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

Chevy Venture

1…457910…49

Comments

  • offhamoffham Member Posts: 344
    Re#315. Thanks for the tip on windshield cracks.
  • SAhladasSAhladas Member Posts: 35
    Never heard of 'aluminum paint' before. Aluminized steel is sheet steel where the outer surface has a thin layer of aluminum on it. You don't need to plate it to prevent rust, but it can rust at welds or cuts where the steel core becomes exposed.
  • venture4meventure4me Member Posts: 3
    we bought a 99 venture exactly one year ago today and have loved it everyday since, now has 26,000 miles, it was in the shop once becasue of the airbag light and once because the sliding door lock would not work with remote lock but both visit occurred around oil change time anyway.

    when we got the silvermist color it was great until everybody else bought it, cant find any thing to make it look cool Thanks for the egr link I ordered the dust vent already.

    If anyone has any accesories I'd appreciate it

    want to get bugshild and window visors in clear so I paint them but can't find those either

    would also like to see any pictues of accesorized ventures
  • van_fanvan_fan Member Posts: 8
    We purchased a LT 8 passenger. It does come with a built in child seat. It is not even noticeable when not in use. Our regret is that we didn't order one with 2 built in seats. The kids love them (makes them feel like a big kid) and it makes life so much easier when using the car with adults.
  • offhamoffham Member Posts: 344
    Picked up my brand new Dark Sapphire Blue Venture LT this am. This was ordered thru carOrder.com and chose to pick it up from Dealer some 70 miles away in PA rather than the flatbed delivery to NJ. The van was in pristine condition, everything explained and worked. No cracks in windshield and radio/cd etc is superb. Headphones are mailed after delivery. Rides like a dream. Furthermore the price I paid for it $24500 including NJ Tax/Title was unbeatable.

    We had a "Dustbuster" APV for nine years and we are looking forward to similar type of service.
  • offhamoffham Member Posts: 344
    Checked this am and it is stainless steel all the way including exhaust and tail pipe. No rust at all. Window sticker confirms same
  • hadestoupeehadestoupee Member Posts: 3
    This is a question for venman1 about message 312 and increasing fuel mileage. What is a K&N filter and where do you get one?
  • venman1venman1 Member Posts: 6
    A K&N air filter is a filter that increases air flow to the induction system, and decreases
    restriction allowing improved airflow for better power and fuel mileage.they can cost between $30 to $50 but they last the lifetime of the vehicle all you have to do is clean it out every 30,000 to 50,000 miles.
    you can get them at any autoparts store, usually
    check out their site at www.knfilters.com
  • jengelbertjengelbert Member Posts: 1
    This also is a question for the venman1.
    I have a 1999 Chevy Venture van with the 3.4 liter engine. I have contacted various auto parts stores all of whom seem to carry K & N products, but none of them seem to have a listing for this vehicle. I was in hopes that you might be able to give me the correct model # or part # for the air filter that you have installed in your venture.
    Perhaps I could then have them do a search with this info. Thanks for any help!
  • venman1venman1 Member Posts: 6
    This filter is also listed as fitting
    94-96-buick regal
    94-96-grand prix
    94-97-olds cutlass supreme
    95-97- chev lumina
    so if your autoparts store does not list one for venture im sure if you tell them one of these models the part # 332063 will come up .any questions contact me. also drop the 1 of the part number its not needed.
  • offhamoffham Member Posts: 344
    Refer #312 venman#1. Can you advise how much you paid for this as EGR are not a retailer. Does it hav a cut out for the high rear brakelight and
    did you get it painted to match the van. Assume it secures to stand carwash etc.

    Thanks for info
  • venman1venman1 Member Posts: 6
    I paid $54 plus shipping and handling , you have to contact them and ask for a distributor near you
    yes it has a cut out for the brake light.and no I did not get it painted to match my van. I am not sure if it would take the beaten in a carwash cause I don't use them I had a bad experience with a automatic carwash one ripped the antenna off my car and beat the heck out of the car with it .
  • big__daddybig__daddy Member Posts: 30
    Last sunday we were driving along when the "low coolant level" message pops up. Crap we've not even owned this van for a month yet! Turns out it's a busted radiator which is being replaced under warranty. The mechanic says either the rad was improperly installed at the factory or else it's a building defect. Itend to believe the latter. This all happened on a sunday so we could't even get a loaner that day since the dealer is closed. At least the roadside assistance didn't take long the flatbead was there in under 45 min. I hope we don't have any more breakdowns with this new van! We traded the old clunker we had before in because the repair bills were killing us.
  • dennie4dennie4 Member Posts: 24
    We purchased a 2000 Chevy Venture Van,
    Warner Brothers Edition three weeks ago. It came with traction control and the trailering package and right power door. The list price with destination was $30,770 The dealer offered $2500 off list, plus GM was nice enough to offer a $500 loyalty bonus. In our area that weekend the Cleveland Auto show was offering a bonus $ 500 off any GM vehicle. Also we took the $1500 incentive from GM, which took the price of the vehicle to $25770. It was the best deal I have received on a vehicle. We looked at the Honda's and the Chrysler Town and Country. I wasn't that impressed that much with the Honda, especially since their was a month waiting list and you paid list price. The Chrysler Town and Country was very nice, but they wouldn''t deal on them. The Venture has more features than the other two for the money. The kids love the video system, it has a very nice picture. Also the sound system is top notch. The only concern I had was the poor test crash results. I read a lot of mixed results on them in various magazines and postings here. I would suggest any one to strongly consider the Venture Van. I almost forgot I had a piece of crap trade in that they gave me another $1000 for.I couldn't have gotten that if I sold it my self.
  • bdg13bdg13 Member Posts: 1
    You bought a Venture LT for $24500, and that included NJ tax and title? How did you manage that; a final cost, including destination, tax and everything for far below invoice? Let me know where you went. I also live in NJ (not far from Philly), and will gladly go to PA for that. Sounds too good to be true. That is the SD package, correct? Any other extras? I guess you took the rebate, I may go with the 0.9% for 60 months.
  • lilmorglilmorg Member Posts: 1
    I'm very seriously considering the 2000 Venture, Warner Bros. Edition. The vehicle we're looking at has the automatic passenger-side sliding door, traction control and the touring suspension. The sticker price on this vehicle is around $30,700 and the dealership is offering it @ around $28,500. I'm definitely leaning towards the 0.9% financing over 60 months vs. the $1,500. Any suggestions on what I should offer?
  • offhamoffham Member Posts: 344
    I ordered the Venture 2000LT only option was the 8 passenger seating at no charge. I went with carOrder.com (They're in Town Hall)and ordered in January. Correct I took a $2000 rebate, but carOrder discounted the dealer invoice by $800 in addition. At time of pick up from Reedman in Langhorne PA carOrder had to pay $2411 as the difference to the quote and the order cost from Reedman. This appears to have happened to a lot of people in Jan, plus we got a special $100 check for hanging in. I tried for the GM loyalty $500 but only applied on on lot and had to be out of dealer by 2/29/00

    carOrder now offering in NJ about 1% over dealer invoice, plus the option of the $1500 rebate which is close to $26150 incl tax/title.

    I know I lucked out big time and special order through factory that was virtually made the next week.

    Good luck
  • greg32greg32 Member Posts: 48
    I have a 1997 Venture with 7 passenger bench seats. I would like to add the modular seats so I can have 8 passenger seating. It looks like the floor mounts exist. I just need the seats. Does anybody know where I can purchase these seats?

    BTW, it's been a great van!
  • luvkidsluvkids Member Posts: 2
    Has anyone thought of buying their vehicle through a fleet dealer? We've never bought directly from a dealer before...in fact our bank won't give us a loan unless we use a fleet dealer. They give us $50 over invoice at the fleet dealer. It beats the hell out of buying from some joe who's going to give you a hard time for three hours before caving anyway. You get the same warrenties and service just no hassle. I love it - the internet has some very good features that way too. Just a thought for those who hate the hassle of the "dreaded" salesman. I agree with some other comments here on the Honda. I looked at them today...not at all inpressed with the "comfort" I think I'd be more comfortable sitting on a brick. They have some great features safety wise but nothing for the family like the TV VCR thingy...that would seemingly make my life so much easier while we're traveling (which we do a lot). I have concerns with regards to the safety and crash tests - anyone with any comforting advice? We're looking at the Warner bros. addition.
  • offhamoffham Member Posts: 344
    Luvkids...can you explain what is a fleet dealer ?

    Not heard this expression before
  • dennie4dennie4 Member Posts: 24
    I am still wondering about safety concerns with the Venture van. Has anyone with a Venture Van been in an accident and want to tell us about it. Also I looked at the Pontiac Montana conference room it had some pictures of test results and quite a few comments regarding safety. In the real world I don't know if most of these tests apply. Vans are supposed to have some of the lowest injury rates around. But if there is a problem I can't understand why GM dosen't get right on it. It a shame such a fine Minivan is marred by this.
  • kinjalkinjal Member Posts: 7
    Question for experts:

    is there any difference between exactly similarly eqipped venture LT and Montana other than two-tone paint? Specifically, in absence of sports package option, is montana's suspension better?

    why do so many television programs put montana at the top of minivan list and do not list venture at all?
  • offhamoffham Member Posts: 344
    I am not an expert.

    Apart from the sports suspension option would say that they are identical under the skin. Agree there are differences in the interior dash etc, Have just got a new Venture LT and very pleased with it. GM Divisions pitch their siblings at different market segments. The Venture is family orientated, Montana outdoor and the Pontiac up market.
  • alvinskialvinski Member Posts: 8
    We currently own (one month now) a 2000 venture LT, sandrift, eight passenger, trailer provision with the transmission cooler. I was never a van person myself but I am convinced that I will never go back. My wife and I are very pleased with the van overall, and expect many years of owning this vehicle. I would highly reccomend it to anyone in the market. You will not be disappointed.
  • SAhladasSAhladas Member Posts: 35
    The montanas suspension is not better, just different. The Olds has the 'softest' ride the Chevy in the middle, the Ponitac the stiffest. If you like stiff, I suppose the Montanas is better. GM seems adamant to advertise the Montana as SUV like, I have'nt a clue why.

    Dennie4, 1 crash test does not a safe vehicle make. GM 'does not get right on it' because they do not view this as a major problem. Go check out the IIHS site statistics that show the GM injury rate is actually a bit better then the crashworthy Sienna.
  • dennie4dennie4 Member Posts: 24
    SAHladas,
    Thanks for the words of wisdom, I agree with you. What I can't understand is why people are waiting months for the Honda Van and paying full price. I am not against the Honda, but when you compare it the Venture, especially the Warner Brothers Van it comes up short. For around $2000 more than the Honda I got the entertainment system, leather seats, a great stereo system with cassette and cd player, trailering package, traction control, a power door, touring suspension and touring tires. The value comes up for the Chevy all things aside.As I have said I have nothing against the Honda except to me it dosen't seem to be that great of deal
  • offhamoffham Member Posts: 344
    When looking at vans in Jan, Honda dealer in NJ wanted $2000 mark up over sticker plus a 12 week wait. Honda have had problems with this van especially on electric sliding doors. It is only the fact that Consumers Assoc, gave it a top rating that the order books went through the roof. Honda make 66000 per annum at the Canadian plant so supply is well below demand.

    We could not spring for the WB,(Did you have the Bugs Bunny logo removed ??) but got the LT and had it over a week. It is a really superior van in every respect and even with 500 miles ave 23 mpg..according to the computer.

    Instead picked up a small 9" tv with VCR from Sears @ $265.00. As I have the 8 seat version we will fold center 2nd row seat all the way foward.

    The TV will sit on floor but found one of those keyboard wrist rests will raise it up enough for the back seat passengers to view. Got an adapter at Radio Shack to allow two headphones.

    Cheers
  • neptune69neptune69 Member Posts: 1
    well folks,
    my wife and I bought a chevey venture cargo van. Its a 99, and we have had it for 7 months now, and have had it in for repair on the anti skid module, 4 oil leaks, they had to replace the rack and pinion, and now i got still another oil leak (5 now!), and while i found the leak, i noticed that my front tyres were rounding on the outside edges of the tread. with futher inspection, i found that all four of my bolts that hold my sway bar in place, are loose, (one actually missing!) mabey I should have waited and got the WB package. at least it would've come with a lucky rabbits FOOT! well, we are going to take it in and try to get a new van, we love the room and the hight that we have over our old saturn. Any one know if I can TRADE UP AND PAY THE DIFFERANCE? I am tyred of this van being in the shoppe soooo much.
  • vanateevanatee Member Posts: 1
    Does anyone else feel excessive heat on their stereo and heating/cooling controls on long drives? We just bought a 2000 WB edition Venture. The van is great but the stereo gets very hot to the touch. I can't imagine this is normal as it might warp a CD or damage a tape?
  • ronsmith38ronsmith38 Member Posts: 228
    I noticed this same condition on our 2000 Silhouette. The dealer says this is normal. Any other opinions?
  • dennie4dennie4 Member Posts: 24
    I noticed the same thing in our 2000 Warner Bros.Van. The radio was a lot warmer than I think it should be. At first I thought it might be the heater being so close, but I turned on the ac and even with cold air blowing out it stayed very warm. Does it have any thing to do with the cd player, the night mine was so warm, we were playing cd's. I also think these are new radios this year. I would sure like to know if this is a problem. I'll call my dealer and ask them, probably get the same answer, thats normal.
  • offhamoffham Member Posts: 344
    We have had ours a few days, and not really noticed anything. Does this happen after a few minutes or longer with radio solo or just when CD playing.

    You can call Chevrolet customer service direct or www.chevrolet.com and create a file but have the VIN number in case it is a batch of radios.

    Will report back tomorrow.
  • offhamoffham Member Posts: 344
    Further on above, played CD for 45 minutes and although the unit was warm after about 25 min, it was not at a level where I would go to the dealer.

    When I took the CD out it was slightly warm, again nothing that I would consider as unusual.
  • greg32greg32 Member Posts: 48
    I have a 1997 Venture and the radio gets very warm also. We have gone on long trips and played cassettes throughout the trips with no problems. No warping or damage to the tapes. Also use a tape to CD converter in the tape drive with no problems. It is odd that it gets so warm. Maybe they're still using tubes in the radio ;)
  • todobomtodobom Member Posts: 4
    My wife and I purchased a 2000 Montana about a month ago and have been very satisfied thus far. To my knowledge, the Montana, Venture, and Silo, all roll out of the same plant in Doraville Georgia, they just have different skin and other nuances. The drive trains are all identical, therefore transmission reliability in a Montana should be no different than a Venture. I agree with a previous poster, the Montana is no more a SUV than is a Porsche Boxster, it's just the Pontiac folks have apparently found a way to sell more vans telling us it is.

    As for heat on the radio controls, I've noticed that too, even from the steering wheel controls. It's not been enough to alarm me, just noticeable.

    The suspension on my Montana is "sport" (i.e, pretty stiff) but I ordered it that way to minimize the side to side roll that I felt was present on the "touring" suspensions of the Silo and Venture. Not to say it's any better, just what I preferred. If you too prefer a stiffer suspension, the Montana is the only one of the three that offers that option.

    Overall, I love the van and would recommend any of the three.
  • offhamoffham Member Posts: 344
    In #351 posted all seemed normal. However long trip back today it was quite warm. One thing I noticed as it was at night the lights behind the radio controls seem to add to the problem.
  • littledog22littledog22 Member Posts: 1
    I was very interested when I read about the K&N air filter you mentioned in previous posts. When I called a local auto parts store, they said there was no listing for the 2000 Montana or any of the 2000 GM trio. He called K&N directly to ask, and was told there was no filter that would fit at this time. I waited about a week, then called the K&N tech support 800 number myself. They told me that they do not have a filter that will fit the 2000 GM trio minivans, and the part number 332063 that you mentioned may fit, but would not seal properly and should not be used in the 2000 vehicles. He suggested that I call back in a month or so to check if they have one listed yet. I was disappointed, but will be anxious to get one when they become available. Thanks for the tip. Guess I should post this on the Montana and Silo topics, it may be helpful there too.
  • mcw70mcw70 Member Posts: 1
    I was just about ready to buy
    the chevy LS ext cab until the
    powered door wouldn't open and
    the keyless entry remote didn't
    work. The sales MANAGER
    pried both of the remotes open
    with a screwdriver scratching
    them up and a very small spring
    had even fallen out of one,(this
    happened shortly after his
    knowledgeable sales man had told
    me that when the batteries run
    down in the keyless remote-
    don't attempt to change them
    myself- take them to a chevy
    service dept to change and pay
    only $2- due to the fact many
    people end up breaking them by
    using screwdrivers and such
    tools and they cost $65 to
    replace.)
    So, before I attempt to make
    the same purchase at another
    dealer(Needless to say I have
    spared you on a lot of other
    details from my almost purchase.
    and I will not be returning to
    that dealership) I would like
    to know if anyone has
    experienced the remote not
    working -unlocking, locking or
    opening the auto-slider door. I
    really didn't want to buy a
    vehicle that needed fixing before it left the dealer brand new!
  • offhamoffham Member Posts: 344
    Further on #354. Both dealer and Chevrolet state this is normal and as mentioned at night the button lights do add to the heat level. This radio is used in the Monte Carlo and other current models.
  • offhamoffham Member Posts: 344
    As interest on a recent trip highway/local ave 25.1mpg.This for a brand new van now with 1500 miles on the clock. Cannot help but be impressed with this performance.
  • alvinskialvinski Member Posts: 8
    Had the van for two months now, no problem with remote or power door. Works great. I would encourage to go to another dealership and check one out.
  • familyman3familyman3 Member Posts: 2
    Those of you who are getting 25-26 mpg on the highway, how fast are you driving, and are you on level ground?

    We have a 2000 Venture and get 28-29 mpg on the level road. But then again, we are in a rural area and that's driving just under 60 mph.

    I do notice that the mpg decreases as I near 70 mph on the interstate, so I assume that's a factor. Any input out there?
  • offhamoffham Member Posts: 344
    Re #358 Bear in mind this is a new van and driving was highway at 55/65...maybe a bit more at times, plus a lot of local (We were at a Hockey Tournament - Hotel to rink around Boston)

    My son was intrigued with the mpg readout which can go from 17 to 99 depending on how heavy you are on the gas. Tried to use Cruise control as much as I could on highway.

    Around home it is used for short trips. Nice to know that it is capable of even better mpg.

    When I read all the Mazda MPV notes with a Ford 2.5 ltr trying to make 19mpg on a trip I know we made the right choice.
  • chuck87chuck87 Member Posts: 1
    Good Evening...
    I am about to lease a 2000 Chevy Ventura and would like any comments from a current owner.
    Thanks,
    Karen
  • offhamoffham Member Posts: 344
    Karen:

    As you can see from post above yours we are delighted with the van which we have had since 3/9

    It feels solid on the road, handles well and a delight to drive and be a passenger. Plenty of room especially behind the rear seats. The 2000 model seems to be the best year so far. We have the LT version 8 passenger seats.

    My wife uses every day and has gotten use to the size of the van compared with the previous "dustbuster" Lumina APV. One thing we do notice is that you have to use the side and center mirrors a lot more when reversing rather than looking over your shoulder due to the head rests on the seats.

    Hopefully you will not be disappointed.
  • mar915mar915 Member Posts: 2
    I heard that the integral child seats are no longer offered, is that true and do you know why?
  • sixpacksixpack Member Posts: 3
    I am wondering if anyone has had any trouble with their Venture vans pass key system.
    Our van acted up a couple of weeks ago, by dying right after starting a few times. Shortly after that, the pass key light came on. The van drives fine and starts fine now, but the annoying light remains on. I took it to the dealer and they got it to go off, saying that is was a dirty key. They cleaned the key and sent me on my way.
    Well, the very next time it was started, the light was back! Now it is on sometimes, and other times it isnt.
    We love our Venture...the seats are all comfortable, excellent power and 8 passenger is the way to go..if you dont need 8, the center modular seat comes out easily..I plan on taking it out when traveling, so that the kids can move around a little and go from center row to back if needed. I needed the 8 pass for my carpool to school.
    We havent experienced any other trouble at all..except that the miles are adding up way too fast...I live in the van practically, with 4 kids!
    We have had it since Sept. and have 9500 miles on it already.
    Thank you for the tips on the air filter, the dust guard and the manual. My hubby will eventually be doing maintenance on the van...when the warranty is up!
    VENTURES ARE THE WAY TO GO!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • sixpacksixpack Member Posts: 3
    By the way...The pass key light comes on when we use the other key also..so it isnt the key.
    How do we get other keys made with this feature? Does anyone know?
    Dont pay more than 100 over invoice, Venture seekers
    We got ours for 22,000 with everything except the rear stereo and the power door.
  • tourvan500tourvan500 Member Posts: 1
    We have a 2000 Venture with a child seat and were told it will not be available in the future. When the dealer did not say.

    Has anyone had problems with the Data Information system? Compass keeps resetting They have replaced the system three times. Now the passenger window motor quick working. I am wondering if the real problem is electrical.
  • ronsmith38ronsmith38 Member Posts: 228
    Do you ever park in or near an all metal building?
    I parked next to an all metal apple storage shed with my Silhouette and the compass reset. To set, drive in a circle several times.
Sign In or Register to comment.

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles