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Chevrolet Avalanche
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Comments
I've been easy on the pedal; no full throttle runs until at least 5,000 miles. Towing has been minimal (2000# or less and the 3,500# boat only across town.
With gas prices at $1.719, I've been driving a couple MPH less than usual, this may help. The Av pushes a lot of air - slower speeds and adequate break-in time may be your best answer.
Yesterday a friend told me that he talked to a friend (I know 2nd, 3rd hand info.) that works in a Chevy service department and said the AV is a "recall nightmare". They can't keep the mid-gate water tight into the cab, the rear window rattles along with the ubiquitous "it is all plastic".
The plastic cladding does not bother me but water leaking into the cab and the noisy rear window do.
Have any of you had these problems? Do any of you regret buying this vehicle?
I've been surprised at how tight everything is so far. No rattles from the gate or the window and the tailgate fits very tightly. We'll see what the next several thousand miles bring.
No noise(s)/rattle(s) to report either.
I extensively test-drove the AV (100 Mile+/-) before I laid down my hard-earned cash. I "did" take one to the local wishy-wash and with the hard-cover panels removed I sprayed the midgate area. No water got through. Now you have to consider... how often do would you even need to direct this much water toward the mid-gate area? I don't think you could find a rain-storm that would threaten the mid-gate more than this!
I bet you a million $$, your friends, friend is just put-off by the negative opinions of the AV concept and the different appearance! Baskin & Robbins has 31 Flavors for a reason! Can't please everyone.
God Bless America!
God Bless the world!
Brad in SoCal
Jay
-- Don
I have had not one concern with water in the cab area and just a few droplets in the bed in heavy rain/car washes. NO REGRETS on this vehicle yet other than the gas pump.
Roger
-Chad
Started trip with 1400 miles on the odo. First tank averaged 17.5 mpg @ 75 MPH. Next tankful, I averaged 17.9 mpg @ 70 MPH. Both tanks were driving into a pretty heavy wind. Ride has been superb.
I have been barraged with positive comments. Right before the trip, I was parked in front of Costco, waiting for my wife when my 1 year old decided to fill her pants. I had her in the front passenger seat, legs up in the air, changing the diaper. Twice within 5 minutes, I had people knocking on my window to ask questions!
Negatives - I have quite a bit of water under the rubber mat after rains. Top of mat is dry, but I can see some water lines running down the inside middle of the bed walls. I have a loud rattle coming from the passenger outside mirror where it attaches to the door, and some wind noise from the sunroof. I also wish the power door locks would unlock the tailgate too. That's a pain.
Lastly, I have the graphite leather interior, and everything is the same color - seats, doors, console, dash, carpet - everything except for the tan headliner. It needs some color contrast, like all the other new interiors these days.
All in all, I couldn't be happier.
Has anyone seen the new 0% financing adds? Kind of wish I delayed buying by a few days.
ps...I hear Trenz Co. has a Billet Grill out for the new AV but no pics available yet.
I also wonder if Mud-guards make any sense on the Avalanche. I think the purpose is to protect the vehicle from any objects that are "kicked-up" by the tires....is anything kicked-up by the tires going to harm the cladding? Just a thought. I do like the little "Notches" on the mud guards that are carried over from the cladding design.
Brad in SoCal
Seems the main advantage is climate control.
Also...can you tell any difference in the ride between the one with the premium on-road package and the one without?
thanks for the info
Seems the main advantage is climate control.
Also...can you tell any difference in the ride between the one with the premium on-road package and the one without?
thanks for the info
The self dimming right outside mirror is a plus for night time driving.
The price is right figuring one year of OnStar is $200. MSRP for the option is 546 on my sticker so the balance pays for the climate control.
Not a bad deal.
My mouse is worn out looking!
HELPPPPPPPPPPPP!
Thanks
http://www.pickuptruck.com/
Sharp looking!
I'm sure other painters can do a much better job and get good result. Make sure you can see a real world example. Good luck.
-mount1
Now to the savings: Each discount is different, but in a nutshell, the gm employee price (GMO)is 17% below MSRP...so GMS price would be GMO + 4%
Ordered my Z71 1500 AV with all options but leather for:
MSRP: $37,484
Invoice: $33,203.36
GMO: $31,732.80
GMO+4%: $33,002.11 ---price as ordered with NO haggling
I took delivery last week and got another $500 dealer incentive rebate (as part of the GMS probram, you also get all dealer incentives)that started in September. Make sure they take this rebate off before taxes, though. So, final cost was 32,502.11, ~5K off MSRP.
Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions..this is what this forum is for: it helped me when I was shopping too.
After 10 days, I can honestly say this is the best vehicle I have ever owned. No problems, concerns, or complaints. It is everything I wanted.
Gerrick
Thanks
Ryan
The only thing that bugs me is that people think I must be driving my husband's truck! Hope GM doesn't neglect the female market......I know there are others out there who would love it like I do. Now I'd just like to know where I could find a picture of the tent accessory?
Brad in SoCal
PS-glad you like you AV
I may buy the sound system and upgrade mine. I love a good subwoofer thump once in a while!
How long do these spray liners last and what are their pros and cons? I know it is "hell" trying to move or slide anything on the rubber mat and I assume the spray liners act much the same.
Just thinking out loud.
Brad in SoCal
line x and rhino have lifetime warranties
Gerrick - quick production and delivery on your Av, glad to hear you're liking it.
-- Don
Not with my rhino liner. Everything stays put. Only thing i almost lost was a stair stringer (6 step) cause i took a corner to fast and the tailgate was down (had some 16footers in my truck)
On locking gas filler covers; I was disappointed to find the Avalanche did not have inside release covers or at least some form of security for the filler. Any suggestions or similar concerns by others?
Before talking to my auto insurance company, does anybody know how the insurance cost of the Avalanche compares to say a Silverado or F-150? Or even a Suburban/Tahoe? Is there any difference in cost due to the unique features of the Av? How about difference in registration costs? Is it classified as an SUV or a truck?
In the back seat, is there an arm rest that pulls down between the two outer seats? I thought I remember noticing one when I sat in the Av a while back, but the website doesn't list an armrest as a standard feature.
How does the comfort of the standard front bench seat compare to the optional bucket seats on long trips? Is thigh support a concern in the bench seat?
I registered mine as an automobile instead of a truck. If you register as a truck, you must purchase a license equal to max gross vehicle weight with trailer you will pull, automobile has no limit, thus no chance for ticket from DOT. DOT has also been issuing tickets to truck owners pulling an RV or boat on back roads for weight limit/width limit issues. Again, this information comes from MO.
Yes, there is an arm rest in back seat that pulls down with cup holders. I find the front bench to be very comfortable and offers plenty of support. Most comfy seats of any car I own. Hope this helps.
Roger
Anyone know who I should purchase this from?
Thanks for any input
Brad in SoCal
FIPK is made by K&N not air raid
On registration, IL requires anything with a bed to carry truck plates. The registration and plate costs track with cars anyway. In IA, GM called the Av an SUV, so effective 08/23/01 annual costs are around $350 as opposed to $70 per year. Purchases prior to 08/23 were grandfathered to the lower rate.
Moral... varies by state - check your NJ rules.
Check out the thread "avalanches in NY state" - it could have some relevance because of your proximity to NY.
Yes.....I mean Airaid.
I must say the midgate and window worked perfect. I fit a lot of crap in there and not a darn thing moves on that mat. I could not even slide boxes. Kinda made me work harder but was worth it. The tie downs came in handy.
Plus the breeze blowing through with the sunroof open was very nice.
The AVY is the ultimate truck/SUV/UVV whatever it is.
You have a composite box, wouldn't a spray in mess up the midgate in working right.