Topic: Want to become a new Avalanche owner. Buying tips needed

[ShagZ]

I have been internet searching for an Avalanche for the past few weeks. Looking for one within 100 mi of zip 18640. Price range sub 18000. i want to keep a 300.00 payment or so.

Questions i have :

I see alot of different year/mi ranges. Older models with low miles. Newer models with high miles. (Does mileage really matter compared to years truck been on the road.)

I am partial to the Cladding on the older models, but the 07 and up look good w/o.

Color i prefer black, but i can always paint it IF i get a super deal in a hot pink version   

LTZ model if i plan to lift a non LTZ model does that matter?

What should i be on the look out for while test driving/looking over the AVA.

Questions ? Comments?

Help greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time

[oHIobellboy]

That's a whole lot of variety you have in there.
06 was the last year of the cladding.
07 and up LTZ with the autoride would require some extra work/brackets with a lift kit.
I myself would be a little hesitant on an 07 (only) with higher mileage due to forward sprag issues in the tranny unless you work out some kind of deal for a reputable aftermarket warranty.
02 was the first year and has a lot of stuff that will only go on an 02 making it harder to find certain things. The light color cladding is the first thing that comes to mind.
 I know there's tons of auctions in PA if you know anyone with a dealers license you can try those to find a great price on one. A buddy of mine goes over to Mercer (I'm in Canton, Ohio) all the time to buy vehicles. He currently has an 04 4x4 he picked up with 140,000 miles on it for under 8K. I've been considering buying that one to use for a winter truck so I can store my 04 during the nasty weather.

There's plenty of others that will chime in on this thread.

[D323]

Mileage is important, but not as much as proper maintenance.  I found my 05 4x4 with 48k miles and all the dealer records from servicing. I paid 17k for it and got a good warranty to cover anything major.  There are lots of little things to look for and to check, but it is best to have a trusted mechanic check out any used car before purchase.

Since the scope of what you are looking for is so wide, I would search out potential candidates and then have each inspected for potential areas of trouble.  Weigh heavily your goals/plans for the truck against what is being offered.  You will find what you are looking for eventually.

[ShagZ]

Looking at this Bad Boy later today. Wish me luck!
http://www.globalautomart.net/2006_Chevrolet_Avalanche_144570527.veh

I know its a base model, but it shows off road package with a 4x4 sticker?? Could it have the better package with a 4x4 sticker?

I plan to add a lift and add skid plates, larger rims & tires next year.

I cannot find a z71 cladded within 100 miles with a year/mileage compared to this one.

Will update later today on how it went.   

[oHIobellboy]

Check the glove box sticker for the RPO code for GT4 or GT5. That will indicate if it has a locker rear end. The Z71's come with them. I don't know what kind of off roading you might do, but it may be something you'd like to have if you plan on doing anything like that.

[Richie_Rich]

That looks to be a pretty low optioned truck.
No sunroof. No roof rack. No hood bug guard.
The climate controls are manual not automatic.

I didn't see where is describes the interior.
I'm partial to leather and heated seats.

They sure did get it to shine nice, but that's their job right?

Make sure nothing is missing. There should be a rubber mat in the bed.
When we were looking, about half the trucks were missing the mat.

[ShagZ]

That looks to be a pretty low optioned truck.
No sunroof. No roof rack. No hood bug guard.
The climate controls are manual not automatic.

I didn't see where is describes the interior.
I'm partial to leather and heated seats.

They sure did get it to shine nice, but that's their job right?

Make sure nothing is missing. There should be a rubber mat in the bed.
When we were looking, about half the trucks were missing the mat.

ya it would be nice to have all those options. in my area I cannot find it without going up in price 3000 or more, 20/30 thousand in milage.

headed out now to go wheel and deal.

thx for replies

[ShagZ]

R title. Total loss..Replaced frame, both airbags..I walked away.

Still in the hunt for an AVA!!!

[ShagZ]

http://www.autotrader.com

AT Car ID: AT-12A5D421
AT Car ID: AT-12A59832
AT Car ID: AT-1275C3AD
AT Car ID: AT-123F22E6

Looking at a black or dark grey Ava. Doing homework on these. Hope to test drive a few this week.

What do you Ava owners see in these that i have choosen?

Thanks all!!

[Richie_Rich]

http://www.autotrader.com

AT Car ID: AT-12A5D421
AT Car ID: AT-12A59832
AT Car ID: AT-1275C3AD
AT Car ID: AT-123F22E6

Looking at a black or dark grey Ava. Doing homework on these. Hope to test drive a few this week.

What do you Ava owners see in these that i have choosen?

Thanks all!!

#1 is a 2500. Nice truck, but be prepared for about 12mpg. If you plan to tow a camper or heavy loads, it would be a good choice.

#2 looks to be needing tires soon.

#3 Not a fan of the Escalade wheels or the factory bull bar, plus it has cloth interior. Too high a price.

#4 looks nice, but there is no information in the interior.

[ShagZ]

#1 is a 2500. Nice truck, but be prepared for about 12mpg. If you plan to tow a camper or heavy loads, it would be a good choice.

#2 looks to be needing tires soon.

#3 Not a fan of the Escalade wheels or the factory bull bar, plus it has cloth interior. Too high a price.

#4 looks nice, but there is no information in the interior.

#1 - No plans yet to Tow anything Yet!!
#2 - Will try to work in new tires or $$ off.
#3 - High priced...yea, was going to work on that. looks clean.Bull bar eh, im 50/50 on it.
#4 - gone...

Thanks for the reply. 1 & 2 are going to be driven and dealed on.

Still in the hunt :)