My Chrysler 300 got probably totaled by the hail-Need help choosing a new vehicle

[bellavite1]

So, the hail played quite a trick on our 2006 Chrysler 300.
Dings, shattered windows, etc...
Friday the adjuster will come and take a look and we'll know what's up.
I hear that there is a chance it gets totaled, so I am looking at this three:
https://denver.craigslist.org/cto/6118491151.html

(probably my pick)

https://scottsbluff.craigslist.org/ctd/6119926466.html
https://denver.craigslist.org/ctd/6119812062.html

(the wife's pick)

Price point is similar (probably all we can swing, I don't know how much would the insurance pay us), mileage also similar.

Anybody has first hand experience with any of these two vehicles?
Pros, Cons, Maintenance cost, safety etc...

Yeah we can look for problems on the web, but you'll hear only the bad...

[BushMasterBoy]

The Avalanche will get 8-10 MPG. Have you looked at Tahoe or Suburban. Sort of plain jane vehicles, might be cheaper to maintain. If you tow anything, get a 3/4 ton rated vehicle. just my 2 cents

[sniper7]

Love the avalanche although the rust on that one scares me. I'd be looking closely at the undercarriage and find out where it came from because I would put money on it that's not a Colorado vehicle. That 8.1 is a gas guzzler!

The caddy is nice, buying used is a smart move on a caddy, high dollar initially then they drop quite a ways. Basically a tahoe or Yukon but nicer equipped.
Out of those I'd pass on the avalanche and look at a caddy. I like the 2003 better just based on miles. Mileage will be much better on the 6.0 vs. the avalanche with 8.1.
The 6.0 is much more common motor if any issues arise and will be cheaper to deal with

[Great-Kazoo]

IMO the Avalanche is for people whose wife will not let them own a real truck

The Escalade, eh . I like the Denali

If this person has documentation, it would be something of interest. Mileage is comparable and the price is in the ballpark.
https://denver.craigslist.org/cto/6121332250.html
https://denver.craigslist.org/cto/6079069238.html

https://denver.craigslist.org/ctd/6088717019.html

[Irving]

Exactly what Sniper said, especially the part about the low resale on a Caddy. That just makes an easier used purchase. I know a guy with an Avalanche that gets better mileage (and he actually drives even more than me!), but that is not relevant concerning the 8.1. On a side note, Holy hell! I didn't even know an 8.1 existed, let alone in an Avalanche!.

[Bailey Guns]

Unless you have an unlimited fuel budget, don't buy the 8.1L. Great motor...especially paired with the Allison. But very, very thirsty. Ask me how I know. I had to "downsize" to a truck with a 460 so I could afford fuel.

[fitterjohn]

If it was me I would take what the insurance pays me and drive a hail damaged car that you only need liability on, has no payment, and doesn't matter if it gets dented. If that's not your you I'd look for a Tahoe. The 8.1 is a great motor, but does guzzle gas

[jmg8550]

The 8.1 is a notorious oil burner. 1 quart every 1000 miles is acceptable according to GM. They'll burn that much under normal conditions. The GM 6.0L is a far better engine.

[ray1970]

The 8.1 is a notorious oil burner. 1 quart every 1000 miles is acceptable according to GM. They'll burn that much under normal conditions. The GM 6.0L is a far better engine.

This.

I drove an 8.1 for about 140,000 miles. Horrible on fuel and you really had to monitor the oil level and add all the time.

Went from that to a 6.0 and drove that one for 190,000 miles and didn't feel like I gave up any power and got much better mileage and no oil consumption.

[Aloha_Shooter]

If it was me I would take what the insurance pays me and drive a hail damaged car that you only need liability on, has no payment, and doesn't matter if it gets dented. If that's not your you I'd look for a Tahoe. The 8.1 is a great motor, but does guzzle gas

This if the damage is just cosmetic. I was laughlingly going to suggest a Lamborghini Huracan but these are more in your price range:

https://denver.craigslist.org/cto/6112292938.html
https://denver.craigslist.org/cto/6092148335.html
https://denver.craigslist.org/cto/6112498753.html


Summer is coming!