Looking For A New Truck 4 X 4

[beav626]

I have a 01 GMC Sierra X Cab SLE 2wd and love it. I have it the way I want it. However lately I have had the need for a 4wd truck. So I ve been shopping. my options are as follows:

 

Avalanche 02-05 Z71

Silverado 03-06 X Cab or Crew Cab Z71

Sierra 03-05 x Cab or Crew Cab Z71

 

We all know that it is a buyers market so I will be getting a good deal on the above trucks but taking a bath on my trade in.

 

I have always liked the look and versatility of the avalanche. I can get on better optioned for less money than my crew cab truck.

 

Is the Avalanche really just a GM truck in different clothing ie: Power-train, Chassis, Suspension, Braking? I'm used to this stuff and how to resolve most issues. I just want to make sure If I get the Avalanche it will be similar to my truck.

 

I have found a 02 Avalanche loaded w/ everything my truck doesn't have-same miles and I wouldn't have to come up with much out of pocket. So similar years same miles better options, seems like a no-brainer...

 

Also a couple of 05 GMC and Chevy Z71 X Cabs in the $15k price range

 

I need to be closer to the $10k range.

 

Im hoping to get at least $7k for my truck with 80k miles.

 

let me know your thoughts.

[vester]

I have a 01 GMC Sierra X Cab SLE 2wd and love it. I have it the way I want it. However lately I have had the need for a 4wd truck. So I ve been shopping. my options are as follows:

 

Avalanche 02-05 Z71

Silverado 03-06 X Cab or Crew Cab Z71

Sierra 03-05 x Cab or Crew Cab Z71

 

We all know that it is a buyers market so I will be getting a good deal on the above trucks but taking a bath on my trade in.

 

I have always liked the look and versatility of the avalanche. I can get on better optioned for less money than my crew cab truck.

 

Is the Avalanche really just a GM truck in different clothing ie: Power-train, Chassis, Suspension, Braking? I'm used to this stuff and how to resolve most issues. I just want to make sure If I get the Avalanche it will be similar to my truck.

 

I have found a 02 Avalanche loaded w/ everything my truck doesn't have-same miles and I wouldn't have to come up with much out of pocket. So similar years same miles better options, seems like a no-brainer...

 

Also a couple of 05 GMC and Chevy Z71 X Cabs in the $15k price range

 

I need to be closer to the $10k range.

 

Im hoping to get at least $7k for my truck with 80k miles.

 

let me know your thoughts.

 

The Avalanche is more similar to the Tahoe/Suburban. It has the coil spring rear suspension where the 1/2 ton trucks have leaf springs. I believe if you go to the 2500, you get leaf springs.

 

However, all GM full-size trucks share many similarities including engines, axles, transfer cases, etc. The Avalanche is truly a full-size GM truck.

[pm26]

There is one thing to be aware of with Avalanche. The rear visibility is simply awful due to highly placed small rear window. The blind spot behind the vehicle is about 20 ft. If you have small kids, it would be wise to invest in a rear view camera.

[beav626]

I have a nav/DVD system that I will swap over with rear camera.

 

I like the looks if the trucks better since the avalanche has all that palstic on it. Maybe I could get the plastic painted to match the car. that would makes it look a lot better

[beav626]

Also the mist towing I do is a 18ft boat so the coil springs shoukd be fine.

[Prokopchuk_9]

Also the mist towing I do is a 18ft boat so the coil springs shoukd be fine.

 

 

man coils suck, if i was you i would get the crew cab GMC or the silvy, my buddy had an avalanch that thing couldnt tow a wet towel. coils blow for towing, you want leafs...plus an avalanch is a glorified SUV all that plastic crap on them is a nightmare. the new ones are okay...arent as ugly either. but the year your talking about is brutal to clean/wax. and they got massive blind spots...i would never get one just my two cents.

[beav626]

Can that plastic stuff be removed and color marched to make the avalanche look better?

[2009SierraZ71]

I test drove an Avalanche last spring. I was interested in those, too (same years you are looking at), and it was nice. However, I had a concern with mileage as it sits on the suburban frame. I was also on an Avalanche message board like this one and those years seem to be more prone to transmission problems than the typical GM truck. I'd research that before you purchase one. With that knowledge I had the salesman pull the service records and turned out the truck I drove had been serviced for the trans. Food for thought.

[beav626]

Thanks-I will check tha out.

[terrible1one3]

Isn't there a fairly big difference in payload too?

 

Correct me if I'm wrong but I thought the fact that the trucks have a gap between bed and cabin makes it able to carry a lot more weight in the back. Also I thought there was a difference of how the body sits on the frame between the two.

 

Like I said could be wrong but might want to check it out depending on what you use it for.

[beav626]

My max payload is not too bad maybe some odds and ends every once in a while. I dont think I have every really used my trucks full capabilities.

[amtz.zero]

I would go with the GMC/Chevy 1500 over the Avalanche.

[beav626]

I found a truck I like a lot but the price is a bit too high. 06 Silverado Z71 Crew Cab White with Tan leather 75k miles for $16. I offered $12k but he acted insulted.