Avalanche Questions

OnBelay · October 28, 2004

I have an '00 Suburban K1500 (nbs) and a '00 K2500 Crew Cab (obs). To further promote the use of fossil fuels and because I want to, I'm thinking of buying a new(er) Avalanche for a work car. (Travelling salesman, currently average 2000 miles per week). I'm currently driving a Monte Carlo SS for work, but really need a little more room, and wanted something a little different from an extended cab or K1500 Crew Cab.

I will go with 4WD because I live/work in the upper midwest and need to consider winter driving. I'll probably go for the "No Body Moulding" bare look. I work in the automotive industry, so have access to a lot of dealers, good pricing on both new and used (considering an '03 or '04 with low miles to save taking the hit on a new one-I'd only be under warranty for maybe three months). I like the cubby holes and storage of the Avalanche, but don't have to have ~that~much room...

16-18 mpg possible?

Plastic exterior pieces hold up to the cold, etc?

any comments from Av drivers welcome...

sperry · October 28, 2004

You may want to ask your Avalanche questions HERE

Not that this isn't a good place either, however 11000 Avalanche owners may have a tip or two...

I can't speak for the cold weather experience on a continuous basis however I hadn't heard but some cladding complaints with the 2002 model only (in general). The later darker plastic chemical seems to be a bit more durable.

The WBH will suit you well but the cladding saved me a few times from scrub brush, road crap and shopping carts. I just wished they designed it to kook like it was made for round tires instead.

My last round trip (468Mi) I averaged 20.7 MPG with my Z71. It maintains the 19MPG area well. The main reason however is I don't drive it fast (usually 60) and I use it as my travel and camping vehicle mainly. (Because it's so d**n comfortable!)

Although there's a lot of really good trucks out there, I chose mine for the convenience of the midgate. There's No Diesel/Allison option and forget 5th wheel hook-ups. Other than that, it has just what I wanted.

Good luck, and I hope to see you over there!

Mike G · October 28, 2004

We needed the extra room as the older boy was needing friends driven home from football practice... It is quite a nice ride and wife will not give it up. I may have found something she will keep AFTER it's paid for. Feels like a Caddy and if required, hauls like a truck (although that's what my truck is for).

--Mike

Butch 02 Denali · October 28, 2004

Had an 02 Avi and just traded it for an 04. very nice trucks, absolutly no problems with either. The 02 cladding did tend to fade a little as stated, but I still like the cladding and wouldn't buy one without. Holds up fine in the winter here in New England. The ride is much better than my Sierra Denali.

MyBigToy · October 29, 2004

It's the best vehicle I've ever owned. Very versatile.

I'm not so lucky on the gas mileage; mine's a Z71 with the 4.10's and I only average about 17 on the highway. I'm pretty easy on the gas and have a lot of mods that theoretically should increase the mileage. Best I've ever done is 17.5, worst is 14.3, average is 15.5 in mixed driving.

I don't plan to get rid of mine for a long, long time.