Test driving an '02, What should I expect

[FirstChevyForMe]

I am currently test driving a used '02 Z71 Avy with 22K miles on it. It has a 6" lift kit, Avy brush guard, leather seats, sunroof, 4wd, Reese trailer brakes, front and rear hitch with electrical outlets, on star, and a few more minor mods. The dealer is asking 27K. Am I getting taken?

At first I thought the Avys were ugly as sin, but after test drving a friend's my mind has changed. This will be my second american vehicle and first Chevy and was wondering what should I expect from the quality of this truck compared to Ford or Dodge.

 

[02-Z66]

$27k? i paid $28k for mine. new. it is a Z-66 however. never mind that though. i am just thinking of the 22k miles it has. the lift certainly does not give it any resale value. i know they did not give the guy who traded it any value for it. not to mention the other mods you stated it had.
a few months after i bought my truck i saw Z-71's and 4x4's in the range of $27k to $30k. it was about this time last year. i was a little upset. becasue when i wanted to get the Z-71 they were not willing to come off the sticker price. i will check the value of the truck for you. i will be right back.
okay, i'm back. did a little research. the best i could find was a little over $25k. i even added a few other options to get a "high" quote. you may want to look at a leftover '03. they are giving rebates you know. and i am very sure the dealers are wheeling and dealing to move them out. any left over vehicles from '03 will cost them money. probably most important is the fact that you will get a better finance charge with the purchase of a new vehicle rather than a used.

oh yeah. as far as what to expect... i would make sure i take the truck somewhere you can safely engage 4wd. listen for any type of clunking and/ or grinding. as far as the lift is concerned, make sure you listen for any whining noises while driving. this would indicate any negative angles in the drive line that were not corrected when the lift was done. also you want to pay close attention to the transmission. make sure it shifts when it is supposed to. make sure that it shifts smooth as well. most, not all, people who set their truck up in the aforementioned manner wil do some off-roading. this could have had some negative affect on the vehicle. so inspect closely. fortunately, the vehicle still has some factory warranty remaining. unfortunately, the mods will void any coverage to failure of parts in those areas. besides, why would anyopne want to trade in their AV anyway? they are way too cool for that. so look/ listen closely. good luck on your purchase. make sure you come back for more mod info if you get it.

 

[Forbin]

Dealers try to SCREW you with Lift Kits. They always charge up to 10k for what is really a 3k lift kit. Don't get taken in. Check on Edmunds for how much that car should really cost for your area.

 

[02-Z66]

FirstChevyForMe, what have you found out about your potential purchase? or did you buy it already?

 

[FirstChevyForMe]

I'm still test driving it. I checked as many sources I could find to see what it's worth (NADA, Edmunds, Kelly Blue Book, etc) and they all come back at $29K, that's without adding the aftermarket options like the lift kit and such. I also when to a local Chevy dealer here in town and to get a brand new one with the same factory options then adding the lift kit (like I planned on doing) it will take me close to $40K with discounts. I'll try to get them to go down one more thousand and see if they budge. I have to return it today so I need to make up my mind quick.

 

[munds]

i just came back from my dealer after droping off my av for service they have a 02 loaded up with sunroof onstar and the Z71 package for $25.900 i could not see the milage but everything else looks great.Just a little info. MUNDSZ71