So my Burb is getting ready to be sold, my next truck is probably going to be an Avalanche but a used one. I dont drive very much since i work from home but I do take the boat out sometimes and would like to use the truck for camping and road trips occasionally. My 03 burb has the 5.3 without any of the fuel saving features of the later model engines and honestly I would like to avoid them If I can?? But really im wanting to see if anyone has any experience with multiple year models , whats good whats bad, if there’s any particular feature or factory add on that is a problem and should be avoided.
Whats the best year model in your opinion and why?
It's been 9.5yrs since I went through my search. I was mostly looking for 2-3yr old vehicle with = < 30kmi white w/blk leather, sunroof, the 6sp trans, A/C seats, and Pwr Run Boards. I would've gone with the Cadi faster than you could say it had they offered it with a 4x2/4x4 switchabled option. I was leery of full time AWD in a vehicle this heavy, for gas mileage and for maintenance reasons. I found an '11 LTZ w/33k miles and bought it. The only other option that intrigued me was the Heated Steer Wheel which wasn't avail until 2012, but it can be retro-fit.
Do I wish I had the bigger engine? Of course! but not more than I didn't want full time AWD.
The 5.3 is more like the old school 327 than anything yet built and it can be made very lively for little money.. There's no towing difference to speak of
areas of concern: -JMBX Torque Converter.
-AFM/DOD/POS whatever acronym best fits here(I like POS)
-Expensive but EXCELLENT air suspensions
The 5.3 is very receptive to modifications.. May even be able to duplicate the stock numbers of the 6.2 for less than getting a 6.2??
edit: Also like
@pwtr02ss said the '12 and '13's offered the body match painted panels in rear. It took me almost 3 days to get mine all off cleaned, prepped and painted....
