Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!

Buick Rendezvous

1686971737483

Comments

  • regalluvr2regalluvr2 Member Posts: 114
    but what if in 2001 Buick had offered the 3800 engine as base in the CX and the SC3800 engine as base in the CXL.We would have had plenty of power and no worse fuel mileage.

    The thought of our 2002 CXL AWD having a SC3800 and no electrical problems puts a huge smile on my face.To my knowledge the SC3800 has no intake gasket problems and very few problems peroid.It sure ran like a striped ape in our 98 GS Regal and would get 24+ mpg on trips with 3 of us at 75-80 mph,AC on,and tons of luggage.It loved mountain grades as we'd pass everyone.

    Its time to wake up now and realize that it has a 3400 and plenty of electrical problems.Oh what could have been!!We are agonizing over whether to buy a GM extended warranty to 75,000 miles or send it down the road at a huge loss.After doing much research on here we will buy no 3rd party warranty.We will probably try this place I found on edmunds for a GM warranty.

    http://www.capperautocenter.com/
  • islandpeteislandpete Member Posts: 94
    regalluvr2- I have decided to focus on what is good about this vehicle and the mileage my wife puts on it and the fact that we both enjoy driving it:-) I will stop worrying about what can happen and deal with it when it does. As someone remarked the 3.4 is a tried and proven engine. There are problems with every car. Just check some of the boards. Range Rovers are having BCM problems and Sables and Mitsubishi have leaking gaskets and tranny problems. If you get a lemon in one model it does not preclude everyone will be that way. Anyway, I have decided to renew my warantee through GM. Just received the paper work. Bumper to Bumper for 2 yrs is $735 with no deductible - 3 yrs $935 4 yrs $1035 all include roadside assistance. It is GM's "Major Guard" coverage. Of course, the mileage you have on your vehicle does dictate what they will charge you for coverage. To be without warantee coverage today is as bad as being with out health insurance:-)Could you imagine having a lemon law for our own bodies ;-)LOL
  • regalluvr2regalluvr2 Member Posts: 114
    islandpete,although we havent bought an extended warranty in years we will soon be getting a one for the CXL.Also will have a mechanic friend install the new improved 3400 intake gaskets as he's much cheaper than a dealer.We need piece of mine as sometimes we are 3000 miles from home.My friend recomends this as hes worked on too many 3400's.

    We have been spoiled by Buick Regals for the past 20 years.Never had an extended warranty and never really needed one.The worst failure on one was a power window motor.Going from 240 horses in our 98 Regal SC3800 to the 185 horse 3400 was hard for us to take but we needed a vehicle that was easy for my wife to get in and out of due to health problems.

    It does seem that quite a few of the newer vehicles are having problems these days.

    I'll list the positives on our CXL
    1 Wife likes it
    2 Handles good
    3 Roomy
    4 Will haul good sized loads with rear seat down
    5 Easy to get in and out of
    6 Has OnStar
    7 Love the heated leather seats

    Today we were only offered $12,900 in trade for a new 2004 Honda Pilot EX-L.This is for a loaded 2002 CXL AWD that listed new for over $34,000 in March 2001 and now has 31,000 miles on it.They sure depreciate fast.Would love to see what a Buick dealer would offer for it on an Ultra.The Honda dealer says they are selling Pilots fast as they get them in with no rebates or special interest deals.It doesnt have the options as a CXL does but that 3.5 at 240 horses is OK.

    I'm guessing we will keep the CXL for now.A GM extended warranty and new intake gaskets will see us past 75,000 miles when we will trade again.Just hope we can whip the electrical problems.
  • kiwijimkiwijim Member Posts: 4
    Took the Rendevous into day for the rear door recall.
    Also noted that the seat memory does not work and also the back up alarm.
    No problem a new BCM
    Also had them check the manifold and yes it to needs replacement.
    This is on top of three towings, one ignition switch, one fuel pump, and one other BCM.
    Hopefully the next 35000 miles are better.
    Anyway Buick have given me a nice Ford Taurus as a loaner for however long they have the Buick.
    Kiwi
  • toonzeetoonzee Member Posts: 19
    Just got my all wheel drive back. Had to replace the drivers side front wheel hub this time. Last year they replaced the passengers side hub. Anyone know if they are using a better hub than what originally came with the vehicle. Thanks.
  • msadamsmsadams Member Posts: 26
    Gang,

    Since someone asked, I have had no electrical problems. My RDV is a 2002 CW AWD with only the 1SB.

    29,000 miles so far at an avg 19.5 MPG. Last reset at 3,000 miles.

    Best regards,
    Mark
    Clarnece, NY
  • regalluvr2regalluvr2 Member Posts: 114
    miles on their 2002 RDV yet?They have been out for 3 years now.Surely some one out there has driven 100,000 miles in one.If so tell us about it.

    We no longer own our 2002 CXL AWD(See Problems-Solutions)but I still want to follow the RDV's to see how they are doing.I'm sure that theres some high mile trouble free RDV's out there.If so speak up.
  • riverarmsriverarms Member Posts: 2
    folks have been having with the RDV's...has anyone checked VIN numbers to see if they have anything in common such as the country it was manufactured in, the vehicle assembly plant, or just the sequence they came off the line? I'm new to the Town Hall and I've got to tell you that I'm mortified by some of the problems I'm hearing about. Incidently, last week my alternator light came on and stayed on for about a day. Last Friday my anti-lock light came on along with the DIC display citing that my AWD was disabled. Dealer found the right front wheel bearing sensor was defective. Had to replace the entire wheel hub assembly since it's all integrated. Cost of part was $402. Real glad I bought the extended GM warranty. On that note, those of you who are considering internet warranties - buyer beware. I got burned last year on a Warranty Gold automotive warranty. Made payments all year and then they filed for bankruptcy.
  • paulmlacpaulmlac Member Posts: 27
    Over the weekend, we traded in our '03 RDV CXL AWD with 17,000 miles. In it's place is an '04 Honda Odyssey EX-L NAVI.

    It was somewhat bittersweet. My wife wanted the minivan because we just recently had a second child & she likes it's power sliding doors. I was only OK with the RDV. Since it's first week, the brakes have squeeked very loudly - to the point that people would sometimes look as you pulled up to a stoplight. There were multiple repair attempts but to no avail. During the last one, the service manager told me it was normal (!!!). Also, I think I was beginning to get the start of some of the BCM problems.

    In any event, best of luck to all of you - and your RDV's...
  • pcs15394pcs15394 Member Posts: 27
    This past Monday my wife and I traded our 2002 CX with 17000 miles for a 2004 Nissan Murano. We have had several issues with the RDV. The BCM issue kept rearing it's ugly head, i.e. windows locked, AC shutdown, Doors wont unlock, etc.., we had to have stereo replaced and several other smaller issues. For those of you looking to trade this vehicle in, be prepared for shock at what they are worth. We are not the only ones aware of the problems with these vehicles. The word is out.
  • arthur24arthur24 Member Posts: 6
    I have a 2003 rdv cxl with 7500 miles on it, I have had no problems with it.It has most options except towing. I purchased it because I really wanted to buy American. I think it is an excellent vehicle. The features are outstanding. Except for owners with real problems I think its critics are critics for the sake of it. I don't hear anyone complain that the base engine in the Highlander is a 4 cylinder, that must be awfully underpowered. I don't hear the critics complain about how ugly the Element is, but they criticized the Aztec. Everyone in my area that has a rdv speaks well about it. Even though the Escalade has around 100 more hp then Lx470 the critics say the Lexus is much better. Yet many more people buy the Caddy. Is it possible that car writers are out of touch or have an agenda.
  • regalluvr2regalluvr2 Member Posts: 114
    Last week we traded off our 2002 CXL AWD for a new 04 Bluestone Metallic Toyota Highlander Limited AWD with the 3.3 engine.In March 2003 we paid $22,900 for our loaded CXL with only 13,000 miles on it.

    Most places would only offer $13-14,000 for it in trade with only 31,500 miles on it.You still cant tell it from new.Finally we got an offer of $18,300 for it so we decided to let it go.Otherwise we would have kept it and put a GM extended warranty on it.

    Theres lots of things we liked about our RDV but we just couldnt live with all the electrical problems that we were having.There doesnt seem to be any fix for them.We once had a 1986 Toyota Camry that had electrical problems.We fought it for 2 years and never did get it fixed.It continually blew fuses and we had no lights.

    The straw that broke the camels back is that when we complained about our CXL to Buick Customer Relations they acted like we were the first ones to ever have BCM problems.We told them that Edmunds was full of Buick RDV's with BCM problems.I've counted over (60) RDV owners on here and other places with BCM problems and I'm sure its far more wide spread than that as lots of people dont even know about this place,wouldnt admit they are having problems, or dont have computers,etc.

    Only Buick knows how many RDV BCM's are going bad and they arent talking.When our BCM's went bad they were always on back order so it must be a ton of them.

    From 1995-2003 GM built the 3100 and 3400 V-6 engines knowing that the intake gaskets were prone to leak.Why does it take them so long to fix a problem?To this day they wont even admit that there ever was a problem.The internet is full of unhappy 3100 and 3400 owners with leaking intake gaskets.I see new posts every day on this.They need to admit that some Buick RDV's are having electrical problems and try and come up with a fix for them.Its too good of a vehicle to not try and fix it.

    Its just a shame about all the RDV problems as it was such a great idea.We like our new Toyota HL but theres things it doesnt have that the RDV did have.We wish we could have kept our CXL but we just didnt feel good about it.We sure do miss it at times.

    I made my last post at problems and solutions and this is my last post here since we no longer own a RDV.Good luck to all RDV owners.I know that alot of you arent having problems.
  • tracyegtracyeg Member Posts: 7
    I have a 2002 with both front door hinges now bent. Does anyone know if the newer models came with something to prevent the wind from pulling the doors forward and bending the hinges?
  • wws2wws2 Member Posts: 23
    Our 2002 CXL has had no electrical problems whatsoever. (Knock on wood.) Actually has had no problems at all, except for one small dash rattle when making left turns. Wife loves it, very practical, etc. We intend to keep it for many years.

    That said, from various complaints here it certainly seems that *something* is going on. I agree with regalluvr2 that replacing the BCM seems like it is a 'symptomatic' fix when a vehicle goes back multiple times for the same problem. The dealer mechanics are obviously not finding the 'real' problem. (E.g, a cable that is getting abraded? A bad ground? etc.)
  • nosuvyetnosuvyet Member Posts: 72
    Hi all. I've modified a bumper skid plate from the Envoy for my RDV (it fits reasonably well and looks ok) and I would like to know if there is any particular glue that would work best for the RDV's plastic since I don't know exactly what type of plastic it consists of. I don't mind sanding or scoring the bumper surface for better adhesion. Any thoughts?

    Thanks in advance for your help.

    Andre
  • nosuvyetnosuvyet Member Posts: 72
    By the way, I've also had zero problems (except a wonky HUD) after 40,000 km (25k miles)and are about to take a 5600 km (3500 mile) round trip to the southern US in our RDV, so I'll let you know how it goes. I'll admit, if I was one of the ones having BCM or other major problems, I probably wouldn't be so confident.
  • nosuvyetnosuvyet Member Posts: 72
    Someone was recently asking about the new Ultra, and I see a black one locally. Looks really sharp. They finally dealt with the major cosmetic flaw this vehicle has (in my opinion) by painting the whole thing one color instead of the multi-tone nonsense they originally came up with. Sorry if I offend anyone who has one, but the white with the green cladding and the charcoal section below the cladding looks absolutely atrocious. Some designer must have been asleep when they thought up that combo.
  • jk27jk27 Member Posts: 244
    I own a 2002 Buick Rendezvous CXL -- purchased it in May 2002. I am pleased to report that I have just over 25,500 miles on it and (fortunately) have had very, very few problems with it. I have not had any repairs done. I have no electrical problems (e.g., BCM) whatsoever. I did receive the tailgate recall notification but I just haven't gotten around to getting it done.

    Comprehensive list of the problems: 1) The driver seat lumbar knob broke off and 2) my right passenger sideview mirror doesn't always return to its proper place after backing up. Aside from those very minor nits ... I've had no problems. Great car! I'd buy another one in a minute. Excellent luxury, phenomenal stereo, LOTS of room, good in Wisconsin snow (I got the VersaTrack AWD), good mileage and OUTSTANDING ride.
  • murfdogmurfdog Member Posts: 61
    great to hear the good news. I also bought mine in May 2002. We have put alot more miles then you have. We have close to 33k and also have had no real problems with it. Little minor things. Nice to hear good news for a change. Maybe we just happened to bother buy in a lucky month: may2002.
  • cmccullcmccull Member Posts: 33
    I got my 2002 CX in September of 2002 and have had no problems except the shifter boot was torn when I first got it and I had it replaced. Of course I only have 11,000 miles on it but I am very pleased with this car for the money.
  • northbayguy1northbayguy1 Member Posts: 10
    with my 2003 RDV (purchased in Feb.2003) which IMO is a great suburban SUV despite the major warranty service to remedy the manifold intake gasket leaks and the liftgate latch recall repair to my RDV. No machine is perfect, and mechanical problems are definitely not indexed to the cost of any given vehicle (don't we all know someone who has a Mercedes, BMW, Jaguar, etc. that sees a lot of shop time?!). A few repairs, even an occasional major one, are certainly tolerable given the complexity of today's automobiles, although I certainly sympathize with those frustrated owners who end up with the seemingly inevitable lemons that roll off every factory assembly line. Fortunately, there are numerous consumer protection laws(e.g. lemon law statutes, implied warranties, et.al.)for such situations, so not too many buyers should ever get stuck. For everyone else, I hope they enjoy the ride, utility, and overall performance of the RDV as much as I do. Please keep sharing your experiences.
  • arthur24arthur24 Member Posts: 6
    I think for the money I made a perfect choice on my 2003 rdv cxl. The vehicle has all I really wanted and more. I repeat as I said once before the people who have real problems I feel for. If you check other sites like lexus or acura they are having trans problems noise problem etc. Even though for some reason we are led to believe they are perfect vehicles. I wished that people were more informed, rather then taking what some one else says and literally taking it as gospel.The hud on rdv is a great idea, getting little credit from writers. If honda or toyota had it they would be saying by those vehicles for that feature alone.I would like to know what Japanese vehicle offers as much for the same money as the rdv factually, not just some one opinion.
  • nosuvyetnosuvyet Member Posts: 72
    Just returned from a 3700 mile trip where it performed flawlessly. I won't buy another vehicle without a HUD and cruise control. One disappointment was the fuel economy. I got a 20mpg avg all highway. I probably averaged 70-72mph over the trip, so that didn't help. A steady 40-50 would probably get closer to 25mpg, but I don't have the patience for that speed.
  • jdlanganjdlangan Member Posts: 48
    We just acquired an '03 CX from my in-laws, have had it for about a month, and at just over 6000 miles it's in for the BCM - a five day wait for the part to ship! Fortunately I still have my old Explorer so I'm not without a vehicle.

    I had come to this board to ask if anyone knows if you can add the 3rd row seat to a CX (I realize it doesn't come in cloth, at least according to the '03 brochures, but as long as it coordinates I don't care). The dealership immediately said no, but since the cars come off the same assembly line and from what I can tell from the brochure the CX Plus package, which has the 3rd row seat as an option, is all trim and accessories, no real difference in structural.

    Now, I guess first questions first, have people had repeat problems with BCM's, or once they are fixed are they all right? If it looks like it could be a continual issue, I obviously don't want to put a lot of money into the vehicle. We drive our cars forever, my '96 Explorer which the RDV is replacing has 106K on it.

    Any thoughts? I have come to really love driving this vehicle, after admittedly initially thinking it was too 'mimi-van' for my SUV tastes. Until this opportunity came along, the intention was to try to get another year or two out of the Explorer, then get a new one with the 3rd row seating.
  • pcs15394pcs15394 Member Posts: 27
    People have reported numerous replacements of the BCM according to this forum. Some have been replaced four or five times. The third row seat can probably be added, but if I remember was cost prohibitive. In other words it cost much more to put in after market than to just order the vehicle with the seat.
  • jdlanganjdlangan Member Posts: 48
    I'm sure it wouldn't be cheap to put the seat in, but since the car was given to us I don't mind spending to get what I want and is more practical for us, as long as we aren't going to be spending a fortune in time or money for other repairs of course. The carpet in back has cutouts where I believe the seat would mount, but if you pull them up there is just a metal plate underneath - looks like a knock-out to me so I suspected there may be something underneath. I guess the question is whether or not they put the mounts in anyway, ie. is there a structural difference b/n the CX and CX Plus package which lists the seat as 'available' when they come off the assembly line? I have no idea who to ask, the service department said it couldn't be done, but my husband talked to them so I don't know if they elaborated as to why, or if they really know all of the specifics. Any Buick reps reading this board?

    Not surprisingly, when I called yesterday and asked the dealership to take a look at the brakes after reading these boards since it's sitting there for a week - ours squeak also - I asked about the BCM history, they said they've only replaced one or two and that it hadn't been a big deal for them -
  • pcs15394pcs15394 Member Posts: 27
    The BCM may not have been a big deal for the Dealer but alot of people have had issues. Check the Problems and Solutions section for Buick Rendezvous and do a search on BCM. You should come up with quite a few messages. As far as the third row seat, I am not sure if the plate can be removed and the seat installed or not. I would think that most of them come off of the assembly line with the same basic configuration. If you don't have the third row seat, there must be a fairly large storage bin where the seat goes?
  • jdlanganjdlangan Member Posts: 48
    We don't seem to have any of the stoarge options, just a flat - well recessed below door sill height - deck. Your thoughts mirror mine on the issue of assembly line construction. When I pick it up sometime next week I'll have to ask more questions of the service people. But, I guess we'll wait and see if we continue to have problems before we put a lot of money into it. Thanks!
  • pcs15394pcs15394 Member Posts: 27
    Good luck!!
  • oldmanoldman Member Posts: 35
    As a long time toyota driver, I recently rented a 2wd rdv for a week. My thoughts:
    superb 3.4L powertrain. Superb aerodynamic control with virtually zero wind noise at hiway cruise. Excellent seating fabrics and well executed stitching detail. Excellent second row seating, my teenagers were impressed. Decent fuel efficiency 26.3 mpg. Roomy interior. Easy parking space manuevers by virtue of short front/rear overhangs.
    Now for the downside. logwagonly ponderous handling. Undertired with firestines? Wierd rubbery wiggling ride vibration over irregular road surfaces. Underboosted clumsy steering. Totally unreadable dash gauges in daylight, drab and generic monocolored "mass produced" shot out of a giant injection moulded dashboard--lacking even a pretense of labor intensity. Wierd seat adjustment mechanisms, impossible to figure out how a particular lever does anything. Intrusive and dangerous parking brake pedal (As a physician, I've seen these pedals actually embedded in the shreaded flesh of a drivers left leg in side impact collisions). My 2cents. Not a bad vehicle depending on what discount they give, but not a car for the person who really likes the driving experience, IMHO!
  • chaser04chaser04 Member Posts: 3
    Just bought a Rendezvous "ultra" with everything, had a price of $53995 cdn. Its Dark Steel Blue with no lower accent color its all blue, also has chrome accents around the bumpers. It Came with a 3.6L VVT 245hp V6, which came from the cadillac CTS. It has a navigation system, 4 captain chairs, roomy third row(but not much room behind it)(oh well), trailer package, leather and suede seating, 6 disc CD changer w/8 speakers (sounds awesome) but no sure on how many watts it is, also came with running boards, 17x7" aluminum wheels, AWD, onstar, heads up display, i got the sunroof instead of the DVD player w/ fold down T.V. screen (you can't get both)(2 bad), I'll just have to put some Screens in the head rests. So ya if your into buying a SUV i would defenatly recomened a RDV, especially the Ultra.
  • neals1820neals1820 Member Posts: 13
    Why are the Ultras so hard to find. A dealer told us the engines are back ordered from GM????
    Any thoughts.
  • tmakogontmakogon Member Posts: 74
    Ultras are hard to find. Today at 15K mile service I talked with the sales manager - he said the three Ultras they had sold really fast.

    I believe the current 2004 options allow the new 3.6L cadillac engine only in the Ultra and in CXL AWD Plus. 2005 may have CXL FWD with the new 3.6 liter engine.

    By the way, we recently brought a dryer in a factory box - it fit in with much room to spare. Still very happy with our '02.

    Regards,
    Taras
  • ray80ray80 Member Posts: 1,655
    I heard of one instance (elsewhere)involving the sister vehicle of the Rendzvous where the mechanic went beyond assuming BCM was bad and found the shifter has worn through insulation on wiring harness, creating a short. I am assuming here that the BCM is located in the center console area on the Renezvous also. Might be something to check when failure happens, more so for those that have had multiple BCM replacements
  • wws2wws2 Member Posts: 23
    > ... the mechanic went beyond assuming BCM was bad and found the shifter has worn through
    > insulation on wiring harness, creating a short...

    That is good to hear.

    Re: my message 3682, I've taken the RDV in for service (scheduled oil change, lube, etc) and had them look at that underdash rattle again. They found it this time - slightly loose hinge on the hood. While there, I asked the service advisor about BCM problems. He said he has never seen one yet... (This is from a moderately large Silicon Valley dealership.) Again, I think folks who are being told their BCMs are bad should be insisting that the mechanics look a bit deeper.
  • wws2wws2 Member Posts: 23
    > .... logwagonly ponderous handling. Undertired with firestines? Wierd rubbery wiggling ride vibration over irregular road surfaces.

    No question the Affinity tires suck. They need to be at 35 psi or so for 'ok' handling. But ours has now gone through the first two at only 14k miles - just from normal street wear. Replaced the two with B'Stone Dueler H/L in the rear. Will replace the Affinities in front by fall.

    > Underboosted clumsy steering.

    Never noticed this. Perhaps the rental had a problem?

    > Totally unreadable dash gauges in daylight,

    HUD is available...

    > drab and generic monocolored "mass produced" shot out of a giant injection moulded dashboard--lacking even a pretense of labor intensity.

    Ultra trim is available. Lots of wood dash kits on ebay.

    > Wierd seat adjustment mechanisms, impossible to figure out how a particular lever does anything.

    Have not had a problem with it. But ours has the memory seats.

    > Intrusive and dangerous parking brake pedal (As a physician, I've seen these pedals actually embedded in the shreaded flesh of a drivers left leg in side impact collisions).

    Interesting observation. Never thought much about it.
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,132
    > drab and generic monocolored "mass produced" shot out of a giant injection molded dashboard--lacking even a pretense of labor intensity.

    You probably haven't shopped many vehicles. Most are plastic and most have upgraded models. If you're comparing it with automobile dashes from luxury line cars, it ain't gonna compare. > Weird seat adjustment mechanisms, impossible to figure out how a particular lever does anything.

    > Weird seat adjustment mechanisms, impossible to figure out how a particular lever does anything.

    The owners manual explains it very well on my Buick. Have you read the owners manual and tried the seats with it in hand?

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • islandpeteislandpete Member Posts: 94
    Just checked my RDV's Coolant and it looked kind of murky but still the orangy color. It's supposed to last for 100,000 mi, but not too sure of that. The RDV will be three years old and just turned 15000Mi. Wife drives it mainly. Wanted to replace it with original equipment GM product "DexCool". Looked it up and was astonished by what I had found. Seems all the potential engine problems with leaking gaskets reported on this board because of defective gaskets may just have been caused by "DeXCool". Check out link http://www.wcpo.com/wcpo/localshows/dontwasteyourmoney/20299ce7.h- tml Check out embedded links in article and I am sure you will do what I will do this weekend and change the coolant to something like Prestone. Comments please~~
  • ray80ray80 Member Posts: 1,655
    One thing the article doesn't say is whether or not this vehicle had anti-freeze changed after the 5 years. I believe the intake gaskets are just bad parts and crack, not from anti-freeze. I saw the ones taken out my daughters GA and it was just broken, didn't see any evidence of the rest of the gasket being eaten away or anything. I have heard elswhere if your going to change to old type anti-freeze, make real sure to flush <all> the old coolant out (they don't mix well at all), and be ready to replace other things like water-pump early (silacits sp chk) can do a number on those
  • islandpeteislandpete Member Posts: 94
    Ray80, There are apparently many articles out there supporting the links I put up. A good friend of mine just did some major work on his wifes Camaro due to gummy black Dexcool. Did not understand your comments on the water pump. Do you drive or own a GM with Dexcool. Would like to get other comments. Good Idea which I was aware of to thoroughly flush out the old coolant before replacing with a different product. Check out http://www.google.com/search?q=dexcool+and+gasket+problems
  • braddbradd Member Posts: 2
    I would have to disagree about the Dexcool, my '02 Rendezvous is my third car with Dexcool and I have not had a problem. My 1997 Chev Lumina with a 3.1 and over 100,000 miles on it had Dexcool, I had it flushed and replace once, at 5 years and that was it. When I was taking it in for it's second radiator flush I left with the Rendezvous instead. My wife's 1998 Chev Malibu 2.4 TwinCam also had Dexcool, have nearly 50,000 miles and one radiator flush and replace and no problems. One of the articles I read said that Dex and aluminum don't mix, but radiators are plastic and aluminum now so that doesn't wash. It sounds like there is definetly a problem with head gaskets on 3.1 and 3.4 engines, but I believe they were happening before Dexcool was being used.
  • ray80ray80 Member Posts: 1,655
    First off, the way I worded my first reply may have sounded strong, I didn't mean it that way, just trying to provide additional info :-). I know I have heard of some troubles with dex-cool the first couple years or so when it first came out with various things like hoses or something. I believe they came out with new intake gasket material for the 3.x engines in 97 and many have failed from 97-02 ( I think), new material is now available. I have a 96 Grand AM with approx 220,000 miles (2.4 engine) and perhaps ran a bit late with dex-cool change but haven't had any problems other then recently having to replace a plastic piece in cooling system that fell apart. I today have an Aztek at dealers dues to slight coolant loss(35,000 miles), techs say it is oil leaking from intake gasket, not coolant (though coolant leak may be slight enough to have it just evaporating when it leaks) google search on 'water pump silicates' will find many hits on what the silicates (found in most anti-freeze other then dex-cool) do to seals (maybe affecting other cooling system components as well).
  • islandpeteislandpete Member Posts: 94
    ray80, bradd , Just uncovered some evidence that just goes to prove you can't always believe what you read. Thanks to you two for telling your experiences. Seems if you have a bad overheating problem it can compromise the coolant and gum it up as some report. Not the case with me, so I will stay with the Dexcool and just change it if needed. Thanks for the valuable input :-)Good luck with your Aztec Ray~~
  • jp614jp614 Member Posts: 34
    I had a severe Dex-Cool problem with my '96 S-10. It took a triple high-pressure flush to clean out the system. Switched to good ol' yellow.

    My mechanic said not to change out the Dex-Cool on the RDV until the warrenty was up. Until then, he said to change it every two years just to be safe.

    If you ever see how bad the sludge build up can be, you will not take a chance. I highly recommend changing the Dexcool well before the GM recommendation.

    P.S. Change your long-life plugs at around 60,000 miles otherwise they can freeze in the engine and you will a nice big bill for extracting them and having the threads re-done.
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,132
    My service manager told me that air pockets mixing with DexCool cause problems If your car has a neck to the radiatior that holds and air bubble, fill it by running the engine and overflowing the radiator to get rid of the air which mixes and deteriorates the DexCool. He described some necks on Regals that would hold air. Overheating deteriorates it.

    I believe I read that the air causes a chemical breakdown affecting hoses.

    Change DexCool every two years. Keep it for its better protection of metals and no silicates, but CHANGE it. You can do it yourself in most cases for many people.

    Change your 100K plugs at 60K. I think I beat that by a few thousand. Cheap insurance against frozen threads... They only cost 6 or 8$.

    I'm more concerned about sealed ball joints on my LeSabre than I am about the DexCool.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • just4fun2just4fun2 Member Posts: 461
    Are you saying that outside air is breaking down the Dexcool? The overflow systems on cars that hold the extra coolant isn't under pressure and the coolant is exposed to outside air.

    Air pockets that would cause a car to overheat could be the reason that gaskets fail. Overheating warps metal mating surfaces and gaskets won't be able to seal the surfaces.

    I have been following this Dexcool story for years and believe that if it is the Dexcool causing problems the repair shops would have a long line of cars waiting to get repaired.

    Maybe all of the people who own GM cars that I know have just been lucky so far.
  • jk27jk27 Member Posts: 244
    2002 RDV CXL owner here.

    * My radiator coolant is an opaque orange -- is that Dexcool?

    * If I need to add additional coolant, do I have to add the same coolant, or can I add any quality coolant? Any recommendations?

    * Can I purchase Dexcool anywhere -- or just through the dealer?
     
    * Does anybody know what Buick's recommendation is on when you replace the coolant?

    Thanks in advance for any advice!
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,132
    Opaque orange = dexcool

    Only add dexcool.

    Can buy at ADvance auto
    Pep Boys, Kmart. Texaco brand
    GM brand, I think I've seen another
    that says dexcool.

    Buick's recommendation???
    I'd do it myself at 2 years.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • jk27jk27 Member Posts: 244
    Thank you, imidazol97! I'll be purchasing some Dexcool tonight!
  • cudaalcudaal Member Posts: 34
    I'm buying this one. Is anybody out there got a good deal on it? It gets pricey ~$32000-$35000 there . Definitely feel RDV shouldn't be over $29000, quality, performance, depreciation etc are poor.
    Anyway what is a good price to pay for CXL AWD with 3.6L?
    Thank you all..
Sign In or Register to comment.