Help. I have the itch for an Avalanche

[kickingtires]

Actually, I've wanted one since I saw them in a magazine back in '01.  Then I bought property to build a house, got married, had two kids...you know the story.

Now I'm at a point where I need to replace my '97 F150 Super Cab 4X4.  Its been a great truck, but I cannot suffer another winter of driving with my knees in the dashboard, because there is not enough room for the kids in the backseat!

I've always wanted an Av and my wife is agreeable, so I need to strike now.  We're going to replace her 4Runner next year, and I don't want two new car payments, so the Av will have to be a used one.  She'll get the nicer rig, you know how it works...

Considering two local Avs:

2002 North Face Edition, 94K, metallic sage green.  NADA is $14,700.  The dealer is asking $14,998, but I'm guessing they took it on trade for about $11,500.  I may find out soon how much margin they need as the dealer just called and left a message.  Its a one owner rig sold by the same dealership.  The guy just traded it in on a new Av.

2003 4X4, 66K, white, cloth bench, no moon/sunroof, Snugtop canopy.  NADA dealer retail is $16,700, but this is a private seller asking $16,000.  The canopy is really nice and they go for over $2,000, but I think its ugly and really see no value in it - unless I can sell it.  I think I could get this rig for $15,000 to $15,500.  This is the original owner, a 65year-old man.  It has impeccable service record at the local dealership.   The heads on the 5.3 were replaced under warranty.  Apparently there is a run of serial #'s on 5.3 in '03 models that had head issues.  So the heads are virtually brand new.  This could be a good thing, as it would suck buy this, or another '03 Av and have the heads leak antifreeze at 60k.

Not exactly an apples to apples comparison.  I guess the question is, if I can get the loaded '02 NFE with 94K for $2500 less than the '03 with 66K would that be worth it?  Is the 28k miles worth $2500?

If I drive about 14K year, in 4 years the NFE will have 150K and the '03 will be at 122...

Are there maintenance issues, like tranny rebuild that are far more likely to occur with the '02 NFE?

I've spent hours on this site recently and have found more great info that I can digest.  Any thoughts, opinions, etc. would be much appreciated!

Thanks for your time,
Randy

[MS03 2500]

I'd go with the newer one 2003 because of the miles and the maintenance. Be sure that he has the bed covers before you get it. Some folks sell them off when they get a Snugtop

[kickingtires]

I'd go with the newer one 2003 because of the miles and the maintenance. Be sure that he has the bed covers before you get it. Some folks sell them off when they get a Snugtop

He has the bed covers and the bag.  Didn't mention that he GLUED his radar detector to the dashboard.  Could not believe somebody who is otherwise completely anal about his vehicles would do something so stupid.   May not be rational, but the blob of glue bothers me, and really bothers my wife.  Anybody used these:

http://www.dashtop.com/index.php/products/dash-cover-2000-2006-chevy-avalanche-suburban-yukon-xl-yukon-denali-xl-tahoe

They don't show installed photos.  Are these just covers you install over the old dash, or are they replacement parts?

[MS03 2500]

That one does not look too bad, most dash covers look like carpet.

[littlemerv]

I second, '03 with less miles is the better way. Lower the miles the better.

[Senor Plata]

Yep the only thing that stops the Avalanche itch is to clad where you are scratching.

I vote for the NFE 02 because I have one.  02s are generally more reliable than 03s.  I got my 02 NFE with 82K miles for 13K OTD with a two year warranty.  So you should be able to knock 1 or 2 K off the dealers price.  Gas prices are set to surge and they may start sweating trying to sell trucks and large SUVs again.

[Darkhorse]

My says go with the North Face because they're cool, my brain says go with the 03 because of the mileage and service records.
The dashtop cover is a good option or another radar detector to cover the spot would work as well. The Snugtop shouldn't be hard to get rid of and the tranny? It's either going to fail or it won't, and one truck is just as likely as the other to have the problem, an extended warranty would be a good idea for whichever truck you choose.

good luck

[ygmn]

NFE 2002 in sage green is a rare breed.... as color only available in 2002 on NFE edition...
the 2002 should have more features due to be loaded...


the 2003 with bench is nice if youneed bench otherwise I bet it is lacking options...
the snugtop can be sold for 1500 to 2000...


go for the NFE 2002!

[AVnFun]

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=p&car_id=269667336&dealer_id=64684593&car_year=2007&rdm=1256050819052&lastStartYear=1981&model=AVALNCH&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=2007&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=used&distance=100&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&sownerid=616112&showZipError=y&make=CHEV&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=32920&advanced=&end_year=2007&doors=&transmission=&max_price=&cardist=47&standard=false&rdpage=thumb

[AVnFun]

I was kidding about the last post of course..

[kickingtires]

I was kidding about the last post of course..

Was hard to tell that was an Avalanche!  Why is it that people with unlimited resources often seem to have very limited taste?

[MS03 2500]

Actually that was a nice AV. It was even sent to SEMA a couple years ago.

[Darkhorse]

Why is it that people with unlimited resources often seem to have very limited taste?

Well spoken I see it's a Central Florida truck-why am I not surprised? 

On what part of earth are you located? A member in Palm Coast FL is looking for a 4X4 with bench seat. If you decide to go with the North Face he might be interested.

[kickingtires]

Well spoken I see it's a Central Florida truck-why am I not surprised? 

On what part of earth are you located? A member in Palm Coast FL is looking for a 4X4 with bench seat. If you decide to go with the North Face he might be interested.

Pacific NW, about as far from Florida as you can get...

[AVnFun]

Was hard to tell that was an Avalanche!  Why is it that people with unlimited resources often seem to have very limited taste?

That is so well said.... 

[Senor Plata]

Hey kickingtires,

If you are in the Puget Basin,  feel free to message me if you need help deciding.  I have dealt with a lot of local dealers over the years and I always keep my eyes open for used Avs.

I tried to look up the NFE you were talking about but it is not listed on the usual Autotrader like sites.

[kickingtires]

Hey kickingtires,

If you are in the Puget Basin,  feel free to message me if you need help deciding.  I have dealt with a lot of local dealers over the years and I always keep my eyes open for used Avs.

I tried to look up the NFE you were talking about but it is not listed on the usual Autotrader like sites.

Thanks for the offer, I'm from the dry side.  I see many used Avs on the wet side.  I have not negotiated yet, but I think I can get the '02 NFE with 94k for less than $13,500.  That's getting close too the $13k you paid for 84k miles.  Would you do it again?  How was the wear on your seats and interior at 84K?

BTW, both Avs I'm considering have new fairly new tires.


P.S.
Just found another listing from a private seller:

2003 Z71, 94k lowered, 24" rims, stock wheels come with it also, remote start, Alpine CD, rear DVD, leather, on-star, etc. asking $12,500



Not excited about the lowered and the 24" rims (IMO, they look and drive like $#!^)  What does it take to raise it back up?  Is it usually quite a job?  Are some irreversible modifications made during a drop?

[MS03 2500]

I think we saw that one again.

[Sirshopolot]

  to the club kickingtires

Can't go wrong with an Av!

Good luck! Keep us posted 

[Senor Plata]

My interior is in really good shape.  The leather seats show some wear but I do not have the gore tex splitting like some people have posted.  There was a short in the rear drivers door light wire and I disconnected it and that solved a few other electrical glitches.  I have even have the original NFE floor mats.  I was amused to find a few old almonds and a french fry behind the back seat.  I have found a lot worse in used cars.   The only major blemish I have on the truck is the tell tale signs that it had a canopy on it for a while.

I would definitely buy it again especially after seeing how the prices for used cars have rebounded in the last 6 months (I bought it in April).

I would avoid buying anything lowered.  Why would somebody do that to a Z71 that is made more rugged for dirt roads?  Lowering defeats the purpose of having a truck that can go anywhere.

[kickingtires]

Here's the '02 NFE:



BTW, are the two "bucket" seats the same part, whether you have the center console or the 40-20-40?

[djhype7]

Here's the '02 NFE:



BTW, are the two "bucket" seats the same part, whether you have the center console or the 40-20-40?

Update?  Have you decided?  At the end of the day, if it were me, I would let color decide.  Yes, the '03 is a better deal... but if you are set on the '02 color, you can always rely on this here club to help you out with any problems you have with the NFE.  I agree with Plata... unless you decide to lower it yourself, it is just not right to lower a Z71!

You are the only one to make this decision, and there is definitely something to be said about making a gut- decision, or relying on your heart.

Whatever your choice, you have made a great decision to buy an Avalanche.  It is a very versatile and attractive vehicle that is sure to last you for many years to come.

 

Dj

[kickingtires]

Update?  Have you decided?  At the end of the day, if it were me, I would let color decide.  Yes, the '03 is a better deal... but if you are set on the '02 color, you can always rely on this here club to help you out with any problems you have with the NFE.  I agree with Plata... unless you decide to lower it yourself, it is just not right to lower a Z71!

You are the only one to make this decision, and there is definitely something to be said about making a gut- decision, or relying on your heart.

Whatever your choice, you have made a great decision to buy an Avalanche.  It is a very versatile and attractive vehicle that is sure to last you for many years to come.

 

Dj

I do have an update!  Through my usual internet browsing, I found a 2002 Z71 in Butte, Montana, about 300 miles from home.  As luck would have it, a friend of mine who is a sales manager here, knew the sales manager at this lot.  The guy told my buddy he'd sell it to me for wholesale +$700.   My friend knew another car guy in Butte, who went and drove it for me.  He said it was a nice rig.  Well, after a couple sleepless nights I did the unthinkable - bought it sight unseen!  Would not and could not have done it without my friend's networking.

On Monday, the dealer over-nighted the paperwork to me.  I received the package Tuesday and over-nighted it back with a check from my credit union.  For the cost of $200, I had it shipped here.  It arrived yesterday, Thursday.

My friend, who looks at used cars all day every-day called me and said, "You're going to $#!^ your pants when you see this."

Well, I almost did.  The vehicle looks nearly brand new.  At only 47K miles, the previous owner only drove it about 6K/year.  He was a smoker, but the smell is very faint (I have a very sensitive nose for that.)  Doesn't bother me.  At least not yet.

It is Victory Red with chrome tube steps and a polished SS brush guard.  Doesn't look like any one ever sat in the back seat!  A real gem.  As my wife says, my patience paid off and I was obviously meant to have this one!

Will post photos as soon as it stops raining here...

[Z66Modder]

You new this was coming.

 

Can't wait to see it and welcome to the Brotherhood! 

[Sirshopolot]

Congratulations!

  to the club officially