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I would like to jack into the 6 CD radio, which keeps time BTW. Has anyone pulled the radio to see if there is a jack in ,on the back, which one would control on the front radio control with the CD/AUX side of the AM/FM rocker switch?
Has anyone pulled the tall plastic panel that covers the radio from the center console to the dash? How do you get it off?
thanks
Spiritman
Love the RDV and would buy another in a heartbeat
Spiritman
Still waiting for the car to arrive though!!!
Binoy
Love the HUD! My wife thinks the heated seats are now a "must have" on any future vehicles. The memory seats are convenient (wife and I are only operators) as the remote openers trigger the seat to "1" or "2", depending on her's or mine being used to unlock the vehicle. We also got the trailer towing, captain seats (no at home children), and sunroof on our CXL. The only item we would give up is the sunroof - although on overcast days it provides more inside light with the shade opened.
The "tire pressure" is explained in the manual - not as the pressure read out of individual tires, but as a "flat alert" or significant difference between the tires. My sister-in-law got the alert on her Buick Century when she started to leave a parking lot with one tire flat (picked up a nail).
nosuvyet - ditto. Like you, I seriously considered the MDX...I really wanted to like it more than the RDV, but I didn't. I consider it a bonus that I saved $8000.
And...the Atomic Clock 24 days later:
Wristwatch - 1/2 second fast (Wow!)
Computer - 41 seconds fast
RDV radio - 2:55 slow
So appreciate all the information from prior messages. John from Northern California and Raiders/Niners affiliation, do you have any Bay Area dealers to recommend? Or anyone else in North or South Bay area? Thanks so much.
Around town I usually get 21-22 mpg with a combination of highway, jammed highway, suburban surface streets, and jammed suburban surface streets; typical metro Atlanta, Ga traffic. For those who are getting lesser gas mileage readings on your 'DIC' than you expect let me suggest that you reset your AVG. MPG setting the next time you fill up. I spoke to a CXL owner who works where I do and she was complaining of poor but slowly rising mileage figures on her 'DIC' but she had never reset it. Without resetting it is calculating over the entire fuel used since last being reset. I will check with her the next time I see her and report her results here.
When I had my first oil change I made a few service requests but the dealer could not replicate my concerns. I will raise them again when I have my second oil change. First issue was I thought I was feeling some vibration in the steering at about 60 mph. After test driving it they could not feel anything unusual. They offered to re-balance the tires but I decided to wait until the second oil change when I will have the tires rotated. Second item they could not replicate was a slight squeak coming from the passenger door or speaker. I now know to take them over a bumpy road and they will hear it, I hope. It is very minor. Last thing they couldn't replicate was bumpy shifting in stop and go traffic. This seems to be getting more noticeable between 2nd and 3rd as well so I should be able to get them to replicate it this time. Any one else feeling this?
The last item I would like to mention is a safety flaw my kids discovered. They love the RDV btw, and like to ride in the 3rd seat with the 2nd row seats folded up. However when they do this they cannot easily let themselves out of the vehicle. When the 2nd row seats are folded forward the door latches are partially blocked and will not pull out far enough to engage the mechanism. My oldest son has no problem folding down the seat and letting himself out but it is awkward for my youngest. I think this could be a huge problem in an emergency. Does anyone know if this is typical with vehicles that have fold up 2nd seats or is it unique to the RDV?
Overall I am very happy with the RDV. The ride and feel are very rewarding. It begs me to drive it like a sports sedan, so I do...sometimes. It is also nice to drive it like a Cadillac because it is so smooth and quiet.
cw: I got a good laugh seeing your Oak "1" comment.
PS: Anyone find out about the snow chains yet? We're planning a Yosemitee trip again between Christmas & New Years, and we'll need some for sure. We've been going twice a year for the last year or two - one of our favorite places.
CWJ
The truck is made in Mexico, and the engine is made in Mexico, also.
If you had an Olds Bravada, it was either made in New Jersey or Shreveport, LA.
jwsmith: My wife loves the heated seat option, after having it on her last Park Avenue Ultra and a Regal GS. Even in San Antonio, she uses it quite a lot because leather can feel quite cold on a mild morning.
Joe
John B.
I talked with another local dealer today, who felt sure that HUD could not be added to the D package, only comes on the E package - but RDV brochure lists it as available on CXLs without specifiying which group - have to do more research.
Still would greatly appreciate any info. or reviews of onstar, especially handless personal calling and virtual advisor -
Anyone hear or see anything about 03's? Thanks again! Dorene1 and family
Now with 1800 miles I need to have the oil changed. I will stay with Castrol, it's been good to me over the years. And I GOT to find time to wash and wax a the black Rendezvous! Black Beauty has the radio handle we got. I think it fits!
About the HUD: we drove CXL/AWD Versatility pkg with and w/out HUD -- apparently to get the HUD, you also have to get the moonroof and chrome wheels. Go figure how these three things are related... but apparently they are generally bundled together. FYI, we decided against the HUD pkg to save $1,000 - I personally found it not helpful, but distracting, but it sounds as if I am in the minority here. Plus, we've now had three cars with moonroofs (VW, Toyota, Subaru) and, nice though they are when they work, all three had moonroof problems (the cable broke in the '92 Toyota about 5 years ago and we were told it's an $800 fix -- it's been taped shut with duct tape ever since!) (no, I'm not Granny Clampett... really)
Also, salesman also told us that the RDV had two tuners -- one for the rear audio and one for the front. I do believe he lied -- or perhaps the gentleman was just misinformed :-) -- but the manual clearly states either front or back controls radio tuner.
Btw, I am still waiting for the car. Shall most likely be buying it tomorrow morning.
I have a question abt the 6 CD changer. Does this option UC6 come with a cassette player as well, becoz the window sticker on the web tells me that the car has AM/FM, cassette, 6 CD.
So had to compromise on the color and hey, realized that the Light Driftwood with Oak looks just as good.
So no memory seats and no heated seats and no HUD. But without these its a lot cheaper and still gives us a lot of toys.
PS: I just joined the Oak club.
CWJ aka Oak1.
Oh yeah CWJ....OAK SCHMOAK.
CWJ
P.S. Remember back when WE went round and round about the nonexistent 6-CD cassette player question? Only goes to show that if you post long enough, the circle will be closed and then turn round again.
Sedona Bronze over bronze
Oak Int.
CXL SE Package
Sunroof
Towing Package
CD changer
I ordered the vehicle 2nd week of October. I've read and posted on many internet auto boards over the years and Edmunds and all of you are to be commended for having a terrific forum. I'm looking forward to reading more and posting my experiences. - now back to that manual.
Welcome and congrats! I look forward to hearing about your ownership experience...especially compared to the Park Avenue.
Brian
John325 - Don't use chains here - just referenced from the manual to try and assist you. It said they were useable on any size tire, but added the cautions about speed and tight installation. No snow here yet - really made for a strange firearm deer season with temperatures into the 70s.
The body color is easy, and in fact is listed on the option code sticker behind the left side rear compartment door.
I have the Dark greymist cladding code if needed, the other colors will be easy to get through the dealer.
What are your colors, and which code (upper or lower) do you need?
Congratulations on your purchase and welcome to the Town Hall! We're looking forward to hearing all about your experiences with your pride and joy.
Now, aren't you glad you came out of the shadows? :-)
tidester
Host
SUVs
I have read that the 3.8 engine is too large in size; it won't fit into the engine space allotted in the Rendezvous. From that perspective, methinks if an "engine change" is forthcoming, it'll be a "new" engine (perhaps not yet developed).
I have found the 3.4 six currently in the Rendezvous to be very adaquate.
Only problem so far is the built in garage door opener didn't take to programming - will try to do it as rolling code unit.
Re: Homelink Xmitter...did you make sure the batteries in your remote are new? This is important.
I will add here that you should read through this message board to get a good idea of what folks think about the power issue.
rwisem, Sounds like your Rendezvous is a near match to my Gamera. The Sedona Bronze took a little bit of ribbing from a couple of posters here at the beginning. One gave it a left-handed compliment and the other absolutely hated the color.
CWJ
I bought my Light Driftwood CXL with the 1SD package on it.
A few issues that I have noted in 2 days. I would appreciate if any of you could help out.
1: There was some distinct rattle on the highway (pretty annoying). It seemed to come from the rear window, cut glass from the rear right, the window that has the ON-Star antenna stuck on it.
2: The climate control: When I push the climate control knob on the drivers side and put it on auto, it automatically switches the air-flow to all the vents at the feet. When I change the mode to have air circulated at the top and bottom the AUTO signal goes away, somehow auto means only leg climate control-weird.
3: When I set the drivers temp. to say 72 and the passengers a few notches up, suddenly it starts blowing colder air through the drivers vents and warm air through the passengers. This one is real weird, as though these vents have a different air-flow and do not follow the climate control.
I tried putting the fan blow to maximum, but only the noise level went up and the blow strength seemed to remain the same.
I have just added 90 miles to my car and am feeling really upset over these quirks.
I need to take the car back to the dealer on Monday morning as soon as the service dept. opens. I feel really bad on this one, as in the past for most of such complaints the dealers simply say that it is the way it is designed to work and do not follow it up.
Any advice on the climate control.
Please help.
Thanks,
Cwjacobsen - I didn't realize Gammera was Sedona Bronze. What color do you have on the bottom? I orderded the Sedona after seeing one on the lot, so I knew I liked it.
Nescovin - sorry to hear about your problem. There may very well be something wrong with your HVAC system, but my experience with about 10 vehicles with auto climate control is that they all have idiosyncracies. Eventually, the systems end up training me on how to get them to behave. Honestly, I would pass on auto-climate control if it were a separates option, which it hardly ever is.
Others with more RDV experience can tell you more, but I believe the system is selecting vents based on what what the system needs to do (cool down or heat up) - the outside temp may also be checked to see if the defroster vents should be on. Of course you may overide the systems vent selection and I'm pretty sure your temp selection will always be maintained automatically. I, too, noticed too cold air blowing at me yesterday - seemed I had to set the temp much higher than normal to get it to stop. Again I just attribute this to my adjusting to THIS system like I had to adjust to all the others.
nescovin - I feel your pain. rwisem is correct in the function of the HVAC and also that it takes a while to learn the ins and outs of the climate control system. Sometimes in "AUTO", it tries to second guess what you need...and it's not always correct (ie. heat from the floor, defrost from the dash, cool from the front vents, etc.).
During the summer, I leave it on Auto and it knows where and how hard to blow cold air. In the winter (right now), I leave it in A/C off mode (push the "VENT" button). I have complete control over fan speed, temp, vents, etc.
If you want manual control in the summer, hit the "MODE" button to turn "AUTO" off. Unless "A/C OFF" is displayed, you still have A/C and complete control of vents and fan speed.
Since I'm a gadget freak, I like playing with and building rapport with my HVAC system. It is actually very logical and effective once you get the hang of it.
Six adults (about 1000 lbs.?), and I actually got complements on the RDV acceleration several times...including merging onto I-5.
All aboard where impressed with the quiet ride (easy conversation even at 75 MPH). My passengers in the 3rd row (5'10", 220lbs and 6'1", 240lbs) both felt a little cramped but, but fit comfortably enough. Very easy ingress and egress from the 3rd row too. Even with the 3rd row seat deployed, I managed to fit my leftover fish tacos in the back!
It continues to get compliments everywhere we go...and it continues to surprise and impress me with it's comfort and capabilties.
I was not expecting that in the Buick, "AUTO" always chooses the floor vents irrespective of the temp. This is downright stupid as when it is on floor vent position, there is no airflow in the rear seat vent.
Also has anybody experienced different driver and passenger vent temp. even when I select the passenger bar graph at 0.
The rattle seems to be increasing. Its really annoying and distinctly seems to be a window rattle. I tried throbbing against individual windows to see where the rattle was coming from and could hear a rattle when I hit against the rear right window (the one with the antenna) . Have any of you guys had rattle problems.
I have decided to take it to the dealer first thing tomorrow, shall let you know how that goes.
But the stares that I got driving this car over the weekend was very nice. Haven't seen another RDV in Portland OR so far.
The last three cars I've purchased have all had "saddle" interior. Still have a '94 Miata with saddle. Guess I am just partial to it. I think it looks really elegant with the Black/Bronzemist exterior.
Have already posted an Introduction message and a Problem message. Just wanted to say "hi" here. Am glad to know there are so many happy RDV owners. I have had valve spring problems (twice) and with only 500 miles my Rondy is getting a new engine. My dealer and my daughter have had the car more than I have!! You know, when we have a new toy we want to be able to play with it. I am hoping I will be able to join the "happy" owner's group soon. So glad I found this forum!!
Sorry to hear about your engine troubles...hope it gets worked out promptly. Keep us posted.
Nescovin - Just a thought...have you checked to see if your rear seatbelt buckles are pulled up above the stitching on the belts? If they aren't, they tend to bang against the plastic side trim as you drive.
Halicki ~ am anxious to hear what you decided to do about your RDV. I, too, am in a quandry if this problem should happen again with the new engine (see #100 under Problems). I don't have a "back-up" car in mind as I really love the RDV!!
CWJ
MY EXPERIENCE: It drove me crazy trying to find "my rattle". It turned out to be the seat belts "vibrating" against the interior side. Connect the belts and see if your "rattle" is the same as mine.
Thanks for the tip on the rattle. I actually raised my 3rd row seat and tried it out. The rattle from the right hand side seemed to disappear. I think when I had lowered it, I had not pressed it hard enough to lock it in position. But there was some rattle from the left hand side. I shall try adjusting the seat belt and see if it improves. I have a dealer appt. for the rattle on Thu.
Abt the HVAC. The service guy explained to me that
adjusting the driver temp does not change the passenger temp. The 2 controls are independent of each other. The bar graph for the passenger side simply is a completely manual control that increases or decreases the passenger temp. from its previous value. So looks like it works fine according to that. I guess I need to learn how to work arnd its functionality.
And abt the "AUTO" feature always blowing air to the floor. In winter apparently heating is best from the floor up. So when ever heating is required, the auto will always blow air to the floor. The reasoning is that in winter there is always enough sunshine to heat the upper body on account of radiation through the windshield and its the lower body that needs heating.
Too bad that the Buick HVAC designers did not make a trip to the Pacific Northwest before making that assumption :-(
We're looking for some custom fit winter mats to use in place of the nice standard mats - anyone know of a source? We have a custom dash mat ordered and I'll post once it gets here with comments and photos.
We are so thankful to all the owners who have shared their educated insights with us - we amazed, and probably distressed,our dealer with the specific questions we had. Thanks to CandidCandi's recent post, I refused to pick up the car until it was completely checked - as it turned out, the dealer that traded to our dealer neglected to retrofit spings that prevent the rods from blowing, as per a recall, according to our dealer. Took all day to get this done. Hope everyone that needs this to be done has been notified of the recall.
The car drives like a dream - and is so wonderfully smart! Love the little extras that seem to be everywhere!
do our hosts know why Edmunds deducts $97 for this color in the price estimate?
I have no idea!
tidester
Host
SUVs
Spiritman