Avalanche

[Ferrnt]

Dont know if I am on the right thread for, I don't know what the Avalanche falls under. Im gonna post a couple pictures. I've never bought a car from someone, only dealerships (whether used or new). Don't know what to ask. Anyways here are two pics... would appreciate some friendly advice on what to look for and what to ask. Im in SoCal. I can test drive the d*mn thing. I can tell the diff between a crappy running engine or a xsmn that is about to go. I have kept my 96 blazer and 03 burban running.

 

 2004 Avalanche

176k

5.3

4x4

Leather int

Yok Tires

 

$5000

 

Does this look like a "fair" deal?

[intheburbs]

Seems a little high for a truck with that kind of mileage.  The Avalanche is basically a Suburban with the rear body carved out.

 

Items to look for/ask about:

 

fuel pump - it's probably on number 2 or number 3.  They last about 100k miles, and you need to keep the tank above half to keep the pump cool.  Tank has to be dropped to replace.

front wheel hubs/bearings - one piece units, expensive to replace

power windows - the regulators tend to die prematurely - do all windows go up and down quickly and smoothly?

rusting brake lines

leaking exhaust manifold gaskets

rust around the rear wheels on the rocker panels, though probably not a problem in a CA truck

brakes - tend to warp rotors/eat pads

A/C system - compressor and clutch

 

It's a solid truck.  The engine/transmission should be good for 250-300k if maintained properly.  My buddy owns my '01, and it has 275k on the original engine and transmission

[Supreme Pizza]

Bad signs: 

 

Worn out door bushings/pins

Block sealer in the radiator 

Over full transmission  

Extremely dirty motor oil 

Major fluid leaks out of any component

Leaking shocks 

Uneven front tire wear 

Steering wheel slop

Check engine light  

Emission systems reporting "not ready" on scanner 

"Salvage" title

Air bag light 

ABS light 

Traction or 4x4 warning lights 

Knocking of any kind in the engine 

Any unusually transmission symptoms

Cooling system not holding pressure 

Low oil pressure 

One wheel spin on a limited slip / locking rear end 

4x4 test failures on pavement / gravel 

Milky / white oil on dip stick or under oil cap 

Oil in the water 

Cooling system is pressuring immediately after cold start 

"bad shocks" tire wear 

Engine temperature rises after 20 minutes of highway driving

Air conditioning doesn't work

Heater doesn't work  

Water or moisture on passenger side floor, under the carpeting 

Slop in the idler, pitman, tie rods, bushings, steering box, etc. 

Rumbling, growling or other odd sounds while going about 30 mph

Puff of blue exhaust smoke at startup

Blue exhaust smoke while driving

White exhaust smoke after warmed up 

 

 

This is not even close to a complete list, but its a start. Feel free to add to the list guys. 

[Scorpyd]

Father owns a 2002 Avalanche z71 (207k miles) with the problems stated by intheburbs. Driver’s window quit winding, the stabilizer or sway bar is broke, he had to replace the brakelines in the rear due to rust, and it’s leaking oil. Other than that, for when i drove it some, it’s a good, smooth ride down the road and feels plenty of power too

[greatmizzou]

If it’s in great shape 5,000 is fair