This Chevy Avalanche Is the HOLY GRAIL of Used Trucks...And Here's Why!

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  • Опубліковано 15 лип 2024
  • ( www.alltfl.com/ ) Check out our new spot to find ALL our content, from news to videos and our podcasts! If you're shopping for a used truck, the Chevrolet Avalanche may not pop up as the first choice on your list. In this video, Brendan explains why this particular Avalanche should be.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 366

  • @saberstrikez
    @saberstrikez 5 місяців тому +292

    You keep letting the secrets out!

    • @holeshot1721
      @holeshot1721 5 місяців тому +18

      I feel the exact same way!!! I dont need my prices to go up on all these gems 💎

    • @zacharygoeden1282
      @zacharygoeden1282 5 місяців тому +10

      Bro is a Yapper

    • @BGObs2619
      @BGObs2619 5 місяців тому +4

      Honestly…

    • @randomtodd5794
      @randomtodd5794 5 місяців тому +2

      Prices are already high for nice ones….

    • @michaelbefumo-qg7ji
      @michaelbefumo-qg7ji 5 місяців тому +1

      Yeah you people got to stop that, because then people that have them sell them for outrageous prices

  • @GKMess42
    @GKMess42 5 місяців тому +71

    I didn't even know they made a 2500 version of the Avalanche.

    • @davidpastor9976
      @davidpastor9976 4 місяці тому +1

      i didn't either

    • @OcaroPinappl9033
      @OcaroPinappl9033 2 місяці тому

      Me either. New life choices engage

    • @kkay.endicott2367
      @kkay.endicott2367 21 день тому +3

      I own 4 Avalanches. I used my 2500 to pull my camper all the way to Anchorage and back 10,000 miles. It pulls without strain up and down mountains.

  • @scotturich
    @scotturich 5 місяців тому +105

    I remember when I worked at the dealership selling these new. It was very rare to see people order these and almost no dealers had them on the lots. They definitely are rare option for an Avalanche

    • @iamgermane
      @iamgermane 5 місяців тому +1

      Everyone I saw of these they were rusted out. I do not even see them around much anymore.

    • @scotturich
      @scotturich 5 місяців тому +4

      @@iamgermane Not suprising it’s been nearly 20+ years.

  • @guyletourneau6167
    @guyletourneau6167 5 місяців тому +73

    I don’t think any of us knew this was the end of the road for reliability. Up until then things were progressing. Thank you Cafe and Nhsta

    • @JUNEBUGLLC
      @JUNEBUGLLC 5 місяців тому +7

      Lol 2006 was the last year for reliable trucks any brand

    • @jew0182
      @jew0182 4 місяці тому +3

      I sure as hell didn’t. I have regretted and I mean r e g r e t t e d every single day that I got ride of my 2006 Silverado. I actually know where a 06 is right now with 56k original miles for 26k. I want it so bad but the problem is it’s red and I just can’t do red.

    • @RobsNeighbor
      @RobsNeighbor 4 місяці тому

      I tell others when asked what car should I buy, and my answer is always anything 2006 or older. Its all planned obsolescence anymore. @@JUNEBUGLLC

    • @chango.-.
      @chango.-. 4 місяці тому +2

      ​@@jew0182 paint it... or wrap it

    • @otakuConn
      @otakuConn 4 місяці тому

      @@jew0182wrap it my guy

  • @ml9867
    @ml9867 5 місяців тому +42

    As soon as I saw the notification, I knew it had to be the 2500 model.

  • @cartermulvaney9407
    @cartermulvaney9407 5 місяців тому +44

    TFL needs to buy an Avalanche and run some test with it! The Avalanche really was ahead of its time.

    • @DJEFlizZ215
      @DJEFlizZ215 5 місяців тому +4

      1st gen & 2nd gen tests

    • @cnoyes72
      @cnoyes72 4 місяці тому

      Assuming they can find one that hasn't rusted out.

  • @FUOBL3ZE
    @FUOBL3ZE 3 місяці тому +12

    I’m 15 and picked up a 06’ avalanche for 4300, just needed spark plugs replaced and oil filter replaced and she was good to go, had seat rips and we are in the process of fixing. Took a heat gun to all trim to make it look like new. I got really lucky and am glad to own this practical truck 😁

    • @FUOBL3ZE
      @FUOBL3ZE 3 місяці тому +2

      It was the 1500 sport utility z71

    • @BrandonBlackthorne-cx5fk
      @BrandonBlackthorne-cx5fk 29 днів тому +1

      You should be very happy with that. I just saw an 03 selling for $27,000

  • @skunkworks9-3
    @skunkworks9-3 5 місяців тому +46

    A lot of those get totaled out because the bed is part of the truck and body damage in the rear costs a fortune. Do love the avalanche regardless

    • @JUNEBUGLLC
      @JUNEBUGLLC 5 місяців тому

      Either way it's hideous

    • @clr977
      @clr977 4 місяці тому

      @@JUNEBUGLLCnever liked the look either, rode in one once for 4 hours though and did enjoy it though.

  • @HighlandPants69
    @HighlandPants69 5 місяців тому +57

    You missed a feature in your review, and that is the pair of lockable compartments, one along each side of the truck box. You know, the things that Ram blatantly copied some years later with their so-called "Ram Boxes?" I feel like that was a misstep.
    Also, fun fact: the fog light assembly on that generation of Avalanche was the exact same unit used as the headlight assembly on the Pontiac Aztek.

    • @waggitnshaggit6592
      @waggitnshaggit6592 5 місяців тому +7

      Those are like lunch boxes compared to RamBoxes. Honda Ridgeline copied basically the whole vehicle concept

    • @HighlandPants69
      @HighlandPants69 5 місяців тому +8

      It's not the size that we're talking about here, it's the concept that's at the heart of the matter. And, no, Honda did not copy the vehicle concept. Firstly, the Ridgeline, while having a vaguely similar shape as the Avalanche, was much smaller. Secondly, it was a unibody vehicle rather than body-on-frame, making it significantly less-capable (well, that and the smaller engine with 2 fewer cylinders). Thirdly, although it had 4WD, it was still a FWD-based drivetrain versus the RWD of the Avalanche. Lastly, the Ridgeline did not feature any form of Midgate on any model from the time of its inception up to today and that's likely to be the case into the future, too. Plus, only the first-generation Ridgelines had the buttresses coming off the back of the cab. Honda ditched them after that, opting instead for the more traditional look. On the Avalanche, however, they were actually functional; they prevented air from coming into the vehicle when the Midgate was lowered and the rear window was removed. Actually, that's probably something else Brendan should have mentioned. To say that Honda copied the Avalanche with their first-generation Ridgeline is like saying Pizza Pops are donairs, which is to say that it's untrue.

    • @enjoylife7030
      @enjoylife7030 5 місяців тому +5

      In addition, the midgate has two folding modes. First mode was shown in the video leaving the shelf support under the front bed panel. The second mode was to remove the bed panels and twist that latch the other direction which leaves that shelf support attached to the midgate and the entire thing folds down leaving a longer then 8ft bed with no obstruction at all where the midgate and window were. Also the window stores and locks into the bottom of the midgate before dropping it keeping it in the vehicle, safe, and out of the way. I owned one for 14 years, just a half ton, but I was able to slide full couches into the bed and past the midgate into the cab. It was amazing what you could haul in these things.

    • @waggitnshaggit6592
      @waggitnshaggit6592 5 місяців тому +1

      @@HighlandPants69 Nah it’s still CopyJap of old.

    • @dieseldabz7104
      @dieseldabz7104 5 місяців тому

      Honda Ridgeline

  • @jimv77
    @jimv77 5 місяців тому +13

    My coworker had one and was so proud of it especially the burnt orange color. But the fuel prices of 2008+ was driving him crazy at 10 mpg.

  • @Kjhgr01
    @Kjhgr01 5 місяців тому +10

    I got one as a rental car one time, I absolutely loved it.

  • @matthewreddick9334
    @matthewreddick9334 15 днів тому +1

    Our family 2002 avalanche that we bought brand new is rocking 378,000 miles with the original engine and transmission. We took her on a 400 mile road trip yesterday. It blows my mind how well it runs still.

  • @fhm5384
    @fhm5384 5 місяців тому +9

    My buds and I used to rip on these when they came out. I have owned a 2004 (without the plastic cladding) for the past three years and it's a great truck. Has some weird quirks, but I love the bed and mid-gate feature.

  • @jkish_and_friends
    @jkish_and_friends 5 місяців тому +8

    I bought my 03 Avalanche 2500 2 years ago sight unseen. I've put over 60k miles on it since then (currently at ~210k) and it has yet to let me down.

  • @KaiPonte
    @KaiPonte 3 місяці тому +4

    I've been saying for 15 years that I need to get myself a 2500 Avalanche. That 8.1L big block is a beast. I loved my 2006 Avalanche until I just didn't drive it anymore. Someday!! Good video. I did notice the new Silverado EV looks like the Avalanche with the sail panels and has a midgate option.

    • @lopezdad30
      @lopezdad30 Місяць тому +1

      Yup, silverado ev rst

  • @seandeterman2499
    @seandeterman2499 5 місяців тому +18

    Just bought an 02 Avalanche 2500. I had an 04 1500 for a few years and ended up loving the way these trucks work. My new 2500 is absolutely kick ass 🤙

    • @jew0182
      @jew0182 4 місяці тому

      I’ve been eyeing a 2500 av just how bad is the fuel ?

    • @seandeterman2499
      @seandeterman2499 4 місяці тому +1

      @jew0182 😂😂😂 horrible, but I drive 8 min to work, so I don't care. What's weird is that regardless of how I drive it, it gets like 11mpg. 55mph super efficient driving? 11mpg. 80mph pedal down interstate driving? 11mpg. It's been a blast so far though. Also, I just got done towing a little under 9k lbs and it did amazing. I know 9k lbs isn't crazy, but the truck did great. It was perfectly happy to sit in 4th gear and just muscle up hills. It only kicked down a couple times on my two hour drive. It got just over 8mpg. 10/10 would recommend 🤙

  • @HoldenvilleBandman
    @HoldenvilleBandman 5 місяців тому +17

    Took my drivers test in my dads Avalanche 2500, loved that truck

    • @sparks2429
      @sparks2429 5 місяців тому +1

      I learned to drive and did my test in my parents 01 suburban. They're reasoning was that of I could drive that, then everything else would be easy to drive. They weren't wrong

  • @BobNH3
    @BobNH3 5 місяців тому +2

    My uncle had one of these for 15 years, I’ve always wanted one

  • @12masterr
    @12masterr 5 місяців тому +7

    I was thinking of selling my avy 2500 4x4 with only 130k miles, but you convinced me to keep it! Lol. The truth is that it will cost me way more to replace it, and mine being from florida uave no rust, so a lot of life left!

  • @alanb76
    @alanb76 2 місяці тому +1

    We had a hard time finding a 2500 when we decided to buy the Avalanche for towing our trailers. Most dealers never had one. We found a new 2004 late that year and still have it. Towed the 10k trailer yesterday. Does a fine job. It's fun to take to Ikea when buying furniture and the folks at the loading dock are shocked when we convert the bed to 8 feet long. Comfortable, powerful, small for it's capacity. 36 gallon fuel tank is needed for the thirsty 490 engine. My only complaint is fuel economy, it needs more than the 4 speed transmission they provided. A modern 8 speed would be fantastic.

  • @mjfc1293
    @mjfc1293 3 місяці тому +1

    My dad's always owned a 2002 2500hd, and all growing up, his Custom rim, custom Taillight, Kenworth Radio, nd nice calming truck sound have always made me want the truck so badly. I'm proud that as a Kid I knew something was different about that truck compared to other Trucks, even to this day. Currently im in the Marines so I can't protect it as I hear my sister drives it to school and had just damaged both custom taillights. Rest In peace to those long running lights.

  • @mattie3595
    @mattie3595 5 місяців тому +5

    Had one new in 04. Silver birch. It was awesome.
    8.1L burned a quart of oil between oil changes. 496 notorious for that.
    After 3 yrs ownership only had a burned out headlight.
    Traded in for the newly designed 07 Denali XL. Not near as good…..

  • @shitloveaduck
    @shitloveaduck 5 місяців тому +18

    Hey Brendan!!
    Theses are definitely hard to find! Nice models here still go for about $20,000 CAD. It’s extremely rare to find any that are low mileage though. They are usually up over 300,000 km or pushing 200,000 miles! They are long lasting. Not a heavy duty as the actual HD trucks for the reasons you explained here, but on the highway especially, it’s hard to tell the difference between these & the 1500 version of the Avalanche! These were firmer, but that was a plus as I always felt the 1500 Avalanche was a bit wallowy. The 2500 was often used to haul horse trailers or livestock trailers here, so the miles weren’t excessively harsh.
    GREAT description and very important to get out there that it was built on the Suburban platform!! That was the biggest difference between this and the conventional truck. Thanks man!! 😊

    • @brendanao
      @brendanao 5 місяців тому +1

      Thanks! Good info.

    • @dieseldabz7104
      @dieseldabz7104 5 місяців тому

      Weren't harsh? They were tow miles that's the 𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙩! Towing taxes your drive train and prematurely ruins transmissions fyi.

    • @shitloveaduck
      @shitloveaduck 5 місяців тому +1

      @@dieseldabz7104 - I know this, but that’s about it. My ranch trucks never saw roads and towed hay wagons etc in their lifetimes. At 70,000 miles they were d*mn near worn out!
      Tow miles are easy miles when you look at the greater picture of what a work truck is! If you are comparing it to a personal vehicle, your point is more valid. These “overworked” tow vehicles had mint Un damaged bodies, interiors, frames weren’t rusty, the motor was fine and in that 200,000 miles, yes transmissions and differentials were replaced on some, but then you get a vehicle with 200,000 milers and maybe 50,000 miles on transmission and rear differential. You likely get the bonus of airbags installed additionally.
      There’s soo many more taxing and damaging scenarios than a simple tow vehicle. They really are easy miles. We used to haul cattle in the back of our 1 tons with livestock racks installed. That was very hard on the trucks. They were loaded near their maximums, the manure & piss were acidic, the lbs per square inch applied by the hooves beat the crap out of the bed floor and the twisting on the frame,,, they would be loaded in the lease, driven several miles in 2 track trail, if there was a trail, then miles on gravel and to the vet, or a new owner etc. the occasional one would try to escape & destroy the box!! Think about the uses, all of them. I would buy the tow rig. It would have had regular oil changes and everything needing repair, for me, is easy work!

    • @12masterr
      @12masterr 5 місяців тому +1

      So how much will my super nice 2004 avalanche 2590 4x4 with only 139k miles?go? And no rust?(florida truck)

    • @shitloveaduck
      @shitloveaduck 5 місяців тому

      @@12masterr - every market is different. I’m in Alberta Canada and wouldn’t want to guess and mess up any sales you pursue in the future. Research your automotive sales websites for your region. Google your vehicle description and and for sale behind it. That will get you started. Sounds like a nice truck if it doesn’t have the Florida corrosion.

  • @celswick1313
    @celswick1313 Місяць тому +1

    Ive got. 2012 Avalanche with 5.3, but pulled a 6.0 from a yukon and a few goodies to fo with it for a planned swap.
    I love my Avalanche.

  • @DorDeKrey
    @DorDeKrey 5 місяців тому +3

    I had a tent that set up on top of the bed and used the bed as the base...camped in it many times and with the midgate down had all kinds of room!

  • @kevinblock2307
    @kevinblock2307 5 місяців тому +5

    This makes me miss my 2005 Avalanche..was a great truck. Sold it in 2020 with 170k on odometer as rust was taking over ☹️

  • @cmdrdarwin3682
    @cmdrdarwin3682 5 місяців тому +9

    Impressive! I really wish Cadillac would bring back the EXT, I would be in line for one! In my area, there are not very many 8.1L versions of this truck left. Cool blast from the past!😎

    • @lopezdad30
      @lopezdad30 Місяць тому

      Chevy silverado ev rst

  • @TonyBasuro
    @TonyBasuro 5 місяців тому +3

    The Avalanche is the El Camino of SUVs. It's awesome.

    • @Turfcat150
      @Turfcat150 5 місяців тому

      Air Jordan of SUVs

  • @SgtPaine
    @SgtPaine 4 місяці тому +1

    I searched for a 2500 for months. They all had 200 to 300k miles it seemed so I knew it was a long lasting rig. Scored one with 98k miles and I love it. I do wish there were ways to liven up the pep a bit. I'm going to try a better, free flowing muffler first.

  • @dylano7242
    @dylano7242 4 місяці тому +3

    Don't forget the suburban, yukon xl 2500 that also came 6.0L or 8.1L.
    I bought two 2005 gmc yukon xl 2500 in 2024 $4500 each . They had 119 to 130k miles 4x4 and were work trucks from a business. And i use them in colorado and idaho at my houses to tow and haul trailers and carry people.

  • @pamelacrawford213
    @pamelacrawford213 4 дні тому

    I have a 2003 1500 with the heavy duty towing package on it. Mother nature has been hard on it. Had a tree fall on it and the trailer I was pulling. And a small twister throw some boards at it and I still love it so much. I will never find another truck that fits me like that one. No problems with it. Drivers like a dream. I wish they would make a new Avalanche.

  • @J.W.W.
    @J.W.W. 5 місяців тому

    Owned a 2004 Arrival Blue Z71 1500 5.3L version of this. Always wanted the 2500 with the big engine! Avalanche worked great as a truck and/or commuter.

  • @threadready8078
    @threadready8078 5 місяців тому +1

    I've had the 02 Avy 1500 and the 05 Avy 2500. I liked the 1/2 ton but loved the 3/4 ton. So much so that I occasionally go hunting the web for my old 2500. They're REALLY hard to find, especially with under 100k miles. I've seen some really nice ones lately listed for $20k+. If you can find one with a Whipple supercharger or swapped Duramax/Allison (DuraLanche), you're in for a real treat. They even made a camper shell for these. If you're into big car sound, JL made a subwoofer enclosure that replaced the entire mid-gate.

  • @Sleepyhead0606
    @Sleepyhead0606 5 місяців тому +2

    I have a 2500 suburban with the 8.1

  • @xziang
    @xziang 5 місяців тому +2

    Thanks for providing the sale price of that vehicle too. Was glad youmdid

  • @H484R
    @H484R Місяць тому

    had a 2002 5.3 avalanche a couple years ago, absolutely loved it. The features alone blew me away. Built-in steps in the bumper? In-bed lighting? DVD Players? Heated leather seats with the bowtie sewn into the headrests? and obviously the mid gate with removable window. I feel as if this was a test-bench for chevy to just see what consumers liked and didn't like so they could impliment those into later model silverados and other vehicles.
    Fun fact, one reason the 8 liter was sold alongside the first gen duramax is chevy was worried that consumer's would be wary of buying a diesel from them (with good reason, looking back at the older 6.5 liter diesels) and they felt the 8 liter would sell better as a towing rig. Kind of ironic looking back, as the duramax quickly became a legendary engine.

  • @keithdosik
    @keithdosik 5 місяців тому +19

    Still asking for a Brenden fleet update 😢

    • @COChevyTrainMan1990
      @COChevyTrainMan1990 5 місяців тому +2

      Put it short, every GM car I own is going strong while everything else is in a junkyard, the end.

  • @Pharto_Stinkus
    @Pharto_Stinkus Місяць тому +1

    I didn't even know they made a 2500 avalanche... I bet that thing is amazing.

  • @user-qi8ns1fo5d
    @user-qi8ns1fo5d 5 місяців тому +4

    I actually like this gen then softer, rounded model, nice dark green or two tone n definitely 8.1lt V8. Years ago i saw one here in Australia that was converted to RHD can't remember what engine was in it but probably 5.3lt V8.

  • @jpete3027666
    @jpete3027666 5 місяців тому +2

    Wow $13,000 for this with under 60k? Thats a nice deal. I’d pick this up for that price in a heartbeat. It’s 100 times better and a fraction of the cost of anything new.

  • @kjcobb2751
    @kjcobb2751 4 місяці тому

    Great truck ! My dad has an 06 2500 avalanche while I just bought a 2013 black diamond edition !!! Wish they would make a come back !

  • @Moonninja420
    @Moonninja420 Місяць тому

    I've own a 2003 avanlanche Z71 4X4 1500s, love it. Wish they kept making them.

  • @RareGenXer
    @RareGenXer 4 місяці тому

    Always thought these were super cool! Especially the tougher looking first gen with (yes) all the contrasting plastic cladding with the metallic pea green paint. Seriously!

  • @literallyshaking8019
    @literallyshaking8019 2 місяці тому

    The GMT800 series has hands down the most comfortable seats GM ever put in a truck (when you got the full leather/electric adjustable option). Once you get the bolsters/lumbar locked in it’s like sitting in a Lay-z-boy, and the seat heaters will sweat you out on even the coldest day plowing.
    Worth getting one for the comfort alone.

  • @joeculpepper2235
    @joeculpepper2235 5 місяців тому +2

    All 2500 Avalanche came with the 8.1 and 4l80e. No other option for motor or trans

  • @ChicagoOutfit1900
    @ChicagoOutfit1900 5 місяців тому +6

    My uncle still has his Avalanche from '04. It's a bit of a rust bucket now, but if we didn't live in Chicago, it'd be a solid truck. No frills, solid power train, & spacious.

  • @kkay.endicott2367
    @kkay.endicott2367 21 день тому

    I own a 2500 Avalanche. it's comfortable and pulls like an Ox,. I own 3 1500 Z-71 Avalanches and One 2500. The 2500 is my best ride. It pulled my camper at cruising speeds up and down the US and Canadian Rockies to and from Anchorage Alaska. This is a great truck.

  • @mulocardenas8634
    @mulocardenas8634 Місяць тому +1

    That's why im keeping my 2004 blackie forever 8.1 😎👍

  • @jamesjethrowesten3302
    @jamesjethrowesten3302 5 місяців тому +6

    I've been waiting for this one. I have a 2003 avalanche 2500 4x4 8.1

  • @ddhh6552
    @ddhh6552 5 місяців тому

    I have ripped a lot if suburban and tahoes around the desert and when it comes time to be on a nasty, cobley road, I opted for a Tahoe. It was way more nimble and soft than a 2500 suburban. Then again an 8.1 is mostly for towing as you said

  • @captinhoop
    @captinhoop 5 місяців тому +6

    Should buy that thing for sure

  • @jonas852
    @jonas852 5 місяців тому +1

    dident know that about the mid gate part. soo if you get one tall bed cover you can turn this into a bit of a campervan

  • @RayRayP2001
    @RayRayP2001 4 місяці тому

    Had an 02 Z-66 1500, ran great but had to change that back window 3x in 10 years because after a year or two it would start to leak inside the truck due to cracks in the framing. wound up trading it straight up for a 97 Z28 with less miles.

  • @texborn87
    @texborn87 5 місяців тому +1

    I’ve worked auto parts for 16.5 years and I’m a Mopar guy the 8100 got better fuel mileage than the 6000 and had no problems what so ever and shared alot of parts with the 4300 v6 I would buy one

  • @COChevyTrainMan1990
    @COChevyTrainMan1990 5 місяців тому +2

    Best looking truck, besides the Silverado, ever since the first Chevrolet truck. Coolest truck design ever.
    My mom owned a 2004 Avalanche 1500, bought new and put over 128,000 miles. Done dozens of road trips and I learned how to drive in it. Unfortunately we had to sell it for money reasons. I miss it so much. So cool if Chevrolet brought it back today. Design cues and mid gate idea on the Silverado EV is close enough to me. Love that truck too.

    • @Turfcat150
      @Turfcat150 5 місяців тому

      Chebby can do no wrong huh fanboy

  • @gittyupalice96
    @gittyupalice96 5 місяців тому +1

    love the idea of the HD suspension under it... but big blocks are really useless outside of drag racing, would rather have a 6.0 vortech

  • @theinternets7516
    @theinternets7516 5 місяців тому +1

    Never knew there was a 2500 version of this truck. Pretty sweet.

  • @1234567890ZETA
    @1234567890ZETA 5 місяців тому +2

    Ah, soon as I saw big block I knew it was the 2500 model. First time I read about them was back in 2003.

  • @kenteagle2918
    @kenteagle2918 5 місяців тому +1

    I bought a yellow 1500 Avalanche in 2002. LOVED the body of the truck, but the stock motor and brakes were horrible. Ordered it from the factory and had to wait for it to come up on a train from Mexico. Would have had to wait another 6 weeks for a 2500 version of the same truck. Well, guess what? After all the "unanticipated delays", I could have got the 2500 in the same timeframe. The price wasn't horribly higher than the 2500 either. SMDH! Only reason I was in a time crunch is we were moving, and I needed to have the truck in time for the move. One of these days I'll find a creampuff 2500 Avalanche in yellow. Oh, & the dealer SWORE you could get the 2500 with a manual transmission, but I could never find info to confirm that. And for anyone wondering- I was highly skeptical, but anything I ever put in the bed stayed completely dry even in torrential downpours at highway speeds.

  • @davidmurray1630
    @davidmurray1630 5 місяців тому

    Wow!!! I have driven the 1500 variant of this truck a lot for a customer that owned one. Of course the 1500 variant had the 5.3, but the driving experience was superior to the normal 1500 Silverado. My example had over 150K on the clock and it drove like a new vehicle... extremely smooth and quiet. I remember thinking that this must be a very superior platform to drive this nice at this many miles! I would love to drive the 2500 series!

  • @kevinvoyer5053
    @kevinvoyer5053 5 місяців тому

    Ok I bought a 2005 naked Avalanche Z71 1500, used in 2006, with only 18,000 miles. Powered by the vaunted 5.3/Votec, with 4:10 gears with G80 automatic locking differential, 4x4 with Autotrack 4x4 hi an lo plus AWD. In all black like the above, but naked, with no plastic cladding and nice chrome bumpers, plus nice aluminum skid plates. We use on many trips from home in Massachusetts, as far north as Bar Harbor Acadia Park and as gas south as Key West, Florida, with a couple trips to Pigeon Forge and all over the NE. The only downer was mileage at 12 city in red lights a traffic, to 20 mpg at 55/60, 18 at 65-70. But was able to easily load 28, 4x8 sheets of drywall, at 62 lbs each totaling 1,736 lbs, plus my wife and I and tools loaded on top of the drywall in the back seat area. Leaving the rear window in place plus bed covers. In a 150 mile trip to a friend home up in northern Vermont. Getting 18 mpg average round trip, that’s about 14 up and 22 back empty mostly down hill. We owned till we traded in on a 2011 Silverado Ext Cab 4x4, LS 1500 Z71, with a 5.3/6 speed automatic with Autotrack. That was also all black and as great trouble free as the Avalanche was. That we traded in on a 2016 Colorado Ext Cab Z71,4x4, V6, also trouble free till 58,000 miles in 2019 when we traded that in on a Colorado Crew Cab 4x4, WT, V6. We still have at 63,000 trouble free mileage, with no plans on trading as of now.

  • @davidpastor9976
    @davidpastor9976 4 місяці тому

    I have a 2003 1500 Z71 and I love it, Bought with 114K miles, now 214K. It has had it's gremlins, but I would buy another one. Didn't know about the 2500 but might be worth a look.

  • @personator907
    @personator907 5 місяців тому +4

    I miss the Avalanche.

    • @ml9867
      @ml9867 5 місяців тому

      The Silverado EV has the midgate system.

    • @upshifter5316
      @upshifter5316 5 місяців тому +1

      Wish the new EV avalanche was available as ICE. Would have already ordered one.

  • @louislepage5111
    @louislepage5111 4 місяці тому

    A coworker of mine had the 1500 , other than a transmission, he liked it, and for what its worth it was reliable 😊

  • @krasnaludek298
    @krasnaludek298 5 місяців тому +5

    They’re very solid/durable trucks … my only knock being all the cladding that requires constant UV protection. Most of the Avalanches that I see on the road are oxidized when it comes to all the trim pieces & that would bother me.

    • @jamesjethrowesten3302
      @jamesjethrowesten3302 Місяць тому +1

      I restored the plastic on mine, just do a ceramic coating and it won't fade again

    • @4NINETYSIX
      @4NINETYSIX 23 дні тому

      Eastwood Plastic Restorer .

  • @Ruben-dr4yi
    @Ruben-dr4yi 5 місяців тому +4

    Great video..keep then coming.
    Much rather see these type of trucks then the overpriced unreliable junk than the new ones..

  • @robb4866
    @robb4866 5 місяців тому +1

    Nice I sold mine 8 yrs ago for $12k with 76k miles but mine was a cherry 8 of 10 as the paint had just started to fade on the top (typical Az uv damage) and yours looks like a beat 3 of 10 - lol. Great trucks though! If I came upon another in the future I would get it as that 8.1 was great!

  • @SuperSnakePlissken
    @SuperSnakePlissken 5 місяців тому +3

    I didn't know you could get the 8.1 in the Avalanche. I drove a 3500 8.1L V8 Chevy to tow A/C units to job sites back in 2001-2003 for a construction company I worked for. They weren't fast but they got the job done. Averaged around 9 mpg towing and 11 mpg not towing.

    • @speedracerjeff
      @speedracerjeff 5 місяців тому

      8.1 was a rare option and not many ordered it due to the horrible fuel economy lol. The 6.0 LQ9 made the same power and could tow just fine and got slightly better MPG.

  • @rjcolombe
    @rjcolombe 5 місяців тому +2

    Logically, these should have eventually replaced the Silverado, due to the extra versatility with little compromise. But alas, we are creatures of habit and the original pickup formula stays true to its roots.

  • @billballin6948
    @billballin6948 5 місяців тому +3

    The ride difference is all in your head. This uses the same leaf pack as the pick ups.

  • @techs1smh13
    @techs1smh13 5 місяців тому

    Dirt everyday built one with strait axle swap huge tires it went places i couldn't believe

  • @Sir.VicsMasher
    @Sir.VicsMasher 4 місяці тому

    2003 Ram 2500 V10 with the six speed manual is on my grail list even though I opted for the diesel version.

  • @chachifeere
    @chachifeere 5 місяців тому

    Those were cool truck I’ve had 4 99-2003 sierras 2500. Great trucks and fun to work on
    The 6.0 was the best modern motor ever made
    The 8.1 was too much of a gas eater

  • @PrydeWater901
    @PrydeWater901 5 місяців тому +3

    Poor thing thought the tonneau cover was the folding type. 😬

  • @27Zangle
    @27Zangle 5 місяців тому +1

    I'd buy that in a heart beat.

  • @aaronc.brewster6527
    @aaronc.brewster6527 5 місяців тому +12

    Here I am waiting for a present day Ute like a Baja or an El Camino... 😅

    • @noneyabizz8337
      @noneyabizz8337 5 місяців тому +7

      Never going to happen, modern egos are too weak

    • @damilolaakanni
      @damilolaakanni 5 місяців тому +4

      You're stuck with either the Maverick or the Santa Cruz...I guess you could include the Honda Ridgeline, but that's based on an SUV.

    • @fritty9927
      @fritty9927 5 місяців тому +1

      Loved my Baja

    • @timbur2711
      @timbur2711 5 місяців тому +3

      So is the Santa cruz

    • @speedracerjeff
      @speedracerjeff 5 місяців тому +3

      Just build a classic El Camino. I have a 72 with a 383R stroker.

  • @lilibethdoherty295
    @lilibethdoherty295 5 місяців тому +2

    The latest 326 CID 5.3 makes ten more HP than that 496 CID all Iron 8.1 Vortec !

    • @kodihood8014
      @kodihood8014 5 місяців тому

      The 496 probably makes as much torque off idle as the 5.3’s peak torque though.
      But yeah, the lastest tech for pushrod motors is truly beautiful, all across the board!

  • @jamesgranato2186
    @jamesgranato2186 4 місяці тому +1

    You could get them with a 6.0 as well, as rare as the 8.1 option was I've seen more 8.1 Avalanches than I have 6.0. Same with the Suburbans

  • @kirksway1
    @kirksway1 5 місяців тому +1

    this is very good information to learn. I never new that these came as a 2500, I always thought they were strictly 1500. so, does this mean it's a 3/4 ton? also, having ridden in a 1500 version I don't think I could ever compare the ride to that of a Cadillac, unless you are comparing it to a Cimmaron.

  • @Piketom1
    @Piketom1 5 місяців тому +1

    I really miss trucks like this. Modern 1500 series trucks are nearly as capable on paper but they are not as happy towing large loads as their HD counterparts. The step up to an HD truck now means you are getting a monstrously sized rig that rides HARSH when you are not using it for work and requires another mortgage to afford. Something like this is a great middle ground between a half-ton and three-quarter ton truck.

  • @user-tb5vc4vm6l
    @user-tb5vc4vm6l 2 місяці тому

    You can completely remove dewier (cross beam supporting glass) and you have big opening, the same as in Suburban.

  • @GTfromAG
    @GTfromAG 5 місяців тому

    My Ford Explorer Sport Trac & this truck are great sleepers for trucks👏🏾👏🏾💯

  • @jessr.2490
    @jessr.2490 5 місяців тому

    The one Chevy truck model I would consider buying if they would refresh it. I feel the same about the Ford Explorer SportTrac. They would be the most comfortable all-rounder midsize trucks on the market.

  • @alafrosty
    @alafrosty 5 місяців тому

    If you could get that 2500 Avalanche with quadrasteer, it'd be amazing!
    Actually, the Avalanche was brought to market to compete with the forthcoming Honda Ridgeline. And it was a PITA to design for manufacture.

  • @user-tb5vc4vm6l
    @user-tb5vc4vm6l 2 місяці тому

    I have 2002 NFE Avalanche 1500 sins new. Only 2 complains: G80 was rebuild at 80K miles. Tranny was replaced on 99K, due to leaking radiator- antifreeze get to transmission. Yes, clouding is fade, and clear coat start pilling off (22 years parked outside). It has minimum rust for NYC truck. Runs and drives without problems.

  • @MetalZoned
    @MetalZoned 5 місяців тому +3

    One downside for towing is that because the fuel economy is so bad you'll have to stop more to refuel. With this you also can't tow a fifth wheel from what I've read due to those angled supports on on the bed but if anyone has done otherwise it would be great to hear about it. I've been looking for these recently actually and I can see why they're collectible

    • @ml9867
      @ml9867 5 місяців тому +2

      Fun Fact: the angled support is called a flying buttress.

    • @MetalZoned
      @MetalZoned 5 місяців тому +1

      @@ml9867 would not have guessed that but it does make sense

    • @TrokaRC
      @TrokaRC 5 місяців тому +2

      Diesel is your friend if you want mpg. These older rigs are just as good for half the cost. What's $40 when towing vs not towing if it gets the job done its a small price to pay.

  • @A-MAX.B
    @A-MAX.B Місяць тому +1

    you should do a video on the Honda Ridgeline

  • @paulharsh78
    @paulharsh78 5 місяців тому +2

    I wish all these new small trucks had the mid gate! Otherwise it’s more practical to get the SUV version.
    Specifically the Santa Cruz.

  • @redwolfmaddox3986
    @redwolfmaddox3986 5 місяців тому

    You could also get the optional 8.1 beast in it!

  • @daviddesha5926
    @daviddesha5926 5 місяців тому +1

    Now the prices just went up

  • @michaelleroi9077
    @michaelleroi9077 4 місяці тому

    Wow! That’s 495 cubic inches!!! I had NO idea!

  • @930GearHead
    @930GearHead 5 місяців тому

    There’s a really nice green one. Big block 2500 for sale and I WANT IT.

  • @johnpatterson4809
    @johnpatterson4809 2 місяці тому +1

    Sold sir. Going to get one right now

  • @dougsmith747
    @dougsmith747 3 місяці тому

    I Put 110,000 miles on a 1500 avalanche. Sold it 6 years ago cuz I needed to pull a 5th wheel.... still miss it

  • @felonysounds
    @felonysounds 5 місяців тому

    That's the second, the one with metal body all the way to the rocker in this version is way harder to find

  • @FarmergirlJess
    @FarmergirlJess 4 місяці тому

    Amazing

  • @MrJameric
    @MrJameric 2 місяці тому

    I love my Avalanche 1500. I don't need the extra towing capability. There are features on my 2005 that they have only come out with in later model vehicles.

  • @hugieflhr03
    @hugieflhr03 5 місяців тому +1

    They are great trucks (if) you can keep the rust away!!! The handheld programmer really wakes it up!

  • @anthonykiedis1765
    @anthonykiedis1765 5 місяців тому +1

    I always liked the Cadillac version of this truck. It was so odd that it was cool.

  • @Chan-fm1ec
    @Chan-fm1ec 2 місяці тому

    Saw one of these for sale recently. Wanted to pick it up, until I googled the mpg...