Avalanche vs Pathfinder

[Teri C.]

I might be upgrading my tow vehicle and have worked a deals with a few dealers around here. I didn't post for help about the boat and look what happened so I decided to get some opinions. Don't need a lecture on how many cars I've owned. I know.



07 Chevy Avalanche - LTZ, 4x4, loaded with all but nav, 5.3L

08 Nissan Pathfinder - LE, 4x4, v8 5.6L, no nav



Pathfinder is $600 more than Chevy but I tend to like SUV's better. I looked for a Pathfinder 4x4 with leather in the 4.0L engine and they are none around here. The Avalanche is actually priced much better in comparison with other Avalanches I've looked at around here so I think I would be getting a better "deal" on that one.



Also considering an 05 Toyota 4runner Limited with 27000 miles which is $5000 cheaper than the Chevy. I wasn't sure if the 4.0L in the 4Runner would be enough. They have a v8 version but again, hard to find & pricey.



I am a little worried still about losing my job so it's hard to pull the trigger. I just shelled out cash for the boat.



Thoughts?

 

[Randy Walls]

Teri if your not dead set on either I will say to go with a Durango as you can get them very reasonable right now.



If you are set, then I say the Avalanche. I have three friend that have them and absolutely love them. I have had two pathfinders friends and they no longer own them and they all fish!



Not sure why on the Pathfinders but the Avalanche's are dynamite! Expecially the LTZ's!



Randy!

 

[Buzz Bouvier]

Terry, the Avalanche is a truck, not a SUV. I had the 2500 Avalanche with the 8.1 Vortex and loved it other then the gas mileage. I wish I hadn't sold it and bought the Expedition.



Buzz

 

[Teri C.]

I am not set on anything. But I am set against Dodge. Sorry!



People seem to say the Pathfinder is underpowered but in 08 they started giving the option of the 5.6L which I think is used in the Titan. Took care of power issues.



I actually owned the 07 Avalanche for a few short months. I felt like it was huge. A guy offered me good money for it so I sold it. That was back when they first came out.

 

[Mebassn]

CHEVY, CHEVY, CHEVY!!! The 07 (New Body Style) is a sweet ride, if it comes with the active fuel management you'll get good mileage when not towing (around 20 without a lead foot). I have a 07 Silverado with the 5.3 and it tows like a beast. The LTZ is one sweet ride, plus the fold down rear seat panel is a nice option. I'd opt for the Avalanche but thats just me.

 

[Teri C.]

I had a feeling the guys would opt for the truck.

 

[Mebassn]

Truck, SUV, doesn't matter to me as long as it's a... CHEVY!!!

 

[Jim B]

Teri,

Of those two i would opt for the Avalanche every time and not just because its a truck. Its more because i know it would get the job done, get it done well and not be in the shop all the time.



The 5.6l motor in the nissan while very strong its a total pig on fuel expect like 10-12 around town. Nissan has also had a very well chronicled issue with the rear differentials staying put together in both the trucks and suv's with the 5.6l motor. No matter what the sales guy says its still a problem they havent fixed yet either. A friend of mine got his wife a 08 pathfinder armada and she has had two fail already and she has never towed anything.



The 5.3l motor that they use in the chevy is a really good motor and will get better fuel milage then any other v8 out there in a truck. The whole driveline is pretty ruck solid and very well proven over the years. The Tahoe is build on more or less the same platform if you prefer an SUV.

 

[Randy Walls]

Teri, I agree they are huge! I didn't like 360 view from the cab either, too many dead spots for me. Sorry about the Dodge, I have one an love it. I also like the looks of the Pathfinder! How about a Trailblazer or a Envoy? I am sure that Mac could help with that either of those!!



Randy!

 

[Corey Carrico]

I have had a Titan and currently own a V6 Pathfinder.



As mentioned above the Nissan V8 is one thirsty engine and the diff problems are real I can personally attest to that. Those are the two reasons I "downgraded" tot he V6 Pathfinder.



As much as I like my Pathfinder I would not recommend it for regular long distance towing mainly due to a somewhat shorter wheelbase and softer suspension. Get a truck for long distance towing.

 

[Shaun Boggs4]

Teri I'm telling Mac !(LOL) You know he works at GM,Don't fall for the hipe get the Avalanche!

Shaun

 

[Bill McElroy]

Man alive girl,...throttle BACK!!:blink: Your jeep is fine for now..if you don't really need a new truck...and it's more like you WANT a new truck,..hold off! If your're buying new, that's one thing,..I can help you there BIGTIME. If you're buying used,..I can't help financially but you KNOW which one I'D take!

You just bought the boat,..you're going to have new expenses for that now, not to mention the chit you'll buy for fishing!! :blink: You know the game.

My recommendation would be to enjoy the boat this summer with the Jeep. It will tow just fine and personally, I think there will always be good deals on used SUV's/PU's....especially for the next few years.



Save some cheddar JUST incase you find yourself with extra free time....drive the Jeep and avoid the extra payment for awhile.



Carry on!

Mac

 

[Bill McElroy]

oh..I forgot,.."GEEEEEEEEEE..EMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!"....okay??:wub:



Carry on!

Mac

 

[Tim Koepp]

BOWTIE

 

[Teri C.]

I knew you guys would help. You have totally changed my mind about the Pathfinder. I knew about the Armada problems but didn't know they carried over. So, thanks for convincing me to stay away.



Mac, you make some great points; however, you know how wives never listen to their husbands.....I might have some of those traits.



If I happen to lose my job, it really doesn't matter to me what car I have, they will just repossess it. The difference in the Jeep and the difference in the Chevy is not that much as far as what I will owe. If all else fails, I can sell the jet ski and my Harley and my car will be paid for. I can always sell the boat too but not likely. I will need something to do with all my spare time.



I have a pretty sweet deal going. I am definitely in the wrong profession. As much as I have bought, sold and traded cars, I should have a professional negotiator for those who don't want to do it. Tell me what you want, tell me what you got, and I will get you the best price!

 

[Mebassn]

If thats the one, I WANT IT!!!! Love the burnt orange color scheme

 

[Greg Meyer]

Teri,



As everyone here knows, I am a FORD man, always was and always will be. But, the new Avalanche is one sweet tricked out truck. Between the two go with the Avalanche for a tow and everyday driver. If you were to expand your list, have you looked at the Honda pickup. I have no experience, but they look good, are priced right and are a definite nice ride. I am only trying to add confusion...LOL

 

[Teri C.]

Yep, that's the exact one! Burnt orange with tan leather interior. I just put down a deposit. Thought it was a sales tactic but there really was a guy coming tomorrow on his way to Bristol to buy it.



Greg, I have seen and drive the Honda Ridgeline. My mom has one. I really like it but it does have the 3.6L engine. I don't like the design as much as the Avalanche. It is a very nice truck though.

 

[Dan J.]

Ditto the Avalanche comments above. My own bias aside, I think you'll eliminate the short wheelbase wiggle I believe you've had with the Jeep. Not knocking it, just a longer wheelbase on a larger load-distributing platform will improve your trailering immensely. See if you can try each one pulling your rig and the Chevy will sell itself. Good luck!

 

[TrepMan]

Teri - I'm a wagon man myself, but remember the Avalanche is really just a suburban with a bed, so its not technically a truck! When Beka first saw them years ago at the boat show SHE wanted one! Its a buyers market on ANY vehicle right now, so find what you like, low ball the dealer, and get a good deal.



What does scare me is the "If I happen to lose my job, it really doesn't matter to me what car I have, they will just repossess it." If you can't pay cash, and don't have enough savings to cover you for 6 months on the house, car, boat, payments... DO NOT buy anything else! Please, too many folks have already lost their cars/houses because they bought more then they could afford! Try the jeep, see how she tows and listen to Mac - Man alive girl,...throttle BACK!! I know you are probably joking anyway, but don't scare us like that!



Trep

 

[Scott Hammer TOXIC]

Here's what my trusted (sponsor) mechanic told me when I was looking after I sold the Exploder....."Go with Chevy, any Chevy, Chevy puts oversized parts in smaller vehicles whereas other manufacturers put oversize bodies on small parts..." Convinced me. And Trepper, you silly wabbit....the Suburban is on a truck frame.:lol: :lol:



TOXIC

 

[Jim B]

Actually Toxic there are some differneces between a Suburban and a Truck and its mainly in the suspension. They use coil springs in the rear on the Sub, Tahoe and Avalanche(in half ton) where the trucks use a leaf spring.

 

[TrepMan]

Tox - HA I actualy know SOMETHING about Chebbys!!! LOL



Heck if she were to get the Avalanche she's have to get a Z9 with a 300 Stroker Merc so it looked big enough being towed!! LOL

 

[TOMMY RICH]

My BIL has a Pathfinder and it rides like a log wagon!

Bowtie Baby

 

[JR F]

With rebates Teri you need to buy new..It's unbelievable how much they are discounting now..I love the avalanche,,

Right now the crewcab Silverado has about 12000 rebate unbelievable..39 new 27 after rebate oaded....

I know you and you will not be happy until you pull the plug and buy one we are alike there...Also Screw the gas millage I get 13 with my car and 19 with the truck,,Now there Is a switch...I just bought a blazer..I can get you one heck of a deal on a used trailblazer..It has around 45-55 thousand miles well taken care of..By the way are you come to Patoka this summer..

I have a Prosecutor conference In July at the casino at French Lick...I would like to hook up and do a little fishing and maybe golf a round or 2..Let me know I will send my cell to you..You can meet my Fiance and mybe we can get C111 down here buy then..He needs to come get his rods....

GOOD LUCK I know you will do great on tour.......JR



JR

 

[Bass Tracker]

I have had my 2002 Avalanche (Burnt Orange Z71 4x4) and i just hit 100k and it still runs incredibly great. When the time comes to get a new vechile there is no doubt that I am buying another Avalanche. My opinion they are the greatest vechiles made right now. Good Luck

 

[Bill McElroy]

Teri,,...I can get you the employee discount on a new one too..,..BUT, you have to trade the Jeep in....you have to go from a competitor's vehicle to a GM. HUUGE Savings!!!

 

[Teri C.]

I drove to Knoxville last night and picked up the Avalanche. Wow, driving the Wrangler there and then the Avalanche back was like night and day. I guess I got used to a really rough ride. Man that truck is smooth! Can't wait to pick up my boat today and take them both to Alabama to fish for the weekend.



Thanks for helping me make the right decision.

 

[Tim Koepp]

congrats.. hope it tows well for you.

 

[TOMMY RICH]

Your gonna like that 5.3....the gas mileage too