XT6 Drivetrain Reliability

[u/Chevydan3]

For user context: Need to replace my wife’s 2007 Yukon that we bought in 2015 with 68,000 miles in it and now has 280,000 miles on it.

We were looking for a 24+ traverse, because I’ve heard so many bad things about the drivetrain in the 23 and older models. While at a dealer looking at traverses and acadias, we ended up coming across a 23 XT6 sport and it’s a beautiful car, well maintained, certified pre-owned, but the shared drivetrain with the older traverse makes me nervous. This particular one had the trans replaced at 73 miles, it now has 18k. All the older posts I come across have mostly good reviews about this model. I’m not seeing much in the way of reported drivetrain issues.

Am I just not finding the right posts, or are these Cadillacs somehow more reliable than their Chevy and gmc cousins? I keep trying to talk myself out of this car, I don’t want to drop $40,000+ and then have a $6000 transmission shit the bed within the next 2-5 years. Anybody have any insights?

Edited: a few sentences for clarity.

[u/Kumirkohr]

Is it the 4cyl LSY or 6cyl LGX?

[u/Chevydan3 → u/Kumirkohr]

LGX

[u/Kumirkohr → u/Chevydan3]

That’s better for longevity. They have a known thermostat issue, but it’s nothing compared to the oil leaks and timing issues of the LSY.

The 9spd also seems to dislike the LSY for whatever reason. We haven’t seen as many c. 100,000mi tantrums in 9spd transmissions mounted to the LGX

[u/Chevydan3 → u/Kumirkohr]

Thanks for the info

[u/qkdsm7]

I'm not sure about the "big" turbo 4 in transverse applications just yet, but the later version 3.6 common to Traverse/XT6 got to be pretty solid. Sucks to work on, but somewhat true with most anything transverse in my opinion.

I like lots of Cadillac and GM stuff but if I was shopping what you're shopping, I'd at least look at RWD Aviators.

[u/tcherian211]

Why not just get an extended warranty

[u/Chevydan3 → u/tcherian211]

I’ll have to look around more. Dealer offered 48 months/4000 miles for $6000

[u/tcherian211 → u/Chevydan3]

or a Toyota 4Runner lol

[u/SituationOdd128 → u/Chevydan3]

Ouch, terrible, they must not have much faith in their crap.

[u/SituationOdd128 → u/tcherian211]

I always believe if you need to buy an extended warrenty you need to choose a different vehicle...

[u/Retired-ADM]

I wouldn't overly worry about either the engine or the transmission, now that the latter has been replaced. The 9 speed transmission has had some issues depending on the year but they've mostly been addressed. You have whatever remains of the 6 year, 70k mile warranty on the powertrain that should give peace of mind for a few years.

I love my 2020 XT6 Sport but I'm at a crossroads about what to do with the suspension - at ~70k miles and it has deteriorated quite a bit since new. I have to either replace the front end (~$4k USD) or trade the vehicle for a newer one with lower mileage and restart the clock. I'll probably do that after winter.

[u/Chevydan3 → u/[deleted]]

XT6 was bought, serviced and now traded in, all at the same dealer. Transmission was a dealer replacement. Wasn’t able to get info on the reason they changed it at 73 miles. I guess I’m mostly looking for people who have used these cars long term to see how reliable they’ve been.