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Best year model for used Avalanche

Samstruck

New Member
Joined
Jun 15, 2014
Messages
3
It is November 2016, what is the best year model for Avalanches in the last 10 years?
 
I'll tell you the same thing you would hear on Corvette Forum if you asked the same question: The newest one you can afford with the lowest amount of mileage. This is pretty good advice when buying any used car.

Adding more of your specific criteria you are looking for would help people give a more detailed answer.
 
I agree with MyBigToy and would add it depends on the individual AV's service and maintenance record......(a good AV can have an early death if abused or poorly maintained.)
 
I think the 2004 EXT is pretty good.

But that is the only AVY/EXT type truck I have ever owned, so what do I know?

(y)
 
2002 had least problems I think base on reading.

Only problem spcificto that year I can remember was some early ones had bad PCV valve and would blow smoke on start up.



 
Stay away from the 07s.  Problems with early AFM (cylinder deactivation) that were later corrected.
 
While the first bit of advice from MyBigToy is golden, I did a good bit of research as we looked to upgrade from our 2004 to - something newer.

Here are the high points:

In 2007 GM went to the GMT900 platform.
  • What this means is they discontinued the 2500 (3/4 ton model) so no more 8.1L, heavier suspension and 8 lug (heavier duty) axles. -1 point for the 2007 and newer (GMT900).
  • With the change in suspension, they lost the torsion bars for a front spring, going coilovers and greatly improving the ride and handling. +1 point for GMT900.
  • From 2007 to 2009 GM offered the 6.0L as an option. It had a baseline of 366 HP to ~320 HP for the 5.3L's. Torque came to 376 lb-ft vs 335 lb-ft (348 lb-ft on E85) +1 point for the 6.0L.
  • Beginning in 2009 GM offered the 6 speed 6L80 transmission, instead of the 4 speed 4L60-E and 80-E automatics. +1 point for GMT900.
  • For the GMT900s, the engines were equipped with AFM (active fuel management), shutting down 4 cylinders under light load or coasting. There was a problem with the AFM that was fixed for 2009. +1 point for GMT900, 2009 and newer.
  • The 6.0L also offered VVT (variable valve timing). No points, already awarded to the 6.0L.
  • The Z71s are nice all around with off-road-ish suspension. The Z66 was a 2WD version with sport tuned suspension instead. No points.
  • The LTZs also have an air-ride suspension, meaning the shocks will adjust automatically, mostly for trailering, keeping the vehicle level instead of hunkering down under load. +1 point for GMT900.
  • LTZ - the premium package. Backup camera. DVD player. Heated and cooled front seats. Heated steering wheel. NAV. Bluetooth phone. Trailer brake control. The best package for the Avvy's. +2 points for GMT900s.

Now, what does this mean for you??

I lucked into my 2009 with the 6.0L and 6L80. 2009 was the only year for this option. Some complain that the 6 speed is finicky in it's selection and timing of shifts, I find it's fine. Plus we have an LTZ where the only option we're missing is the heated steering wheel.

All that said, the GMT900 is a huge improvement for the Avalanche. If you can, get a GMT900.

However, there's always a caveat, the GMT900s have a sharp increase in price, usually. If you take two Avalanches, a 2006 LT with standard equipment (last year for GMT800) and a 2007 LT (first year for GTM900) , the 800 comes to $9,934 while the 900 is at $12,661, with both of them in excellent condition and 140,000 miles.

The LTZ is about another $1000. Numbers from KBB.

Essentially, if you're looking at either  2006 Z71 fully loaded with 85K miles vs. a 2007 LTZ fully loaded with 110K miles, well, I don't envy that decision... :D

Good luck!
 
Do you mean the one PCV issue that Chevrolet made a change to the valve cover to cure.
 
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