I've been looking for an Avalanche since January and have had a rather difficult time finding the right one at the right price point. A few days ago I found one listed for sale that really caught my eye and got me excited. It's a 2003 Black North Face Edition with 222,000 miles on it. Asking price was $5500, we're down to $4000. Don't worry, I'm not asking if this truck is a good deal or not, or if I should buy it or not. Rather, I'd really like to know the perspective of those who have owned an Avalanche for awhile, knows the truck and has already been through the cost-benefit analysis and ultimate result of going through with it.
Thing is is that this Avalanche is in rough shape. Current owner purchased when he was 19, has had it for 7 years, and it's pretty clear that during that time only the bare minimum was done in terms of maintenance and upkeep. New alternator, "something" with the suspension, and a belt was all he said he's really done to it. The engine runs and drives beautifully. However...
I really like the truck, it has pretty much everything I've been looking for, and the North Face Edition is a pretty big cherry on top, only a couple options shy of fully loaded. I just don't want to get stuck with a truck that's going to nickle and dime me while I'm chasing a result that realistically isn't going to happen. I don't have any experience with these trucks though so I'm wondering if I have any good reason to be nervous about buying. I get it's a 2003, I'm not expecting anything new, and I expect issues... it's just that, again.. bare minimum done to keep it road worthy has been done. Hard pressed to find anything around $4000 too... but $4k is still $4k. I'm a handyman and mainly need to truck for work, so having something that I know I can rely is important. I know you guys can't predict the future or anything, but any insights anyone is able to provide is greatly appreciated!
Thing is is that this Avalanche is in rough shape. Current owner purchased when he was 19, has had it for 7 years, and it's pretty clear that during that time only the bare minimum was done in terms of maintenance and upkeep. New alternator, "something" with the suspension, and a belt was all he said he's really done to it. The engine runs and drives beautifully. However...
- Decent sized engine oil leak
- Differential leaking oil, although it appeared to be a seeping type of leak that had been going on for a while
- Shocks, ball joints, basically entire suspension needs replacing
- Steering squeaks and squawks, bushings are shot throughout
- Axle boot is torn, and for who knows how long, probably need to replace
- No radio (apparently sold to friend)
- All windows but driver side needs regulators/motors
- Blower motor needs replacing as well as the air delivery actuator, only the floor and defroster vents blow air
- Keyless entry remote stopped working apparently and has since been lost
- I checked the tranny fluid and while it was red and didn't smell burnt at all, there appeared to be some very small specs of material. I couldn't tell if it was metal or what but it had a very fine grit to it, maybe about 4 or 5 sand-sized specs.
- Needs new hood latch
- OBD2 connector doesn't work (hoping it is the fuse as mentioned on here)
- Lot's of cosmetic issues
I really like the truck, it has pretty much everything I've been looking for, and the North Face Edition is a pretty big cherry on top, only a couple options shy of fully loaded. I just don't want to get stuck with a truck that's going to nickle and dime me while I'm chasing a result that realistically isn't going to happen. I don't have any experience with these trucks though so I'm wondering if I have any good reason to be nervous about buying. I get it's a 2003, I'm not expecting anything new, and I expect issues... it's just that, again.. bare minimum done to keep it road worthy has been done. Hard pressed to find anything around $4000 too... but $4k is still $4k. I'm a handyman and mainly need to truck for work, so having something that I know I can rely is important. I know you guys can't predict the future or anything, but any insights anyone is able to provide is greatly appreciated!