Just bought an Avalanche

turbojimmy · January 10, 2012

So I was planning on trading in my '95 F-150 for a small deposit toward an older GM sport ute, like in the $5k-$6k range. That was the plan. I drove my '02 Trans Am Convertible to the dealer since I didn't have time to run home and get the F-150. After 2 hours of looking at what the guy had on the lot, I fell in lust with an '07 Avalanche LTZ. Clearly well beyond the budget I had intended. After giving it a lot of thought, and considering the practicality of the Trans AM (or lack thereof), I traded in the TA and drove away with the Avalanche last night. It hasn't even been 24-hours, but I don't regret it at all. The TA was decent for what it was, but it sat in my driveway from October through February. The TA was also very primitive even by 2002 standards.

The Avalanche seems to have it all. All the creature comforts of my Cadillac, it rides great, I can easily get my family of 5 in it, and I can throw firewood, snowboards, and other junk in the back of it without worry. I read hundreds of reviews before I bought the truck and they seem to be more or less free of major issues. Owners seem to really like their Avalanches.

Anyway, it's a used truck and not without minor issues. There are a handful of cosmetic problems and the brakes shudder when slowing down from highway speeds (just like my Cadillacs). I'm not terribly worried about either issue. What does bother me, however, is a problem with the driver's side exterior mirror. I'll post a thread in the appropriate forum.

Josh · January 10, 2012

Congrats on your purchase and welcome to the site!

Stevens03 · January 10, 2012

Big congrats on the new truck. When you get a chance, throw up some photos

and Welcome to the site!

99silveradoz71 · January 10, 2012

Welcome aboard

8.1HD/ALLISON · January 10, 2012

Welcome!

turbojimmy · January 11, 2012

Thanks all!

Here are a couple of pics. The dealer didn't to a fantastic job cleaning it. I spent about an hour working on the black plastic bed trim yesterday. For those that haven't used it '303' protectant is awesome. Works great, provides long-lasting UV protection, stays on for a long time and doesn't leave a greasy, shiny mess. I use it on the huge vinyl tops on my limos and it doesn't run off onto the windows, either, like the other stuff does.

We've always been a "GM" family and currently own a dozen GM cars of all shapes and sizes between me, my 2 siblings and my parents.

I've never owned a full-sized truck before. My first "sport ute" was a '97 Explorer back in '97. Sold that many, many years ago. My second foray into SUV-ness wasn't really an SUV. It was a '92 GMC Typhoon. That was also many years ago and a time in my life where I also owned an '87 Grand National, hence my screen name.

I've always owned a sport or sporty car, and raced the Grand National. With the trade-in of the TA, I have no such vehicle in my garage but I'm loving this truck.

I also have had a soft-spot for full-sized Cadillacs and have migrated toward the RWD ones recently. I'm on my second Fleetwood, a '94 LT1-powered, 5-foot stretch limo. It's my 'hobby' car where I experiment with A/V stuff. The kids love it and it's a good alternative to a mini-van (so long as the weather is good).

I do all my own mechanical work, and dabble in software too (tuning my TA and LT1 Caddy, my GF's BMW and the FAST engine management system in the Buick). Despite the fact that the Avalanche is a high-mileage truck, I'm hoping there isn't too much mechanically or otherwise that I can't do myself. Time will tell.....

I look forward to "meeting" you all.

leg7228 · January 25, 2012

Hello & welcome. Nice looking truck.

greatgab · January 30, 2012

Great looking 'Lanche!

Stevens03 · January 30, 2012

Great looking Avalanche... So you've had it for a couple weeks now.. How you liking it?

Daryl LBZ · January 30, 2012

Sharp!

chakis24 · February 1, 2012

welcome and congrats. always thought these were nice trucks. too bad gm is canning them.

SouthCo · February 1, 2012

Welcome and nice truck. I was surprised to read in Truck Trend that GM is doing away with the Avalanche. Your body style is a very nice looking truck. One if my good buddies has one and they ride very well.