GMT360 Hunt

FearlessAZ

FearlessAZ

Member
Jun 7, 2016
156
Phoenix, AZ
I have decided recently that I want to pick up another vehicle. Since I love my 04 TB LS so much, I have decided that I want to stay with the same platform of vehicles.

I really like the features and luxury of the Envoy Denali and love the performance of the TBSS. My only requirements is V8 and the dic info. Any advice is welcome. I Have looked at Rainiers, 9-7xs, Envoys and TB and just can't really make up my mind. I know each has it's own benefits.

What is your opinion on the different models?

(I know it has been talked about before but couldn't find anything recent)
 
SWB and V8 are the hard to find ones.

I like the 9-7X but not if you want real 4x4
 
I haven't really thought too much about 4x4. A good part of me wants it to go trail riding here. AWD sounds nice but I don't like the idea of having constant 4x4. I would much prefer adjustable.
 
That will greatly limit what you have to pick from.
 
I am fine with pretty much any drivetrain. I was just saying that If I was going to go an offroad route, I would prefer adjustable 4x4 and not the AWD.
 
I would not want to offroad awd much due to shock loads, but also the lack of low range makes what I consider offroad about impossible.
 
My point exactly. AWD is more acceptable to me if it is on the street.

The idea of an offroad Envoy Denali does sound appealing to me. Kinda the best of both world as far as comfort, features and power goes
 
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Except the denali is awd I do believe
 
Looking at a few pictures of the interior on an 05 and 07, looks like it has the adjuster by the shifter. I would assume it is 4x4 if you can adjust it from 2wd to 4hi and 4lo.

7044700.jpg
 
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Sweet. Good to know.
 
I checked this one out today.

http://www.libertygmcaz.com/VehicleDetails/used-2007-GMC-Envoy-Denali-Peoria-AZ/2775273763

I called last night and they quoted me $9400. I saw it had an accident on the carfax so I figured I would go see it in person and see if they would play ball with me. I saw it in person and it sounded and looked decent. They hadn't detailed it or any of the maintenance yet because it was just traded in. I asked sales person what they were asking for it and if it had been in any accidents (always a good way to test your salesperson if they already gave you info). He said he didn't know but would grab the carfax and ask the finance department. He came back and said they were asking $15,900. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I laughed and said there was absolutely no way that I was going to pay that much for a vehicle that had 3 owners, been in an accident and had that many miles. I told him the most I could do was $8k and that was more than pushing that price. I mean if I was able to get it for that much, I could live with that. He left to ask finance department, came back and said the absolute lowest they could do was $12k. I just laughed, shook his hand and said I would take my business elsewhere. Just absolutely ridiculous, humorous and amusing.

I guess the hunt continues.
 
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I visited that link - yep, you can tell that place is a profit center galore - slick website, selling 'accessories' for used vehicles, no pricing posted with the vehicle - best to stay away from those types.

Unfortunately, you're always going to pay more for the Denali - about $3000 and up more, compared to the same year SLT or SLE. At least that's the way it is from what I've seen. If you find one without the markup - you've either found someone (private party) who doesn't know about the markup, or there's something wrong with it. So be careful there.

Oh, and on the GMC, the 4WD selector is always there by the shifter, if it has it. That's not terrible - but the rear wiper/washer control is opposite - granted, you may not need the rear wiper too often, but it's a bit of a pain to reach all the way over there - would've been a lot better to put it closer, like in the TB. Better yet, on the front wiper stalk (for both).
 
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Yup, I definitely won't be going back there again.

I did notice on the denali that it has some wicked running boards that appear to be a part of the side skirts. Seems like these would get ripped off fairly easy during off roading (if I decide to go that route).
 
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FearlessAZ said:
I did notice on the denali that it has some wicked running boards that appear to be a part of the side skirts. Seems like these would get ripped off fairly easy during off roading (if I decide to go that route).
Click to expand...

I've been dieing to get my hands on a set of Denali running boards but when I do come across them they want 600-1000 for the set. It would be a great upgrade for the way I want my truck to look. But I'm not dropping that kind of cash on them. I do understand that taking them off is going to be time consuming because there molded into the bottom of the door sills but I still couldn't pay that price.
 
So having both... here are my observations on each...

Trailblazer:
Little slower (seemingly)
Feels heavier
Feels more like a truck in general.

Envoy:
Actually feels more sporty
Drives more like a similar year Cadillac
Missing a cup holder
Seats feel stiffer (leather vs cloth and older)
Interior seems better, you notice less of the plastic.

I know you're looking at SS's but still thought I'd include it. Voys feel more like a luxury truck in general imo.
 
If you're thinking at all about off-roading, stay away from anything with AWD. It's a part time system that I call the "slip-bang" system. Rear wheels slip and it bangs in the front ones. It's like if you were to pop a clutch on the front wheels. And then a little later, it releases until the next time. I absolutely hate it in winter and useless in summer. basically only helps for takeoff.

If looking at the 9-7x at all, it has its quirks. If ever you need any new body parts, none are available, period. Hoods rust badly on the front lip unless you live in the desert. Cup holders just suck and the switches and stalks are different. One reason cup holders suck is because of the console mounted ignition switch. It does however have its unique looks and the suspension is basically borrowed from the SS. If you can find one, an Aero is basically an 6.0 SS in Saab makeup but they jack up the price because only 500 were ever made.
 
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Only reason I would consider AWD is the TBSS and the Aero. If I planned for any off roading, I wouldn't consider anything less than 4x4. Part of me wants to go fast. The other part of me wants to ride trails.

I guess it just depends on what I can find a deal on. I've looked through numerous classifieds and dealership websites and it just seems like Phoenix doesn't have as good of a GMT360 selection as other parts of the country I have seen. I looked at Pueblo Colorado Craigslist (because of the 07 v8 TB) and saw they had some good stuff there. Mostly everything that I have found here is 4.2L or just beaten up. Don't get me wrong, I love the I6 in my TB but I just wish I could do more with it.

Basically, my credit union is limiting me to something 04 or newer and has to have less than 125k miles. To keep payments below $300, I think I am limited somewhere around $15k as well.
 
FearlessAZ said:
Only reason I would consider AWD is the TBSS and the Aero. If I planned for any off roading, I wouldn't consider anything less than 4x4. Part of me wants to go fast. The other part of me wants to ride trails.
Click to expand...

Seeing this, I would personally stay away from the Denali (or any variant with running boards - my XL has the boards fairly low, for example). Why pay extra for the pretty trim pieces, only to bust them up? And the Denali has them moulded in - not easy to remove (but they look really nice, IMO, as xavierny25 mentions - I'd like to get them, too :smile:

The TBSS has the biggest motor, but also AWD (-?). Another thing to watch out for with this model is oil starvation (it can be corrected with a little work), but stock I've read that it can be a problem, especially if you get on it a lot - and that kinda sounds like you - and probably the prior owner(s) as well - what's the point in having one of these, if you're going to drive like grandpa :smile:

I'd look for something already lifted (good chance the owner maintained it, if they went to the trouble of putting a lift kit on), w/ the 5.3L. Probably a TB SWB, as the Voy only has the 5.3L in the XL in '03-'04, and then GMC made you go up to the Denali in '05 forward to get the V8 (I'm not positive on this, tho; I wasn't following the GMT360 / 370 during its manufacturing run)

You *can* find a SWB Denali - and then it would have the V8. Just remove the boards, and/or put a lift on it, and then you're set. Plenty of support for the 5.3L, so you can put a tune on it, add some go-fast goodies, etc. This would probably be the easiest one to find. Next would be a SWB TB with the 5.3L - they exist, but you'll be looking awhile. After that, a LWB - more of those had the V8, I think.
 
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I can't find anything around here. Have found a few of the Envoy Denalis but nothing has panned out. I learned those V8 TBs are pretty rare. Only one I have been able to find is that one in Pueblo Colorado. Seriously considering it at this point.
 
10 grand for an '06?

BTW, the AWD in the SS is an actual full time system (I think it's called the Torsen?).
 
I think it's a bit high, too. They know it's a rarity to have the V8 and listed the 'new' cost of it on the ad. That shouldn't translate into +$1000 used, however.

If the TBSS is a full-time AWD, that might not be too bad - and I'm pretty sure you've got a 4.xx gear in it by default - you'd probably want the tall gear. The AWD would help on launch, too.

I did a national search for V8-equipped TBs, and > 90% of them are SS.

Here's one I thought was the best of the non SS lot - but it's just north of Minneapolis - a full day's drive for you, plus overnight lodging, unless you're team driving. Airfare might be an option, considering the price - ?
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/671038528/overview/
 
And an LS, so "Less Stuff". Not even fog lights. Kinda strange somebody would order a V8 and get less options.
 
It just requires time and patience. I would prefer an LT dues to more options. None of it is going to come quick. If I can find an 08, I can get better financing. Half the interest rate and longer loan terms. Basically can finance twice as much due to that as well.

That 5.3 is pretty clean in Minneapolis. It seems like other places have a way better selection of of TBs and Voys, compared to here. Same with TBSS. The only ones here are super beaten up and abused or ridiculous prices.
 
In the last week I've seen 3 swb v8s... very strange occurrence actually.
 
Not for sale, just driving around. I'm in NJ... probably pretty far to be realistic but I do see one for sale every once and a while... they don't sit long I'll tell you that
 
littleblazer said:
they don't sit long I'll tell you that
Click to expand...

That is so true for my area aswell. There is a used car lot right at the corner by my house and they have 2 or 3(be it tb,tbss,voy,saab,bravada,acsender,ext,swb) new arrivals every week. And there all gone by the 2nd to third week. I've seen alot of modified ones too lifted,dropped or adapters with some really nice wheels. I actually went in to see a denali they had which was well priced but once I opened the hood I walked away.The throttle body was replaced and there was wires that should have been in wire loom and tied up that weren't. And I could tell by the paint that it's seen a few accidents.

Not trying to scare anyone away from buying a used 360 but make sure you do your home work and check everything twice or even three times.

Oh BTW I'm in New York so there's a 360 370 every 2 blocks. Lol
 
Keep in mind though anything from the snow belt you'll have to deal with rust, something you don't see much of in the desert.
 
Kinda :offtopic:

Actually, you can't ship an export model back to the US. A US military member wanted to ship his TB from Japan and it can't be done. Apparently something to do with pollution standards.
 
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Mooseman said:
Keep in mind though anything from the snow belt you'll have to deal with rust, something you don't see much of in the desert.
Click to expand...

That is pretty much why I want to keep it to within the state. Rust is minimal around here. If I don't find anything in the next couple weeks, I might have to bring other vehicles into my search interests.
 
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