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My question is about towing and gas silage. The LT with the ERAS only comes with the 4.10 rear end. How much does this effect the gas mileage when not towing.
I can get the standard suspension with a 3.73 rear end that should be sufficient to tow my 3,000 lb boat trailer but no ECAS.
Anyone have experience with towing or the mileage with the 4.10 rear end?
Thanks,
keith
I didn't get the off-road package which was the less expensive package, because I didn't want the off-road tires, they can be noisier on the highway.
With the premium package load leveler you also get an air compresser built in. I had this in my Pontiac STE, and it was great. You can fill bike tires, trailer tires, etc. If you go to the river to tube, you don't need to fill the tubes up first, you can do it right there.
I can't wait to get it back, but I think that GM is doing the right thing by correcting the problem. I just hope that if they are going to give incentives on future ones, they give it to us for patiently waiting while they correct the problem.
Messages have been posted earlier on this topic, but there was never any closure on the issue. Here's the story: For some reason, GM has decided that if you want a sunroof on an LS model then you must purchase the OnStar option (which is standard only on the LT and LTZ models. I had a salesman calling me to find out "when I was ready to buy", so I posed the sunroof/OnStar question to him. Well, he stopped calling me as expected. I don't want to spend an additional $985 for OnStar just for the priviledge of being able to order a sunroof. Is this just a sales ploy from GM to sell more OnStar?
http://www.autonews.com/html/main/stories/fordgm417.htm
I called the dealer today about the repair procedure. He said he did not know the specifics, but no welding would be required, which was my biggest concern. If true, I am far less concerned about the repair. It would seem the dealer ought to be competent enough to remove and replace a whole assembly that is bolted together. I can't even imagine GM would send out parts they weren't certain would do the job, especially after volunteering the recall in the first place.
As for the repair itself, most dealers employ GM and ASE certified mechanics who are probably much better qualified and skilled at such dissassembly and reassembly work than the assembly people on the production line who assembled the thing in the first place. The recall procedure will have been worked out many times by the engineers at GM before they initiate the procedure at the dealers. This is to make sure that it is straightforward and not "risky" and can be easily inspected to ensure proper execution.
On the face of it, it looks like a very involved procedure to replace the lower control arm. It is more complex for AWD models, with drive shafts. For all vehicles, it looks like brake assemblies, steering arms, brake discs, steering knuckles, axel bearings, coil springs, fron shocks, upper control arm connections, and finally lower control arm connections and mount points on the frame all need to be dissasembled and then put back again. And this needs to be done on both sides. It will probably take 8 or more hours of labor. Say it takes 10 hours, at 65/hour, that's $650 per car, plus car rentals. It will probably get over the $1000 estimated by GM per car for the recall.
I hope there aren't any parts left after they are done, and the mechanic isn't standing there holding them and scratching his head.
If there was welding taking place, I would seriously consider pushing for GM to repurchase, even if I planned to purchase a later build one. They can go and sell it as used to somebody who doesn't care.
Here in my town there were two vehicles recalled, my Envoy and a Bravada. I refused to leave my Envoy set outside at the dealers. Keeping it in my garage till the parts come in. The Bravada was parked outside and received extensive hail damage.Dealer says not there responsibility. I have a brand new SUV from Enterprise Rental Car,it got extensive hail damage. The manager says my insurance has to fix it. I was not offered optional insurance when I received the SUV. GM said if I had the optional ins they would have included it in the rental charge. Looks like I'm the loser.
Dick
Dick
Fact of the matter is, GM is looking out for your safety. If you don't understand that then there is nothing I more can say.
I had my Envoy for less than two weeks before it was impounded for the safety defect. I loved it!!!
I had the SLT with towing. I have recently driven the new Explorer and a new Durango. The Envoy clearly outclasses these vehicles in virtually all categories. Where it does fall critically short is exterior and interior fit and finish. The door panel gaps were large and uneven, all the way around. My other cars are German, which I know is an unfair comparison, but the fit and finish on these several year old cars is perfect. The steel used on the front fenders is frighteningly thin. Wrap your knuckles on it and you will see what I mean. DO NOT lean on them, they are that weakly supported. Maybe this will be improved over time.
I will be watching to see how the "improved design" for the control arm is incorporated. I will also wait a year to look at Envoy's again. Though I am more inclined to put in my order for any Acura MDX or the like. GM, more than most automakers, in my experience, needs to wring the bugs out for a year when a new model is introduced.
Again, GM ultimately satisfied me as a customer...albeit, some pressure was necessary.
None of them include navigation systems, though. The ones with OnStar all have GPS systems built in - if you were so motivated you could probably hack the antenna into connecting to a Garmin StreetPilot or something comparable, then hardwire the Garmin to the car's electrical system. I do that for the radar detector any time I buy a car.
Of course, I haven't had my Bravada in-hand long enough to do that to mine yet...
do the rear passenger windows go all the way down?
does the sunroof close when you shut off the ignition?
How many watts and speakers does the preium sound system have?
thx anyone
p.s. They were arranging rentals for people who bought their vehicles elsewhere.
At least GM is taking the precautions needed whether or not they are watching their rears or ours. Mine was picked up on April 5th, one week after I bought it. I am asking that they make my first car payment and add running boards. They gave me a Saab 9-5SE as a sub. I have a Envoy SLT with sunroof and rear air suspension. Hoping to get the car back next week. I look forward to many years of enjoyment with my Envoy. A few weeks to fix a major safety concern is OK in my book.
Now, I got Jimmy 2001 with 16000 ml on it, GM was willing to locate a car of my choice but the dealer got me one 1st. Also, GM told me in writing and on the phone that I should get a "comparable" replacement.
My dealer is keeping my car INDOORS!; I did a spot check over the week end and it was sitting inside the shop.
UPDATE: just got off the phone with GM, I should get the car before the end of the month - I think they do not want to commit to a specific date.
I asked about the monthly payment, I was told that is why I was given a "rental" I did not like the answer but I'll keep the fight for latter. Also, I asked about GM buying the car back -I have no intention to, just testing the water- I was told that they handle it on a case by case basis. Something tells me that if we fight hard enough we might:
1- have them buy it back
2- get a new one that is built right (I want that)
3- get compensated in any form for the pain and shock.
What ever the case is, I will not take my car back just like that.
-Alan
I would guess that lemon laws are cookie-cutter laws pretty much copied from state to state. In Florida you are required to notify (registered mail) the manufacturer when your vehicle has been out of service for a cumulative 15 days regardless of defect. The hammer comes down hard (buyback, replacement, etc.) after the vehicle has been out of service for a cumulative 30 days. Don't make a mistake and lose credit for what is happening right now! I suppose a good lawyer could overcome this technicality, but why have to pay one.
If it applies in your state, the 15 days are up this Friday.
I will call NJ dept of public safety first thing in the morning.
However, that is not what I want, if the fix is simple, then fine. However, if it is extensive as most of you implying, then I need a replacement vehicle.
-Alan
The rep. also added that GM is planning on compensating us, but will not decide on the compensation until they see how long the fix takes. She mentioned that there is talk of extending the warranty. I explained that I already purchased one. We'll see what happens.
Steve
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Also, when the wrecker came to my work to tow my Envoy into the dealer, he commented on the quality of the frame. He said it looked poorly built.......that the welding was not good. I mentioned this to my dealer, but they didn't make much comment about it.
This is very frustrating.....especially for a vehicle that cost this much. I just wish GM would step up to the plate in this matter, and provide some kind of compensation.
Allen
The articles gives several examples of GM buying back these SUVs.
Others:: Lesson to be learned...NEVER EVER BUY A FIRST YEAR GM CAR OR TRUCK!
I have test driven the Trailblazer and it is an amazing truck. The Envoy is my favorite as far as looks are concerned. I find the Bravada quirky looking with that Saturn inspired front end. But folks, unfortunately as far as GM goes, you just can't fully trust GM products from first year production runs. A GM product is much better by the second or third year of production...
Beautiful trucks anyway. Hope everyone can have their rides back as sson as possible.
Best of luck,
TEO
Without mentioning anyone in particular, I have read some really over the top comments regarding this recall. Official comments would at least minimize those.
I understand the concern of those who have had their vehicles taken away and I sympathize with them.
I ordered a new Bravada on March 8 and have my own concerns although they are not as serious as those who have had recalls.
http://washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A45967-2001Apr5.html