 800 vs the 6.2 900. I found some 08's online with closeout red tags that listed near 70k on sale for 48-50k.

What was funny was there were also some brand new 08 closeout Z71 Suburban LT3s, for less than the Residual on my 07 identical leased burb. LOL

With the Factory laying off and slashing production hard and fast these days. I am just unsure which way to go. If I were to buy new, now looks like the time to do it. The 09s are not as likely to be over built like the 08s and I really doubt these massive rebates will come back next year when I am really forced to do something. On the other hand like I was saying before, I could go used find a super low mileage loaded slightly used Suburban for in the low 20s if I were to go with the old body style. I have just lossed so much money in the markets this year, I am just sick of taking these big hits.

wait until the 4.5L duramax gets dropped in them...weee!

98 Z71 SLT · December 1, 2008

Go back to the 800 Series SUV's just like you were thinking of in the 1st place.

That's GREAT thinking.

And you are right, you can buy one in the high teens/low 20's with every option.

There's a used car dealer, about 8 miles from me, that has a 2005 Yukon XL Denali, Black, Every Option with 50xxx miles on it. He's asking $17k for it.

Another used dealer had a 2004 Suburban Z71, every option. His asking price was $12,999........

Forget about the stupid backup BS..................

cc1999 · December 1, 2008

Ya, I know the back up camera is not that big a deal, I was just trying to remeber back to the 800 series Yukons I had in 01 and 05, if there was anything else that I would really miss, if I went from my current 900 series back to an 800 series. After a couple years I figured I might have goton use to some feature that I would really miss if I went back to the older model.

Bad thing is, dang I like those 900 series ESVs. Its all about how I go about playing the resale game to me. If I could get a new ESV bought cheap enough and could hold the loss over 3 years down to 10-15k it might be worth it to me. I found that new ESV that listed for 70k close out priced at 48k. THats a 22k discount. Its so tempting. My thought is If I pay 24k for a 25,ooo mile old body suburban, that could end up like you said worth about 12k when it hits the 60,ooo miles, then I am loosing 12 grand to drive a used old body suburban where I am now seeing potential with this new ESV that I could drive it 30 40k and get out with loosing somwhere in the 15-17 grand range. That would mean for about an extra 5000-7000 over 3 years time counting interest (140.00-160.00per month difference) , I coule be driving a new ESV with everything on it and then some instead of the old body suburban.

I don't know, this leasing thing has been so easy for so long that in the past every 2 years, I just ordered a new one and it cost me about 5000.00-6000.00 a year and nothing else but gas, insurance, tags, and a oil change every year. Then turn it in and get another. It sucks having to go back to trying to guess at what things will be worth down the road a few years. I am sure thats the reason GM and all the mfgs are getting out of leasing now.

SLESierra · December 1, 2008

If I were going to take a hit I would take a hit on a new one. You can almost walk with a suburban in parts of this country as cheap as you can buying used ones in other parts of the country. You have to think about resale as well. Some things different about the 900 are safety features incorporated into the new cabin like air bags and such too which may not have been available on the old suburban.

P'cola Denali · December 1, 2008

Go with that Caddy. Or post a link to it for me. That's a really good deal.

arzinet · December 1, 2008

I don't know about features, but since the 900s drive so much nicer than the 800s, I know that I could never go back. Not to mention how much nicer the new ones are on the inside.

The lease on my '07 will be up in January 2010, and I'm already starting to think about what to do. Not sure if it's just an internet rumour, but I've heard that even though GM won't negotiate on your residual, there is a way for you to buy it back cheaper.

Apparently dealers can buy off-lease trucks from GM before they go to auction, usually for a bit more than auction value, but still way less than the residual. So the plan is to get your dealer to buy the truck from GM, then immediately flip it back to you for an agreed premium - say $500 or $1,000 more than they paid - which is still probably thousands less than your residual.

Anyone know if there's any truth to this?

clarkely · December 1, 2008

New Style Burbs have an integrated hitch receiver...........only rated at a 1000 lbs of tongue weight. Since it is integrated in the rear crumple zone........you cannot even replace it...........nothing aftermarket is available.

If you buy a 2500 Suburban, the literature will tell you it is rated for 1500 lbs of tongue weight..........but the stamp on it tells you only 1000 lbs.

2006 1500 Suburbans & Tahoes all have receivers rated for 1500 lbs of tongue weight. I saw you noted you trailer.....might be something to consider.

cc1999 · December 1, 2008

New Style Burbs have an integrated hitch receiver...........only rated at a 1000 lbs of tongue weight. Since it is integrated in the rear crumple zone........you cannot even replace it...........nothing aftermarket is available.

If you buy a 2500 Suburban, the literature will tell you it is rated for 1500 lbs of tongue weight..........but the stamp on it tells you only 1000 lbs.

2006 1500 Suburbans & Tahoes all have receivers rated for 1500 lbs of tongue weight. I saw you noted you trailer.....might be something to consider.

Thats good info, I did not know they had dropped it down to a 1000 vs the 800s 1500. I have not had a problem with the 900's trailering ability other than I would like a little more power. I have noticed it's hitch sets a lot higher than the older ones. I have to use a drop hitch to get the trailers level. Trailering is really where I will miss my backup camera. That camera is so awesome just being able to back right up to the trailer without having to jump in out of the truck several times.

P'cola Denali · December 1, 2008

Yeah and you will need a drop hitch to pull any type of small trailer.

cc1999 · December 1, 2008

I don't know about features, but since the 900s drive so much nicer than the 800s, I know that I could never go back. Not to mention how much nicer the new ones are on the inside.

The lease on my '07 will be up in January 2010, and I'm already starting to think about what to do. Not sure if it's just an internet rumour, but I've heard that even though GM won't negotiate on your residual, there is a way for you to buy it back cheaper.

Apparently dealers can buy off-lease trucks from GM before they go to auction, usually for a bit more than auction value, but still way less than the residual. So the plan is to get your dealer to buy the truck from GM, then immediately flip it back to you for an agreed premium - say $500 or $1,000 more than they paid - which is still probably thousands less than your residual.

Anyone know if there's any truth to this?

Last time I turned one in, some friends were wanting it , and my dealer said that even if the dealership bought it, that the dealership had to pay the same residual value I would have to pay. If you find out any firm info on how to get it discounted . That could work, I would keep the one I am in, if I could get it at a decent price.

Heck the dealer could probably get rolled into the GM certified program, and pick up more warranty.

As far as driving goes, I like the 900s, but the steering is a little sloppy.

As far as interior goes, I agree parts of it are nicer, like the materials, but I like the seats better in the older 800 series. My last 800series pickup, I could drive that truck 5-10 hrs plus without my back bothering me, my 07 Suburban starts bothering me after about 2-3 hours, not real bad though.