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[timswi]

Looking at a 2011 GMC SLE 4x4 extra cab 6.2. Has more bling than I want...I hate leather, but it has it. The only thing I'm not thrilled about is the 3:42's.

It's pretty much a Denali without the misc stuff. Has regular 4wd, which I prefer as opposed to the Denali AWD.

Has the towing package and integrated contoller etc.

Given the extra 100 horsepower, does anyone know how this tows? I've always had at lest 3:73's and this makes me question this thing.

Haven't test driven it yet (maybe tomorrow) but don't want to waste my time if this is going to be a bust. Way too expensive to regret.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Looking at a 2011 GMC SLE 4x4 extra cab 6.2. Has more bling than I want...I hate leather, but it has it. The only thing I'm not thrilled about is the 3:42's.

It's pretty much a Denali without the misc stuff. Has regular 4wd, which I prefer as opposed to the Denali AWD.

Has the towing package and integrated contoller etc.

Given the extra 100 horsepower, does anyone know how this tows? I've always had at lest 3:73's and this makes me question this thing.

Haven't test driven it yet (maybe tomorrow) but don't want to waste my time if this is going to be a bust. Way too expensive to regret.

If your local dealer is worth anything he will let you take it home for Thanksgiving and bring it back on Friday. I would hitch a trailer up and see how it does. One thing to remember though is it not 100 deg and summer time.

Only complaint I have heard with that 6.2/6 speed/3.42 combo is the tranny hunts for gears. Its a very capable truck and engine. Just has to be geared right like you already know.

One last thing. Contrary to popular belief I test drive all the competition and buy the best truck. I would try a Dodge, Ford, Nissan, and Toyota on for size. I had always been a Ford guy but along the way bought a Dodge and 2 GM trucks plus my current Nissan. My dad nearly put 1 foot in the grave when I got the Titan. One 800 mile trip pulling 7,500# and he is now telling everyone what a work horse it is.

Chris

 

[timswi]

If your local dealer is worth anything he will let you take it home for Thanksgiving and bring it back on Friday. I would hitch a trailer up and see how it does. One thing to remember though is it not 100 deg and summer time.

Only complaint I have heard with that 6.2/6 speed/3.42 combo is the tranny hunts for gears. Its a very capable truck and engine. Just has to be geared right like you already know.

One last thing. Contrary to popular belief I test drive all the competition and buy the best truck. I would try a Dodge, Ford, Nissan, and Toyota on for size. I had always been a Ford guy but along the way bought a Dodge and 2 GM trucks plus my current Nissan. My dad nearly put 1 foot in the grave when I got the Titan. One 800 mile trip pulling 7,500# and he is now telling everyone what a work horse it is.

Chris

I agree Chris...Dodge and Toyota just ain't going to happen based on personal experience. Nissan isn't out of the question...Just concerned about the 3:42's. If I don't like it, it's gonna hurt.

Tranny hunting can be dealt with using my right foot. Works every time

I'm good with my 5.3 w/ 3:73's...Does everything I want it to do without complaint. Although I do have to use the RPM's on some of the mountains around here. Not a problem though..it's a small block and that's what they're designed to do.

Horsepower is subjective though...It's a number after all. It's only useful where you need it. Not sure how this version behaves.

I've driven Honda CRX si's and Preludes that would scare the beejeebers out of you, and that was somewhere well south of 200 HP. All in how the power is engineered. A Z06 has 500+ HP, but putting a class IV on it probably wouldn't work all that well, even if that exact same drivetrain was in a pickup.

 

[hawkeye08]

If your local dealer is worth anything he will let you take it home for Thanksgiving and bring it back on Friday. I would hitch a trailer up and see how it does. One thing to remember though is it not 100 deg and summer time.

Only complaint I have heard with that 6.2/6 speed/3.42 combo is the tranny hunts for gears. Its a very capable truck and engine. Just has to be geared right like you already know.

One last thing. Contrary to popular belief I test drive all the competition and buy the best truck. I would try a Dodge, Ford, Nissan, and Toyota on for size. I had always been a Ford guy but along the way bought a Dodge and 2 GM trucks plus my current Nissan. My dad nearly put 1 foot in the grave when I got the Titan. One 800 mile trip pulling 7,500# and he is now telling everyone what a work horse it is.

Chris

My 2008 Yukon XL Denali w/6.2, 6sp, 3.42 does not hunt for gears. I use tow/haul mode when towing. It has more than enough power and gears.

We're looking at trading to 2011 GMC 2500D SLT with 6.0 (6.2 not available in 2500). We want to tow more than the Denali Yukon XL is rated at and like 4WD better than AWD. The kids are also grown and we want a pickup for camping. I really like the 2011 and will be buying/ordering in the next week most likely.

 

[Diamondpilot]

My 2008 Yukon XL Denali w/6.2, 6sp, 3.42 does not hunt for gears. I use tow/haul mode when towing.

This is just what I have read and heard. I have no first hand experience but thats the only complaint.

It really just depends on the load though. 1,000# either way can make a world of difference. Also what individuals are accustom too can make vary. I know going form a 3.73 gear to truck to a 3.55 gear truck made me wanting more. Thats why I suggested taking it home and really trying it out.

Chris

 

[timswi]

My 2008 Yukon XL Denali w/6.2, 6sp, 3.42 does not hunt for gears. I use tow/haul mode when towing. It has more than enough power and gears.

What type of geography are you in and what kind of load?..I have almost nothing flat, all hills..Thus my gearing concerns..

7000# trailer load would probably be the most, unless I buy another travel trailer.

 

[CinderSchnauzer]

Looking at a 2011 GMC SLE 4x4 extra cab 6.2. Has more bling than I want...I hate leather, but it has it. The only thing I'm not thrilled about is the 3:42's.

It's pretty much a Denali without the misc stuff. Has regular 4wd, which I prefer as opposed to the Denali AWD.

I haven't looked at the 2011 GMC / Chev, so my comment may be outdated. My 2008 Sierra had a dark charcoal (black?) interior. The whole thing was a complete dust magnet and PITA to keep clean. Now have LTZ with Titanium (two tone gray) interior and leather - vast improvement. Even as the weather is just starting to cool, DW loves the heated seats.

 

[timswi]

Ok...Since this is my first attempt at a new car purchase, can someone tell me what a normal to good % off MSRP is?

They want 42k for this thing and it just ain't worth that much to me, but I'll think about it at the right price.

For some reason, they won't give me a bottom line number and expect me to provide it. This whole invoice thing is a fantasy, so what are your experiences and what would you offer on it?

 

[hawkeye08]

What type of geography are you in and what kind of load?..I have almost nothing flat, all hills..Thus my gearing concerns..

7000# trailer load would probably be the most, unless I buy another travel trailer.

My travel trailer is about 7,000lbs. We have some hills and some mountains (Eastern Wa). Tow/haul keeps it in each gear longer (revs higher before shifting). Sometimes I take it out of tow/haul mode to get it to shift, instead of revving higher in the same gear. I think the thing that gets most folks is that they don't like revving a gas engine. The 6.2 revs very nice to 5800 (and probably higher but never been there). I am sure the 3.42 gearing helps us get almost 20mpg empty on freeway, but wonder how much the AWD is costing us in mileage.

Ok...Since this is my first attempt at a new car purchase, can someone tell me what a normal to good % off MSRP is?

They want 42k for this thing and it just ain't worth that much to me, but I'll think about it at the right price.

For some reason, they won't give me a bottom line number and expect me to provide it. This whole invoice thing is a fantasy, so what are your experiences and what would you offer on it?

1) Do you have a Costco membership? Their auto program supposedly gives you a no haggle price below dealer invoice. I think you can get select vehicle, config it and get invoice price before selecting dealer or needing costco membership number. Welcome to Costco Auto Program

2) We have Dave Smith Motors in Kellogg Id that sells below invoice (about 70 miles from us). We got a quote from them on the truck we are looking at that is basically dealer invoice less the offers (about $3000 now) or about 12% off MSRP (not including tax and license).

 

[Diamondpilot]

Ok...Since this is my first attempt at a new car purchase, can someone tell me what a normal to good % off MSRP is?

They want 42k for this thing and it just ain't worth that much to me, but I'll think about it at the right price.

For some reason, they won't give me a bottom line number and expect me to provide it. This whole invoice thing is a fantasy, so what are your experiences and what would you offer on it?

What I do is take 15% off. So in that case offer $36,000. If they will not take it walk.

One other thing I do is I pull up right in front of the dealership and leave my current truck or car running. I walk in and say get the manager or finance person because they have 5 minutes to put the deal together. I note the time and tell them the clock is ticking. When the manager/finance person comes over say this is what I am willing to give you right now. No BS.

It has always worked at my local Ford dealer and GM dealer plus the Nissan I last bought. I have had it not work at the the Ford dealer the next town over, at one Honda dealer, at one Dodge dealer. I have bought many boats this way also and it works about 75% of the time.

Stand firm and be ready to walk. Don't fall in love with that truck or you will end up paying what they want you to pay.

Also, I am guessing you are looking at a 2010 which is now a year old since the 2011's are out. Look at what Kelly Blue Book and NADA are listing them for used with low miles. You can access each online for free.

I do the same basic thing with used cars but on them I take 20% off the list. For example the last used one I bought was listed at $35,000 and I bought it for $27,500. Took 3 weeks but he finally came back to me.



Chris

 

[Diamondpilot]

Also, did you get out to look at the competition? Those new Ford F-150's are sure sweet. Not sure if the new engines are out yet though so if not I would wait.

Chris

 

[timswi]

Thanks for all of the great advise...36 was what I was thinking, but needed some experienced backup.

I currently have an SLE, it's like the 3 bears thing...Not too little, not too much. That's what I want to replace.

I don't need or want a yuppie-mobile. That's why I'm not interested in the 5ft bed crew cabs. Not insulting anyone here, but a 6 or 6.5 ft bed is all I can live with...Thus the extended cab. If I knew I wouldn't have to put it in city parking garages every so often, I'd go 8ft.

I'm going to let the dealer stew for a while. The truck's been sitting around since August or before based on the inspection sticker, so maybe the floorplan will get to them.

I'm in no hurry anyway. At least now I have some ammo to work with..Thanks everyone.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I was a long bed guy till I got a trailer. I find I can fit everything I need in a short bed or the difference is so great I need the trailer either way. I like and must be able to put my trucks in the garage so no long beds with extended or crew cabs for me anymore.

Not sure about GM trucks but I have had 3 of the F-150 crews with the 5.5' bed and its amazing what it will hold. Its a good 6" deeper than others beds and that makes up for the volume lost. I haul lots of fire wood and mulch and it would handle just as much if not more than other brands 6.5' beds.

Chris

 

[Diamondpilot]

If you are going to be patient and wait I would see what there is new in the spring. Getting a new truck now will just expose it to the road salt and harsh winter stuff. Your trade is not going to lose anything more. Now if the deal was real sweet, yes I would jump on it but if you wait you will do better more than likely.

Another thought is since Ford came out with all these new great (on paper) engines maybe GM, Dodge, Toyota, and Nissan will follow suit. If you get something now may be a mistake if 1 year down the road the new stuff is so much better and you are in a position where you are upside down and can not trade or get out before taking a big hit. Just something to think over?????

Chris

 

[PoorMansCat]

3:42 is NOT a pulling gear... especially for a gasser and not if you will be getting anywhere near the rated towing capacity. It can be utilized in a diesel application with a 5/6 speed, but mainly due to the diesels ability to produce max torque at low RPM. That being said, IF you only pull occasionally, and run at lower weights...it might be a good trade-off for the increased fuel economy when dead-heading..
Personally, I would not buy a gasser with less than 4:10 gearing.... Granted, i would give up fuel economy, but I would be absolutey steamed if I were to run out of pulling power!!!. My personaly experience is that what fuel economy I could gain by running 3:56 or even 3:73 is negated when the trans. is constantly coming back to 4th or even 3rd gear when the 4:10 DOESN'T backshift... Not to mention the incresed wear of full load backshifting on the trans...

 

[CinderSchnauzer]

You really need to find a dealer who will be totally honest and upfront with you or do a lot of research before you walk through the door. Remember these guys do this for a living - it's hard to beat a dealer at his own game.

15% off may or may not be a good deal - as the rules may have changed when dealing the the new GM. With the old GM I usually walked if not able to get at least 20% - 25% off MSRP. Regional offers vary, but let me give you an example based on a full page ad in yesterday's paper. Best I can determine this applies to 2010 GMC Seirra.

Available credits - before any haggling:

Cash Delivery Allowance $8,500
Holiday Bonus $1,500
GM Card $2,000
Cash For Clunkers $3,000
Loyalty $ 885

Total available credits $15,885. All these have as Asterisk beside them and were further clarified in about 10 lines of fine print at the bottom of the page that required a magnifying glass to read.

Now if you are not aware of all these you are a significant disadvantage when trying to haggle with the dealer. Also be aware that after you think there is a deal - they may take you to the Business Office where you are hit with "Dealer Fees"... "Financing Fees"...."AntiTheft Etching Fees"..."Documentation Fees".......etc etc that can add $100's to what you thought was an agreed deal and often these fees are stated to be non negotiable, because all of the dealers in the area do the same thing.

 

[BruceWard]

Chris (who always post negatively on anything GMC) is the only person I have heard say anything about the 6.2 / 6 speed hunting for gears.

I have a 2007 Sierra Denali with the 6.2 / 6 speed. I have a ~3000 pound 20' equipment trailer. I haul the trailer with my 4,000 pound B21 a couple of times a month. I have towed a 6,000 pound excavator on the same trailer for a 9,000 pound load. I have never had any problem or concern towing.

 

[hawkeye08]

3:42 is NOT a pulling gear... especially for a gasser and not if you will be getting anywhere near the rated towing capacity. It can be utilized in a diesel application with a 5/6 speed, but mainly due to the diesels ability to produce max torque at low RPM. That being said, IF you only pull occasionally, and run at lower weights...it might be a good trade-off for the increased fuel economy when dead-heading..
Personally, I would not buy a gasser with less than 4:10 gearing.... Granted, i would give up fuel economy, but I would be absolutey steamed if I were to run out of pulling power!!!. My personaly experience is that what fuel economy I could gain by running 3:56 or even 3:73 is negated when the trans. is constantly coming back to 4th or even 3rd gear when the 4:10 DOESN'T backshift... Not to mention the incresed wear of full load backshifting on the trans...

PoorMansCat; I would agree with your comments if we were talking the 4 speed auto coupled with 3.42 gears, but the 6 speed has some deep gears that, if I recall correctly, that does better than the 4sp and 3.73 or 4.10 gears. I have had no issues pulling. I would think that the pickup with 4WD low would allow pulling those few times when it is a tough situation. Remember also that the 6.2 has ~400lb/ft and ~400hp. Pretty decent for a gasser. With the variable valve timing (VVT), it has excellent torque at low end and very nice HP at high end (torque curve is flatter than you would expect). (yes, I know if does not equal a diesel) I searched for the graphs but did not find them with a quick look.

 

[timswi]

Well...Out of the clear blue sky, the dealer e-mailed me saying that there are all kind of incentives available today...A miracle? I really hate this process.

Can I find a '77 GMC step-side 4x4 somewhere ....good grief.

 

[timswi]

Here's a 2010 set of curves. Since it's the same RPO, it's the same engine for 2011. One bad thing in reading some of these graphs, and that's the resolution. Put any engine of this size on a graph that reads to 1000 ft/lbs and and the curve will look rather flat.

I'm pretty sure that would cover me...Ain't pulling a D9.