Anyone know anything about the Avalanches?

[Arachnyd]

I've never been a huge fan of them- until I actually looked at one, and now I love them. They have every feature I could want and they are cheap. Reviews seem good.

I'm looking at a few however, and having trouble gauging a few components-

How much mileage is high mileage? On an F150, 100k isnt a big deal. On most SUVs however, 100k is reaching the max. I want a good durable truck to haul distances, and while any car can have issues, I am having a hard time judging these on durability even after many hours of research.

Secondly, is the 2500 more durable than the 1500? or less? Sure it can haul more, but what about mileage life on the 8.1 liter + 4L85E Tranny? Once again, buy a 2500 truck and 150k isn't a big deal- is 90-100k high on these?

I've found 2500s in the 85-110k range that I really like, but if thats pushing the limits of their lives, a new 8.1L is really expensive, so I may be better off with a 1500.

I normally haul around 6000 lbs (Corvette/Camaro on a trailer)


Anyone have any advice/thoughts on these as far as durability is concerned? I plan on putting about 7-10k miles a year on it. and would like to keep it about 2 years. (15-20k total miles)

Thanks!

[dorfmac]

I spent a lot of time looking at the Escalade EXT before getting my Camaro, and while I don't have any answers to your questions, I can agree that these are awesome trucks. Even the Avalanches have many of the creature comforts that you don't find in more traditional pick up trucks.

[Steve Dallas]

I'm in a car search right now myself, and have looked at the Avalanche. I'm still undecided if I want to get a SUV or car for my daily driver. I've been looking at all the Chevy Avalanche, Denali, Escalade and Audi Q5/Q7 as far as SUV goes.

I do like the Avalanche as far as body style...I'm just looking for a little more comfort, luxury and technology for the interior.

[Silverlsinva]

My dad has the 8.1 in his 2500 hd truck and it has 77k miles on it and no problems from it but his does have the Allison tranny in it as well. But It does suck some gas I think he gets 10mpg avg.

[WE485]

I have had a few silverado's, I loved all of them. only problem I ever had was my son falling asleep and hitting a parked car.

I bought a new avalanche last year and I must say its the best one yet. it's like a swiss army knife of trucks. can't go wrong with one

[POWERFREAK]

a buddy of mine is approaching 200k miles on his....no major issues.

[FenwickHockey65]

They're good trucks. I worked with a lady who owned one a few years ago and she was dumping $50/week for gas into it though.

[20131LS]

I can't say personally, but my brother has owned 2 of them and swears by them. The only problem that he had was the power driver's seat stopped working on his latest one.