OK ZimmsAV, I'll start. I bought a 2003 red Z71 yesterday. I finally decided the combination of interest rates and rebates, combined with GMS pricing, made it ok for me. The Av has the full boat leather seats, XM radio, DIC, steering wheel controls, dual auto climate control, trailering equipment, Z71 and white letter tires. I think that's it from the sticker, I don't have it handy right now.
The dealership here in Omaha, NE was easy to work with, no hassles and was even able to offer some local financing that allowed me to use the full $2k rebate, on top of the GMS price. Even tho the interest rate was a bit higher, the rebate still lowered the payments as well as lowered the price that I pay sales tax on, so it saves me overall this way. There are still some 2002's left in the area, but lots of 03's are showing up now. There is even a fairly loaded red 2002 Z71 on one dealer's used car lot; it has 13k miles and they were asking $30k for it. For the difference in price I preferred to go with the new 03 and the improved content.
I've driven my Av about 150 miles so far and love it. Things I like: ride, handling, acceleration, Bose stereo, seating. It's a good cruiser. My wife also loves the ride and the drive (yes, I let her. I even let my 18-yr old son drive it, too).
Things that could be improved: power window switches - I don't like those push down/pull up type switches. They're too easy to bump with your hand inadvertently. Also, the buttons for the seat heaters are easy to accidentally hit when you're using the window buttons. And GM still lags for convenience by not putting the cruise control on the steering wheel.
Other than that, I don't have any complaints to speak of. The power folding mirrors are nice for parking as our two-car garage isn't overly wide. I've still got a lot of the manual to get through, I haven't mastered all the radio controls yet.
Oh yeah, I've already completed my first mod - the rear seat headrest detent mod. I'm pretty tall and keep the front seat nearly all the way back. Pulling out the rear headrests when folding the seatback down means I can use the midgate without having to move my seat forward some.
Orange DRL's are yet to come!
