Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Options
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
The Secret Warranty
Steve, Host
Willing to spend up to $35K (we're not broke, not rich), and focused very heavily on Lexus/Accura for their reputations. Very nice vehicles to choose from. So, why another RDV??? Thank God for these forums. Essentially, we found that ALL brands have some defects/dissatisfiers, and it is ALWAYS disappointing when something goes wrong with a one owner car, and never cheap to correct.
But every car we drove came up short of the Buick in some of our key needs. Primary use is a 100 mile a day commute in LA traffic, so the #1 need is a quiet, comfortable driver experience; I'll compare any Buick to anything on the road for that. 2nd need, like everyone, is mileage. Our first RDV was a 2002 CX FWD, and we ave 22 MPG for 140,000 mi. I hear that the AWD mpg is typically in the mid-teens, and after 40 years in the midwest, I never seek snow :-); don't see a need for AWD if it costs 5-7 mpg. 3rd need was third row seating. We like to go to Vegas 3-4 times a year, frequently with another couple, and let our daughter bring a friend if available, so up to 6 people plus baggage. Nothing but a minivan or a BIG suv offers the comfort in all 3 rows that the RDV does. This wasn't mission critical because we were keeping the 2002 RDV for trips.
So, for her every day car, she had a choice of a BMW 3 series, an ES 330 or RX, and Acura TL, TSX or MDX, a Pilot, Highlander...really, anything in entry-level lux class. Bottom line turned out to be that no car out there suits OUR needs as well, and we got a 2006 CX w CX plus and deluxe packages for just over $24k.
I think this is the right forum to post this in, as if I were considering an RDV, this is where I'd look. Yes, my first one had defects, it's not perfect. Yes, I was REAL unhappy to find that my probs were common. BUT, in looking at other forums, there is good and bad with all cars (read about Lexus and Acura trannies and dealer/company response). We ended up with a car we love driving and saved somewhere between $5-10k up front. If we end up siphoning it all back in in repairs, oops, no money saved. If not, the RDV is a steal in up front and everyday costs compared to any other true 7 seat near-luxury vehicle we found.
Again, I thank everyone for their posts; a lot of things to consider when you buy a new car, and the info here was invaluable. Hope GM's addressed the defects since 2002. If not, having tested every option, we bought another RDV with no regrets.
One thing I didn't like was the re-sale value of the RDV. Got a quote of $12,000 for my RDV for trade-in. The same dealership offered $15,000 for my wife's 2002 Honda CR-V EX with 24,500 miles on it. And she paid $22,000 +TTL for it. I paid $10,000 more when new and getting $3,000 less when we considered trading in the RDV. Still thinking if I want to trade the RDV in or not.
If I had to do it all over again, I probably would've gotten something that keeps their value a little better. And all these problem I'm reading on the internet does scare me a little bit(air compressor, head gasket, wheel bearing....etc). I feel like I'm waiting for something to go wrong. :surprise:
2 weeks ago, on a day long drive in Georgia heat, my husband calls to tell me the AC is blowing hot air. He stops has someone put in Freon (or whatever you call it now), but the car won't "take any" So, we agree that we'll trade cars for a few days since he does get out in the heat and I stay home. I drive it a week, air works great for me. But, then over the course of a couple of days, I get some really strange stuff.While driving down the road, all the warning lights on the display come on, like when you first turn the key to acc. Hmmm. Then I notice the rear hatch light chimes while I'm driving down the road. Only it isn't ajar. Hmmm. I realize it's blowing hot air again. Then, the I glance down at the digital display for the AC and the temp & fan speeds are going up & down. Only I'm not pushing the buttons. And when I park, my door won't unluck. If I use the manual lock, it just relocks itself. My daughter has to unlock the car from the passenger side switch so that we can get out. Yesterday I heard this strange clicking & I get the chime and lights thing. Then I realized the clicking was my drivers side door lock! Clicking every second or so like I was trying to unlock the door. And the door wouldn't stay locked when I parked.The security light comes on & shows the system is armed, no radio. AC blowing hot air. All the aux. lights were flashing in time to the click. (I swear to God I am not making this up!!) After giving up on reaching my husband I parked the *@#@&$ and went inside, unable to roll up the windows, open the back hatch to get the kids stuff or lock it. Figuring eventually the battery will die and this will all be over with!! Ha Ha.
But, a couple hours later, my daughter calls me outside to show me that now, ALL of the lights on the car are FLASHING! In time to the click,click,click. Thankfully, my poor neighbor came over to help. He couldn't figure it out, so I asked him to unplug the battery. Gotta stop it somehow, I was starting to worrythat the horn would start next. After a few minutes he reconnected it, my keyfob worked, doors locked. No problem. Has this ever happened to anyone else? Be gentle, it's my first time!!
tidester, host
I'm stilling have much wind noise and the car literally blows all over the place. It's as difficult to handle as my 1968 VW bug was, while on the highway. Locally on small roads, it's great, with the exception on leaning, despite dealer having taken 10lbs from each tire and replaced a front strut. This is an o4, with only 5K miles on it. As you can see my most recent post of today....................the car now LEAKS from the roof, down to the drivers pass. door, and all the way to the hatch! I am not at all happy with this car and I would never recommend it to a friend. I've spent so much time at dealers over the noise, the tires, and then they discover the front strut, on a new car, which I bought with 1500 miles on April 25. It's not a good score card so far in my opinion. In my dodge caravans, I went over 150K in 11 years, with very little issues..if any. Never, have I had a car leak from the roof and I don't have roof racks. THe car is soaked, and I have a long holiday to get through before I roll it on in again. I was wondering...I don't know where you are located, but wondered if you are near massachusetts or NH so i could visit your dealer. and replaced your tires? I've had no luck beyond the front strut job and lowering of tire press. If you put the brakes on hard, you have to be prepared, because it nosedives and turns left a little. Thanks Bruce
I got nowhere with Buick's hotline people. Local dealer has tried, but cannot fix the problem. Apparently just lousy construction.
You've got to get out of this car. Every state has a different "lemon law", so it's important that you find out what the law is in your state. I found a website (Lemon Law Summaries) which states that the Massachusetts lemon law covers new cars for 1 year or 15,000 miles (which I believe you are under both). Also, to be a "lemon", you must have brought in your car for 3 repair attempts on the same problem OR your car had to be out of service for 15 business days. Don't know if yours qualifies under that definition.
Have you followed the customer complaint steps that I've posted here previously? (e.g., including going to the BBB Autoline?). If not, I recommend that you do so OR file a lemon law claim if your car qualifies. You really do not need an attorney to file a lemon law claim, imho.
Good luck!
Thanks for your responses. The car will go to dealers tomorrow in "As is" condition, with the lining sagging and the tarp on top of it. Unfortunatly, the holiday got in the way of my doing that any sooner. JK, yes to some degree, I followed a portion of the regulations you sent. I have been working with the dealer and thought all things were happily resolved, until now!! :lemon: :lemon: I will drive it in on Tuesday and see what they have to say, and will keep the board posted, so friends won't have to experience this like I have. I am sooooooooo glad I found this board and the people who are on it. It's been a great help and consolation for many of us. We'll see what they tell me tomorrow, but I don't think they'll accept responsibility all too quickly. The reference of the roof rack leaks on the boards has been a blessing in that regard. Take care friends, and thanks again. I'll keep you posted.
Thanks, Gail04 :lemon: :mad: :lemon:
Thanks for getting back to me. I rec'd a call from dealer very late this afternoon, just about rush hour and he told me the car was "ready." I wasn't "ready" for that call, if you know what I mean..I just wanted no part of the car. I did go to get it and talked to the service adviser for a bit. He has assured me it was the sunroof versus my thinking it was the roof racks. Supposedly, the run off drip hoses (I have had cars with plain old fashioned sunroofs and never heard of anything having "drain hoses" in them like this), had been "pinched" from GM's plant and backed up. Got me, Mike. All I know is I've had so much going on with this car that I no longer want it. I love the shape and style, but also agree with you about the low tire pressure to create a softer ride...I don't have the work order to see what all was done, as their computers were "down" and the promised it would be sent. We'll see over the next few days. I don't think they took care of the rotten potatoe smell from the a/c, as that didn't come up, & I actually forgot to inquire about it while there. For others who read the posts- I was told they took down the headliner, replaced the tubes which is about the size of a pencil, replaced liner, cleaned it, and shampood and dried the rugs from hatch to front end. I am told an ionizer/ozonater machine was placed in car to remove any odor from wetness. I left to come home because of highway rush hour traffic, and in Massachusetts we are on our 8th day of rain with a weekend weather report of "downpours," so we'll see. I'm still going to speak w/sales dept and see what they will do, if anything. I'll keep members posted, and hope no one, has to go experience such an issue. Take care, gail :lemon:
The way your car was returned to you is absolutely unacceptable. Go ahead and meet with the manager. And then, as I've suggested before, go through the steps outlined in your manual. That is the quickest and most efficient way to get this OUT of GM's hands and into a neutral arbitrator's hands (BBB Autoline). Follow each step ... to the letter. Eventually, you'll be meeting with a BBB rep. This is a different process than the "lemon law". And I am concerned that your car might not qualify as a "lemon". Has your car been "out of service" for 15 days? Have you had it in for the exact same problem at least 3 times (and they were not able to fix it?). So ... go for the BBB autoline -- and, as bruce suggested, DO NOT trade it in until after meeting with the BBB. Hopefully, they'll force Buick to buy back the car from you. Good luck.
P.S. This is a completely different process than simply reporting a business to the Better Business Bureau. That action really carries no consequence to an auto manufacturer.
This has not happened to me, but in all fairness, I am going to say that she operates the pump correctly.
Any others out there with this issue? We have an '03 and so far, it has been good.
Good news is that it is leased and I only have 26 months left to deal with it.
Good bye GM vehicles after that!
I promise I'll be brief. After faxing a "demand" note about a new headliner and the mess they made of the first on, I heard from the service adviser today, who told me they would "replace" liner with a brand new one around Wed, when it comes in. In add'n, not sure if you all know, in the glove box is an air filter. He said he would change that as well to get rid of the rotten potatoe smell which pre-existed before sunroof flood. I didn't know there was such a filter in the car. The same Fax was sent to the Sales Dept. Manager. He called me tonight, to tell me he would like to "talk" with me, rec'd my fax about all which has taken place since April 25th (date of purchase) & told me if I wanted to look at another RNDY, or another car, he would try to be as "fair" as he could for both of us. I know the end result is kelly blue book and my having to give more money towards another car like the gal who mentioned the same on line here from the plant in Baltimore...I believe she had to put out $4600 to get upgraded. I'm not sure I even want to try another one or what I'll do just yet. I will keep you posted & let you know what transpires. I may try to talk w/sales manager on the day I am told to bring the car in for the new liner. Thanks for all your thoughts and suggestions. I'm following all the suggestions you both have provided, & appreciate the support. Gail
Having read your E with interest, I have to agree with you that my car may not qualify for a "lemon," given that I haven't lost 15 days of its use per se, nor has it been in 3 times for the same issue, other than the tire situation, and they did try to resolve that, finally letting air out and locating a damaged strut, which they replaced. my understanding of the lemon law in Mass is that it need not be 15 "consecutive" days, but a combined total. I'm just about there with all the "return" jaunts I have to make with it,but again...in reality, does that qualify for a lemon...I don't think it will. BTW- Today, I got in the car for an errand, & noticed ONSTAR's phone button was RED and BLINKING and never saw that, as it's generally a light green color. I pushed the button & a rep. from ONSTAR came on & I asked her what it was "red,"....fearing it meant the "LEMON-Mobile" had a problem. She assured me it wasn't the "Lemons" fault, but that there was something wrong & ran a diagnostic. Well, that indicated the microphone was damaged and not operating correctly, and she then asked if I had gone through a car wash with the car, or had any water issues!! Need I say anything more???? Ü Also, wires may've been disturbed when shop tried to work with the damaged liner, pulling it, stretching it, etc. I like the style of the car, and it's interior; but do I like it enough to try to keep this car, or work towards another....I don't know...and it scares me for the obvious reasons, mainly all which is on the boards here. It's like waiting for a bomb to drop, in "anticipation" of future problems. I'll keep you posted, and hope this is of help to others. Thanks again.
I don't think it's GM's fault.
BY
Here's another unhappy brand new Kia Sportage owner: "Well, here I am back again. They put in the new computer, replaced the sensor. The ABS and ESP lights actually stayed off for 4 days. Now they're back on. Took it back to the dealer. They all looked at me like deer in the headlights. Now the Service guys are saying it is something to do with the wire harness.
So I got the car brand new on Feb. 11...and have driven it for 5 days total out of 12. The rest of the time it's been sitting at the dealer. Looks like we'll be seeing a lawyer. This thing is a total lemon. Don't buy it ... beware... LX V6 FWD."
Or this one: "I've had my 2005 KIA sportage for 3 weeks, one of which has been spent in the service dept. The transmission seal is bad & no one at the dealership or at corportate KIA can figure out the correct part number for replacement. They've overnighted 3 of them so far and none of them fit. They're sending 2 more tomorrow. I'm a commissioned road rep and need my car for my biz....I'm fed up and want out of the deal. KIA, so far, seems undependable and the dealership is embarrassed. I only have 800 miles on it but KIA customer service doesn't seem to care or be willing to do anything about it. My mission is to get the dealership where I bought it to cancel my contract, take back the car, or make sure everyone I know & meet NEVER buys a KIA."
My point? every single model has lemons and its fair share of problems. Every single one. Good luck with yours.
Post an update of hwat is happening with your Rondy
Has anyone heard ANYTHING good/bad the 2006s?
I wish you well with the Rndy if you go that route. As JK said, all makes/models have some issues. I don't want to say one way or another because I don't feel I can honestly tell you one way or the other. I have heard 04-06 are nice and I saw an 06 yesterday with DVD player and everything up on an overhead, with fake decor inside for wood trim. It looked nice, dealer wanted $30K. I love the looks of the car, but I will tell you as you may've noted, it blows in the wind big time, despite those who will say it doesn't. Maybe I have weak muscles! :shades: Good luck with your decision. Mine's been a lemon since April 25 when purchased with just 1500 miles. This board is a great source of support, and obviously you found it.
will the 07 rdv be a redesign? anyone know what it will be like?
If you've seen the Buick Centieme concept (above), it's said to resemble that quite a bit, only larger and with more balanced "real world" styling features. As for powertrains, supposedly will have both the 3.6L VVT V6 and an optional V8 (either the 5.3L DOD or the new variation of the Northstar), and the new 6-spd auto as the only transmission.