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Comments
Phil
Last October I traded the '03 in for a very low mile used '05 AWD model. I now have close to 30,000 miles on this one and it hasn't been back for any repairs. Fuel milage is a little less, just over 20 MPG (my guess is that is due to the wider 17" tires on the '05). I'm using synthetic oil in this one, and changing it at 8000 miles, unless the oil change light comes on sooner (the oil life monitor usually goes about 10,000 miles in summer and 8000 miles in winter before it lights up - based on my driving conditions). Once again, I am very pleased with my second Rendezvous.
I am tall, so I need a lot of head room and leg room. And due to back/hip problems, I need to have a wide seat that has a high, upright driving position and good back support. There is simply no other vehicle out there that has the combination of features I need with the possible exception of a few of the full size SUV's. But I can't afford the gas or the monthly payments on those.
If you like the features of the Rendezvous, don't pay attention to the magazine critics who drive the vehicle for a day or two before telling you "everything there is to know about it". Listen to the people who have lived with the vehicle for many months and many thousands of miles.
I would however, make a few recommendations:
1. Stay away from the '02 models due to the sheer number of complaints.
2. Buy an extended warantee.
3. If you drive in the mountains regularly, look for one with the 3.6L engine.
The main issues are the following.
BCM-tons of electrical problems
Intake and Head gaskets that leak
AC Condensor
Wheel Bearings and hubs
Stalling and refusing to restart
Some 02 RDV's have been trouble free.Our 2002 CXL AWD had tons of BCM problems so we got rid of it before it ran out of factory warranty.
On the plus side they are a roomy and very nice riding vehicle
Phil
I can't figure out why my Dad's '53 Buick didn't look like that!
thanks jj
2006 AWD Rendezvous, CXL Luxury Package, PLUS CXL Plus Package, with 2nd row captain's chairs.
This is the first offer they've given me - done completely via internet negotiations. I've checked & invoice on this looks like $33,253.
What do you guys think? Should I ask for something even lower? If so, what price do you suggest I ask for? Thanks in advance! (I've also posted this on the "prices paid" topic but saw that this forum may see a little more action.)
Car fever is kind of fun but there's another car on the next lot in the next town and if you have the "I can walk" attitude you may be able to get a great deal.
TMV should be your target and since TMV is somewhat of an average, an educated shopper like you should be able to beat it.
If there aren't any "out the door" pricing stories over in the Buick Rendezvous: Prices Paid & Buying Experience discussion, search for some using the Advanced Search tool on the left sidebar. That phrase has worked wonders for lots of people.
Look at the body integrity-or the absence of!
It's a very poorly built vehicle inside and out. Every time I wash it, I check for leaks.
I've owned GM vehicles since 1977. This is my last one. To do over, I'd go with the Honda Pilot or the HIghlander.
I had many of the same problems as well. I think I may have more BCM replacement than oil changes. I had less than 30,000 miles on my RDV. I figure I better get rid of it before my extended warranty runs out.
It's a very nice vehicle when it's working properly, but in my case, I had way too many unscheduled dealer visits. Best of luck to all you 2002 RDV owners, and thank you all for providing informations on this board. I really learned a lot and I bet you all a farewell.
I lost my owner's manual and need help on how to program the garage door opener that is built into the Rendezvous overhead counsel. Your help is greatly appreciated.
To those ends, we will be shutting down the general make/model discussions and work exclusively with specific issues. This requires us to populate the make/model subsections with relevant, interesting and timely topics. Rather than having the hosts simply create boilerplate topics for each make/model, we feel that you, the owner, the make/model enthusiast and the prospective buyer can best judge what those topics should be.
You can help by adding a discussion (it's easy!) or suggesting one here.
To add a discussion, click on the last link in the "You are here" line at the top of this page. That will take you to the topic page for this make/model. Review the list of topics and click on the "Add discussion" link when you've decided what topic you'd like to add. Follow the directions and you're done! Feel free to add more than one. Just avoid duplicating existing topics and try not to make it TOO specific!
Your help and continued participation in the Forums is greatly appreciated! Thanks.
Buick Rendezvous
tidester, host
Phil
Ideally, we'd get the 3.6L engine but I would be satisfied with the 3.5L.
The 3.4L was around for several years before the first Rendezvous was sold plus it is an old-school design, so it should be more solid / bug-free than a newer engine model -- at least in theory. The 3.5L I think was an evolution of the 3.4L and has been used for a few years.
Am I more likely to have engine/drivetrain problems with a 3.6L Rendezvous than a 3.5L version?
I know the 3.6 is much higher-tech and significantly more powerful, and also boasts a 2 mpg higher fuel economy rating in the AWD (23 mpg in the 3.5 vs. 25 mpg in the 3.6). But the used 3.6 specimens are harder to find and seem to be more expensive.
I'm just not sure if it is worth digging around for a 3.6L RDV or if I would be better off with the 3.5L. The 3.5 feels peppy in our Malibu Maxx and I know the RDV's weight would slow it down somewhat, but I would still expect it to feel sufficiently powerful.
Don
Just thought I'd mention that (knock on wood) my 2002 AWD is still going great. Lifetime average fuel economy is 19.5 MPG. FWIW, I am an engineer and have tracked it every fillup since day one. Mine has had the usual list of things go wrong including the BCM and wheel bearings. All were fixed under warranty. I've done front and back brakes the second time and am on my 2nd set of Dunlop Radial Rovers. Mileage went down 1 MPG with this tire, but they are great in the snow here just east of Buffalo, NY.
http://web.mac.com/k2qo/iWeb/Site/Welcome.html
Check out some photos for fun!
I really need the AWD and lots of room for junk as the photos show, so I hope this one runs a while more because I have NO IDEA what I'd replace it with save for maybe a Honda Element.
Best regards,
Mark
Clarence, NY
Any Help is appreciated,
Zootr
I have an 04 Ultra and I had the local U-Haul company install my hitch. It is less than half the cost of the GM hitch and works great. The RDV is not for big time hauling but I have been using it to move complete dorm rooms back and forth without problems (beds chairs desks etc). I had them install the 2" receiver rather than the 1" so I would have a bigger choice of trailers.