[jvenable]

Recently purchased an 09 hse (with lux) and LOVE it. It has 132k miles on it, so not super low, but it drives incredibly and got it checked out & is in excellent working condition.

BUT, as I was searching local craigslist for an accessory, came across a 2011 hse lux, same color, same package, just newer and fewer miles-- would cost me about 5k total to upgrade.

Although I recently got it, is it worth jumping on a deal like this? Is the 2 year difference & engine difference between those years a big enough leap? I know some say that the 09's are some of the most reliable ones out there-- but with some of the updates like bluetooth, push start, engine type, dash, & here/there little bits.... is this at all worth looking into a switch?

 

[jvenable]

Oh and just found out the 2011 has 95k miles, just had fuel pump and water pump changed, but not timing belt. Clean diagnostic.

Am I crazy? Is this worth it?

 

[LuisC]

You’re not crazy. Or we all are.
It seems to be human nature to never be satisfied. I go through the same thing.
I’ve been in my 2008 for four months and I still find myself looking at 10-12 models wondering if I should have gotten one.
But I keep telling myself to be satisfied with what I bought. It’s virtually new. It has only 39,000 miles on it. Of course I paid the same for it as I would have for a 10-12 with three times the miles on the clock.


Sent from my iPhone X

 

[jvenable]

Agreed, I do love the 09 and it drives great.

Just coming down to the question if an extra 4-5k is worth 40k less miles, engine/tech updates & 2 fewer years.....

 

[LuisC]

I probably would not, considering it’s unknown if the timing chain has been taken care of. Unless of course you’re prepared to make the corrective changes to the timing chain.


Sent from my iPhone X

 

[Mrmerlin]

well if you ,really like your 09 then save yourself from looking. These are the most reliable well built trucks they have made.

I think the older trucks are better made.

NOTE the 2010 on has issues with the timing chains and tensioners and guides,
it will cost around 6500.00 to get them done around 100,000 miles.
I paid my dealer 6500.00 in labor to do this job plus supplied some of the parts.

I just had to replace the electronic parking brake unit, rear pads and and E brake shoes and rotors,
about 1400.00 for parts and i supplied the labor.
So all of the new electronic wizardry nice as it is just adds another layer of complexity to a machine

That said I have been contemplating getting another 2005 BMW truck with a Lux interior.

I sold my last 05 to my friend and he has been driving the wheels off it,
and it runs like a top with 180K miles now.
I let it go with 150K, he put big brakes on it so it does stop better than a stock version.
Its seats are so much nicer than my 2010 SC truck.
The 05 is quite a bit slower and the trans isnt as nice but hey.

 

[jvenable]

Thanks MrMerlin! Super helpful. I read around before posting this and saw how reliable everyone was saying that the 09’s were (knock on wood) but just wanted to make sure I’m not overlooking anything!

Keep, it is!

 

[dlimanov]

Stan, are NA 06-09 AJ-V8s not prone to timing chain/guide issues? Is it strictly 5.0L engines in 2010+ cars? I can't seem to get a clear answer on that.

 

[sowr]

My 4.4L V8 never had a timing chain problem (sold the vehicle at 200K miles) - it's limited to the 5.0L V8 NA and SC.

 

[jvenable]

Yep AND my 2009's timing chain was just replaced right before I bought it.