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Used Chevy Avalanche Overview And How To Buy At The Best Price
In our opinion, the Chevrolet Avalanche is one of the most versatile and attractive trucks on the road today, blending the cargo flexibility of a pickup with the comfort and passenger capacity of an SUV.
What sets the Avalanche apart from other full-size crew cab trucks is its distinctive fold-down midgate ... a removable wall separating the cabin from the bed. The Avalanche can go from a six-passenger crew cab pickup with a 5-foot 3-inch cargo box to a three-passenger pickup with an 8-foot cargo box in just one or two minutes.
The first-generation Avalanche was produced for the 2002 - 2006 model years. While there are some minor variations over these years, typical standard features included power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, cruise control, dual-zone manual air-conditioning, 16-inch alloy wheels, 4-wheel antilock brakes, a 6-way power driver seat, heated mirrors and a 6-speaker audio system with a CD player.
Some of these used models can also be found with optional features such as a sunroof, a rear entertainment system, satellite radio and front-seat side airbags. In addition, those who value off-road abilities may want to consider one with the Z71 package that added larger wheels and tires, retuned springs, heavy-duty shocks, a rear-locking differential and underbody skid plates. There's also a sportier Z66 package that added a sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch wheels, the rear-locking differential and specially tuned springs and shocks.
Under the hood was a 5.3-liter V8 engine paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. This engine was rated at 285 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. The Avalanche 2500 versions were equipped with a 8.1-liter V8 that pumped out 325 horsepower and 447 pound-feet of torque and was coupled with a heavy-duty four-speed automatic. The maximum towing capacity for the 1500 was 8,200 pounds, while the 2500 could tow 12,000 pounds.
Car buyers interested in buying from this production run should keep in mind that a number of changes took place. These include a special 2003 North Face Edition as well as the addition of optional stability control the same year, a small drop in the rated power for the 8.1-liter V-8 in 2004 and new standard steering wheel audio controls and OnStar in 2005.
The next Avalanche generation, its second and last, was produced for the 2007 through 2013 model years. Compared to earlier models, this new Avalanche has a sleeker exterior design, a more refined interior and sharper handling.
Under the hood of all models is a 5.3-liter V8 that pumps out 320 horsepower and 335 pound-feet of torque. Used Avalanche shoppers should also note that some models from this period can be found with the optional 6.0-liter V8 engine that produces 366 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque. Also notable is the addition of a 6-speed automatic transmission for the 2009 model year (all had a 4-speed auto prior to this). Other changes for this production run have been minimal.
There are three trim levels to choose from: LS, LT and LTZ (beginning in 2009).
The already well-equipped base LS model includes standard features such as full power accessories, 17-inch alloy wheels, step running boards, a 6-way power driver seat with manual lumbar control, keyless entry, heated mirrors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, 4-wheel antilock brakes, stability control, a tire pressure monitor, a composite cargo bed, a three-piece removeable cargo cover, a front 40/20/40-split bench seat with center storage, cloth trim, cruise control, a leather steering wheel, Bluetooth, OnStar and a 6-speaker AM/FM stereo with a CD/MP3 player, an auxiliary jack and satellite radio.
Opting for an LT1 model adds features such as rear audio controls, front bucket seats and an upgraded OnStar system with turn-by-turn navigation, while the LT2 goes on to add remote starting, power-adjustable pedals, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 6-disc CD changer and rear park assist.
The top-of-the-line LTZ model tops things off with features such as an adaptive suspension, exterior chrome accents, 20-inch wheels, rain-sensing wipers, heated and cooled leather seats and a Bose audio system. Of note, however, is that many of the upper level trims were available as options on the other models. Other options that can be found include power running boards, a rearview camera, a rear entertainment system and a sunroof.
Overall, the Chevrolet Avalanche offers versatility and uniqueness with its convertible midgate, powerful engines, capable handling, long feature list and comfortable and spacious cabin. On the downside, like other full-size crew cabs, it's not easy to drive or park in tight confines and there are also some rear visibility blindspots. But all in all, the Avalanche is a strong choice for those seeking the versatile and functional combination of a pickup truck and an SUV.
How To Buy At The Best Price
There are actually several different ways to buy a pre-owned Avalanche at the lowest price, and even at wholesale. You can click on the links to each of the following methods to get the specific instructions.
First of all, here's a Lowest Price Used Car Buying Guide that details a super effective method, one that often beats down prices even to wholesale levels. And somewhat related to this, here's another excellent method that identifies Price-Distressed Cars Right On Dealer Lots. These are vehicles they are so desperate to unload they would welcome your wholesale offer.
In addition, you can also try the Public Car Auctions in your own geographic area. While there can be a lot of junk vehicles at these auctions, there are often absolute gems sprinkled in as well. This article reviews what to expect at open-to-the-public car auctions and how to locate them in your own area.
Also ... for those of you who might be interested in a brand new Chevrolet, if the price was crazy good, here's info on exactly How To Get The Best Price On A New Chevy. This works just phenomenally well.
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