I had to put $500 deposit. I had a really good deal too compared to some of the other dealers. I was buying for the invoice price. Anyway, they hold the deposit until they sell it. If it doesn't sell right away, then they start deducting flooring cost from the $500. I probably won't get any of it back given the fact that car and truck sales are slow around here right now. I drive by other Dodge. Chevy and Ford dealers everyday on the way to work and have noticed some of the same vehicles for the last three four months <br>Things just aren't moving right now. : The smaller cars are about the only thing selling good.

 

The dealer only sells Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge. No Chevy. ??? I'm not sure about the Duramax engine. It has an aluminum head and if I remember right aluminum heads can warp under certain conditions. I've also heard that the Duramax is new design and hasn't been around very long. Otherwise the interior of the crew cab Silverado is identical to the Avalanche. In fact, if you ever get a chance to look at a Hummer H2 you'll notice that it shares the same seats, same buttons and layout for the door locks, windows, 4WD system, climate control and even the same steering wheel and instrument cluster as the Avalanche and Silverado. They share a lot of parts. Even the engine is on the H2 is basically the same one they have on the other Chevy trucks (Vortec V8). <br>

 

If you really want the Avalanche buy it, but do what the consumer reports tell you and research the market first. Dodge has offered basiclly NO cheap finance packages on Diesels over the last 8 years. Chevrolet however has offered 0% financing on everything the last 5 years including selling a HD1500 P/U that had 3/4 ton running gear. Research also shows that in 3-4 years the gas products are only worth 50% retail and 40% wholesale of original cost. The Dodge diesel has been bought continously for only 30% loss up to 5 years old and wholesalers are constantly at auctions looking for the Cummins powered trucks. Also the Avalanche has a lot of plastic panels covering sheet metal that trap moisture,mud and road salt on the lower portion of the truck. Recognize this is a specialty truck with gimmicks that may require a lot of attention 5-10yrs down the road combined with the accelerated possible hidden rust areas and gas engine on a 1/2 ton chassis. Most people looking for used vehicles 5-10 years old also wont want that gas hog and the problems that go with it. PK

 

The question is do you want to own a truck for years to come or a vechicle you will be trading every three years. I'm 26 years old have owned about 17 cars since I was 16. I've paid off about half of them. I think if you can find a vehicle that will last you double past your payoff period your doing good. As you put more miles on a car wear and tear will take its toll on the vehicle. With the diesel you can look for many years of reliable driving miles with good gas mileage. I have found this truck to be hands down the best vehicle I have ever owned and hope to own, despite my 47RE issues, for the next 10-12 years or longer. Like P Kenny said most gas vehicle lose their value so fast that trading them in would be a sin to have to start all over again with another payment. I like to keep up with the Jones as much as the next guy, but trucks I say find one you like and stick with it till the wheels fall off. So to me a good deal is something that you know your gonna want to keep for many years to come vs. a thousand buck or so difference on another vehicle that will be gone in 3 years.

 

Well, I knew there was a good reason why I chose the Dodge originally. I read a lot of info on the Avalanche and the Ram and after lots and lots of debate and all the feedback from you I decided to stick with the dodge. My head's been aching for the last several weeks trying to make the right decision. I finally figured out the main reason I considered the Av. was the softer ride and heated seats for my wife, but she said the Dodge wasn't really that bad either ;D Besides, no heated seats in the back and with the leather in the winter the backseat is like ice and the kids wouldn't appreciate it. I also found out more about the engine on the Avalanche and people having problems with ticking and piston slapping (which is now supposed to be fixed on '03), but may cause problems once over the 100K mile. The rest of the toys can be added to the Dodge later, but at least we'll have a reliable engine <br>So, I'm supposed to pick it up this Wednesday. Here's the specs: '03 2500HD, HO w/6 Spd, 3.73 axle, Light Almond/Silver (two tone)Prem Cloth, Adj. pedals,Sliding back win, clearance lights, on/off tires and cast alum. wheels, bug deflector, pwr folding tow mirrors,autodim rear mirror, and yes the wheel well liners <br>I'll have to get the side steps next.<br>Thanks for all the good input! ;D

 

Max, I think you made the right choice. While leather looks good, I have found it to be undesirable in actual use. When I lived in Alaska, I was glad to have the premium cloth seats in my old Chevy since the cloth was warmer, and here in the Texas summers I am double gald to have them for the breathability (much cooler than leather). The Cummins will last you a long time with proper maintenance and care; save you money in the long term by outlasting your payment schedule as noted by TON4FUN, and get good mileage doing whatever you demand of it in towing. Enjoy!!

 

Congrats on your choice ;D Glad the Dodge went to an owner that will appreciate 'er. If you want the heated seats do like I'm gonna and put aftermarket ones in. About 400 bucks both installed. I also wanted heated seats but did not want the leather (U listening DC?) One thing the F*rd has over the Dodge. Again congrats. BTW if your wife is mad you do have the quad cab to sleep in..

 

<br><br>Then you better re-count and make that zero. Ford requires the leather seats and the Lariat trim to get heated seats.

 

I dunno I just built a supercab with cloth and heated seats on the web site. Had to order the power seat but not the leather. Also had these options checked off at the dealer when I was looking at the F*rd trucks before I bought my Dodge. Where I am it is available with cloth. XLT trim. FWIW