Hello I'm new here and I've been looking to trade my 2011 chevy traverse for a escalade hybrid because I read about the better gas mileage and space. I'm currently getting 16.5mpg in the 3.6 AWD traverse so I figure I can get a little better mileage and have more room in the escalade hybrid. I found one that's a 09 RWD with 77k miles for $28,500. Is that a good price? What problems so I look for when I test drive it. The dealer is 2 hours away so I want to be sure it's not a lemon. I understand that I need to warm it up to test how well the battery works under 30mph? Any jerks or noises to look for? Do you all recommend the extended warranty? Thanks, Lance!

 

Have the dealer run a carfax. If they are the selling dealer, ask for service history. Good luck. You still have the transferable 8 year/100k mile hybrid warranty.

 

Thanks evois. I got the carfax and the only repairs listed are a ac/heat control replaced and front shocks. It lists several maintenance repairs but no details as to what Maintenon. I'm guessing oil changes. It does say that the charging system was checked. No major repairs is a good thing right? Should I be concerned if they weren't using Mobil 1 oil?

 

if they used regular non-synthetic but did it regularly, it is ok. but once purchased make sure you use only synthetic. at 77k miles, the front shock replacement is normal. mine took 88k miles before I did mine. if you have the 09, thats the best year.

 

Thanks. Unfortunate someone beat me to it. I have my eyes on a 2010 escalade hybrid now. Why are the 09s better? Do they get better mpgs? I see that EPA has 21/22 for 09 and 20/23 for 10-13. Why a change?

 

The 09 has the 3.42 final drive ratio while the 2010-2013 has the 3.2 which accounts for the change in mileage. The 2010 and up however has the flex fuel and OnStar remote phone control and EV in reverse but loses the rain sense wipers.

Edit: 2009-2013 has the same engine with a few tweaks.

 

Thanks Evois. I'm about to pull the trigger on a 2010 Tahoe Hybrid RWD with 76,000 miles. This should see better MPGs than the escalade and denali due to weight loss and rim/tire size right? Do you have any issues with the battery charging in the winter?

 

No battery issues on past winters. But from previous post/threads, my 300V hybrid battery was replaced by mistake when it stalled when it was a fuel pump issue at 183k miles. I now have 189k miles.

 

Thanks! One last question. Does the 10% ethanol gas affect performance any? I know 2 stations in my area that sell pure gas but its expensive. I currently just use chevron with the 10% ethanol in my traverse.

 

Ethanol on average has 1/3 less heating value per mass/volume of gasoline.

10% Ethanol ~ 3% less mpg. So if 100% gasoline is more than 10% more, it's not worth it.

Likewise if you have a Flex Fuel vehicle... E85 needs to be much LESS.