Purchasing A Pre-owned Yukon Xl? Suggestions?

alanastonish · June 17, 2009

Hi there! I've owned a non-American car in the past and I'm considering purchasing a pre-owned Denali (Yukon XL/ 91,000 miles) to better fit my needs as a people hauler, horse hauler and the cargo space is a plus.

I haven't driven it yet and I'll be making time for it soon. Before I do that, how have you been enjoying the reliability of the Yukon XL? Is there anything specific I should watch out for in the 2003 model?

alanastonish · June 17, 2009

Here's a description of what I'm looking at: (thumbnails are below)

Info: 91,000 miles, VIN#: 1GKFK66U63J230954, Condition: Body seems fine from the photos.

Standard/ options: Front Fog Lights, Towing Hitch, Full-size Spare, Roof Rack, AM/FM Radio, CD Player, Navigation System, Satellite Radio, Power Seats, Leather Interior, Power Doors, Power Windows, Sunroof, Air Bags, Anti-lock Brakes, Cup Holder

Truckman031 · June 18, 2009

That is pretty low mileage for an 03 but it is still almost 7 years old with close to 100k on the clock therefore it may not be 100% perfect however it should still have plenty of life left if it has been properly maintained. The only issue that I can think of with that truck would be Cold Start Knock. When the motor is cold(and in some cases warm) the engine will make a ticking sound. This was a big problem in the early years of the 5.3 and 6.0s so I would make sure that this truck doesn't have that problem. Also, have a trusted mechanic check the thing bumper to bumper. It can't guarantee a perfect car but he could probably give you an idea of what might be on the way out. Sorry I couldn't give too much vehicle specific help but hope this helps a little.

smattei14 · June 18, 2009

That is pretty low mileage for an 03 but it is still almost 7 years old with close to 100k on the clock therefore it may not be 100% perfect however it should still have plenty of life left if it has been properly maintained. The only issue that I can think of with that truck would be Cold Start Knock. When the motor is cold(and in some cases warm) the engine will make a ticking sound. This was a big problem in the early years of the 5.3 and 6.0s so I would make sure that this truck doesn't have that problem. Also, have a trusted mechanic check the thing bumper to bumper. It can't guarantee a perfect car but he could probably give you an idea of what might be on the way out. Sorry I couldn't give too much vehicle specific help but hope this helps a little.

+1

plus...how heavy of a trailer do you have? You might want to have the Chevy Z71 suburban instead...the suspension is better for towing (harder and more stiff) The 5.3 is a great tower...you don't gain much by getting a 6.0 vs the 5.3 because the trans for the Z71 is better geared for towing then the Denali's (the 6.0 is great but I wish 2nd gear for the denali would be better...not the best gear IMO....I think the Z71 tows better).

If you really want to step up to the plate...look for a 2500 Yukon XL or Suburban....you can get them both in the 6.0L or 8.1L (you might need the 8.1L dep on the weight of the trailer). Please remember that when you purchase a used truck in the high milage (75 plus) that you might need to pump in more money to get it up to shape (bigger trans cooler, change of all fluids, etc...just stuff to get it ready for the wear you are going to put on it, plus you will want to extend its life as much as you can).

You can PM if you want...I have towed with both the Z71 and the Denali (I have a Denali...and I am telling you that if you do alot of towing the Z71 will be better....) The Pro of the Denali is that it does have auto ride but you might (dep. on the package) be able to have that on the reg Yukon XL/Suburban (I have seen them before).

Be sure to test drive it, and check out the maint. records....that might play a huge factor in your dec.

Best of Luck...have fun! Welcome to the Full Size SUV world...its a great world...once you have one...you won't go back.

2007VictoryRed · June 18, 2009

Like TruckMan031 was saying watch for Pistion slap, its a the sound that comes form the engine when it is cold. The trucks looks overall clean and It is the top of the line of that year. Maybe MS3DALE drops in and can help with the options, hes a good guy always helps. Good luck