Consumer Reports Says....

[Sanguine321]

I'm in the market for a new truck/suv. I love chevy and I'm considering an Avalanche. The design is awesome and very unique, they're good for off-road, and its a Chevy.....chevy's tight. I've also done so much research. I've managed to narrow things down to just a few makes/models. [br]

The only concern that I have with an Avalanche is that in Consumer Reports it says to Avoid Avalanches from 03-04 models. They're surveys show continuous problems with Drive System, Suspension, Paint/trim, Body integrity and hardware, and power/audio equipment. I donno if an Avalanche is worth it for all these problems that seem to come up when I can get something that holds up better like a Toyota or something. SO? what do you guys think

 

[DaytonaZ71]

Welcome to the club !

About your question...
As a member of the Chevy Avalanche Fan Club of North America, I'd say ignore consumer reports and buy an Avalanche.







what?

 

[m02redl]

welcome to the club Sanguine321
not sure what they're referring to as continuous problems on the items you have listed, I just don't see that many reports here. The most common is a steering clunk, for which there was just a new intermediate shaft released that seems to have cured it, and the stepper motors on the cluster of the 03's

good luck with your decision, I think you'd be happy with a av, I know I am 

 

[MS03 2500]

to the club Sanguine321 I have a 03 and have had no problem with system listed, don't believe everything you read. Only one problem I have 4wd actuator motor which dealer fix promptly

 

[dman]

Welcome aboard I have an 03' and I don't have any of those problems. Come to think of it I haven't had any problems except for the TSB for the Intermediate steerting shaft, which was replaced under warranty.

 

[Brianster]

welcome to the club Sanguine321
not sure what they're referring to as continuous problems on the items you have listed, I just don't see that many reports here. The most common is a steering clunk, for which there was just a new intermediate shaft released that seems to have cured it, and the stepper motors on the cluster of the 03's

good luck with your decision, I think you'd be happy with a av, I know I am?

? ? ? to the club! ?I basically have had the same problems as Wildfire. ?All vehicles will have problems. ?Ignore consumer reports, get an AV and start modding!

P.S. ?Buy BLUE, buy BLUE!

 

[sperry]

CU also praised a toaster I bought - it was a POS!

Odd they say such, as none of those mentioned* were an issue with mine! (Maybe not so odd after all, they lost credibility with me long ago.)

*Exception is the Bose premium amp, which I had changed out for the luxury version for a considerable improvement.

47000+ miles and well pleased. I would simply look at a carfax report on any vehicle you buy - Av or not.

Besides, NO vehicle out there has this kind of board, support  & size of membership supporting it; even those vehicles which well out sell the Avalanche!

Good luck on your search!

 

[m02redl]

CU also praised a toaster I bought - it was a POS!

Odd they say such, as none of those mentioned* were an issue with mine! (Maybe not so odd after all, they lost credibility with me long ago.)

*Exception is the Bose premium amp, which I had changed out for the luxury version for a considerable improvement.

47000+ miles and well pleased. I would simply look at a carfax report on any vehicle you buy - Av or not.

Besides, NO vehicle out there has this kind of board, support  & size of membership supporting it; even those vehicles which well out sell the Avalanche!

Good luck on your search!

did you change it because it went bad or for a sound quality improvement?

 

[teksavy]

I have an 2003 and I have had NONE of the problems Consumer Reports says. I had four issues total with the 60K I have put on it.

1)One of the shift solinoids in the transmission was slipping. Fixed under warranty
2)The XM Radio occasionally lost signal- swaping the radio solved that
3)The intermediate steering shaft as mentioned previously here.
4)Driveline clunk on 2-3 shift under low loads. They say it is normal as the car ages, but it still seems like a cop out.

Overall I am VERY pleased with the truck and totally think you should make the plunge. I'd say get an 2003 because it has the new interior with the least decontenting and they will be the lowest cost as well.

If you want to be different, get a cladded AV.. they don't make them anymore and the 2003s have the dark cladding which looks better than the 2002 models.

Hope this helps.

-Ed

 

[irontrain]

to the site Sanguine. Here's a link to our resources section which has links to many online articles about the Avalanche. I have a 2002 and have had virtually no problems. I have seen every year made so far and while I do prefer the cladded models I still say that the Avalanche is the perfect truck. Able to carry 5-6 passengers, yet when necessary convert to a full size pick-up. If your looking for a truck the Avalanche is a perfect choice. Check out our forums and read some of the posts members have made. Good luck with your choice and enjoy the site.

 

[Sanguine321]

Thank you guys so much for all your replies!! Feel free to add anything else.

 

[Sanguine321]

I think I would like my truck in Black with Body Hardware and like a 4inch Lift. I think tha looks cool

 

[sperry]

did you change it because it went bad or for a sound quality improvement?

`Just that I changed it out, it wouldn't have been there to reflect upon any mishaps thereafter..

-----

I think I would like my truck in Black with Body Hardware and like a 4inch Lift. I think tha looks cool

Look at several member's lifted Av's on the board!

 

[danlwil]

I think I would like my truck in Black with Body Hardware and like a 4inch Lift. I think tha looks cool

now you're talking

It sounds we have some things in common... we OVER THINK THINGS  the best thing to do is drive a few...

may I suggest that you hook up with a couple of AV owners in your area and talk with them.. ride with them and scope out their trucks...

you need to get a FEEL for what and how they are...

GL and 

 

[Brianster]

now you're talking

It sounds we have some things in common... we OVER THINK THINGS? ?the best thing to do is drive a few...

may I suggest that you hook up with a couple of AV owners in your area and talk with them.. ride with them and scope out their trucks...

you need to get a FEEL for what and how they are...

GL and?

Yeah.  See if there is a GTG (get together) in your area, and attend.  You will get alot of input and great ideas in what to do to your AV if you decide to get one.

 

[m02redl]

I think I would like my truck in Black with Body Hardware and like a 4inch Lift. I think tha looks cool

good plan! 

 

[Sanguine321]

now you're talking

It sounds we have some things in common... we OVER THINK THINGS? ?the best thing to do is drive a few...

may I suggest that you hook up with a couple of AV owners in your area and talk with them.. ride with them and scope out their trucks...

you need to get a FEEL for what and how they are...

GL and?

True...true. I definatly over think. I always think I'm gonna make the wrong choice or something. But thats such a good Idea. I don't know anyone who has an Avalanche tho. But I guess I cud find some people. Thats a great thought.

 

[Sanguine321]

I think I would like my truck in Black with Body Hardware and like a 4inch Lift. I think tha looks cool

My bad, I meant 4ft. I don't want it too high. I donno how ppl get in those really high truck. 

 

[Brianster]

True...true. I definatly over think. I always think I'm gonna make the wrong choice or something. But thats such a good Idea. I don't know anyone who has an Avalanche tho. But I guess I cud find some people. Thats a great thought.

Scroll down on the forums page and look for GTGs in California and see if anything pops up in your area. 

 

[m02redl]

Scroll down on the forums page and look for GTGs in California and see if anything pops up in your area. 

good idea, or just start a topic in SoCal saying you'd like to meet up

 

[ygmn]

What ever problems the avy has...

the suburban, tahoe, silverado has for the most part...

so ya need to compare with what CR says.... those..


I thin kyou will find CR is not all that accurate

 

[brsofla]

Had an '02, now an '04.  No major probs and  'em both.  Do the Av and welcome to the nation!

 

[DaytonaZ71]

You might do well to check out the Chevrolet Avalanche Problems, Questions & Answers section and see for yourself, since any issues listed there are from actual owners rather a publication with possibly questionable motives you should get a much better idea of any potential problems you may encounter.

 

[danlwil]

It seems as though most publications like CR has a propensity to lean toward imports anyway...

I've never seen where GM gets too high of marks in these mags anyway...
I weigh them out on the basis of my own experience and I ALWAYS look at the customer/user reviews.

So ... ask me what I think of the AV             

 

[m02redl]

It seems as though most publications like CR has a propensity to lean toward imports anyway...

I've never seen where GM gets too high of marks in these mags anyway...
I weigh them out on the basis of my own experience and I ALWAYS look at the customer/user reviews.

So ... ask me what I think of the AV             

hehe, danwil reports likes them...  a lot!