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Chevrolet Equinox

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Comments

  • zeenzeen Member Posts: 401
    Joey
    Is there a penalty if you just want to walk away at the end of SmartBuy? If not, how is that different from a lease?
  • vuefor2vuefor2 Member Posts: 490
    joey2brix ::: I can't see the engine in one vehicle making any big difference. If you own a CR-V then all the profits went to Japan. At least with an Equinox the profits stay in here in the US. If you are so concerned about US jobs you shouldn't have bought a CR-V in the first place.

    zeen ::: GM always builds room in their prices for cash back and negotiating room. Always have. Rebates will come though I doubt you will see anything like you did on say a Tracker. This vehicle look like it will sell very well. I could see replacing our Vue with one in a few years as I prefer the looks.
  • joey2brixjoey2brix Member Posts: 463
    Zeen: I think it is a lease that you can walk away from, probably then the mileage restrictions kick in. When you figure the balloon payment and what you've payed over 47 months, I bet it's worse then a regular car loan.

    Vuefor2: In '97, Rav4 and CRV were the ONLY mini-SUV. My beef is an old tech motor like the 3.4L is made in upstate NY anyway, why import it? If it's to keep costs down why isn't the Nox cheaper then a Sorrento? Why can't it have a great V6 like the Honda engine (made in the USofA) at Vue prices?

    The Nox is only a good value when I get $2-3K off and I use my 3.5K of GM points. (GM still making money). It's not a good value at it's current price. But this is where GM is screwing itself. If you buy a NOX now for 25K, and in 4 months I buy the same car for 20K, you're worse off in 2 years when the car's value is only 15K. All thanks to GM over valuing their products to the competition.
  • weathermanweatherman Member Posts: 5
    of buyers as most don't want to have a perpetual car payment. Therefore they keep a car 8-9 years and the resale/depreciation is not a real factor. Cars are horrible investments...to keep buying a new one every few years is only burning cash that could be used much wiser. I get the GM employee discount and with the 1sd package and adding side air bags/premium sound system...rebate and 1000 loyalty cash will pay near 20K before any downpayment. I think that is worth this vehicle. The Honda dealer was very firm with the CRV I was looking at and just kept mentioning the Depreciation...but again I keep a car 7-9 years...I really like not having a payment those last few years.
  • joey2brixjoey2brix Member Posts: 463
    It's nice having a Honda. After 7 years I can still get 6 or 7 grand for the car (only cost 18K in '97), helps on the down payment. Some people with 60 month loans have principal balances larger then the value of the car after 4 yrs, scary. I have a '97 Bonneville in great shape/low miles that was 31K sticker. Probably worth 7K now. Doesn't pay to get rid of it, just keep it and run it into the ground.
  • kgbkahnkkgbkahnk Member Posts: 89
    True statement about owning a Honda, but for more reasons than just resale.

    My '92 Accord turned 222,000 miles last week. My wife's '95 Acura Legend has 140k. And my 2002 Chevy Trailblazer turned 11,000 over the weekend.

    Guess which of the three has been in the shop the most? Before you answer, consider that the TB is at the dealer today for an oil change, 2 recalls, and 2 warranty items.

    This 'Nox has me intrigued (as a replacement for the Honda and/or Legend), due to its size, features, price and style. My wife doesn't like driving the TB (too big), but she's ready to have some sort of SUV-type-vehicle for hauling her work and our monsters around. Wish it had a Honda mill under the hood like the Vue Red Line.

    I crawled in and around a loaded 'nox LT the other day. Didn't have time for a test drive, however. Looks nice on the surface, but I'd like to spend a day taking it for a test beat.....er, drive.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Bonneville is bigger, though, I'm sure an Acura RL would have depreciated more than the Accord.

    -juice
  • zeenzeen Member Posts: 401
    That's why I only lease American cars. I don't have to take any more risk on depreciation. It's built into the lease price and if the manufacturer is trying to move cars, it often sets a high residual which in essence limits depreciation.
     The Japanese cars are uniformly a better choice if depreciation is an issue. Even my BMW that I bought in 12/99 for $31K is now only worth about $14K max.
    As for SmartBuy, it seems no different than a regular lease if you can walk away at the end.
  • larryt22larryt22 Member Posts: 125
    I saw my first newspaper ad with a price for a Nox. It must be a FWD LS as the sticker was $22,420. Selling prices was listed as minus $1,000 dealer discount and minus $1,000 bonus cash for a selling price of $20,420.
  • zeenzeen Member Posts: 401
    Thanks Larry. It appears that the dealer is making about $1k on the car and applying the $1k GM cash. Not that great a deal but good to know. Let's all keep the info flowing about advertised prices. Here in Philly, there is no mention of the Nox in the ads. I did see a new TV ad during the UConn/Duke game and the Nox looked quite good.
  • dan165dan165 Member Posts: 653
    Joey2brix, If you like Hondas so much why don't you buy one or a Vue with a Honda engine. I fail to see the point of your complaining. It won't change anything. Like other's have said, if you are so concerned about US jobs why do you want Honda products where profit goes offshore? That is certainly not doing much for the U.S. either.

    Zeen, depreciation has really hit hard here in Canada as of late. With the depreciation of the US dollar, demand for Canadian used cars has dropped right off and prices have tumbled as much as 20% from a year ago. My sales guy was telling me it's hard to sell cars to people with 3-4 year old vehicles who can't get what they owe on a trade.
  • joey2brixjoey2brix Member Posts: 463
    If Saturn took the GM Card points, I'd have a Red Line Vue in my driveway right now! I'm not throwing away $3.5K of points that took 7 yrs to build up. I don't care if the NOX was made in Boswana. Just if you make it with 3rd world low tech parts, price it like it came from the 3rd world (Kia, Daewoo prices for example.) So I'll sit here and whine until bigger rebates kick in on the NOX or Saturn jumps in and starts making deals. When that 26K Nox only costs me 20K (GMCard points plus incentives) then I'll feel I'm getting the car for the right value. Remember it's just come out, we haven't even heard of the recalls and other bugs this car might have.

    Why has the US $ drop effected used car prices? Because new car prices have dropped?
  • driverdmdriverdm Member Posts: 505
    Hey larryt22, in what area do you live? I have been waiting for the Equinox to hit $2000 off so that I can purchase one. If your area is not too far from mine, I might just pck one up.
  • dan165dan165 Member Posts: 653
    A lot of the used car demand in Canada came from the US because the high US dollar meant they were cheaper here for you guys. It kept re-sale prices higher for us. With the fall of the US dollar, US demand fell off and prices have fallen significantly in the last year.

    Your Equinox and US job issues are hard to follow and understand. From what I have read the "low tech" engine you refer to is better than those "high tech" SUV engines . Yes Saturn has your beloved Honda in it but I guess you will have to wait for your deal either way. In the mean time, there is little point in complaining as the car companies are in business to make as much money as they can, not to give you the deal you want.

    ;-)

    BTW. I think you will likely get your "deal" by the end of the year.
  • larryt22larryt22 Member Posts: 125
    I live in Northwest Indiana (an hour east of Chicago). I think you could find this deal just about anywhere.
  • zeenzeen Member Posts: 401
    I would think that if you go to a high volume dealer, you could get $1k off sticker plus the $1k GM cash just about anywhere. There may still be some dealers who think they can sell the Nox at sticker but I would bet those are the guys with small quantities. GM made my local dealer buy 10 Trackers in order to get one Nox. So he looks at the Nox as a treasure and wants top dollar. Another local high volume dealer here has 14 Nox's in inventory and I suspect they will deal.

    As for engines, too bad the I6 Vortec from the Trailblazer at 275 hp couldn't have been squeezed into the Nox.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    The I6 is a truck powertrain, Equinox is car-based, isn't it?

    -juice
  • joey2brixjoey2brix Member Posts: 463
    would probably fit, but the transmission probably needs a very high riding body like the Colorado and TB has. Shame, since the Colorado has the same wheelbase and is actually slightly narrower then the Nox. The Theta platform was only used on the Vue and now the Nox. I don't know if it was ever used in Europe for a car or small SUV.

    Still have not see one on the road. At least being an '05, there shouldn't be a summer shut down for new model changes on the assembly line and inventory will increase this summer.

    With 1K off from the dealer, he's still making $1K. Gotta get that down to $500.
  • jerrywimerjerrywimer Member Posts: 588
    The I5 probably would need a high riding body if it was used in the Nox, since most FWD based vehicles have the engine mounted transversely and the transmission under the engine. For the Colorado, which is RWD / 4WD, the transmission is behind the engine, so the engine can sit lower.
  • lbmcclbmcc Member Posts: 15
    A dealer in my area is quoting 1% below invoice, $1K rebate, and 1.9% for 60m on any Nox vehicles on LOCAL lots. What kind of prices have you seen out there? Is that a good deal?
  • zeenzeen Member Posts: 401
    1% below invoice is the best deal I've seen.
    Finally, here in Southeastern PA there are some Nox ads. One dealer is advertising an AWD LS with a sticker of $24,930 for $21,930 after the GM rebate. Seems like he's making only a few bucks over invoice.
    Another guy with not such a great deal is offering an LT FWD with a sticker of $23,825 for $22,000 after the GM rebate (an $825 discount off MSRP).
    As for a lease deal, there is an AWD (probably an LS) with a MSRP of $24,070 leasing for $269 per month for 48 months with $0 down, first month's lease payment, $275 sec. deposit and $595 bank fee.
  • belgoboybelgoboy Member Posts: 17
    I've been spending the last week trying to figure out the perfect Equinox setup and one dealership here seems to have quite a lot of choice (17 vs 2-3 for the rest). What I'm not too familiar with and REALLY would appreciate your opinion as this would be my first new car purchase is what those who have tested or in general think about leather seats and what exactly is the difference/worth of having the AWD vs. FWD. Once I can settle on that and my color I'm set to get one. FYI I'm in Phoenix and some dealers say that leather is not worth having due to the summer heat. My parents think it doesn't matter with the heat and if I want it to take it but I'm just confused. As for the AWD in my mind I want to know if it slows down performance or if I should just add it on for the 1k I imagine it costs vs. FWD. I appreciate any replies as I'm hoping to finish things up in the coming week.
  • joey2brixjoey2brix Member Posts: 463
    AWD doesn't sound useful. If you plan on keeping the car a long time, FWD is simpler and you'll have less expensive repairs down the road. Sure more options help with resale, but I'm not a believer in leather in SUV's. Not to mention the driver seat starts to look shabby after a few years comparied to the others. Stick with cloth and a nice pair of seat covers.
  • zeenzeen Member Posts: 401
    You don't need AWD unless you do off roading and then you probably don't want a Nox anyway because it's not really set up for that use. As for seats, I have an Envoy with cloth seats and they are more comfortable than leather. They do not get hot or cold and they actually help protect you in a crash by keeping you from sliding forward. Of course, you should look carefully at the Nox cloth. It is unusual in that it doesn't have a knap to it like most cloth covers. It's more like a cotton couch material. As for the Nox leather, it's not too impressive in my view. It's kind of shiny and cheap looking.
  • bwolfebwolfe Member Posts: 4
    FWD or AWD comes down to driving conditions. I'm out in the country in Southcentral PA and my job requires me to be there no matter the weather. I've had 4WD SUV's since '79 except for one AWD car. It got me around but not enough room. I only had it 2 yrs. I'll go with the AWD. How is AWD in the long run? I'd like to hear pros & cons on AWD. I plan on keeping the NOX 6-7 yrs. The light colored cloth seats bother me on the NOX because I think they would get dirty. I asked a dealer if the cloth was treated with scotchguard or anything. He said I could pay extra to have that done. I've looked at the leather seats for a sticker price of $545. I've never had my everyday drive with leather seats. I don't like the idea of buying something new and putting a seat cover over it. I'm waiting a couple months and by then I'll make up my mind.
  • dan165dan165 Member Posts: 653
    I saw my first Equinox on the road yesterday while on the 401 through Toronto. It was a gray one with alloy wheels so likely an LT. It really blew by me so I didn't get a good look but I loved that big bowtie on the back end!

    As far as AWD goes, I don't think you need it but it's nice to have. We have an AWD and through snow and ice it's nice but once can get through it all just fine with out.
  • turksteritisturksteritis Member Posts: 95
    I saw a black Equinox at the local auto show today. Looked killer from the outside being all black with tinted glass. Interior looked cheaper then my 03 EX Tribute. I will test drive one next week & compare it to my AWD tribute.
  • belgoboybelgoboy Member Posts: 17
    I was wondering how you guys get your flags: I see an american,canadian,croatian and even romanian I think. Thanks for the feedback btw.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    The flags are set by the address fields in your profile and it looks like you are from AZ, so you're good to go there. I think the flag will pop up the next time you log in.

    If you roll-over a flag with your mouse cursor, a little window will pop up and tell you the country it represents.

    Welcome to Town Hall!

    Steve, Host
  • jtrujillo86jtrujillo86 Member Posts: 300
    Hey guys! I have a 2002 Oldsmobile Alero with the 3400 V6 engine, and I was just curious as to whether or not the engine in the NOX is the same. I saw the new NOX at the Denver Auto Show (AWESOME), but the engine looks a little bit different since it has a black plastic intake cover. Anyway, let me know.
    Thanks,
    Jeremy
  • joey2brixjoey2brix Member Posts: 463
    Your's leaking yet? At least the transmission is an asin-warner 5 sp auto. Makes you wonder what GM was thinking: compare the weight of your Alero to the Nox. Maybe that plastic cover makes it go faster now.
  • lbmcclbmcc Member Posts: 15
    My wife and I test drove a Nox for the second time today. I agree that the interior looked and felt VERY CHEAP. The front seats were small and stiff. The inside was spacious and it had pretty good pick-up. We went in liking the look and were able to get a decent price, but left for.....the Toyota dealership. Depending on your size needs, I think the Highlanders or RAVs have better overall packages for similiar $$.
  • rhouser2rhouser2 Member Posts: 114
    for those of you that have driven the Nox, how do you rate the electric steering vs. the conventional belt drive steering? have heard some say it takes some getting used to. the Vue has the same system but Saturn says they upgraded the system for a more normal feel. what is the verdict?
  • oldntired1950oldntired1950 Member Posts: 151
    I test drove a Vue 2 years ago and walked away from it because of the electric steering. There was no road feel at all. I ended up with an 02 Liberty instead. I just replaced my wife's car with an 04 Malibu Maxx with the electric steering. It seems that they're doing a much better job now with it than 2 years ago. You've got to take it out and try it for yourself to decide. One man's (or woman's) idea of good road feel may not surfice for another.
  • belgoboybelgoboy Member Posts: 17
    So what did you end up doing? Go for the Toyota or coming back for the Nox?
  • joey2brixjoey2brix Member Posts: 463
    I read this link and my jaw dropped. We all thought that GM was getting the V6 from China to save production costs. Well, IT COSTS MORE THEN A US MADE V6. That realy pisses me off we have to increase our trade deficit, put Americans out of work get a sub-standard product and probably get charged MORE FOR IT. Wouldn't it have made made more sense to buy more AMERICAN made engines from Honda that were probably CHEAPER!!!! Lutz should be run out of Detroit on a rail.

    http://www.thecarconnection.com/index.asp?article=6997&sid=17- 3- &n=156
  • zeenzeen Member Posts: 401
    My wife and I drove the Nox and the steering took no getting used to. It doesn't have the road feel of some cars but it was fine and better than the GMC Envoy I own.
  • lbmcclbmcc Member Posts: 15
    My wife now has a new loaded RAV4(leather...everything!) bought at invoice plus they gave her good money for her trade. Size was not an issue as I drive an Explorer.
  • dan165dan165 Member Posts: 653
    Joeybrix, you really need to do your homework. The Vortec 3400 is not the same as the other 3400s. It's been heavily modified.

    Jtrujillo86, The 3400 is not the same in the equinox your Alero. It's been heavily revised and has a 5-speed auto. It will not be the same driving experience at all.

    Rhouser2, The steering feel seems to be a complaint from some what I read. Anyone know if it tightens up with speed like with the Magnasteer systems?
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    While they may have modified it, it's still a low-tech OHV design. No variable valve control, aluminum block for lightness, and it looks like it even costs more to produce in China. When the VUE somes with a 250hp V6 that has all the latest technology you can't help but feel slighted when you plunk down your $25k for the NOX.
  • exalteddragon1exalteddragon1 Member Posts: 729
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Too bad it didn't get as many revisions as the 3500 in the Malibu.

    Look at fuel efficiency and HP. They got 15hp out of 0.1 liters? Can't be, it must be better designed.

    -juice
  • joey2brixjoey2brix Member Posts: 463
    The Malibu is not selling that great since the high incentives are there already. The 3500's in only one car in '04 so ship some 3500's up to Ontario. Chevy might even be able to lower the price!
  • dan165dan165 Member Posts: 653
    "high tech" OHC motors aren't everything. While I like the motor in our Bravada, I am just as happy with the 3800 in my Grand Prix GT. Who cares as long as it's refined and works? Not most people I would guess. From what I have read here, the VUE was not suppose to get the Honda engine, it got it because another Saturn project got killed and the engine deal was already done.

    If you have to have "high tech" then I guess you have to get something else. I think the "new" Escape has an OHC engine. Looks like a great little SUV also.
  • dan165dan165 Member Posts: 653
    Where have you read the Malibu is not selling well? My dealer only usually has 1 or 2 in stock and I see lots of them around these days. I've even seen a couple of Maxxes.
  • joey2brixjoey2brix Member Posts: 463
    I think there's 1K cash back. There was a bigger incentive last month. There are several models still using the 3.4L and only the Malibu using the 3.5L, plus I'd assume some Bu's get the Ecotec engine anyway. I would just think that importing more 3.5L engines from Mexico would be better then bringing 3.4L from China.

    I'm hoping that the GM Card Earnings will soon be usable with Saturn cars since Saturn is becoming more of another GM "division". Saturn has a 100 day supply of Vue's and has idled the Tenn. plant for 2 weeks. I think the Vue RedLine with the Honda V6 is just as sharp looking car as the Nox with a ton more performance. With 0% finance and $1K cash back and the ability to use GM Earning points, the Vue could be a much better value.
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    I guess it's still a wash. Does GM's "normal" OHC engines get variable valve timing and alloy consruction? Or do they still consider that something reserved for Cadillac and other cars of that ilk. I think it's a shame for GM, the largest car company in the world to be so far behind Honda, which is one of the last independent automakers in engine refinement and technology. Or even Nissan who puts that 3.5L V6 in everything they build. Toyota has it's new 3.3 which is based on the old 3.0L. What's even more depressing is GM has built DOHC V6 engines before but still haven't phased out the OHV ones.

    Especially now that they have a model that I am genuinely interested in.
  • gces12gces12 Member Posts: 2
    Why not just buy the Endeavor? Pretty much the same price but a better vehicle
  • murfdogmurfdog Member Posts: 61
    I went to the chevrolet website and they no longer show the metallic orange as an option for the LT.

    Believe it or not, that was a big selling point to me as a UT graduate. I was on the fence between cars and that was the last item that would push me over to the equinox side.

    Edmunds listed the "fussion orange metallic" but the chevy website removed the colors.

    How could I find out if the color is no longer available ?
  • bigdaddycoatsbigdaddycoats Member Posts: 1,058
    The fusion orange is no longer available. I have seen two Nox with this color but they were both company owned vehicles. Do not know why this color was dropped.
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