caddycruiser

Thought about and still thinking about one...having driven 3-4 original 2007 & 2008 models of each brand, the '10 Acadia SLT I just drove with the DI 3.6L & latest trans program was VERY different. Still not a torquey pushrod feel like other GM trucks, but that just lets it waft along silently & if you do pound it, it MOVES. Much better than earlier models too. Both from a stop and trounced when cruising along, I was happy with the response. Being a V6 & efficiency tuned 6-spd, it'll always shift a little more, but it performs well. On a quick 2 lane drive mostly cruising but the few hard spurts, I easily got 22-23mpg in the FWD model I drove with 4 miles.

Lots of Traverse's all over at every dealer, and from my experience, do a little searching for combo's that fit and email the dealers. Avoid giving a phone #, just email for a quote and of those that do respond--many still end up getting you 3+ automated emails but then never get back--get the best price and go from there. If they're a struggle online, they're usually a struggle in person. Sometimes. That avoids the whole go see the dealer, wait for an hour, etc. thing and cuts right to the choice. What kind of combo are they looking for most likely? Highly, highly recommend a Traverse as well...right now I think they could even lease decently, as GM seems to be running some decent ones on those & a few others, but it depends. LS, 1LT, 2LT, LTZ...FWD, AWD...sunroofs, DVD, Nav, cloth, leather...mmm...stickers anywhere from $30k to mid $40k's, then figure...well...all over the map real transaction prices, yeah

Heh, when I read you say Torrent GXP earlier today, I thought...different...but I think he's going to like it. Then again, perhaps you're like me & "like" something a lot about almost everything new or different you drive. Either way, cool idea, and a nice alternative. Not a true truck, so it sort of fits that niche like an Acadia does vs. an Avalanche, etc. for me. It's the lighter, faster, sportier, but still very roomy alternative to the true truck. I'm not a huge fan of the 1st gen Theta SUV's, but a GXP/Sport is as good as they got and very good at that. Hard to say. Do you want more car, sharper handling, and a smaller tank/somewhat better economy, or do you want a heavier feel, truck strength, and not thirsty but just a bit more drink happy BOF mid-size SUV? I drove a GMT-900 and a Lambda back to back, but liked things about each in different ways, so it's hard to say...mmm...right now I'd say Buick-Pontiac-GMC...hard to put them in order, either way, ADD like me, one is never 100%, that grass is always greener. Otherwise...on the pinstripes, shouldn't be a big worry. Pointe doesn't do anything, but does seem to like striping various vehicles from time to time. My G8 is...but...I liked it, heh. Otherwise, I actually have no doubt they'd get the detail guys to simply enough make them go away or the striper they call in, himself. Not a big issue.

Wow, the dealer actually went through it thoroughly enough for noises to make that list? Nice. Hope it works.

This? Kind of a mish-mash of various parts and some custom.

Oooh, that one brings back memories Anything is possible, but 1 vehicle is enough for me right now, and I'd like it to do everything, and sit higher, etc. at the same time. G8 & I are a legendary couple, but those things end...even when you've made posts & otherwise saying how "never...can't happen...won't". Again, we'll see. You included

There's some pretty beefy structural members under those buttresses...it's why the Av is so solid, even more than a Suburban, out back. You can smooth & paint or use the Cadillac parts if you want them that way. The cladding was a lot more durable than people expected and even abused, it could just take it and not get damaged or otherwise. Textured plastic & well designed, actually. If you somehow did, not hard then to replace. I used to love the "steps" built into the side corners of the rear cladded bumper too, another thing the shaved WBH models didn't get. Correcto. Snugtop. Cool setup, actually...like a Suburban, but you end up with 2-tiered storage instead, floor and on top of the panels. Now a GMT-900...still not as burly as a cladded original, but the new GMT-900 looks are just about better than either before. Clean, crisp and cool at the same time, matched with an interior that leaps & bounds better too--but the old ones were nothing to scoff at there either, and actually still debatable today, had more comfortable front seats. Actually...having tried out that orangey-orange Av...liked the seats, especially in cloth, but kind of wished they had the individual armrests on the front seats again and not just the wide & really tall center console. It's still nice, but one little thing where I preferred the old.

Yep, that ugly tall/flat '03+ Silverado nose didn't help. Good part, though, yes, you can easily convert it to anything else GMT-800...Silverado SS, GMC, etc.

Oh, does it ever...big fan of that stuff & how those ones looked, especially up front. I didn't dislike the without body hardware ones, they just looked so plain & boring to me. Do it...heh...join the ranks. Well, the ranks if I, Roger, Oldsmoboi, etc. actually make deals go through. Can't beat a modern truck as an "everyday/everything" ride, huge gas tanks & all;-)

On that cladding note...used to love the stuff! Made caring for our black '02 so much simpler, we thought it looked great and never got anything but compliments. I understand it's not for everyone, but at least on the last gen, I always thought the cladded looks were so much more standout than the "clean" ones offered later, that just looked peeled. Good points on the 2WD...I waiver. Like I said, we had nothing but a good experience a 2wd Avalanche & then Suburban, in all weather, other than the most extreme of situations in winter. Otherwise, until you've had one, you don't know. Of course then that leads into the whole debate of "why get a truck if you don't get 4WD...", but alas. Back when my mother had the '02, she & I hosted two different Avalanche club meets at the beach, and this was our biggest...fun times with people from several surround states driving around Rehoboth, Dewey, Lewes, and then back to our house & the bay:

And good luck to you with that Rainier idea Roger...I LIKE it You either love it or hate it, I think that's what I'm liking more about this orange dealio. Heh. We can both drive new trucks to whenever we do actually meet up in Hershey or otherwise...

For me, a pickup could work...but I really don't want and/or a full open bed standard & separate from the cab isn't attractive to me or my uses. Neither is the true pickup ride/rear leafs, unless I needed that extra capacity out back. Then a Tahoe/Suburban is great, but I don't need 7 seats or just a HUGE long interior, and price compared, an Avalanche is still cheaper or less than a Tahoe...but on the longer, much better riding, etc. Suburban chassis. Add in the Midgate that even if I just used to remove the rear window, the 3 locking panels I could crawl on & that don't leak (they've improved over the years, too), and the bed side boxes, it's like a swiss army truck that rides, handles, and performs like a big, firmly planted luxury sedan. Many people just don't get "well why don't you want a pickup?" but until you've experienced an Avalanche, it's hard to get. Again...the $$$ orange 4wd 1LT '09 locally is my #1 choice, and we'll see how this goes. It checks every box off my wants & needs list and then some, like no other. At least the dealer even talked technically about them, from the steering changes to Midgate specifics and AFM during the test drive, a relief to me. We shall see. G8 must sell...the quicker, the better, hopefully to a warm climate. Dark red orange as is...does it need the chrome bits added? Any suggestions? Early to think about this...but just thinking of things I could ask for if this were to happen...

Yeah, I have, on the Escalade. Just comes down to stepping even further back in age, not forward, lacking warranty or otherwise, and paying for a used truck what I'd pay for a new Avalanche/Tahoe/etc. with better GM offers, and be the first driver. I would agree with you on the color...I was a big fan of the more copper shades of the orange in year's past, but there's something about this one. It's a bit red, but I like it. I think with the chrome door handles, mirrors, and grille (or...opinions?) it would bring a little of the shine up from just the wheels and break it up nicely. At least it would also fulfill my "don't want to see myself at a red light" requirement...1 year color as of now...and my phone made it even red'er. If you've seen an orange new Camaro, that's it. I guess I had to sell myself on it, but once I saw it, I couldn't take my eyes off it.

I completely agree, and by "lumbering", I actually meant that in a good way. It's the heavy, solid, silent, bridge abutment feel I desire. All with steering that's very crisp, a ride that's utterly smooth & composed, and overall for such a big heavy truck, it feels even more composed and refined than my G8 on the highway. It's like a cocoon, a big, comfy, smooth, crisp handling cocoon that can run over anything and have it waft away. My Avalanche experience started with our '02 Z66, and I've loved them ever since. Like said, there really is something that even makes them different from a Suburban going down the road. Also completely agree on the 4WD factor, because although my experience with 2WD's and a locker was great, honestly? If I'm going to make such a big jump, it'd be stupid not to make it a real truck with such capability. I used to love borrowing our '02, roaring around, tunes on, rear window out and just enjoying the ride. Loved it. And mileage back then was equal to what my G8 6.0L gets now, so an AFM 5.3L and the 6-speed that's smoother & more efficiently uses the power, even better. We shall see. The big orange beast is now my #1, but the G8 has to sell and then I have to work further with that dealer on price.

Very true...we did run into that issue with trade in of at least our Suburban. Just for me, it always came down to I don't want to be dragging a transfer case around 24/7, but at the same time, it can't hurt to just have it there. I mean, most of these trucks out on the road are so equipped. In 2Hi, it's not that different. We had two 2wd trucks with G80 & one with traction control, never an issue. Even in winter ice, but then again, we never drove them to any extent more than we would have a common sedan...but Autotrac? Not a bad thing. Well, then, amazing how things change. I've said before, I could have a Maserati, Ferrari, top MB sedan, etc. I'd still get to the same point and get the itch. In this case, and even today blasting around with a smile in the G8, I just want to sit up higher. Pretty basic, when it comes down to it. I don't like being low, I can't stand constantly fretting the road with 40 series tires & big wheels, a car that sits low as it is, etc. I'm used to it, but alas. That orange thing...every time I see a picture...yikes...still...I kept thinking "Hugger Orange" for some reason when I looked at & drove it, even if that's no relation or not close. But I could see it. So far checking, insurance is exactly the same as my G8, or estimated at $2 more. Another plus over a Lambda...it's a real truck...trailer hitch standard, actually has a real spare tire standard, and so on, so on. Either way, we'll see, if and when the G8 sells.

All this Avalanche chatter by me & Oldsmoboi...along with Roger's great choices...look at this '02 North Face Av on Ebay with 323k on the clock. Just does to show you...they last...they really, really, really last...hey...I like that one...but the price is a little high for the mileage, perhaps. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220555561879&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Heh... Something about that color...just...looks...I don't know. Special. Loud, screaming loud, but special. Tire of it? That I don't know. The Graystone 2wd one in Virginia otherwise is the same...sans 4WD...and already has the chrome accessories on it. I wish I had the time to drive a new 2wd one yesterday to compare power/etc. without the front end running gear & 3:08 vs. 3:42 rear end.

I said the same thing yesterday when looking at an Acadia with the Cashmere interior...my black/Onyx G8 has worn well, basically doesn't look any different from new, seats never stain or discolor, etc. but it's also just a coal bin inside. Grr. Another part of my old G6 I really missed, the beige & black interior combo, with cloth. Loved it. I highly doubt you could ever muck up a vehicle that much...so the little extra effort in keeping it bright & clean could be more than worth the cheery color inside, rather than black.

Yes, planning on it ASAP! All the talk about it in the world doesn't get it sold... One issue is I just need to get more out of it than it technically books for, due to the upgrades & otherwise. BUT, if like my G8 "bud" who just got out of his lease in a jiffy on the same car, IF GMAC accommodates transferring an active auto financing loan...someone could get this car with 60 of 72 months left at almost no interest & for a decent enough payment, with mods galore included. Have a few more odds & ends to nail down, but spreading the word as I try to figure all the odds & ends out.

I think the same things...and I had that "vision" of my new Avalanche all stock, all the time, just the chrome bits and a Corsa for the roar I like on my G8. Otherwise, I think either one is a package that might finally be what I've subconsciously wanted the whole time, even back to my Fleetwood days. Also looked at this today at the local dealer, 1 of 2 freshly PDI'd White Diamond Enclaves. The Lambdas just speak to me, but then also say "but...yeah...you might want to trade us for a GMT-900 later..." in weird ways. I admire them, I like riding in them, I'd buy that Acadia I drove...but still don't know if they're "me" enough. It's just that railroad trestle truck "woof!" and tank feel that speak to me above all, in a GMT-900...yet the huge gas tank & lumbering size are also considerations. But you just feel like king of the road, in utter comfort. 1) Any comments on the ORANGEY ORANGE?! Heh...still strikes me...looked like a lightning bolt in the middle of the white, silver, black, and gray other trucks all around it. I liked seeing the orange peaking at me from the hood bulges going down the road--I've only driven GMT-900 GMC's thus far, and the "bulged" Chevy hood top was cool. 2) 4WD...mmm...all my talk recently of wanting year round, all weather, any kind of everything capability, yet I never really considered it. If comparing 2 leftover '09 Av's that are otherwise the same except in color, is 4WD worth the extra $2600 difference to start? I know it seems like a no brainer...but...I over analyze... If I can get the G8 to a good home, amidst all this winter mess, I'd just have to decide on which of which. Av speaks to my practical/long term/cool side...the Acadia/Enclave speak to my fancy, silky smooth, 20mpg+ 7 seater side...

Black Solstice GXP roadster...pulled out of a gas station & followed me almost all the way home. Looked freshly washed, he tried to dodge puddles, then, well, a lost cause with the soaked roads covered in melting snow. Nice little bugger, hot in black.

Okay guys...as for me and selling the G8...I went shopping yesterday, locally and then north to Jersey. Had to see me some TRUCKS 1) Leftover Inferno Orange & Ebony '09 Avalanche 1LT 4WD. Started out by getting a quote on the same truck but 2WD & Graystone vs. orange at a dealer in VA and just needed to see & drive the same thing, as close as I could find. Didn't like the color from pictures beforehand--very red, same shade as offered on the Camaro--but in person? Fell for it. The Avalanche is loud as it is is, in ways, so why not have a color that really makes it pop? Loved this truck. The look, the size, the brute "grr!" solid tankness, big running boards, big shiny 20" wheels, and options galore...but still cloth seats. Even better. Still only had a few miles, and was optioned with the rear camera, rear sensors, power pedals, remote start, power sunroof & auto climate control, and 20" polished wheels. Felt at home just sitting in it, king of something, on comfy cloth seats...and the rear camera in the mirror with beeping sonar were great. Not what I'd call peppy with all the weight & 4wd, but like a quiet tomb rolling down the road & quick enough without ever feeling stressed. Classic 5.3L GM suv feel, with the new 6-spd I like from my G8. Got #'s, etc. and am thinking about it...just didn't want a 4WD one...but at the same time, it doesn't necessarily hurt. And these things are keeping value, at least vs. other things I'd consider. This one could totally work, I loved how it drove, just don't know about 4WD...that we otherwise used to avoid. All I'd get, I think, is the chrome handles, mirror caps and grille, and a Corsa down the road, and it'd be set for life. Nothing else I'd want to do to it, and hard to get much beyond an Avalanche in the truck/SUV world. 2) The Solstice. My first drive at my Jersey dealer, after I looked at everything else they had. Review & pictures previously. What a little slot car. 3) Carbon Black & Cashmere (new color for '10) GMC Acadia SLT-1, FWD, no other options but the paint color. I've always been a Lambda fan & knew about this one before I went. After I poked around a few other things, I asked for the keys & was told to have at it, wherever I wanted to go. Took the same route as the Solstice before. NICE. A fan of the looks, the features, the colors, the wheels, the size, and the bright new Cashmere interior too, with chrome trim & buttons galore. Started up the DI 3.6L, toasted up the seats, and went for a roll. The last Lambda I drove was 1 of each back in '07, pre DI engine. As I was told before I left "you'll notice the new oomph...the DI engine & transmission updates make a big difference". They really do. It doesn't have that OHV V8 torque, but it's silent, silky, keeps the revs really low and if prodded, MOVES. Let's just say I took a u-turn & nailed it to get going, followed by an exhaust ploom in the cold & chirping front tires. Otherwise, just cruising along, so smooth, so quiet, and if prodded, didn't have the delay-slosh-bog issues older versions or even my Malibu 3.6L were like. I liked these before and I still like them, to the extent this black & tan beauty had me smiling by the time I got back & "get me a price". On my drive it was averaging about 23mpg, or better than even the Solstice, and I loved the Bose system--crisper, louder, and clearer than either my G8 or the base system I only quickly turned on in the Avalanche. Steering was a little softer or looser, which is just a trait of these, than the Avalanche even, but not bad. Just extra isolation of sorts. The Enclave impresses more in some ways, but my guy-ness likes the crisper edges, red GMC emblems and red & white interior lights of the Acadia more. It's just that unibody/struts/etc. car-ness...and resale question vs. something like an Avalanche, if spending $35k to start. Also not really exclusive or unique at this point. Honestly? Split between an Avalanche & Acadia/Enclave. Both speak to me in different ways. The Avalanche would always be worth more, it's just MORE of a vehicle, it feels like a rolling army tank and is silent on the road, but also not the peppiest or efficient...though, at least or almost as efficient as my 6.0L G8. It's the ultimate, and I love the package. But things like the 30+ gallon gas tank, etc. give me pause, despite the mpg's and supreme comfort, toughness & otherwise. Then the Acadia...I love the looks, the chrome & soft leather interior, the sound, power & efficiency of the DI 3.6L, the power liftgate & other gadgets, and just the silent, smooth, but also not floaty way it wafts down the road. On the other hand, it's just like a car (and this also makes it why I like it, but...), doesn't have that tough truck feel like a GMT-900, and right now a '10 Lambda as I'd like is just a hair more expensive than an '09 (a year old at that) Avalanche I'd go for. GMT-900 or Lambda, it's a mixture. I could totally see myself with an Avalanche everyday, love the tough truck everything about it, the size, the comfort, the Midgate, the cloth, and "special-ness" of them, especially now that they're making less & less. Add in a unique/rare color, if I were to go with one like the orange one I drove, and it gets another point. But then I enjoy the size, refinement, efficiency, and look of an Acadia/Enclave too...but then don't necessarily love the car-ness, so to say, of them, if that makes any sense. Went to the local dealer today & got the urge when around an Avalanche they have, but then also tried out an unlocked White Diamond/Cashmere Enclave and liked that fanciness again. Pocket & brain says GMT-900, other part of pocket and the other half of the butt says don't rule out a Lambda. All depends on the G8 selling, and again, as much as I love it, I WANT something higher, that I can drive all year round, that can take some big cargo, and so forth. My Jersey dealer took notes on the G8 after the sales manager tried it himself, in case anyone comes in looking for one, I'm going to alert the dealer we bought the Camaro from to the same, and I'm trying to get more postings up. I've done a lot to it and will miss it, but rather than G8 and a 2nd car, I'm just finally starting to see what I think I really want, and that truck bug I had for years but tried to suppress is finally coming out.

Roger - I like the Buick...a LOT! I kept meaning to suggest to you...what about a Rainier or what about a 9-7X...since they were the most tarted up versions but also have lower resales. The 9-7X, especially. Either way, they're also more exclusive than an Envoy, regardless of how nice the GMC is. I like, I really like...keep us updated on your conquest too I'll put the word out on your Fleetwood again, just "potentially", and you put a word out that my G8 is up for grabs...deal I figured there was a knob I was missing on the Solstice...but regardless, what a blast, even with the dog of a 2.4L. Even coming out of my G8, felt like a little slot car, stiff, razor sharp, and I loved it. I would and will buy one if that time comes, at some point, for a fun side car. Oldsmoboi - Mmm, an Avalanche of goodness. The '02 Z66 my mom had remains special to all of us, and even recently still came up as "that was SUCH a great truck...never had any problems, looked so cool, rode GREAT..." and it's a big part of why I'm shopping new ones myself now. Heck, even my Buick-GMC dealer in Jersey when I said I had just been Avalanche shopping said "they're big, but a great package...and you know...somehow, even though based on the Suburban, people never stop commenting on how it rides and feels better than either a Tahoe or Suburban. Hard to explain, it just does." All true. Cool. Higher mileage or not, it's a GMT-800...if the price and condition are right...fun. I always enjoyed how spunky both our Avalanche and Suburban, at least as 2wd's, felt with the 5.3L. Great stuff.

Forgot...yesterday when I stopped at Wawa in Lewes before heading north, a new '10 F-150 Raptor in that red/orange color they keep showing it in, was pulling in with out of state plates. Loved it. In reality doesn't seem like much more than an F-150 "trim package" until you look at it further & underneath, of course. After running around today, on the way back I saw something I thought was...well...not memorable but different. New '11 Kia Sorento in a sort of dark green. Very, well, typical. Clean & crisp, but not really any big verve to it, but at least not awkward like some competitors & Kia/Hyundai family members can be.

Another update...wow, by page 7 a totally different story;-) The G8 had it's 1 year anniversary with me yesterday, while out car shopping. Awesome day. As of mid week, however, it's up for sale. Hard to believe, but after debates, browsing, pricing & test driving galore, just decided what I really want & need is ONE vehicle that can do it all...and in this case I just want a truck or SUV. G8 is incredible, but I just want to sit high, never get stranded or have to avoid bad roads, and I've also finally figured out 1 thing that's been lacking in every car I've had--that chair height comfort. Driving home yesterday my butt just melted to the G8's great seats, but I just want to be higher. And right now in life, having something I just want to keep modding & upgrading and am worried about daily gets to be a bit much. It's part ADD, part reality. Just how I roll...hah. When and if it sells, then I have new replacements semi sorted out as of yesterday. If it doesn't, oh well, the tragedy of keeping such a 'purty & powerful modded Zeta around.