I had a HD 2500 diesel on order and just a week before it arrived at the dealer I got to ride in my buddy's Chevy Avalance. I know, I know, the two trucks don't have anything in common, and some people think the Avalanche is not even a truck, but I wish I hadn't seen the stupid thing. Now, I can't make up my mind! They're both about the same price (within $500 and both at invoice price), but the Chevy has a lot more extras included (like Onstar, XM radio, full leather heated seats, sunroof, etc.). But, it doesn't have a diesel engine and it doesn't look as cool as the Ram. When the Ram arrived last weekend I went and took it for a test drive. It was NICE! I had to hide my grin the whole time so my wife wouldn't see. I've test driven the Avalanche and it's nice also, but makes you feel like you're riding a car not a truck. Of course, the wife prefers the Avalanche. I can't decide what to get now. Avlanche with all the bells and whistles or Dodge with the diesel for better fuel economy. :'( :'( <br>

 

Max,

I promise I'm not trying to hammer on you. This is just my own opinion, so take it for what it's worth. BUT, I feel like the Avalanche is probably the UGLIEST vehicle on the planet right next to the Navigator. I can't stand either one of them, and to be honest, would never even think about riding in one. That said, I think it depends on your application. Some people buy the diesel because they want to, and can afford it, and some buy it because they have to.

I guess you have to decide what your situation is, and work through your finances and your desires for a new vehicle. I personally never let my wife make decisions on what vehicle I own, because I don't make decisions on what she owns. We leave each other out of it because our tastes are much different.

Either way, good luck with it

Jack

 

I agree, I thought the Avalanche was ugly too, but kind of got used to it. The only reason I even considered it was because it just seemed like I'm getting a lot more for the money and the wife can handle driving it easier than the Ram. They both would pull our trailer (although I'm sure the Dodge would do much better in that department). My problem is if I went to store and found a shovel for $5, I would look and look and look just in case I might find a better deal. I kind of worry about all the electronics on the Avalanche also. I wonder if after 10 years if they'd be still working and if not how much it would cost to get it fixed <br>I feel bad for the dealer too. I probably loose my deposit, but I'm sure they were even more disappointed than me when I didn't take delivery. [undecided] :-[

 

I'll second it being the ugliest vehicle! Plus, I wonder how long the parts will keep working problem free switching it between SUV &amp; Pickup?<br><br>Now, what about the future? I assume you tow a travel trailer of some sort now? IF you don't ever want to upgrade to a 5th wheel, then whichever vehicle you choose to be your favorite, then go for it! <br><br>It all boils down to what YOU want now and in the future. Good luck on your decision!<br><br>Tony

 

I sell both brands you are talking about buying. And I can tell after spending many miles behind the wheel of both vehicles, they are both first class pieces of machinery. I have always said if I didn't own a bunh of real heavy goosneck trailers that I would be driving a Chevy Avalanche. They are a very versitale vehicle. They ride wonderfull. And the backseat is definetely better than the Dodge truck. I don't know what kind of weight your going to pull, but if it is under say, 6,500 lbs, I'd go with the Avalanche. Chevy is offering some super deals on em now. My wife used to depise them, until I brought a brand new one home for a weekend trip and she spent some time riding in it and driving it. Then she thought it was about the best thing in the world. Actually she wants me to get her one to drive all the time. After our house is done being built and we see just how little money we have left, she wants a new 3/4 ton Avalanche. My wallet is :'( :'( :'(

 

I'll third the ugliest vote thing. If you want a real truck buy the Dodge. You have to use a shoehorn to get a 4x4 ATV in the bed of an Avalanche. I dont even think the Avalanche should be called a truck. How about resale value?

 

I think you are in two different class of trucks, the dodge will be a long lasting truck, better fuel milage, and longer lasting. It should be cheaper to run with 15,000 mile oil change. To me if parking or driving around small streets is your thing then possible the chevy but if you are going to pull or do alot of driving buy the dodge! Big cab, and really pulling power!<br><br>KC

 

Also I don't like the new Chevy look either, I think they messed up getting away from the older 01 front end looks! Just my .02 worth!<br><br>KC

 

I am going to apologize in advance for what i am about to do..... ........pleeeeeease go with the dodge i dont think i can handle another one of those &quot;things&quot; on the road.

 

Within $500?? No brainer...the Dodge. Is the Chevy a 5.3 or 8.1? I had a 5.3 in my last truck and it was a dog. Yes, the Chevy rides like a car, so get that if that's what you want. The Dodge'll have better resale too.

 

<br>These two vehicles aren't even close to similar. I can't figure out how you could at one time believe that the Ram was the vehicle that would fit your needs, and after driving an Avalanche it can do the same things? <br><br>My experience has been that products that are supposed to do multiple things (like being an SUV and a pickup truck at the same time) end up not doing anything particularly well.<br><br>You said the prices are similar -but consider for the same money you could have a real truck with a Cummins Diesel. <br><br>You'll lose your deposit and &quot;enjoy&quot; lower fuel mileage for as long as you have the Chevy. I wonder how strong the resale value will be on that type of vehicle. Is the Chevy warranty only 3/36K? The Dodge has the same warranty plus 7/100K on drivetrain. <br><br>The Avalanche is an fling, all those cool buttons and whistles are messing up your head. Marry the Dodge! 8)

 

Hmmm lemme see. U post to a Dodge truck site wondering what our opinions are. U are comparing an orange to an apple. Trolling possibly? Dunno but better take the Chev to keep your wife happy. Your Dodge dealer can sell your truck to someone who will appreciate it. Have fun with your plastic piece of crap. Just my opinion. Got change for a buck

 

Hey they're all metal, glass, and PLASTIC! There's advantages and disadvantages to both vehicles. I've been waiting for 2 years to buy the Dodge, but I keep reading from the Consumer reports and other reviews that Dodge is not one of their &quot;recommended&quot; best buys. Of course, I'm sure there's politics involved here too and I know Motor Trend gave it the truck of the year award. They also gave Avalanche truck of the year award for 2002. It's a lot of money and I want to make sure I'm getting something that will have the best and biggest bang for the buck. Yeah, they're all plastic and metal, but it was a sad day leaving the new baby (light almond w/silver) at the dealership :'(

 

Take that Chevy for a ride ( in town) not Hwy. come to a conner turn the wheel all the way. the wheel will NOT come back by itself?. Something isn`t right and its with everyone of them. MOO, leave it. Buy the Dodge.<br> Danny

 

If the Avalanche has the 6 liter stay waaaayyy away from it <br><br>My coworker has it in his GMC and it has all sorts piston slap racket and gets lousy mileage. Then today he found a post some guy made about his oil analysis results and after running Amsoil 5W30 for 4500 miles his metal counts were sky high Looks like they eat themselves up.<br><br>Tell yourself one thing:<br><br> IMAGE IS EVERYTHING <br><br>Vaughn