08' - 09' Dilemma

[jlcvt]

Ok here is my dilemma. I own a 99’ Tahoe (since 2001). and plan on up grading to a new one. I just put it up for sale and want to sell it first before I purchase a new one. The dealers offered me about $2,500 less then what I plan on selling it for. My 99’ is in great shape and has no problems what so ever, I don’t need a new Tahoe I just want one The problem is no dealer can find one that matches my option list, so they have to order it. I’ve talked to a few dealers and have heard it can take from 5 – 8 weeks to come in. One dealer gave me such a problem when I told him I need to order one he didn’t want to do it, just wanted to sell me want he could get from a dealer trade. Another thing is the rebates from Chevy right now add up to $2000 off plus GM card. When I order it I will get the rebates that are offered that month what ever they are. With a deadline of April 1st to place an order time is getting short, and if I wait until May and order a 09’ I won’t see it until late July or early August.

The options I asked for:
• Blue Granite
• 4x4
• LT3
• Z71
• Sun, Entertainment, & Destination Package
• Convenience package 2
• Light Titanium & Ebony Interior
• 2nd Row Bench

The options I do not want or need:
• Third Row Seat (no one ever sits in my 2nd row so no need for a 3rd row, and I don’t have any where to store the seats)
• Heated 2nd row seats

The best price I got so far is $45,000 + rebates for the above vehicle. Do you think this is a good price? I have two more dealers to talk to.

Main Reasons for 09’:
• 6 Speed Auto Trans (then maybe I would get 4.10 rear)
Heated and Cooled Front Seats.
• Maybe a New Choices for Z71 rims (08’s are nice but can be better)
• Maybe New Color Choices for Z71’s (GM’s 09’ color Cyber Grey might be nice)

Secondary Reasons:
• 6.2 Engine (only if gas mileage is close to the 5.3)
• 110 Power outlet (maybe use, not sure)
• Integrated Trailer Brake Control (I don’t tow anyway)
• Side Blind Zone Alerting System (good idea)

Does anyone know if GM offers rebates in May, June, July or August, and if they do how much about? I don’t care about their financing deals.

Times a ticking and I need to make a decision ASAP. :willynilly:

 

[Black Dog]

I'm in the same boat as you right now, I want to order an 08 before April but I am trying to find out if they'll put the 6 speed in a 4X in 09. In fact, I just got off the phone with a dealer who couldn't confirm anything and said they'll know more in May. I also called Chevy Corporate to see what they could tell me or guarantee me about rebates on delivery but no help. I kind of assume there will still be at least 2000 at that time, and Memorial Day weekend would probably be more, but who knows. I'll probably just order the 08 anyway because I need the 2nd car asap. But yeah, my build is similar to yours except I want 4X4, row 2 buckets, and row 3. You didn't specify if you want 4X4 so I don't know if it's a good deal or not. 2wd it is not and 4wd it is good, especially if it includes the destination charge of $900. Without that it is just okay. Rough invoice on 2wd is about $43,100 (includes destination) and on 4wd it is about $45,800 (includes destination). Using the 4wd as an example, I would start offer at $44,800 including destination and work from there. They're lying if they say they're losing money, they're still profiting at least $500. But they are not gonna go for it but this is just starting negotiations. I would probably still pay that invoice number if I had to, but nowhere close to MSRP. Just the fact that they're offering rebates tells you that they are willing to motivate sales. Hope that helps.

 

[Black Dog]

Oh BTW, 2nd row bench is not an option on LT3, it's standard. Don't let them hit you for that. Also, the nav pack is discounted $1000 on every window sticker I've seen, but I already factored that into the numbers I gave you.

 

[Rollin Thunder]

i was gunna order an 09, but decided agenst it and now am gunna get a DTS or dodge Charger. but just an fyi the 4.10 are being canceled with the 6 speed and will only come in 3.42 gears.

 

[Gambler]

Hold out for the 09, the 6sp tranny is worth it on its own.

 

[ugachs24]

Yeah, I'd wait for the 2009. The six speed tranny, interior updates (that helped the OBS a ton for 2003), and possible new colors and wheel choices. I wish I had held off, but my wifes old Z71 had over a hundred thousand miles on it and I didn't know they were changing anything for 2009 so I was in a hurry.

 

[jlcvt]

Oh BTW, 2nd row bench is not an option on LT3, it's standard. Don't let them hit you for that. Also, the nav pack is discounted $1000 on every window sticker I've seen, but I already factored that into the numbers I gave you.

I just mention the 2nd row bench because I was trying to show I didn't what to order the bucket seats. Yes it was a 4x4 model for $45,000 + rebates = $43,000 (including everything except tax and tags). I would never consider buying a 2 wheel drive Tahoe; in Pennsylvania you some times need 4wd in the winter. I’m ordering the nav package to get the $1000 discount, I didn’t care about the rear entertainment system but it was a better deal going with the package. Only two weeks to decide. Thanks!

 

[chadwick02]

Yea, I'm in the same exact dilemma right now too. Same truck, same EXACT options (only I want black/ebony), and I have to order it. I think I will hold out for the 09 (mainly for the 6AT), but I'd really really like to know what is going to happen with prices and rebates. I can only imagine, given the economy, gas prices, and GM's financial condition, that they should have some pretty good incentives coming up. At the very least, I keep telling my self that the $2000 they are offering now in rebates is not very much (which it really isnt), so I'm hoping the deal can only get better with time. Thats a gamble I'm willing to make.
I tried to do some research on GM's past rebate history - to see what they typically do and offer when the new model year comes out - but I have not had any success in finding much info on that. Has anyone else?

 

[White Ghost]

Once the 2009 models are out and delivered, I have seen the GM rebates rise to as high as $4,000 for the previous model year.

As for ordering an '08 vs '09, keep in mind that the base MSRP will probably go up at least $1,000-1,500 given fuel and manufacturing costs and destination charges will probably rise too. There is nothing official in regards to the 6.2L / 6-speed tranny combo being available as an AWD or a 4WD. The truth of the matter is you will get better fuel economy with the 5.3L / 4-speed tranny 4WD. I am NOT interested in an AWD option. I need 4WD high and 4WD low.

Given this and other reasons, I decided to order an '08 LT3 4WD and spending LESS than I would for an '09 model which "may or may not" have new colors, new wheels or 4WD high and low.

 

[tbully]

...Just to chime in....

I believe I am waiting to order an '09 Denali. Your dilemma is a little more difficult than mine (6.2 / 6SP AT) as the Denail already has the engine / trans combo.

My problem was if I wanted to wait for the other rumored (from reliable sources) of new features and the risk of them being available at the start of 2009 production:

Integrated trailer brake controller
Bluetooth
XM Traffic on Nav
Cooled Seats

I love instant gratification and 0% financing so it's really tough for me to hold out. I just test drove another 2008 exactly the way I'd want it (options and color).

I'm telling myself that they will have good rates / incentives on 2008 AND 2009 this (late) summer when the 09's roll off the line due to gas prices and high stock. (yeah - I'm fooling myself, but I can dream!)

my 2 cents

 

[beach109]

All said here about the '09 changes is true, but on the ordering...

...your dealer is full of bunk. Right now, and as usual, it's typically common to order any Tahoe, Yukon, etc. and get it in 4 weeks or less simply because there are zero hold-ups with them and not a lot of demand. It only takes the dealer to have an open allocation for an order (i.e. a slot in their monthly order allotment to get an order submitted immediately, without waiting for the next opening), and you can have any new '08 Tahoe coming in not much time at all.

What's most likely happening is they're just very resistant to sell something that isn't already on their lot or that can't be easily swapped over from another dealer's lot...rather than order you one, and still not change the lot inventory that's been sitting around collecting dust.

Of course, for an '08, April 1st (give or take a day) is when the '08 order banks close down, so you don't have much time if you want to do that. Full '09 details will be out around mid April and ordering for them should start mid May.

 

[Black Dog]

Hey Beach109-
Do you know what kind of documentation the dealer is supposed to give you when you order that will show and guarantee the agreed price?

 

[jlcvt]

Hey Beach109-
Do you know what kind of documentation the dealer is supposed to give you when you order that will show and guarantee the agreed price?

Get a copy of the quote on a form with the dealers’ letter head on it. It should have the price you agreed on plus the amount of the down payment. The only thing they can’t promise is what the rebates will be at the time of delivery. When I came to pick up a car I ordered in 2004, the dealer pulled out the first quote they gave me and started to do the paper work off that. The only problem was in was $2000 more than the price when settled on. They did fix it after I pointed out their error. Do not rely or trust the dealer.

 

[GHR2]

Ordering an '08

About a month ago, we were looking at purchasing a new '08 Yukon XL. A local dealer told me I could order a new '08 as late as early June. I was working with the Internet/Fleet salesman via the COSTCO buying program. He was very amenable to us ordering a new one - as opposed to trying to find one "close" to our specs. When we said we'd like them to build us a new '08 for ordering, they got on their computer, built it with the options and color we wanted, then said they could no longer order a Yukon in Goldmist exterior color, unless it was a Denali (the 5SA option package). Since we did not want the Denali, we decided to wait until the '09s are out to see what the options are. As far as the rebates, he could not tell us what they would be if we ordered an '08 (6 to 8 week delivery time), but said that as soon as the factory gave him a VIN # for our vehicle (usually 4 weeks into the build cycle) he could give us the rebates in effect at that time, OR the rebates in effect at delivery time, whichever were most advantageous to us. We still decided to wait on the '09s. Then I read about the American Axle strike that has caused GM to close 20+ plants and lay off 20,000+ employees. AA supplies all the axles for GM trucks, and they are not producing. GM stated they have enough stock to weather a "short" strike, but analysts say they have to be running low, and the fact they have closed so many plants is not good. The strike is nowhere near a settlement. I am glad we did not order vehicle now. I also think with the AA strike GM will not have any reason to offer larger rebates until the strike is over.

 

[Black Dog]

Well, I just ordered my new LT3 Z71 4WD, the six speed be damned! I'll make a new post about it later when I have more time... YES!!!

 

[Black Dog]

Yes I did kind of want to hold out for the 6, but I need this truck right now!

 

[RyanbabZ71]

...your dealer is full of bunk. Right now, and as usual, it's typically common to order any Tahoe, Yukon, etc. and get it in 4 weeks or less simply because there are zero hold-ups with them and not a lot of demand. It only takes the dealer to have an open allocation for an order (i.e. a slot in their monthly order allotment to get an order submitted immediately, without waiting for the next opening), and you can have any new '08 Tahoe coming in not much time at all.

Hopefully yours takes as long as mine did (went in the evening of Feb 11th (ordered later that week when they put their vehicle orders in) and it arrived Feb 27th. Picked up on the last day of the $3K rebates, I lucked out

 

[jlcvt]

It’s been hard enough deciding between a 08’ or waiting for a 09’. Now GM has sent me an owner loyalty bonus of $2,000 for a new 08’ Tahoe. With mixed information about if 09’s are getting the 6 speed transmission or not. Then heated and cooled seats and side blind zone alert are only going to be available on LTZ models. The only left to see is if the Z71’s will get any new colors and rims. GM isn’t making this decision any easier.

$2,000 cash purchase discount
$2,000 Loyalty discount
$1,500 GM card discount
--------
$5,500 + dealer discount

:willynilly:

 

[Black Dog]

I think it's pretty certain that they all will have 6 speeds, including 4WD's, and that only LS with 4.8L will retain the 4 speed. Just made it harder again, huh?

 

[InTruckDesign]

If I were in your shoes I would definetly trade that thing in...for the $2,500 in price you will probably break even on the deal...remember when you trade you only pay tax on the difference between the selling price and trade-in price...so the $2,500 difference is likely much less...plus you won't have the headache of selling it...and won't be out of a vehicle if you sell yours first and the new one isnt in yet.