$53K base or not, is a lot. When I pay that amount I expect some back up by the manufacturer.
I am in RI, dealer good to deal with and I too am on a 1st name basis with them as well...unfortunatley.
Customer service @ GM is not a priority in any shape or form.

 

I'm in PA.

I considered the 'slade because of the 6.2L, AWD, and 8" GPS.
However my insurance company wanted $300/month vs $100/month for a Tahoe.

Although the 09 Tahoe LTZ was $53k and a 08 esky was only $45.

These things drop in value like a rock. Gee, I wonder why... maybe it was only worth $30,000 NEW.

I also considered a BMW X5. Again, high insurance... but my mom has one and LOVES it. I love it too, tows 5k, (enough for my boat) ride is amazing, fuel range is great. the handling is amazing, and the interior fit/finish is 100x anything GM has.

 

that is why I got ours used for $26k with 45k miles so the previous owner had to deal with fixing all the random new car "issues" and he had to eat the depreciation.
I am VERY happy with ours at that price but I would be pissed if I paid $50k+...new cars a fun at 1st but a complete waste of $. every new car my parents have had always has random issues, squeeks, rattles for the 1st couple years - STS including the new Mustang GT my dad drives the Avalon my mom used to drive and the Tacoma my mom now drives.
and I guaratee 100% of all X5s are not problem free, there are some lemons out there people complain about just like you with the Tahoe + they have to pay out the you know what for maintenance

 

I believe there are some subtle differences in the Esky dash but don't know if that has anything to do w/ the cracking.

 

the esky uses a different, less paper thin, less $hitty dash material than the tahoe. (and it should with a $89,000 sticker price).

as for used, yes, I originally wanted used for 30k vs new for $53k.

but the no tax on a 09 bought in 09, the cooled seats, the bluetooth, the trailer brake controller, and the 6 speed auto pushed me to the 09... and I never owned a "new" car before...

I've learned my lesson. never buy new, and never buy gm

from now on it's 1-2 years old on anything I buy...

hard lesson, but I'll never forget it. or let anyone I meet forget it.