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Buying A Av

O

ontariojeff

GUEST
Hello all,

I have read a few topics tonight, & have learned some things, however a few more answers would help me decide on buying one.

I checked out a 2002 Black/Black cloth, 4x4, 12,000 km (7,500 miles) I didnt reilize there was 1500 & 2500 ( I dont know which one this is) $22,500 US, $35,000 Cnd.

This seems like a good price to me, is it?

What is the difference between 2500 & 1500

Is there anyting I should look for or know about the Truck?

Thanks.
 
The 1500 series is the 1/2 ton with the 5.3 liter engine. The 2500 series is the 3/4 ton with the 8.1 liter engine.
The main thing you have to consider when buying an AV is "What do you want to do with it?" If you are towing alot of heavy stuff or snow plowing, you might want to consider a 2500. If you are not doing alot of towing, and mostly using the truck by itself, or off-roading, the 1500 is probably a better choice. I think the majority of AV's out there are the 1500 series with the Z71 off road package.
I've only seen a few 2500's out there. Dealers say that they usually don't order them to keep on the lot, because most people want the 1500. I did a search and there were only 9 2500s in dealerships within 50 miles of my house. 1500s are everywhere.
As far as the price, that seems like a "Too good to be true" price. It doesn't seem right. That's just about 1/2 of what the truck costs new, and it's only 1 year old.

Good luck in your search for a vehicle!
 
Definitely check that Av out!

Don't let it get away if everything is cool with it.
Spweebles did a good job of explaining the models.
I went with the 1500 4x4.
 
See if they have any service records. Since it has that low of a mileage they should have them. Find out WHY they are selling it. Make sure it has a clear title and not a salvaged title. If things check out - buy it quickly, you will love it.
 
With that low of mileage you could be getting a real deal. The history of the AV would be a big help and if the dealer will share the previous owners name that would help.

I have found that some people just buy a new vehicle every year and there is nothing wrong with their trade in. I have a friend who works at GM and bought at GM discount. He is trading in a green 4x4 with around 7,000 miles and it is in perfect condition. The dealer could put that AV on the lot at 22,500 and still make money. And my friend will buy another at his GM discount.
 
Well thank you Spweebles and all,

I picked the truck up this afternoon and had a nice cruise home down the highway.
Now She's sittin in my driveway "lookin good" :cool:

Im already thinking of what mods to do first, Lower it..., Lift it..., Bush Bumber, Winch, Ram Air hood, ???? so many choices... ?I did like that picture someone posted here with the black plexi rear windows.

I will hang here with you guys & post some pics when I start the mods.

The truck feels fine, the "used car salesman" said it may have been a managers vehical. It is a big dealership and I belive by law they have to inform me of any serious repairs or accidents.

My garage is now complete, 97 Red Viper for the summer
02 Black Av. for the rest of the year. ?;D

Again, thanks for the replies.
 
Happy to see your content with your new Av...you really made out with the price on that one.....you won't regret it....the hardest part like you mentioned is deciding what it is you want to mod first....good luck..many ways to go about this....... :B:
 
Hey, Ontariojeff it seems to me you got a good deal there. Last month when I bought my 2003 there was a dealer that had a red 2002 Z71 show up on their lot the same time. It had 12k miles on it, was pretty well loaded up with leather, sunroof and the GM grill bar, and they were asking $31k for it. I'm sure you could have bought it for less but how much is anybody's guess.

I looked at that vehicle before buying mine. I asked the salesman where did it come from, was it a lease return or what. He says, "did you see the red BMW Z3 on the corner of the lot?"

"Yeah", I reply, "so?"

"Well, some guy traded the Z3 and the Avalanche for a new Hummer H2" says the salesman :eek: (this Chevy dealer is also a Caddy and Hummer dealer).

Must be nice to be so indecisive with your toys!

 
Hey mab.....must be nice to that kind of option at your fingertips.... :B:
 
Actually in retrospect I'm glad I didn't go with the 2002. The morning I looked at it, the salesman had taken it out to another customer's house to see if it would fit in the garage with that big GM grill bar on the front - it wouldn't.

Now that I bought my 2003 and have put it in my garage, I've found out that I have about 2" to spare behind the truck when I close the garage door (due to the other junk I have in the garage) - so that extra-length grill guard would have caused me the same trouble. And, as we've come to learn, there are nasty holes drilled in the bumper cladding to secure that thing, so taking it off isn't much of an option unless the dealer would spring for a new bumper cover.
 
How much of the stuff you have in your garage would you have to relocate in order to clear the Av......and yes I agree I would not be fond of leaving holes in the cladding if I decided not to keep the GM brushguard....although I don't think Chevy would replace the front cladding.... :B:
 
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