I don't know much about the SSV's except I expect that they were purpose built and only have what is needed to do the job, expect that they are bare minimum on interior and exterior. They may have some performance enhancements, but I don't have any idea what.
I am in the used equipment business, I don't buy new cars, trucks, boats unless what I want can only be had new.
I wanted the newer Tahoe for about 2 years now, but my 02 was in such good shape, it just wasn't justifiable to replace, finally with 178,000 miles on it I totaled it. I already had been shopping, or snooping on line for what I wanted. I found that there was not much difference in price between a 09 (oldest I would go as I wanted the 6 speed) and a 12. They hold their value that well. My Tahoe (and my 2010 Mustang) both were out of rental fleets! The Tahoe came with all 4 wheels way out of balance, the Mustang had warped front brake rotors. Both were less than a year old, with factory warranty left and otherwise could not be told from new. I don't know about the maintenance, but I'm betting they get the minimum required, and that's adequate. I wouldn't worry about that and make my decision on the vehicle based on it's condition and history (carfax tells) BTW, the Tahoe listed for $52k, I paid $34 with 21000 miles, mommas Stang listed for $29 and I paid $16 with 29000 miles... It's the way to go IMO, nobody beats on a mustang harder than a renter, 25000 miles later, still flawless.
