This whole thing has really been plaguing me for the last week. For the last 6 months I was convinced I would wait for the 09's to come out, I like alot of the additional features, and really wanted the 6-speed. Then, last week, when the rebates came out on the 08's, I started seriously considering a 2008 that my dealer had for a KILLER deal. It is exactly what I want (black\ebony LT3 Z71, Nav, 2nd & 3rd row Bench...etc) BUT, obviously does not have the features I was waiting for 09 for (mainly 6 speed). Financially, I had convinced my self that it makes sense to grab an 08, since the 09's have already had a price increase, and I doubt there will be anywhere near as much wiggle room when they first come out as there is in the 08's. Further, to find the set up I want, I would most likely have to order the 09 straight from the factory, since I highly doubt there will be lots of dealers ordering these for stock, and the chances of me finding exactly what I want on the lot will be slim to none.
SO, pretty much programed to buy an 08, I went around yesterday and did some test drives. We currently have a 05 tahoe, had an 02 and a 98, so I am real familiar with the older ones, but not so much with the new models. I visited 4 dealers - 2 chevy and 2 GMC. I alternated between Tahoe's and Yukon denali's. I drove the Denali's because I really wanted to see how the 6-speed would behave. I must say: the 6-speed is really awesome. Much less shifting, better acceleration, less "gear searching"...etc. It really is a large improvement. Now, I do understand that the Denali's have a 6L engine in them, which of course is going to make a huge difference in its performance. But long story short, I really feel that the 6-speed, even when paired with the 5.3L is going to make a fairly substantial difference in acceleration, towing, "gear searching" and gas mileage.
The only thing I cannot check is if a programmer will change the performance of the 5.3 and the shift points of the 4-speed enough to make a significant difference.
Maybe I'll wait a few weeks (or months? :confused2: ) untill a dealer somewhere around here gets an 09 in and I can test drive a 5.3L 6-speed combo. I'd doubt that 08 I currently have my eyes on will go anywhere in a hurry, and at that point I can make the decision between that 08, or ordering a 09.
And maybe its just a mental concept with me personally? I'm not sure? But, its the kind of thing that if I were to settle for an 08 with a 4-speed, every time I step on it I'm going to wonder: "should I have waited a few more months and spent the extra bucks on an 09 with a 6-speed". When you are already spending 40K +/-, a few extra thousand (I hope thats all it will be) wont be the end of the world, I guess. My own mental torment will drive me nuts, and if I'm going to spend this kind of money on a vehicle, it darn better well be exactly what I want or I wont be happy with it in the long run.