GM-GMC: Diesel option, gmc yukon xl, gmc yukon


Question
Do you know if GM/GMC will be offering a diesel option on their 2001 SUV`s.  I now drive a 1994 Suburban diesel and would love to purchase a new one.  This has been the best car I have ever owned.

Answer
Hi Dorothy -
I have sold alot of Diesel-equipped Subs over the years, and everyone loves them!  You are part of an elite club!

As you know the GMC Suburban was redesigned for the 2000 model year, and is now called the GMC Yukon XL.  They are VERY nice, and I guess the simplest way to describe the changes is the fact that there are now ALOT more car comfort features - memory heated power seats, anti-theft systems, Electronic Automatic Air Conditioning, just to name a few things.

In 2001, we are seeing the new Duramax 6.6l V8 diesel, in either a 250 or 300 HP version that is said to be quieter and will get 15-20% better fuel economy than your present 6.5l.  The only thing is, we won't see the Duramax and the XL mated to each other until 2002.  The source that gave me this information, is usually about 95% accurate.

Myself, so long as your diesel has been good, I would suggest waiting a year to get the Duramax.  The 6.0l 300 HP V8 in the 2500 XL is presently getting about 17 mpg (in Imperial measurements), at the best.  For fuel economy AND power, the Duramax is worth the wait.  

I hope that this helps to answer your question, but if you have anything further please drop me a line.  Have A Great Week!

Automtively yours,

Dean