Ok, thanks for all the help on here I think I may have found a great deal on a Tahoe Hybrid, however it is a new 2008.

Are there any major differences between the 2008 and 2009 models?

Thanks!

 

according to all literature 08 and 09 are identical. The only difference is the ability to have bluetooth link your cell to the car. GM is working on a retrofit kit for this option for the 08 models. other than that the only other difference is in color options as they added one in 09. I bought an 08 Yukon recently after MUCH research because it was a much better deal.

 

In addition to the Bluetooth being stadard on the '09 model there are also some slight changes with regards to the mechanical aspects of the truck. These are not published in any literature as they are not major. However, there have been some improvements to the engine and also some changes in the transmission. All appear to be minor and I would not hesitate to buy an '08 if the deal is right. Good luck

 

Hmmm...does the 2008 Hybrid have a 4-speed or 6-speed transmission?

 

same electric motors, same cvt operation, same manual gear box selector via stalk stick. Traditional transmissions are more efficient at higher speeds CVT trans are more efficient at lower city speeds. couple the 2 together and you have the best of both worlds. 4 speed traditional box, CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION infinite combinations. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continu...e_transmission

 

The lockpick website mentions that is integrates bluetooth calling with onstar. I wonder if that is similar (or better) than any retrofit parts that GM may release. I'm interested in some other features of the lockpick, so perhaps that would be a better option for an 08.

Anyone driven an 09 to see if there are any differences? All of my test drives have been with 08 left overs.

 

the GM solution is factory authorized so it isn't a warranty issue causer. The aftermarket lockpick gives you the ability to use more of the options in your radio/nav system but COULD depending on your dealer cause you some serious warranty issues if they decide to be snotty about it. On the other hand if you got the dealer to install the lockpic they would have no grounds to void the warranty on the electrical system of your vehicle.

 

Good point, i guess things like the lockpick really depend on the dealer. I was speaking to one of the aftermarket guys at a local dealer and he said that if the manufacturer will back the products for 3yr/36k miles then they will install it and sell it to customers with new vehicles, so I think this would depend somewhat on the warranty that comes with the lockpick setup and as you said if they install it.

Thanks for the thoughts. I don't have a Tahoe Hybrid (yet) but I'm shopping real serious now and hoping to get one soon before the last of the 08s are gone.

 

there are some serious good prices on 08's and 09's just look for GMC yukon or chev tahoe then refine the search by adding in hybrid. There is a steel blue GMC for 45k brand new and then you get a $2200 fed rebate for buying a hybrid and Osammas new "incentives" allow you to deduct your state sales tax from the total. I just bought my 08 yukon and got it for under 40k with my 10 year old jeep trade in, and if you add the 4k or so I will get back at the end of the year im in it 34 to 35K which easily covers the 1st year depreciation.
By the way I love this car it actually DOES what they claim! It is a thinking mans car so you have to re learn how to drive to save fuel but with the on board devices it becomes second natire after a few weeks. i just took two of my folks to lunch who hadn't been in it and we drove the restaraunt and back on batteries only! remember its all controlled by the weight of your right foot!

 

What is the lockpick software and what does it get me? It seems that someone should come up with software to change the profile of hybrid system to optimize things like speed that you can drive before it goes to gas, force only electric or whatever.