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Comments
The ride is still better than my 1999 Sierra PU but I did notice it changed after the tire swap and was curious.
Thanks
I got it a lot last winter in my travels.
A gentleman (and I use that term loosely) made an illegal left turn directly in front of me from a stop sign (I was going 40-45 in a 45 mph zone with no traffic controls). I T-boned his Toyota Land Cruiser and popped his windows and crushed his doors. He wasn't injured and I got a VERY sore neck (currently being treated for it). What is really strange is the airbags on the Denali did NOT deploy. Everybody at the scene (cops, ambulance, & tow service) couldn't believe it. The seat belt got stretched and locked into place (permanently - it did not retract after that). Thank God my kids weren't with me, having literally dropped them off at school not five minutes beforehand.
So, now it is the hands of State Farm and we will see what happens. I really don't want my new car returned to me with extensive repairs, especially as it wasn't my fault (he was ticketed). I am also a little leary that the airbags didn't go off (it was a head-on collision from my end). Hopefully I can get into a replacement Denali, as we really love the truck. I will also have to see if I can swap out the video system, assuming it still works (haven't checked it). First things first, we need to see what the insurance says. Sigh...
Chris
If you think there may be an issue with the bags not deploying, you may want to make sure the wreck is secured so the "evidence" doesn't walk away (looks like it's at the dealer?). Stranger things have happened.
Pretty amazing how shiny it looks even after all that.
Steve, Host
The car is currently at the selling GMC dealership, but the body shop has already been a pain to deal with ("Airbags didn't deploy? Huh, how about that.") It is being flatbedded to a different GM dealership tomorrow morning that supposedly is more in tune with these types of damages. We shall see.
As to that shine, the car actually hadn't been washed in probably three weeks. I use the same stuff on the Denali that I use on show cars: Zaino polish (not a wax) every six months or so, then a California duster and Zaino spray to keep it clean. Takes less then five minutes to make it look like that every day - and that is a black car. Most people think it is a bear to keep clean, but it is pretty easy if you know what to do. And no, I did not dust it off after the wreck! (grin)
Chris
Hope you get feeling back to snuff soon.
Steve, Host
I just picked up my 2003 DXL tonight. It is parked in the garage next to my wife's 2002 DXL. I am surprised on how different they two feel. The displays on the '03 are also very different. This will be an interesting comparo, as the ONLY difference between the two is we each got different aftermarket TV/DVD players. Otherwise they are identical with captains chairs and sunroof.
I already have a comment though. The '03 is equipped with the LATCH system. This is my first experience with it, and the setup is pretty slick. The same carseat that slid horribly in my Warner Brothers Venture, was a little better in my '02 Denali, is actually snug in the '03.
I personally know nothing about tires, but the 02 has Michelins and the '03 has Goodyears. I am in Arizona, if that matters.
I purchased the DXL and the DXL^2 after considering Sequoia, X5, and all of the other contenders. So far, I am happy with my decisions.
I remember there being a recall on some model GMC/Chevy trucks and SUV's for bad airbag sensors that would not activate the air bags in a front end collision. My friend's daughter lost control of her Sierra and hit the guard rail hard enough to bend the frame beyond repair and the airbags did not deploy. It is a 2000 GMC Sierra. Maybe your truck was in the recall but you didn't get your notice yet. If memory serves it was only a problem with units built in one plant, but I can't remember which one.
Get better quick and I hope you get what you want in regards to your baby! Insurance should also pay to have a new video system installed, or to have yours installed in a new DXL in the event of a total loss. I would also request a new frame if they want to straighten it, it will be much much stronger in the event of another front end collision, not that you will have another one.
As to the hit, they are still working through an estimate. The lowest is $10,500 - and that doesn't include any "residual" damage that may have occurred: I am assuming that all of the video components still function, as well as all of the other lights, etc. Going from 45 mph to zero in less than five feet certainly put some stress on everything in the car, including the driver!
Still working through the mazes of insurance (fault has already been assigned 100% to the other driver) and have my fingers crossed on replacing the vehicle outright. The dealer shows a "diminished value" on the car of $7,000 at a minimum. The bad thing is that I will lose my 0% financing, which will cost me another $4,000+ over sixty months. Sigh...
Chris
link
Steve, Host
I'm the current owner of the '98 Lincoln Navigator- enter birth of third child, I need a third seat with room to store stuff in the back. I'm committed to purchasing Yukon.Seems to me like a XL loaded up with extras and a Denali are pretty close in price- Denali seems to have more fun "goodies" (two-tone leather, etc) Is this a reasonable assumption.
Also- regarding gas mileage- Denali owners out there, what type of mileage have you gotten?
Thanks, Walt
3rd row seat is much easier to get into on the XL as one of the second row seat moves whereas on the std Yukon/Denali it's an obstacle course to get kids into it.
I chose the Denali over a loaded Yukon because:
- Denali road and handled better.
- the 6L had noticeable kick over the 5.3L
- All wheel drive verses select 4WD
- 6 CD changer in dash
- quieter than std Yukon
overall I thought the differences were worth a couple of grand more.(I basically got mine for a few hundred over invoice plus a rebate.)
The new 2003 has the 4 wheel steering which is worth quite a bit also....
I have gotten consistently 14-15mpg "around town" roughly 50/50 street and expressway. On road trips I have gotten 17-20 driving 65-85mph with even some mountain passes mixed in.
Now, I went from a 1998 Navigator (actually two of them) to a 2000 Yukon XL and then to a 2002 Denali XL. The Denali XL is REMARKABLY more plush from what we felt, even though our Yukon XL was loaded with every single goodie, including Autoride (which is standard on the Denali). Here are a few things that are standard on the 2003 Denali and optional on the Yukon XL (or not available):
Denali XL Yukon XL
Six CD in-dash changer................S..............O
OnStar with 1 year paid.................S..............O
Homelink remote controls.............S..............O
Removable third row seat.............S..............O
Bose 9-speaker system................S..............O
XM Radio (I want this!)..................S..............O
Stabilitrak System.........................S..............O
Autoride ........................................S..............O
Power Adjustable Pedals..............S..............O
Trailering Package........................S..............O
6.0 Engine / 320 HP......................S..............O
Cargo Package.............................S..............O
Transmission Temp Gauge..........S...........3/4 only
Leather interior .............................S..............O
10-way power memory seats.......S..............O
Side Impact Airbags .....................S..............O
Audio/Information
controls on steering wheel............S..............O
Frame mounted hooks..................S..............O
High capacity air cleaner...............S..............O
Transmission oil cooler.................S..............O
Steering wheel color keyed...........S.............N/A
Projector beam headlights............S.............N/A
Full-time AWD ..............................S.............N/A
17" Aluminum wheels....................S.............N/A
Heated middle seats.....................O.............N/A
Quadrasteer ...............................N/A..........3/4 only
In-dash Navigation System............O.............N/A
This was in looking through the 2003 brochure and comparing the different features/options. Of course the Denali also has a different trim package - more body moldings around the lower sides. The bumper is also color matched instead of chrome like the Yukon/Yukon XL. One interesting "deprovement" on the 2003 Denali: That nifty exhaust tip is GONE and now it is a plain old dull steel (aluminum?) tip. Too bad! They say the Bose system is "new" for 2003, in that it has more features and supposedly a richer sound than the previous Bose system (shrugs).
As far as gas mileage, I can't say that the Denali treated me nearly as well as the Yukon XL. With the Yukon XL I averaged 15/19 city/highway and on the Denali XL I am getting 12/15 at best. Not thrilled, but knew what I was getting into before I bought it. DEFINITELY worth all the extras! Good luck, and you will find that either one is a BIG improvement over the Lincoln!
Chris
PS. Do you have any idea how many times I had to edit this to get the "columns" right? It took a lot of dots! (LOL)
XM is an option on ALL models, not standard on DXL, and I would wait for the smaller antenna, like the one on the Grand Am/Sunfire. The current production antenna is HUGE and ugly, and is being replaced with the smaller unit as the big ones run out.
6.0L engine avail. on 3/4 ton YXL ONLY - std on DXL
95% of the rest of the options listed are included in the $4500 option pkg(full boat option pkg)
Also - split 3rd row seat will be available for YXL and DXL in mid to late '03-it's just like the one in the regular Yukon/Denali.
What's a cargo package? Do you mean towing?
Now, for two of the more important options:
1. Quadrasteer: The dealer (and the brochure) say it will NOT be available on the 2003. The dealer says it is likely for the 2004 DXL. Who knows?
2. The navigation system: Even the brochure says "available mid-year" (which it does not for Quadrasteer). The dealer said their latest update on the navigation system says VERY late 2003 or not until 2004. Even though it is boldy depicted in the 2003 brochure.
And please note: I am not defending the 2003 or anything else. Indeed, I don't drive ANY GM product right now (see "crash" above) and only hope to get into a 2003 at some point rather than a repaired 2002...
Chris
Thanks for the tip!!
Chris
Steve, Host
obyone - I agree with you 100%. However, I am one of those guys that tends to fight the system, especially when I feel I have been wronged, and I most certainly do in this case. Ironically, my insurance (unofficially) suggested a third party that deals with these situations a lot. His company buys MANY of the damaged vehicles from the owner while the insurance company pays the damages and diminished value. The idea is that these three things will bring up enough money to replace the car at fair market value.
I will be the very first to acknowledge that this is emotionally motivated. Nevertheless, here are a few points I made to the third party guy:
1. The other party was clearly at fault and is 100% liable. This, according to both the police and the insurance company. They were ticketed for disobeying posted traffic laws.
2. The car was NEW – all of three months to be exact. I had just completed the entertainment system in it three days before the accident.
3. The car will NEVER be the same, and the body shops and dealers acknowledge this. Not only is there at least $7,000 in diminished value (according to the GMC dealer), but also that very real satisfaction of owning a new car is GONE and cannot be repaired. The new car smell will be replaced by the smell of paint and glues. I am a car fanatic, as anyone that even knows me a little can attest. My cars are always spotless and perfectly maintained. This car will always have evidence of previous damage.
4. All replacement mechanical parts are generally covered by a 12 month/12,000 mile warranty – not the vehicle’s original 3/36 or extended warranty coverage.
5. The car may no longer eligible for the General Motors Protection Plan (extended warranty), as there will be permanent marks on the car’s records of extensive damage. This will show up for any Carfax viewer or auto dealership.
6. The car will be very difficult to sell, if it ever comes to that. Even with “diminished value”, there are enough SUV’s on the market that a previously wrecked one will be difficult to sell. That, and just DRIVING a vehicle with extensive repairs when you had a BRAND NEW one three months earlier is simply not acceptable.
Much as it pains me (and it really does), I fully understand what the laws are and my rights under those laws. I may be reluctantly singing that ol' tune: "I fought the law, and the law won..."
Chris
Closed to the millage others who had tranny failure. Towed to the nearest GMC dealer. Called GMC who called dealer who hadn't had a chance to investigate the damage. GMC is supposed to call back to inform me of the damage and when to expect repairs to be finished.
My only concern is that will the replacement fail at 4000 miles too?
Just purchased a 2003 denali and I have 400 miles on it. Love the truck but noticed that there is a little clunk that feels like it is coming from the transmission when I am come to a stop from a 30+ MPH speed. Almost feels like it is downshifting to 1st gear too early when I am just about to come to a complete stop. Very noticable when I come to a quick stop from about 30 MPH+. Anyone have similar experiences and if so what have you done. Also--Seems like there is alot of concerns with this tranny!!
Please give me your experiences if they are similar.
Thank You
Jeff
I have a little better idea of where I am at (and worse feeling because of it) since my last post. I spoke with my "third party" guy and here are the current numbers as we have them:
Damage: $10,500
"Salvage" value of vehicle: $18-$20,000
Diminished value according to one GMC dealer: $7,000
So, my problem is that this total doesn't come remotely close to replacing the vehicle, even if I could find a slightly used 2002 Denali XL. Now, your scenarios provide a much more interesting approach. As to a trade, I have no doubt that the insurance company would balk, as the GMC dealer said my repaired DXL is a $28,000 car. Will my insurance cough up another +/- $16,600. Probably not. Worse, I have learned that my insurance company is officially taking the hit as the other person's insurance. There was hope that the car owner's insurance would kick in, but apparently they were unsuccessful. The other driver and I have the same insurer.
Now, if I were to try and sell the car IMMEDIATELY I *might* be able to get $35,000 or so for it. 7,000 miles, full warranty, and all the goodies. Well below the value pre-accident. So now they have to cough up an additional $9,600. Not ridiculous compared to the $7,000 they may or may not accept in the current scenario. I am assuming $0.20 per mile and a purchase price of $46,000. The problem (and certainly in my bride's eyes) is that the market is flush with late model used cars due to the 0% craze. Will somebody really want to pay even $35,000 for a used car that has been involved in a major collision? Or will I need to sit on the car for months in order to get a buyer?
Perhaps I try to find another buyer for the wrecked car besides my third party guy. Mind you, he has been going to bat for me (even paid to flatbed it to a better repair shop for a more realistic estimate) and I told him I would give him first shot at the car if we went this route. Unfortunately, I think his estimate of $18-20K wrecked value is "the weakest link" of the three pieces. But then again, if the dealer says it is worth $28,000 trade-in "fixed", maybe he is right on. Ugh, I need more Tylenol...
Thanks again for your very detailed reply. It makes a lot of sense and gave me a fresh perspective. If you have any of those documents and wouldn't mind forwarding them, my e-mail is listed in my profile. Thanks yet again!
Chris
Quadrasteer should be available soon for the 1/2 ton models, my guess is that they are working out the final bugs on the 3/4 ton YXL and 1/2 ton trucks as well as the Sierra Denali and as soon as that is done I would expect it to be standard on the DXL, like it is on the Sierra Denali. As far as I have heard there are no plans on having Quadrasteer on Yukon/Tahoe/Denali, only the big boys get this toy.
It seems to take GM many model years to get it right. I have a 2001 Denali XL and luckily have had no tranny problems with 17000 miles on the odo. When i think of getting something as high tech and complicated as 4 wheel steering from the General, I shutter to think of all the problems the first owners will have with the vehicle. My advise, Wait don't be the first on the block with this option..
Just my opinion,
Larry
As to the navigation unit, it is indeed the radio head unit. Sorry that the picture was on the "fold" in the brochure, but here you go:
(I had to fold it really flat to scan and thus the "tear" in the lower part of the nav unit)
Thanks for the replies!
Chris
csi - Sorry to hear about your driveshaft! Interesting (and short) story on my 2000 YXL: Had a pretty big "clunk" everytime we would hit a dip or bump at low speeds, coming from underneath the car. The dealership ordered a new driveshaft (+/- $2500) and the clunk seemed to stop, but it vibrated at highway speeds instead. A panicked call from the dealer tells me it is not the right driveshaft for the truck and to come back IMMEDIATELY. A transmission yoke was the problem and was experienced on several other SUV's as well, according to GM. The only problem was that the replacement part was not only backordered, but had never even been BUILT yet! They would keep me posted, but I drove around with a clunking truck (which a LOT of grease would help if I didn't mind going in every few weeks) until I traded it in. Best of luck with yours, as it has GOT to be better than that...
Chris
Ron
Chris