First post - Denali/Escalade/Z71

mr.nice · October 16, 2006

First post here,

Long story short, my lease in my factory order 2004 Avalanche, is running out in less than 2 weeks.

I had a 2003 Ava for a year before that, so have had an Avalanche Z71 for 3.5 years. Love the truck...but not going to buy out my lease, as the buyout is far too high. I want to get out of leasing, so, own...and, reduce my monthly payments.

Which means pre-owned.

A few months back, started my search, and soon found out I don't want to stray too far away. But, unless something really comes in cheap, I'm thinking of moving away from an Avalanche. Probably my first choice in a relative price range is an 02 or 03 EXT. We love the Av for its versatility, I've loved the look of the Caddy.

But, not limiting myself to that...various other forms of these vehicles are in my sights.

In order

1)Escalade EXT

2)ESV or, Denali XL

3)Suburban Z71

4)Denali/Escalade as a last option

The other styles, no offense, aren't for me.

Up here in Canada (Calgary) I have been scouring the various auto websites for the past month. I found a 02 EXT, but wasn't ready to move on it...it had some issues when I drove it too. An 03 ESV was fantastic, but it was a bit over what we want to spend.

Last week, I was looking at a 01 Denali XL. 100K miles, but one owner, and was in great shape...and was a lot less then we budgeted. The deal fell through thanks to an unethical sales manager who let another salesman put a deposit on the unit hours before he knew I was coming (I had negotiated with my salesman (who cleared it through him) to take it to get it inspected the next day). I was choked. I had done hours of the investigation of issues on that year of Denali, and had set up an appointment to get it inspected the next day.

But, driving that Denali was impressive. The engine had a lot of pop, and loved the way the suspension handed the road. I assume it was the auto-ride, but I enjoyed, and instantly noticed the ride, compared to my Z71 (and it only has 24000 miles).

So I have a lot of options, but not a lot of choice...that Denali would be in my driveway tomorrow most likely, but I am back to a search.

EXT is rare around here...ESV started in 2003 so they're going to be high $. Another 2001 or 2002 Denali XL would be good too, as much as I'd like the Caddy. The 6.0L engine is my ideal choice...and, I think, the softer suspension would be nice too, as I am not off road other then a few hundred meters into the bush to camp.

Onto my question. Something that popped up this weekend was a mint 2003 leaseback Suburban Z71 in our $ range.

Is the Suburban Z71 package, the same suspension setup as the Avalanche Z71 setup? ie STIFF!

As mentioned, I really enjoyed the autoride in the test drive in the high milage Denali XL we were close to getting.

I have noticed by reading the board, that the autoride components need a fair bit more service, and OEM autordie shocks are outrageous as a cost....and chaning to non autoride shocks shows the error messages.

Or, could I "soften" the ride of the Suburban Z71?

Thoughts? I would still prefer the 6.0 in the Denali or Escalade...and although the styling of the Z71 is nice, its not the Denali or EXT that i'd prefer...the tradeoff is the cost, which is a fairly big factor, too.

Thanks,

mr.nice · October 17, 2006

Sorry for the long post guys...but my question in there stands...

Is the 03 Suburban Z71 suspension the same setup and overall ride as an 03 Z71 Avalanche?

It appears the Av has a higher ground clearance, so all the compnents aren't exactly the same are they?

Wingnut · October 17, 2006

I've never been in a Z71 Suburban, but every Suburban I've ever been in rode like a Caddy.

But then...I think the Z71 Avalanches ride like a dream too. A little soft if anything.

Elwood 2000 · October 18, 2006

I used to have a Z71 Suburban and the ride was very smooth, almost boat like. Too soft for me personally, but that is just me. The Avy is supposed to be on a Suburban chasis, but they probly tweaked the springs for that application.

My best advice is to figure out exactly what you want, search on the internet for several ones that you would buy if the price is right and start calling them. The slow season is close for dealers and the more they move now, the less they will have growing roots in their parking lots in Dec. and Jan.