Hey guys - I need help. I'm trying to decide between the following two Avalanches:

- 2013 LTZ 4x4, One Owner, 97K miles (price: likely around $23-24K)
- 2008 Z71 4x4, Second Owner, 83K miles (price: likely around $17-18K)

Both are in very good condition overall. No accidents, service records, etc. I am having trouble deciding if the newer model justifies the additional cost. I realize that the 2013 has the air suspension, the 6 speed transmission, and does not have the plastic cladding - which I see as advantages. The 2008 has less miles, but it has the 4 speed transmission. I've done so much research and am unable to confirm based on conflicting reports - does the Z71 have a sportier/better handling suspension? The answers online seem to be a mixed bag. I realize that I'm buying a truck, but I want to buy the one that feels less like driving a boat, if possible.

Please help me make a decision!

 

z71 is nice but the suspension setup is basically different shocks. There are much better aftermarket shocks available so not really an issue.
The transmission is vastly superior on the 2013. That alone would make my decision.
2013 is newer and the last year made Avalanche, another reason to buy the 2013.
The suspension has its issues and has much more maintenance the the non ltz. You can eliminate it or deal with it as it wears out. At that time repair it or replace it with a standard suspension with upgraded shocks or fix it. It a very simple issue to bypass. The LTZ has an upgraded stereo/monitor and additional extras typically ordered as top of the line.
Either was you go, if you’re in a area where there is snow, YOU MUST INSPECT THE CHASSIS FOR RUST. UNFORTUNATELY THAT IS SOMETHING YOU CANT RUN AWAY FROM AND CAN EVENTUALLY KILL THE TRUCK.
Good luck !!! I’ve had three, my favorite was a 2003 2500 that I regret selling to this day , I owned a 2011 ltz that cecum to rust, I didn’t do my do diligence before I bought it, and I love my current 2013 I currently own.

 

Welcome to the forum to you both. Always remember that you usually get what you pay for. 🙂