So the wifey wants a 2004 Avalanche the local dealer has for sale.  It is 4x4 with 140,000 miles  5.3 liter  Z71 package  and is a 6 seater which is a requirement in case the whole family needs to ride.  Body is pretty nice, tires are going to need replacement soon but seem worn evenly.  

KBB says the fair dealer price is 11299, dealer wants 10495, private party is 8117 in Good Condition, 8999 if Very Good.  

I'm familiar with Suburbans but have had the 6.0 and never the 5.3.  

Anyone have experience with these?  Are they any good like the Suburbans generally are?

Yea there a decent truck. I have the 5.3l in my 05 tahoe with 175k on it and it's still running strong. imo they're a very good engine and have been around a long time for a reason.

We can't keep them on the lot here They sell fast.

I'm sure you could talk them down on price or put tires on it.

Wife has a 2004 Z66 Avalanche, she absolutely loves it.

Usual problems with the gauges and ABS stuff. I've had the gauges done so far, but the ABS computer will wait until my new carport is completed. The gauges ran $150, I had it rebuild and swapped to blue LEDS. The ABS runs $100 for a rebuild and $300 for new, ours is the NW7 traction control version.
Another point is the seat covers, which are moderately easy once you pull the seat out.

I built a pull out drawer for her, best upgrade for the Avalanches ever! Every time we use it, some people at the store point and whisper back and forth. You know the wife is telling the hubby she wants a drawer for her truck. Built it from plywood and some appliance rollers, then painted with deck paint. You can see several examples on the different Avalanche forums.

KBB numbers are always high.
If you really want it then offer them $9k & be prepared to walk if he says no.

4.8, 5.3, 5.7, 6.0, 6.2 are all basically the same motor (based off the LS1).

A drawer sounds neat.  You just open the tailgate and pull out the drawer? that is cool.

What I usually do is take the KBB trade in value, then the private party value, add up and divide by 2.   That is the number I figure is fair.  Trade in is right at 7K.

Here's some pics for you of the wifes...................................

First up her 2004 Z66 Avalanche



The back seat platform for hauling stuff......



Where it goes...........



Installed..................



The trunk drawer closed................



Open....................



The rollers..........



The drawer is held from pulling all the way out, by some webbing and quick buckles. Attached to the front tie downs. Adjusted so that the drawer catches right behind the wheels and rests on a 1x4. So the drawer can stay out even on a slight decline.

Very nice, especially the platform inside.   The drawers seem quite useful also.

You can find drawer pics online pretty easy, if you get the Avalanche let me know and I'll send you some files. Including the PDF of the "midgate" platform.

Good looking truck.  How well has the plastic held up from fading.  Looks good from my view.  Have you put anything on it to restore it or just keep it clean?

The outside plastic is the only stuff that does the "greying". We occasionally use some plastic restore stuff. It should do much better this year as I'm adding covered parking. Lets just say the wife being lazy rarely cleans or treats the plastic, probably only about once a year.