Why GM lost a sale for 2007

[lmychajluk]

Well, I would like to vent a little, and I hope someone at GM is listening...

A few months ago, I decided I needed to replace my old truck, and the 2007 Avalanche was looking pretty good. It had been out for about 6 months (on the new platform), and most things I read about it were favorable, so I started delving deeper into the options to come up with a configuration I liked. I decided that I wanted one 'loaded' with the 6.0L engine and Z71 package in the Deep Blue Metalic. After playing with the (poor) configuration tool on Chevrolet.com, digging through the brochure, talking to the dealer, and finally double-checking with other owners on an Avalanche-specific forum, I find out the following:

- The 6.0L is not available w/ the Z71 suspension.
- Deep Blue Metalic, and my second choice of colors, Greystone Metalic, are the only 2 colors not available w/ the Z71.

The only color I liked available in the Z71 was the Bermuda Blue (an extra cost option), and after some readiing, and a couple of test drives, I decide that the 5.3L / 4.10 combo isn't that bad. I go to the dealer, and there aren't any 5.3/4.10 Z71s in Bermuda Blue within 250 miles, but that's ok, I'll just order one. Nope. Seems that March was already too late to order a Bermuda Blue, or Sport Red as well, I believe, as those colors have been discontinued for the model year. Victory Red/White/Black/Silver are the options at this point, but I refuse to go to a 4th color choice for absolutely no reason at all!

Some new incentives are announced, so I start considering a non-Z71 model. I liked the grill on the Z71, and saw it's the same as the LTZ, so I started there, only to find out the LTZ only comes with the 20" wheels, which some may like, but I consider impractical and ugly, and bump the price of the truck up too much. OK, so back to an LT3, which can be optioned out with everything that the LTZ has (save for the Autoride, unless you get the 6.0L, which I start considering again...). Well, at this point, I'm starting to pick up on small nuances of the vehicle, like the fact that I'm buying a truck that has painted bumpers, of which the front grillwork is part of and all one piece! That may be OK out in wide-open God's country, but here in suburban America, we have to deal with a little something called 'parallel parking' in a state that mandates front license plates. I decide that there are too many compromises (color, trim, engine, etc...) being made, and the incentives don't make up for them. Well, I'll wait and see what 2008 will bring...

In the meantime,I attend the NYC Auto Show, where the looks of the Toyota Tundra CrewMax captured my eye and gets me thinking about more traditional pickups. To be fair, I compare it to the Silverado, and later to the Sierra. On the GMs, the 2 different dash configurations are confusing, especially since I liked the newer dash, though it was unavailable with the dual-glovebox or double-console with the locking storage. The Silverado, though the cheaper option, gets eliminated from the running just because the SLT trim forces a painted bumper option on you, and other options (ie, heated seats) are only available with the SLT (the Tundra offers the steel/chrome bumpers front and rear as long as you don't go to the Limited trim). Then, looking closer at the Sierra, it turns out that the Max Towing option is not available with the Z71 - a choice that is available in the configuration tool at GMC.com. Not a huge deal, but why is it that the larger air filter is only an option w/ the Z71 package? Well, as much as I liked the Sierra, due to a few reasons (inlcuding the fact that the CrewCab is the same length as my driveway to the inch), I decide that I will still wait to see what '08 will bring for the Avalanches before making a commitment.

Now, I can see how some options are available only with others, such as the Max Towing Package on the 1/2 ton pickups including the handling/trailering suspension and thereby eliminating the possibility of the Z71 (even in that example, I think it's still possible to order the Z71 combined with the 6.0L engine, but not w/ the 4.10 gear ratios), but how is it that I can't order a truck in a color that I want that is available on that model, even if I was willing to pay an extra fee and wait for as long as it takes? Or, in the case of the Avalanche, order the mostly-cosmetic Z71 package (except for springs/shocks) with the 6.0L engine? Is the assembly line that rigid in that it can't spit out some variation? In searching through dealer inventories, it's ridiculous how many vehicles sit in inventory for weeks and months that are all the same color and have the same options (I could be wallowing in black on black Avalanche LTZs w/ the 5.3L and 3.73 gears if that's what I wanted), yet a willing buyer can't even order one with specific options that should be available to them.

GM, I believe, sells the most vehicles out of any auto manufacturer, right? Is it that hard to grasp that not every buyer of those vehicles wants or needs the same exact thing that his neighbor has? That may work for fleet sales, but for us individual buyers - Come on, GM, give us some options, or at least let us choose the ones that are out there!

[Explorer4x4]

I find your reasons for not buying fairly poor. If you like the Avalanche, did you check out the Ford Sport Trac? Or maybe wait a while for more Avalanches to become available? Or even finding one used could be an option.

[SuperSS27]

"You can please some of the people some of the time, but never all of the people all of the time." Abe Lincoln

Keep that in mind, and welcome to the forum.

[cdp326]

Originally Posted by Explorer4x4

I find your reasons for not buying fairly poor. If you like the Avalanche, did you check out the Ford Sport Trac? Or maybe wait a while for more Avalanches to become available? Or even finding one used could be an option.

The Sport Trac and Avalanche are definitely in two different classes.

[shadams]

Originally Posted by SuperSS27

"You can please some of the people some of the time, but never all of the people all of the time." Abe Lincoln

Keep that in mind, and welcome to the forum.

Absolutely!!!

It's hard for me to understand what it is exactly you expect because I am the type that will settle for basically whats available. I dont limit myself to specific options. When I bought my 06 I said, V8....check..Z71 4x4...check....SLT.....check.....XM radio.....check.......not black, white or green.....check...where do I sign?

Unfortunately for you most people are like that. Now thats not to say it wouldnt be nice to nit pick everything and get it just the way I wanted it but I realize that's not possible in order to sell the volume of vehicles GM sells. The inventory mgr at the dealer is responsible for getting the best mix of popular options as possible, so that we dont get stuck with oddball units.

With all that said you def stated your case, and you know what you want which is great. Hopefully next year you'll find what you want.

[casket_demon]

Ok, so now what are you going to buy?

[Explorer4x4]

Originally Posted by cdp326

The Sport Trac and Avalanche are definitely in two different classes.

Same thing, but the Avalanche is bigger. Both are offroad inspired, SUV-based, four door sport utility trucks.

[lmychajluk]

Sorry, I should've pointed something out - I'm pretty picky, and my last truck I've had for 15 years. I'm not the type to swap cars every few years, and will basically drive it into the ground. Since I will have it for a while, I'd like to be able to get it the way that I wanted. If a particular model doesn't have an option, then that's fine, but if a particular option is offered, I don't see why it can't be had independantly unless it actually depends on another option.

One requirement I had was an 8000+ lb tow capacity, which I don't believe the SportTrak has.

Currently, I haven't bought anything. I'm waiting (and hoping) that there will be a combination of options available on the '08 Avalanche that will satisfy me, but, as per the title of my post, it would still be a lost sale for GM in the '07 model year.

Thanks for the 'welcomes', btw!

[96vette]

Originally Posted by shadams

Absolutely!!!

It's hard for me to understand what it is exactly you expect because I am the type that will settle for basically whats available. I dont limit myself to specific options. When I bought my 06 I said, V8....check..Z71 4x4...check....SLT.....check.....XM radio.....check.......not black, white or green.....check...where do I sign?

Unfortunately for you most people are like that. Now thats not to say it wouldnt be nice to nit pick everything and get it just the way I wanted it but I realize that's not possible in order to sell the volume of vehicles GM sells. The inventory mgr at the dealer is responsible for getting the best mix of popular options as possible, so that we dont get stuck with oddball units.

With all that said you def stated your case, and you know what you want which is great. Hopefully next year you'll find what you want.

Iam with you on this I stopped reading his post about 1/2 way through could easy see he is nit picking and will never be happy with anything he purchases.

[mbukukanyau]

I think you made the right decision by not buying something you did not exactly like. Its a lot of money you are about to spend.

Just do not expect to find all options you like the way you like em. Reason being, option packages are put together with what the market wants.. and that is very general. If you are buying a rolls or that class of automobile, its pretty easy to get it exactly the way you like it.. otherwise.. it might not be possible..

My advice, if you keep vehicles that long, do not make the mistake of buying Toyota. Parts are very expensive.. do you want me to mention labor at the dealers?

[BigAls87Z28]

I will agree with you, and some of your problems can kind of sum up a lot of the problems I have with GM.
I dont undrestand why you cant get a VortecMax in the Z71? Its avail for the Silvy Crew with Z71. I dont understand the problems of why you cant get certain things. And the one year paint deals...that would get on my nerves as well. I understand your concern, you are about to spend a lot of money, at least you should get what you want. It sucks, and I hope that you do finally get a GM vehicle.

[pgill00]

Working for a car dealer I can safely say we would never ever order a 6.0L Avalanche Z71 in Bermuda blue. There might be 4 people in the country to sell that to. I am sorry that is all you want but there is a reason you cant buy it.

PS. If you order 5 or more vehicles you can custom design a color at the factory!

[shadams]

Originally Posted by pgill00

If you order 5 or more vehicles you can custom design a color at the factory!

I was about to call , but I asked my Sales Mgr and turns out you can. Sweet, never heard of that.

[Triple-X08]

damned if you do, damned if you dont. story of GM's life

if you dont like the truck thats fine. go buy something else.

heres what i look for- black paint... good to go... XM.. good to go.. ok im all set. where do i sign? i dont care about the car, as long as it looks good to me, and gets fair gas mileage. price is an issue but there are plenty of cars that suit me.

[327]

Originally Posted by lmychajluk

Well, I would like to vent a little, and I hope someone at GM is listening...

A few months ago, I decided I needed to replace my old truck, and the 2007 Avalanche was looking pretty good. It had been out for about 6 months (on the new platform), and most things I read about it were favorable, so I started delving deeper into the options to come up with a configuration I liked. I decided that I wanted one 'loaded' with the 6.0L engine and Z71 package in the Deep Blue Metalic. After playing with the (poor) configuration tool on Chevrolet.com, digging through the brochure, talking to the dealer, and finally double-checking with other owners on an Avalanche-specific forum, I find out the following:

- The 6.0L is not available w/ the Z71 suspension.
- Deep Blue Metalic, and my second choice of colors, Greystone Metalic, are the only 2 colors not available w/ the Z71.

The only color I liked available in the Z71 was the Bermuda Blue (an extra cost option), and after some readiing, and a couple of test drives, I decide that the 5.3L / 4.10 combo isn't that bad. I go to the dealer, and there aren't any 5.3/4.10 Z71s in Bermuda Blue within 250 miles, but that's ok, I'll just order one. Nope. Seems that March was already too late to order a Bermuda Blue, or Sport Red as well, I believe, as those colors have been discontinued for the model year. Victory Red/White/Black/Silver are the options at this point, but I refuse to go to a 4th color choice for absolutely no reason at all!

Some new incentives are announced, so I start considering a non-Z71 model. I liked the grill on the Z71, and saw it's the same as the LTZ, so I started there, only to find out the LTZ only comes with the 20" wheels, which some may like, but I consider impractical and ugly, and bump the price of the truck up too much. OK, so back to an LT3, which can be optioned out with everything that the LTZ has (save for the Autoride, unless you get the 6.0L, which I start considering again...). Well, at this point, I'm starting to pick up on small nuances of the vehicle, like the fact that I'm buying a truck that has painted bumpers, of which the front grillwork is part of and all one piece! That may be OK out in wide-open God's country, but here in suburban America, we have to deal with a little something called 'parallel parking' in a state that mandates front license plates. I decide that there are too many compromises (color, trim, engine, etc...) being made, and the incentives don't make up for them. Well, I'll wait and see what 2008 will bring...

In the meantime,I attend the NYC Auto Show, where the looks of the Toyota Tundra CrewMax captured my eye and gets me thinking about more traditional pickups. To be fair, I compare it to the Silverado, and later to the Sierra. On the GMs, the 2 different dash configurations are confusing, especially since I liked the newer dash, though it was unavailable with the dual-glovebox or double-console with the locking storage. The Silverado, though the cheaper option, gets eliminated from the running just because the SLT trim forces a painted bumper option on you, and other options (ie, heated seats) are only available with the SLT (the Tundra offers the steel/chrome bumpers front and rear as long as you don't go to the Limited trim). Then, looking closer at the Sierra, it turns out that the Max Towing option is not available with the Z71 - a choice that is available in the configuration tool at GMC.com. Not a huge deal, but why is it that the larger air filter is only an option w/ the Z71 package? Well, as much as I liked the Sierra, due to a few reasons (inlcuding the fact that the CrewCab is the same length as my driveway to the inch), I decide that I will still wait to see what '08 will bring for the Avalanches before making a commitment.

Now, I can see how some options are available only with others, such as the Max Towing Package on the 1/2 ton pickups including the handling/trailering suspension and thereby eliminating the possibility of the Z71 (even in that example, I think it's still possible to order the Z71 combined with the 6.0L engine, but not w/ the 4.10 gear ratios), but how is it that I can't order a truck in a color that I want that is available on that model, even if I was willing to pay an extra fee and wait for as long as it takes? Or, in the case of the Avalanche, order the mostly-cosmetic Z71 package (except for springs/shocks) with the 6.0L engine? Is the assembly line that rigid in that it can't spit out some variation? In searching through dealer inventories, it's ridiculous how many vehicles sit in inventory for weeks and months that are all the same color and have the same options (I could be wallowing in black on black Avalanche LTZs w/ the 5.3L and 3.73 gears if that's what I wanted), yet a willing buyer can't even order one with specific options that should be available to them.

GM, I believe, sells the most vehicles out of any auto manufacturer, right? Is it that hard to grasp that not every buyer of those vehicles wants or needs the same exact thing that his neighbor has? That may work for fleet sales, but for us individual buyers - Come on, GM, give us some options, or at least let us choose the ones that are out there!

Just for your information, you can special order the avalanche you want with 6L and 4:10 gears. Then add on the skidplates and big shocks and air cleaner to make it a Z71 package, even with the stickers! And it costs about the same as ordering a z71