08' - 09' Dilemma

[jlcvt]

If I sell it out right the dealer will let me sell it through them and it will look as I traded it in, so I will get the break on taxes. Yes trying to sell it my self is always a pain, but I’ve done it before. I won’t be really out of a vehicle because I have my summer car to drive if I need it. I hope GM actually releases a confirmed list of all the options and changes for the 09’ models soon.

 

[beach109]

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.

What's mixed information? EVERY '09 Tahoe, Yukon, Suburban, Yukon XL, Avalanche, etc. gets the 6-speed standard except for base 4.8L models. No questioning that, it's just the way it is.

It's only packaged/optional on the Silverado/Sierra 1500's, at least for another year. But standard on the SUV's.

Also, of note, the Z71 trims get a few modified trim details next year AND the Ebony/Titanium and Ebony/Morroco interiors are gone, replaced by simply making the standard Ebony, Titanium, and Cashmere interiors from regular Tahoe models available on Z71 trims.

The confirmed list of changes has been out for some time now, straight from their online ordering guides. Here's the lists again, with the links to the sites where you can pull up the actual charts and see how things are packaged/standard/optional as well.

Tahoe
Deletions
3LT Equipment Group
(DF5) inside rearview auto-dimming mirror with 8-point compass and outside temperature display (compass and temperature display move to Driver Information Center)
(AW2) third row 50/50 split-bench, 2-passenger seat
(VPA) Chrome Appearance Package
(ZRS) P265/70R17 spare tire
(RCP) 20" x 8.5" (50.8 cm x 21.6 cm) painted aluminum wheels
(N93) 17" x 7.5" (43.2 cm x 19.1 cm) aluminum, 5-spoke wheels with radial grooves
(GT5) 4.10 ratio rear axle
(31*) Light Cashmere/Ebony interior trim
(**D) Custom Cloth
(223) Morocco Brown/Ebony interior trim on Z71 models
(843) Light Titanium/Ebony interior trim on Z71 models

New Features
(80U) Red Jewel Tintcoat (LTZ models only)

(UPF) Bluetooth phone interface
(UBS) Real Time XM traffic download for all navigation radios
Navigation destination download for all navigation radios
(PCK) Luxury Package (replaces 3LT and is available on 2LT models only) includes (DD8) inside rearview auto-dimming mirror, (AN3) front full-feature bucket seats with leather-appointed seating, (KA1) heated front seats, (KA6) heated second row seats, (ARS) second row power seat release, (E61) rear power -operated liftgate and (DL3) outside heated power-adjustable, power-folding mirrors
(DD8) inside rearview auto-dimming mirror
(DRC) inside rearview mirror with rear camera display
(KB6) heated and cooled driver and front passenger seats (LTZ models only)
(UFT) side blind zone alert (LTZ models only)
(ZVL) spare P265/60R17 tire
(S80) 20" x 8.5" chrome clad wheels (Available on LTZ models)
(JL1) integrated trailer brake controller
(L9H) 6.2L V8 engine
(K5L) Heavy-Duty Trailering Package, includes (KNP) transmission oil cooler, (KC4) engine oil cooler, electric fan, and heavy-duty radiator
(GU4) 3.08 ratio rear axle (2WD models only)
(333) Light Cashmere/Dark Cashmere interior trim now available on Z71 models
(833) Light Titanium/Dark Titanium interior trim now available on Z71 models

Changes
LTZ enhancements: new body side moldings, chrome tip on shift lever, door sill plates with "Chevrolet", center channel Bose sound system, heated and cooled seats with perforated leather, new rear fascia with integrated trailer hitch cover
Z71 Package: door handles and mirror caps will be body colored, grille insert will be bright chrome
Temperature and compass display move to Driver Information Center
(PDD) Convenience Package now contains (UVC) rearview camera system and (DRC) inside rearview mirror with rear camera display
(V1K) luggage rack center rails are now packaged on LT and LTZ models
New cloth seat fabric on LS and 1LT models

http://eogld.ecomm.gm.com/NASApp/do...regionID=1&divisionID=1&vehicleID=6899&type=0

Tahoe Hybrid
Deletions
(313) Light Cashmere/Ebony interior trim

New Features
(46U) Blue Granite Metallic

(333) Light Cashmere/Dark Cashmere interior trim

UPF) Bluetooth for phone, personal cell phone connectivity to vehicle audio system
(UBS) XM Real Time Traffic download for all navigation radios
Navigation destination download for all navigation radios
(JF4) power-adjustable pedals

Changes
Temperature and compass display move to Driver Information Center

http://eogld.ecomm.gm.com/NASApp/do...regionID=1&divisionID=1&vehicleID=6901&type=0

 

[jlcvt]

This is why I was questioning the Tahoe getting the 6-speed transmission. I don’t believe they would leave the Tahoe out of the upgrade that all the rest of the line is getting, it wouldn’t make sense.


http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/14/charting-the-changes-my2009-sees-big-improvements-by-gm/

 

[beach109]

This is why I was questioning the Tahoe getting the 6-speed transmission. I don’t believe they would leave the Tahoe out of the upgrade that all the rest of the line is getting, it wouldn’t make sense.


http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/14/charting-the-changes-my2009-sees-big-improvements-by-gm/

Never believe Autoblog--the only reason they had that story was someone clued them in that the '09 information was posted on some forums. They glanced over them, and made a quick story, missing several details...such as the 6-speed reality.

When the information comes direct from GM, such as I posted above and is elsewhere on the forum, that's what is real. Those blogs just don't read or check into things, and post, making confusion.

 

[jlcvt]

Thank you for clearing that up.

 

[beach109]

Thank you for clearing that up.

Certainly

 

[mbriddle]

I was hoping to get the Z71 with cooled seats but it doesn't look like this is going to happen. Does anybody know if the 4WD drivetrain is the same on the LTZ as the rest of the lineup or is it AWD. Not sure which way to go here. LTZ or Z71. hmm...

Mark

 

[Black Dog]

I was hoping to get the Z71 with cooled seats but it doesn't look like this is going to happen. Does anybody know if the 4WD drivetrain is the same on the LTZ as the rest of the lineup or is it AWD. Not sure which way to go here. LTZ or Z71. hmm...

Mark

If it's like before then the LTZ would be available in 4WD, not AWD. I think AWD is a Denali and Escalade thing. I think it's a way to provide a loaded luxury model where you can still get 4WD if you prefer it.

 

[Bowtie1320]

From reading the fine print on the 2009 ordering guide it looks like the new 6 speed A/T (rpo MYC) is not available with the 5.3 L active fuel management engine (rpo LY5), but is available with the flexfuel 5.3 L (rpo LMG). Am I interpreting this correctly?

What is the difference, mechanically speaking, between the two engines? Is it just the fuel/ignition management (computer)?

 

[beach109]

From reading the fine print on the 2009 ordering guide it looks like the new 6 speed A/T (rpo MYC) is not available with the 5.3 L active fuel management engine (rpo LY5), but is available with the flexfuel 5.3 L (rpo LMG). Am I interpreting this correctly?

What is the difference, mechanically speaking, between the two engines? Is it just the fuel/ignition management (computer)?

No, the 6-speed is standard on ALL 5.3L and 6.2L models. Both of the 5.3L models also have Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) the difference is one is setup for flex fuel and the other isn't. Otherwise, no difference. Sometimes the ordering guides can be confusing, but these are the facts.

The only Tahoe/Yukon that won't have the 6-speed for '09 are base 2wd models with the 4.8L. Once the 5.3L is there, so is the 6-speed.

 

[Mortifer]

Have MPG for the 5.3 and 6SP been published yet? I would really love to know the numbers for this combo...

 

[Bowtie1320]

No, the 6-speed is standard on ALL 5.3L and 6.2L models. Both of the 5.3L models also have Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) the difference is one is setup for flex fuel and the other isn't. Otherwise, no difference. Sometimes the ordering guides can be confusing, but these are the facts.

The only Tahoe/Yukon that won't have the 6-speed for '09 are base 2wd models with the 4.8L. Once the 5.3L is there, so is the 6-speed.

Thanks!

Do you think the new 6 speed AT will be as reliable as the older 4 speed AT? Has it proven itself in some other model/vehicle already? I'm somewhat hesitant to buy an unproven piece . . . and I too am wondering what kind of gas mileage will result from the 6 speed and 3:08 gearing.

 

[beach109]

Thanks!

Do you think the new 6 speed AT will be as reliable as the older 4 speed AT? Has it proven itself in some other model/vehicle already? I'm somewhat hesitant to buy an unproven piece . . . and I too am wondering what kind of gas mileage will result from the 6 speed and 3:08 gearing.

It's been used in the Denali Yukon line and Escalade for 2 years now, with nary a problem--very much like the typical GM 4-speed in terms of durability. Of course, things always get better with age, but '09 now being year 3, there's zero to worry about...just like there really wasn't and hasn't been for the 2 years thus far.