uhlme said:
First, I want to say how great this site is! ?Lots of good info for soon to be buyers.
Thanks - I love hearing feedback on my pet project and the members here are a valuable asset in your purchasing decision.
uhlme said:
Does anyone know why the base price was adjusted $220 in December 2001?
Really no idea. Personally I though it was to annoy me and force me to change about 12 web pages on the site.

Probably just an annual adjustment to all vehicles to cover GM fixed production costs (rise in health care costs, pay, benefits, it's all passed along to you and me).
uhlme said:
What kind of gas mileage(in what type of driving) do you get w/ the Z66 package and 3.73 rearend?
Drivers here are seeing from 12 to 18 MPG combined, depending on how you drive (highway versus city lead foot versus conservative) and where you drive (flat versus hilly hot versus temperate versus cold climate). The sticker is pretty right on, which I know is becoming increasingly rare these days.
uhlme said:
Do the side mirrors work with the seat memory setting?
No they don't. Only the seat works with memory. The mirrors do have memory with the seat on the Cadillac Escalade EXT - it's one of my pet peeves.
uhlme said:
Are the rebates going up or down after Feb?
As reported in a strong rumor on this very website, rebates are suppose to drop from $2,002 to $1,000 on March 1 on select GM vehicles, including the Avalanche. This is in large part because consumer interest in the Avalanche is skyrocketing and sales are on track to beat the 2002 forecast of 100,000 units. Again, this in only a strong RUMOR.
uhlme said:
Is there a certain build date I should look for?
I'm going to hurt feelings here as I've never posted this publicly. I would stay away from the earliest production Avalanches (May to end of August). From a statistical stand point they just seem to have more problems. (let the debate begin!)
The good news is you'll be hard pressed to find one of these early models on a lot anymore as GM has sold over 55,000 units since launch. Make sure if you have a factory roof rack to check for rust in the upper weatherstripping at the doors. Just open up the doors, stand on the assist step, and peel back the upper stripping. Some dealers were sloppy on their install of the rack and metal shavings are getting caught between the stripping and the Av. If there is rust insist on it being cleaned - or a completely different vehicle.
uhlme said:
I know they are assembled in Mexico, does anyone know what percentage of parts are made in the USA?
A vast majority. I couldn't give you a percentage but I'm 99.99% sure to be called an American car it needs to have 60% or more US parts. I would venture to say that many of the non-American parts are of Asian origin (electronics).
uhlme said:
What changes are going to made for 2003? Upgraded audio and keyless entry for the tailgate?
There has only been speculation. If I was a betting man I'm sure GM is hearing the cries for a locking tailgate, reverse parking aid, and a far better sound system than provided. Some of our Detriot members have seen monochrome Av's running around and there is some speculation that you will be able to get a single color Av, versus the gray cladding. I know the Pontiac Aztek is slated to get the monochrome treatment.
uhlme said:
Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Your welcome!