I took one out for a ride last night and am considering ordering a 2004. If you have one parked in your garage -

How do you like it?

Any issues?

Anything that you wish they had done different (besides the spare tire)?

The only "problem" that I saw was that it needs more power, but I can take care of that A Radix supercharger will get it moving a little quicker. The only drawback for me is the towing capibility. It's only rated to pull 6500-7000lbs and I pull a 10,000lb trailer once in awhile so this one wouldn't be the road trip truck.

Tom

 

My boss owns one, along with a C5 and a 745Li! Anyway, he seems to like it from what he's told me. BUT, it gets really **** poor gas milage and the brakes are too small for that box...er beast.

I would skip it and buy something a bit cooler and plainer...

 

I might see if I can take one for a 24 hour test drive. That's much better than just going for a 5 mile ride. If that isn't available I'll probably just rent one for a day and go from there.

Tom

 

Ah yes, GM does that 24 hr test drive now. That would be the best bet.

Don't get me wrong, I think they could be pretty cool with a few additions in the power arena and a better stereo...

Let us know how it goes.

 

I took another one out for a test drive tonight (no salesman along for the ride ). Things that I like about the truck are -

Aggressive (different) styling

Very comfortable seats

Nice sound system from the factory

Things that I don't like -

Lacking in the power department - that can be changed.

A BIG spare tire blocks 1/3 of the back window - have to live with it.

Only rated to tow up to 7000lbs - that will be a little bit of an issue but I can get around it.

Not as big as a Suburban for road trips - the jury is still out for this one.

I'll be taking one out for a 24 hour test drive next week and will decide after that.

Tom

 

I wonder why it's only rated to tow 7K lbs? The only thing I can think of is that maybe the driveline and frame has roughly the same GCVWR of a 2500 and it's heavy curb weight cuts deep into that?

I'd love to see a Duramax powered H2. Slap some programming, turbo work, and exhaust work with some propane injection and let that sucker ride!

 

Put a DMAX in it and I would buy one.

 

Too bad the Allison wouldn't take the strain.

Tom - Move the spare tire to a roof mount. It would get it out of your way, but it would be a pain to change. Just call GMs roadside assistance when you have a flat.

 

Tom, screw the H2. Get one of these:

http://www.avantimotors.com/studebaker.asp



12,900# towing capacity.

The 2004 Avanti Studebaker XUV measures 80 inches wide, 79.6 inches tall and 215.5
inches long, with a 134- inch wheelbase and a curb weight of 5,900 lbs. It is offered with
either a 325-horsepower, 6.0-liter turbo-diesel V8 or a 310- hp, 6.8-liter V10. The V10
may be equipped with an optional supercharger, which raises the engine rating to 425 hp.
A five-speed automatic transmission will be offered with both engines. The Studebaker's
use of the Ford F-250 platform will enable the vehicle to be serviced by an established
dealer network. Their starting price is approximately $75,000.

 

I think anyplace the spare goes will take away from the truck. You lose room with it inside, can't see much with it hanging on the back and would be a pain in the butt to get the tire off the roof.

That's an interesting vehicle

Tom