Have you considered a used current gen Tahoe? Since these things depreciate incredibly.

 

Normally I'd worry about it but planning to keep a long time and want new with the added improvements, including engine that runs on E85 gas... ESPECIALLY if gas rises dramatically again...

 

I see, but using E85 and suffering the gas mileage hit pretty much kills the math on gas savings. Don't all the current gen Tahoes (2007 on) run on E85, or was that a later update? No doubt, they are nice trucks.

 

I'm not sure prior to 2009, but the mileage is equal according to the stickers, the Denali without the flex actually loses 2 mpg... ... either way, I like 'em , but like the Tahoe ove the Denali...

 

Not sure which trucks you test drove, but I've driven a few older Sierras (2001-2002) and they did have terrible brakes. My Yukon has brakes with a similar grab/feel to my SC300. My brother-in-laws 2004 Sierra also has the same feel. I think you're confusing trucks from 2 generations ago with the current and last gen.



My truck has all the towing parts, but I don't think its a Z71 (they didn't call it that for GMC either, I dont think).

 

My 2004 runs on E85? Many GM vehicles run on E85 (even the previous generation) and many don't say it. They didn't start advertising it until recently.

 

Good info... my point is it doesn't appear the E85 engine loses any mileage

 

We've had our '08 LTZ for almost a year now and we love it. Don't miss the GX one bit (especially that retarted rear side swing gate, dumbest design ever!)

 

Note: for the 2009 Tahoe 6.2L 4wd EPA gas mileage ratings are

gasoline 12 city/19 highway

E85 9 city/14 highway

 

WOW.. for the 5.3, it's 14 & 20mpg

 

Yes,

5.3 for 2wd (not 4wd):

gas 14 city/20 highway

E85 11 city/15 highway

 

From 3 sources:
2009 Chevrolet Tahoe
LTZ 4WD 6-Speed 5.3L V8 Flexible Fuel Vehicle Automatic 4WD-SEL

Fuel Capacity: 26.0 Gallons
Fuel Economy (Average): 16 Miles per Gallon
Fuel Economy (City): 14 Miles per Gallon
Fuel Economy (Highway): 20 Miles per Gallon
Range: 416.0 Miles
Type: Flex-Fuel

To keep my sanity, this is what I'm going with!

 

See the EPA website, it's the only reliable source, and beginning with 2008 ratings they actually became more accurate too. Other sources have all types of disclaimers surrounding accuracy or lack of. But above info looks correct for the 2009.

What above fails to point out is the huge fuel economy hit when running E85.

I edited in the new 2009 ratings for 5.3L 4wd:

gas 14 city / 20 highway
E85 10 city / 15 highway

 

Ahh, gotcha on the E85... cool, thx