Chevy Avalanche Opinions

[XRpredator]

We were out and about on Saturday, and my wife's Tahoe broke down. We had to have it towed to the dealer (wouldn't start), and since we needed a rig the co-owner of the dealership (who is a buddy of mine) says "Here, take my demo." A 2002 Avalanche.

Now, I've not been a fan of this rig since it's inception, but I must say it is one trick unit! Lot's of features that I wouldn't mind having, and a hell of a nice ride! It is still a tad utt-bugly though. The wife has now fallen in love with it (since it would be her rig if we decided to get one), so I have to crunch some numbers.

This rig is real nice, but I have a lot of questions about it that I'd like to ask my bud. One thing's for sure, though, this will not replace a pickup.

The ol' Predmobile will be around for a while longer . . .

 

[NVR FNSH]

It's butt-a** ugly - hopefully they fired the designer of the Avalanche and the Aztek.

So what's wrong with the Tahoe? Is it a major problem or some minor glitch?

Brian

 

[stormer94]

I looks like chevrolet got a contract from Rubbermaid to make body panels... even the little cover to plug in your trailer lights is plastic...

 

[XRpredator]

Originally posted by NVR FNSH
So what's wrong with the Tahoe? Is it a major problem or some minor glitch?

Minor. Just some crap with the starter. Would have taken care of it myself, but I have some warranty on the bugger. It goes back next week for some more minor surgery, so we'll see what my little buttercup brings back then.:eek:

As far as the looks of the Avalanche, they kinda grow on you . . .

 

[NVR FNSH]

Originally posted by XRpredator
As far as the looks of the Avalanche, they kinda grow on you . . .

Would that be like the plague or ebola?

Brian

 

[zio]

I was shocked as heck when I saw one on the road that didn't have dealer tags on it- that meant the dip actually BOUGHT the pile!!! Oh man, wait 'til the plastic bits & peices start to fade or get stained & warped. That thing will start looking really old, really fast if you ask me.

Dude, fix the Tahoe. Drop a grand on new wheels & tires, or buy her a killer stereo for it to make it feel "new" again. Just think about the money you'll lose in taxes, licensing & "doc fees", plus the immediate drop in value once you drive it off the lot, AND the fact that no one will want to buy a discontinued marketing fad next year (my prediction, unless all of America has taken to huffing glue). That's money that would be better spent on a new two wheeler.

I know you're a dyed in the wool Chevy man, which I fully understand, but have you at elast seen the new Dodge Rams with their four full-sized doors? Is that it, she's liking the four doored pickup, or is it just the "gadgets" on the Avalanche in particular?

NVR FNSH- LMAO!

 

[Tennessee Thumper]

Originally posted by NVR FNSH


Would that be like the plague or ebola?

Brian

LOL-That was a good one.

 

[OnAnySunday]

I must agree with Zio.
Fix the Tahoe.
Or get something else. (ie: NOT a Avalanche or Aztec type vehicle)
A turd -w- lots of tricks, whistles, bells, and features, is still a turd.

Hows about a Durango -w- a 360 V-8??? :p

 

[Old CR goat]

Well, It is a Chevy, that's good. It is ugly, for sure. If sweetie wants it, learn to like it.
Cause if it's like my house, if mom ain't happy, ain't NO-body happy;)

 

[will pattison]

all i can say is that i work in the design/product development business, and both the aztek and the avalanche are universally ridiculed for their goofy styling. we just shake our heads and wonder what the hell gm was thinking...

wp.

 

[XRpredator]

Originally posted by Old CR goat
. . . if mom ain't happy, ain't NO-body happy;)

Ain't that the truth!

OAS, it may look like a turd, but it's far from performing like one (believe me, I've had a few). This rig has plenty of wampum (and lots of bells and whistles!). And don't even think I'd buy a Dodge! sheesh! I'd have to kick my own ass if I did that!

zio, as far as the plastic pieces, I don't think they'll be a problem since those Olds Bravadas have had them for years and they still look good. Heck, that's all a Saturn is made of! :eek:

Personally, I think I'm gonna try and talk her into a crew cab pickup. But the Tahoe will probably stay around a couple more years anyway. We'll see.

 

[Old CR goat]

I'm with you, I would rather have a picture of aa worn out Chevy than a brand new Dudge:p

 

[jeb]

Originally posted by Old CR goat
Well, It is a Chevy, that's good. It is ugly, for sure. If sweetie wants it, learn to like it.
Cause if it's like my house, if mom ain't happy, ain't NO-body happy;)

Good advice. And to paraphrase Jeff Foxworthy, "And if she ain't happy long enough, you're not happy with half your stuff". :)

 

[Old CR goat]

Just wish I had got half my stuff!:think

 

[zio]

well, whatever you do we'll still love you. And you'll learn to ignore the laughter & poking:p Actually, if you still buy it after the ribbing you've already had, you've got brass ones, man. :D

Does Chevy make a full-sized crew cab on their 1500 platform?

 

[XRpredator]

Originally posted by zio
Does Chevy make a full-sized crew cab on their 1500 platform?

Yes, the new 1500HD. Went to Chevrolet.com and checked it out. Crew cab shortbox.

That might be the ticket, but I think she's hot for the 'Lanche.:eek:

 

[buffmaster]

I'm probably gonna get nailed on this one, but I like the Avalanche. I hated it at first, but Pred's right, it grows on ya. And I HATE Chevy's! My wife has an 'uncle' that works for a GM dealer and she was giving me crap b/c I wouldn't check out a Chevy so that her uncle could hook me up. Wasn't really looking that big(S-10 ZR2), but I stopped by them. They are epuipped really well, but damn, talk about sticker shock! Loaded Z-71 -> $38,000!!! If I ever sunk that low(to get a Chevy:p ), I think that'd be the vehicle for me.

And btw, the Aztek's are serious dork-mobiles, but if you factor out the looks, it's a bad a$$ little ride. Wifey almost got one until she tested the Grand Cherokee.

 

[jeb]

Originally posted by zio

Does Chevy make a full-sized crew cab on their 1500 platform?

A buddy of mine just picked up an 02 CC 1500 shortbox. Ordered it 6-7 weeks ago. Beautiful truck.

 

[stormer94]

buff'

The Aztec looks like a PTcruiser on steroids. :)

 

[buffmaster]

Storm - Nah, I'd say GH(growth hormones). You know, the ones that make you look Neandertal-ish. It's actually a nice ride. Rides really smooth, the controls and instruments are well laid out, plenty o' room inside, good acceleration. Just a funky looking minivan/SUV, w/a heavy lean to the minivan side.

 

[JuliusPleaser]

JUST SAY NO!

Man, the Aztek is one ugly mutha...

The Avalanche is one rung farther up the food chain, but the acres of plastic body cladding kill it. I look at 'em nearly every day, and they still make my stomach churn.

I've seen exactly ONE Aztek on the road, and no Avalanches--and I live in the center of the Bad Taste Universe. Anybody that actually buys either should get free admission to the Witness Protection Program. :p

 

[buffmaster]

Man J.P., Hobbiton really is remote. Must be over by Gandalfland.;) Anyway, I've seen ton's o' Azteks, and quite a few of the Avalanches. Of course, I do live in the land of the big Three(I get to see alot of the new cars before they hit production. I got to see the new cougars before they ever hit the dealerships. Passed a whole convoy to shake downs.).

 

[stormer94]

You know what's sad, is that we are very likely to see complete platice vehicles that have managed to pass the government crash tests. Can't wait to have the first combination Chevrolet / Tupperware car.

On a positive note, your trunk would never leak, and you could see what was in it without opening it. :)

 

[Farmer John]

Tuppervette
;)

 

[MXDad]

We looked hard at the Avalanche to replace my F-150 SuperCab, and took one home for an evening to mess with it. The looks - been covered. It's supposed to be a combo suv/truck but IMO it is neither. The box is too narrow and too short, and to make it long enough it's no longer anything more than a two seater car. It would be tough to get two full sized bikes in it with little room for gear. Anything in the back is hard to access too because of the high, wide side panels(storage boxes, etc).

I had intended on getting the 1500HD Crew, (great truck), but ended up with an '01 Suburban because of the deals they were making on them. It's got all the goodies, handles and rides great, and has room for all my boys. No truck bed, but between a moto-jack rack and a trailer, no problem getting the bikes where they need to be. Biggest plus - wife loves it too!