I am thinking about buying a 04 Avalanche Z71 4WD. I want to know if anyone has any experience with this truck? I am very interested in the MidGate feature, and how it stands up over time and heavy use. One of the other things I am concerned with is the cladding. I love the look, but I have heard many stories about it fading to a dull grey. Good and Bad feedback is appreciated. Thanks!
-Matt
Posted by 2k1SS (Member # 2072) on :
I think the '04 Avalanche is available w/out the "plastic" cladding on the sides. Looks much cleaner in my opinion.
Yeah, I have seen that WBH version. I must admit that the cladding has really grown on me. I saw one the other day without the cladding and I really didn't like it to much. But, on the other hand I am a little worried about the fading. I read on another message board that a dealer wouldn't replace the cladding that had faded on an 02 AV. The guy actually asked the dealer about that before he purchased it, and they said, "Oh, yeah sure..." then it actually happened almost 6 months later and the dealer told him it was an environmental problem, and they didn't cover it. I wanted to verify if anyone here had a similar problem.
Thanks! Matt
Posted by HTWLSS (Member # 117) on :
I just sat in one this past weekend in the showroom while playing GM Hot Button.
The truck was hard to climb into for me at only 5 feet tall. There was no assist handle on the driver's side. Had to use the steering wheel to pull myself up, and that wasn't too easy either. Maybe running boards would help? Other than that, it seemed pretty nice.
I'd have to agree that the body cladding was not attractive and it looks better w/out it.
Posted by RagSS (Member # 1127) on :
A friend of mine has one (has a construction Co.) and he's very happy with it. I was recently in it and (considering all the doors/etc. to convert the back) it was pretty quiet inside, and the ride wasn't bad. It's a bit 'busy' for me, but he uses his truck and is very pleased.
Posted by 35TH ED/ed (Member # 1709) on :
The wife has had several home (company cars) and the interior is great a lot of room and still short enough wheel base to fit into the garage . She has only heard good about the truck at work with the people who have had them although they got rid of them in 90 days.
The neighbor picked one up last spring and has not had a bad word about it.
Posted by MM (Member # 1247) on :
It is by FAR my favorite company car(truck) that I have had.... I really like the platform and am driving an EXT (caddy version). I have had no problems with the ones I driven, no water leaks or creaks etc. They (avalanche and EXT) ride on a modified surburban frame that is stiffer and is by far the best riding truck GM makes.... you will like it... I didn't have any fading with the cladding on the one I had... one nice thing is you don't have to worry about parking lot dings or run-away shopping carts as the "body armor" takes care of it.... another option is the uncladed version... Hope that helps.
Posted by Fbodfather (Member # 1119) on :
Had one last winter, and with the exception of TWO people running into it in the first 48 hours of having it, I loved it.....had the cladding...was charcoal and I think that's the best color WITH cladding.....I've been putting "Silverbirch" Non Cladded Avalanches in many of the Autoshows and I think this is a GREAT looking unit.
Very quiet on the road....rides much better than any pickup truck I've ever driven, because it's on the Suburban Chassis.....
As to fading of cladding....should NOT be a problem...but I'd also use dull finish Armor All when cleaning it....also, we DO warranty that stuff........
Good luck!
Posted by MY02SSLE (Member # 2178) on :
quote:Originally posted by Fbodfather: Had one last winter, and with the exception of TWO people running into it in the first 48 hours of having it, I loved it.....had the cladding...was charcoal and I think that's the best color WITH cladding.....I've been putting "Silverbirch" Non Cladded Avalanches in many of the Autoshows and I think this is a GREAT looking unit.
Very quiet on the road....rides much better than any pickup truck I've ever driven, because it's on the Suburban Chassis.....
As to fading of cladding....should NOT be a problem...but I'd also use dull finish Armor All when cleaning it....also, we DO warranty that stuff........
Good luck!
Good to hear! I hope I have better luck in my first 48 hours... Yeah, I am planning to take care of the cladding to keep it looking nice. Thank you everyone for your comments! It looks like I will be the new owner of a 04 Avalanche! Now, what color... I was thinking about Red to match my 02 SS 35th anniversary. Or the Charcoal? I have to say my fiance is partial to the Charcoal, and I agree with Scott that it is the best color with the cladding. Umm... tough decision indeed!
ThankSS again!
[ 14. January 2004, 09:31 AM: Message edited by: MY02SSLE ]
Posted by 2002Z4CSS (Member # 1393) on :
Matt,that should make a nice tow vehicle! Posted by ss_rs_z (Member # 1888) on :
You will love the Avalanche.
[ 14. January 2004, 06:06 PM: Message edited by: ss_rs_z ]
Posted by MM (Member # 1247) on :
quote:Originally posted by 2002Z4CSS: Matt,that should make a nice tow vehicle!
I used my avalanch to pull my SS when I had it... trailered the SS nicely down to vegas for the SLP day....
![[Cool]](cool.gif)
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
. She has only heard good about the truck at work with the people who have had them although they got rid of them in 90 days.![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
