Hi guys, I am picking my new Avalanche up tomorrow. It is Pewter, 4X4 with Z71, Custom Seating, Convenience Pkg, and most of the goodies except sunroof. I got $2000 off MSRP so I think I got a pretty good deal. I will be driving it from Atlanta to the mountains in NC, TN, and VA during the July 4th weekend so I should have some good impressions to share when I get back.
Jim, I may see you on the road. We are going to NC on the 6th. this will be the "shake-down" cruise
Invested, Jupiter here. Got the truck from Ed Morse.
The only thing I have noticed so far is the Comp/Temp buttons on the mirror shut off both displays. I was under the impression that they were independent
Would anybody have any idea if Canada is the last to get the "piece of the pie"? I dont want to have to wait till fall for mine, I ordered it way back in Feb! I also have one question for the lucky owners right now. How is the space underneath the rear seats? are there any obstructions? Reason I ask this is I would like to put an awesome stereo in it!
Hey all, I see some of you planning road trips over the week and would like to here your thoughts on the smoothness and road noise of the Z71 option. I would like to be able to get the Z66 option on a 4X4 but it appears that is not an option. I have found the same option on a Silverado a little stiff and jarring. From some of the updates this may not be the case with the AV (could be the extra weight). Another concern, which some have already asked deals with the knockouts for front end alignment. Still have not seen the answer to that one. My last question deals with the "leak" issue. My driveway is downhill and I am more than a little concerned with water collecting against the rear window and, if the cover is off, the midgate. I had a Scottsdale (remember that model?) and from time to time the drain holes in the bed would plug with pine needles and water over 2 inches deep would stand in the bed. So, as anyone had to deal with this yet? I did get a chance to look over one yesterday and I did notice what looked like a slotted grill right at the midgate, is this a drain?
Thanks in advance for all your help. I have found this forum very informative, has others have stated it gives me a leg up on the dealers who seem to know very little about this product.
I'm in San Antonio...In the past couple of weeks all local Chevy dealers have taken delivery of 25-50 Avalanches each. All advertising the base model at $27.5k with the optioned out models selling at about 500-800 over invoice. So far, they're not moving, as Chevy has huge discounts ($5-6k) on Silverado's/Yukons/Suburbans which are moving well. I'm surprised to hear that Avalanches are being sold at or above MSRP in certain parts of the country.
In today's Houston Chronicle car ads, Landmark Chevrolet (they claim they're the largest Chevy dealer in the U.S.)is offering a $4000 discount off MSRP.
I've been hearing that the avalanche is fast upto 40... then after it seems to lose its power? Could any current owner explain the sound and feel of the engine?
The Z66 is the handling package for 2WD only, Z71 is for the 4WD model. I did an extended drive in the Z71, and found the ride very smooth. The Z71 package adds skid plates, larger diameter shocks, 17" wheels and different springs - if you plan on using the truck offroad it is a good option.
The grate behind the midgate covers a channel designed to drain the front of the bed. It is removable for cleaning out debris, etc. It sounds as if you might want to park an Av with the nose uphill in your drive.
Saw the Av in Pewter at a small dealer in my hometown. It had been delivered Sat. morning and no prep work had been done. Nice look with the colors; the cladding did appear toned down with that combo.
There is no real space under the rear seats for anything like a speaker box/subwoofer. There are several metal crossmembers under there to support the midgate when it is folded down into the cab.
I'm still trying to get over the cladding - The previous post that mentioned the Jeep Grand Cherokee had it right - a variety of cladding colors to go with your selected paint would be a good start. I think a "no side cladding" option would increase sales immediately. GM may not want to take away from the Cadillac EXT version coming out soon, however (No cladding, caddy-plush, and estimated pricing around $55,000).
Anyway some have mentioned pricing issues. I found the following on Autobytel - invoice appears to be about $4000 below MSRP. Of course this does not include hold back, dealer incentives, etc. Go to autobytel and search on Avalanche to verify following information.
I have had my avalanche since June 25th and the ride is great, even smoother than my suburban. I only paid $500.00 over invoice for the avalanche, which I thought was not bad. If you are thinking about getting one I reccommend it fully.
Have had my new Z-71 4wd in pewter and love most everything about it. Paid $1800 under sticker and also got them to throw in both hard and soft cargo covers, although hard cover has been delayed/back-ordered due to problem with them leaking. Cant' get my soft cover to install over the support bars. That's my only complaint so far. It's the best riding vehicle I've ever owned.
I looked over a new AV late last week and did see the running boards from the factory. They match the lower body clading in both color and pattern.
As for the cassette deck, I would expect you should be able to get the same unit that the Tahoe uses. It is a separate unit and fits in the dash where the AV has an opening. Since both use the same radio and dash I expect the dealer will install one for the right price...
I've looked into the cassette also. Exact same stereo and interior as Sub/Tahoe, but the option is not available. Dealer checked it out with factory reps and they will not commit to the add-on working - although it should. Right price as mentioned or DIY.
Indigo w/Medium Neutral Leather Z71 fully loaded. The scheduled build week on quick build program is 7/30. $500 over invoice - no adv. fee. (1% advertising should have been $376.) We'll be looking for it in mid-August.
I drive by Dan Young in Indy everday to see if they got any new Av's. I can't remember who mentioned it, but I am noticing that the Av's are missing the deep tint on the back door windows. The back removable glass has the deep tint though. Has anyone else noticed this on their Av's.
I also saw a white Av yesterday at Dan Young which had an interior roof that was medium neutral and from the tops of the pillars down it was all graphite. The dealer tried to tell me that was the new two tone look. Looks like a mess up to me.
I'm ordering my Av next week. My Av will be identical to Timfarn's. Can't wait!
My Av has a darker back window than the rear doors. They are tinted but not as deep. I would have prefered darker for privacy/security but otherwise haven't really paid much attention.
Anyone know how to turn on/off the self dimming rear and driver side mirrors? I've tried holding the temp button for ~6 sec. but can't tell if there's a difference. The rear window is dark enough that it's hard to tell, but I want my driver O/S to be on.
Check out the pictures of Darkeye's Av (Message #358). He has a couple of side views which show the difference in tinting that should exist between the front and back door windows.
Does anyone know what the best cleaner/protective coating is to use on the cladding? I'm a little concerned about the long-term appearance without applying some sort of protection against sunlight and the elements. I cannot seem to get a good answer on this from Chevy. The only advise they had was NOT to use Amor All.
Well the 750+ miles from Jupiter to Wolf Laurel was a real pleasure to drive. Much less road noise than my 97 F-150 and much smoother ride. The AV feels like driving a bus. The only complaint I have is some lower back pain the may be attributed to a new seat or adjustment. The truck handles the mountain roads just fine and it made the trip to the top of Big Bald mountain with ease. Mine is a base 2wd with limited slip. The only problem I had was going down an old, unimproved road. I went through a pretty deep ditch and bottomed out the front and rear bumpers. The cladding under the front nose was slightly pushed in and the rear pulled out. I was able to push the rear back and have not messed with the front yet. I hit some pretty heavy rains on the way up and the back was bone dry when I checked it. I'll keep you updated as the trip goes on.
Does anyone know when the 2500 Av will be available? My dad and I are looking for one mainly for towing reasons. We have a significant grade to go over and our 7000# plus trailer seems like it would be pushing it for the 1/2 ton version.
Anyone know what this price is? I have a dealer willing to sell me one at this price +4% which is part of the supplier discount. He wasn't able to give me the dollar amount (the truck is being transferred in and this info was not available). Can someone give me any idea on this?
robbins, I was told that the GMS price can be found on the dealer invoice. It's the price GM employees pay for the vehicle. My boss just bought a new Rado and the GM supplier discount came out to be 11.9% off of MSRP [any configuration]. I'm looking to buy an avalanche too, but none of the dealers in central Illinois are willing to deal below MSRP [the GM supplier discount is optional - the dealer does not have to honor it] Here is the link for the GM supplier discount website: www.gmsupplierdiscount.com/
"Each dealer invoice will list a GMS price, which is the price a General Motors employee would pay for that vehicle purchased out of dealer stock. Your cost is that GMS price, plus 4 percent of the GMS price. You can then compare your cost to the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price to calculate your discount."
I was expecting the same answer when I discussed this with the dealer. I was a little more than suprised when he said, "yes we will honor it". Most of the AVs around here (NC) have been going for MSRP or just below. Now I hope they can find and transfer in the one I want (loaded green and tan).
Rick - I'm in West Central IL, one Av in Macomb is what I've seen. Mine is ordered through an Eastern IA dealer; they've sold the two received so far. They were willing to deal below MSRP; told me I got a better deal than the other two and they should have got more profit from this model. (What else are they going to tell you to make you feel better after dropping $30k + on a truck?)
Robbins - green with the tan interior should make a sharp unit. I have yet to see anything but graphite; we were willing to take the gamble on looks for the lighter colored interior.
I was going east on Hwy 74 toward Bryson City when a green (?) AV passed us. I was riding in a yellow Xterra with 3 kayaks loaded on the roof. Was that one of you that mentioned about shake down cruise in NC over the July 4th weekend?
I purchased a fully loaded 4WD Z71 with full leather last week for ~2k over invoice in central NC. It was the only Avalanche they had on lot and it was exactly what I was looking for or else I would have haggled some more on price. Since then several other dealers in triangle area have received shipments so prices should go down further in next few months.
Talked to a salesman at Parson's Chevorlet in Eagle River, WI. he said they have be coming down around $2500 under MSRP. and other dealers won't even give a price on a AV.
....but I'm here to announce the new Chevrolet Avalanche Owners club now available on Edmunds.com Owner's Club board. Please stop by and introduce yourself in Meet the Members and let me know how I can help build your club.
I have linked this discussion into that folder, but it will always reside here in Pickups.
I apologize to anyone that I may offend but I do not understand why anyone would pay MSRP or even close, when there are so many dealers all over the country willing to sell at 98.00 over and some below invoice. I am not a dealer,salesman, or in anyway affiliated with a car business. But if you want to look at prices go to www.marchantchevy.com they have only 3 now but you save almost $4,000.00 . There are several other dealers, one in Tn. and NC.. that are the same. I heard about these sites from Edmunds boards. Purchased Tahoe from www.98over.com
Timfarn, I've been looking in the Peoria area for an Av. There's only one available as of today, but they want MSRP for it, which I will not pay. I got a call from the local Autoweb affiliate today, and they also want MSRP: that's 4 dealers so far. I'll either find a dealer farther out that's willing to deal with me, or wait it out until the end of the year.
I test drove an AV in Day City (San ran Bay Area) last week and got a call from the salesman on the weekend. He said that Chevy has turned on a $3500 incentive below MSRP. I wish I was ready to buy now.
The test drive was great. I have read all the reports on this group and really do like the AV. I am a bit skeptical about the mid gate seal. Any more reports on leaks or not would be very good from all you owners.
I have seen some people in Central IL mentioning dealers wanting MSRP. I got a blue Z71 4x4 in Iowa City Iowa yesterday for $2800 off MSRP, they had a black one still on the lot. I also heard from a friend they were going for invoice in Cincinnatti, I can't confirm that.
On my way to work this morning, I heard a radio commercial of a local Chevy dealer(Dallas) claiming they will sell Avalanches $4000 OFF MSRP!!!! I want to say it was Steakley Chevrolet.....but I'll keep my ears open again!!!
Sorry...hit return too fast. I'll be up just west of Rhinelander on Little Horsehead the week of 8/13, keep an eye out for my Pewter Z71...flag me down. I paid ~ $3500 under MRSP through a soon to be relative. It was their only one until fall, they needed two sets of lips with all the noise when I drove it off the same day it came in. Still very rare in Madtown. Good luck on your hagglin' Great truck.
Dealer(Bergstrom Chev.) in Neenah, WI has a pewter Av out in front still for sale if anyone is interested, personally the black one they had earlier looked nicer.
As dealers get two or three on the lot, the pricing should settle to a decent level. I never talk MSRP - whenever the dealer nmentioned list, I mentioned invoice - and soon we talked from invoice.
Rick - I think with the larger dealers in Peoria, Bloomington-Normal and Springfield, the number of Avs should be increasing daily. Be patient or talk to a dealer who gets one or two on the lot about a sold order. As they sell, they are receiving additional allocations quickly. Our order was an allocation hot on the heels of selling a stock unit and another sold order. Oddly, I haven't seen either one on the road since.
They actually mailed out a brochure today on the 2500 series AND included a little 1:64 scale matchbox Avalanche in the new dark orange color. My kid collects those little cars, so he grabbed it up pretty quick.
I came home tonight and i have the same thing. Pretty cool matchbox car. They also have a packet showing the 2500 AV pretty cool looking they have it towing a trailer with snowmobiles.
Had my maroon Av delivered free by USPS also. I guess it has the vinyl seats, though, it is really hard to tell. As for the liftgate, it appears to be frozen in place.
Comments
Invested, Jupiter here. Got the truck from Ed Morse.
The only thing I have noticed so far is the Comp/Temp buttons on the mirror shut off both displays. I was under the impression that they were independent
Thanks!
I see some of you planning road trips over the week and would like to here your thoughts on the smoothness and road noise of the Z71 option. I would like to be able to get the Z66 option on a 4X4 but it appears that is not an option. I have found the same option on a Silverado a little stiff and jarring. From some of the updates this may not be the case with the AV (could be the extra weight).
Another concern, which some have already asked deals with the knockouts for front end alignment. Still have not seen the answer to that one.
My last question deals with the "leak" issue. My driveway is downhill and I am more than a little concerned with water collecting against the rear window and, if the cover is off, the midgate. I had a Scottsdale (remember that model?) and from time to time the drain holes in the bed would plug with pine needles and water over 2 inches deep would stand in the bed. So, as anyone had to deal with this yet? I did get a chance to look over one yesterday and I did notice what looked like a slotted grill right at the midgate, is this a drain?
Thanks in advance for all your help. I have found this forum very informative, has others have stated it gives me a leg up on the dealers who seem to know very little about this product.
Cheers,
Bear
Chris
The grate behind the midgate covers a channel designed to drain the front of the bed. It is removable for cleaning out debris, etc. It sounds as if you might want to park an Av with the nose uphill in your drive.
Saw the Av in Pewter at a small dealer in my hometown. It had been delivered Sat. morning and no prep work had been done. Nice look with the colors; the cladding did appear toned down with that combo.
I'm still trying to get over the cladding - The previous post that mentioned the Jeep Grand Cherokee had it right - a variety of cladding colors to go with your selected paint would be a good start. I think a "no side cladding" option would increase sales immediately. GM may not want to take away from the Cadillac EXT version coming out soon, however (No cladding, caddy-plush, and estimated pricing around $55,000).
Anyway some have mentioned pricing issues. I found the following on Autobytel - invoice appears to be about $4000 below MSRP. Of course this does not include hold back, dealer incentives, etc. Go to autobytel and search on Avalanche to verify following information.
Invoice Base MSRP
2002 Avalanche 2500 $28,127 $32,145
2002 Avalanche 2500 4WD $30,752 $35,145
2002 Avalanche 2WD $26,464 $30,245
2002 Avalanche 4WD $29,089 $33,245
-mount1
As for the cassette deck, I would expect you should be able to get the same unit that the Tahoe uses. It is a separate unit and fits in the dash where the AV has an opening. Since both use the same radio and dash I expect the dealer will install one for the right price...
Bear
I also saw a white Av yesterday at Dan Young which had an interior roof that was medium neutral and from the tops of the pillars down it was all graphite. The dealer tried to tell me that was the new two tone look. Looks like a mess up to me.
I'm ordering my Av next week. My Av will be identical to Timfarn's. Can't wait!
Anyone know how to turn on/off the self dimming rear and driver side mirrors? I've tried holding the temp button for ~6 sec. but can't tell if there's a difference. The rear window is dark enough that it's hard to tell, but I want my driver O/S to be on.
Thanks
Well the 750+ miles from Jupiter to Wolf Laurel was a real pleasure to drive. Much less road noise than my 97 F-150 and much smoother ride. The AV feels like driving a bus. The only complaint I have is some lower back pain the may be attributed to a new seat or adjustment.
The truck handles the mountain roads just fine and it made the trip to the top of Big Bald mountain with ease. Mine is a base 2wd with limited slip.
The only problem I had was going down an old, unimproved road. I went through a pretty deep ditch and bottomed out the front and rear bumpers. The cladding under the front nose was slightly pushed in and the rear pulled out. I was able to push the rear back and have not messed with the front yet.
I hit some pretty heavy rains on the way up and the back was bone dry when I checked it.
I'll keep you updated as the trip goes on.
Cheers,
Bear
I was told that the GMS price can be found on the dealer invoice. It's the price GM employees pay for the vehicle. My boss just bought a new Rado and the GM supplier discount came out to be 11.9% off of MSRP [any configuration].
I'm looking to buy an avalanche too, but none of the dealers in central Illinois are willing to deal below MSRP [the GM supplier discount is optional - the dealer does not have to honor it]
Here is the link for the GM supplier discount website: www.gmsupplierdiscount.com/
"Each dealer invoice will list a GMS price, which is the price a General Motors employee would pay for that vehicle purchased out of dealer stock. Your cost is that GMS price, plus 4 percent of the GMS price. You can then compare your cost to the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price to calculate your discount."
Hope this helps,
Rick
Cheers,
Bear
Robbins - green with the tan interior should make a sharp unit. I have yet to see anything but graphite; we were willing to take the gamble on looks for the lighter colored interior.
I have linked this discussion into that folder, but it will always reside here in Pickups.
Looking forward to meeting everyone!
KarenS
Host
Owner's Clubs
I've been looking in the Peoria area for an Av. There's only one available as of today, but they want MSRP for it, which I will not pay. I got a call from the local Autoweb affiliate today, and they also want MSRP: that's 4 dealers so far. I'll either find a dealer farther out that's willing to deal with me, or wait it out until the end of the year.
on a $3500 incentive below MSRP. I wish I was ready to buy now.
The test drive was great. I have read all the reports on this group
and really do like the AV. I am a bit skeptical about the mid gate
seal. Any more reports on leaks or not would be very good from all you
owners.
Thanks Joe
-Mark
of a local Chevy dealer(Dallas) claiming they will sell
Avalanches $4000 OFF MSRP!!!! I want to say it was
Steakley Chevrolet.....but I'll keep my ears open again!!!
I'll be up just west of Rhinelander on Little Horsehead the week of 8/13, keep an eye out for my Pewter Z71...flag me down. I paid ~ $3500 under MRSP through a soon to be relative. It was their only one until fall, they needed two sets of lips with all the noise when I drove it off the same day it came in. Still very rare in Madtown.
Good luck on your hagglin' Great truck.
Sign me Muskiehunter
Rick - I think with the larger dealers in Peoria, Bloomington-Normal and Springfield, the number of Avs should be increasing daily. Be patient or talk to a dealer who gets one or two on the lot about a sold order. As they sell, they are receiving additional allocations quickly. Our order was an allocation hot on the heels of selling a stock unit and another sold order. Oddly, I haven't seen either one on the road since.
They actually mailed out a brochure today on the 2500 series AND included a little 1:64 scale matchbox Avalanche in the new dark orange color. My kid collects those little cars, so he grabbed it up pretty quick.
Oh well, a gift for the nephews...
-Eric