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Comments
1. Rear Bumper Cover = 395.45 (EST, yay $0.04 cheaper than icojones's dealer!)
2. Paint $124.20!
3. 1.6 hours of body labor $120
4. 4.0 hours of refinish labor $345
Plus disposal fee, tax etc. $1038.62
For the record, I have been indirectly involved in the automotive industry all of my life. I've always looked at cars as transportation and a major expense (I can't stand it when people use the term "investment" about an automobile as nothing that is made to constantly lose value can be termed an "investment"). I've also never understood why people would spend money (or, as experience has shown, put themselves further in debt) on stereo equipment. I do have a prejudice about people who are "wrapped up" in their car stereo system. There is no way one can focus on driving (to the extent that one needs), not to mention hear emergency vehicles, while the music is blaring and they are singing.
That you just assume that only certain people have expensive stereos or listen to their music too loud is something you need to deal with yourself.
What I got from you was advice to "put it back to stock because you'll never get it to sound good anyway". It did sound great (great does not equal loud, by the way), way better than and for less $$ than the top of the line GM system. And you provided a testimonial that the GM engineers taylored that system to the car's interior! Gag me! Have you seen the components they use? The speakers look like they came out of a transistor radio!
Then, to top if off, you automatically assumed that I must be one of those guys who "forces" everyone to listen to my music from 100 ft away! That is quite a jump, especially since the people who spend most on audio equipment are generally classical and jazz music fans-one time through an issue of "Stereo Review" magazine will confirm.
I guess I should be thankful! I ask for a little tech advice and I got so much more!
My next post will be a serious request for technical, factual information regarding my vehicle!
Besides, what else are you going to "invest" in - the stock market, LOL?
Steve
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SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
I have read a lot of posts above with a lot of TSB's about things like Mufflers, License Gaskets, FAns running, wandering mirrors, front suspension welds breaking, air shocks leaking, etc. I also moved about 2 months after I took delivery. Should I have been receiving notifications from GM? Can someone summarize some of these issues or tell me how to learn more? Is there a TSB web page I can check out? It might have been better if I had not known-now I am wondering if there is trouble ahead!
The Edmunds Maintenance Guide
Only recall info generally gets mailed out - lots of TSB's are specific to limited model runs or just for certain options or parts combinations. Lots of people read TSBs and think they suffer from every problem listed too :-) I'm sure the service managers love that!
Steve
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SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Ken
Been noticing the nice scrapes forming by my hood prop and the ease of working in the engine bay of a '02 TL w/hydraulic hood lifts... think it would be nice... any help would be appreciated. Havent been able to find anything yet. rd
My TB temp gauge is constant about 1/2 the pointer width below the 210° mark, no matter if it's 40° or 97° outside.
http://www.finishlinewest.com/tb04.jpg
Very interesting front fascia on this TB sure would look good on my LS!
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
If you can translate, please do! HID's and a really cool radio mod available.
Follow the link to Other Owners Mods. I'm limited to 115 characters via this board and the direct link won't fit. Expand the image to full size if your browser shrinks to fit your window. They will download and print fine.
Enjoy
tim
http://www.timlauro.com/cars/trailblazer/modifications-page.html
Thanks
I was surprised that my dealer actually had all of the tire pressure right on for my Bravada. I haven't checked the lugs since I got it though, since I don't have a torque wrench at home. I do all my work at a military auto shop (I'm federal civilian, so they let me use it). For $2 an hour, I get a hydraulic lift, and have access to nearly any hand or power tool you could ever imagine! The only thing they don't have is diagnostic equipment... otherwise, it's outfitted better than most garages! They even have a master mechanic on premises at all times to answer questions and help you out!
I think it sounds pretty good and has plenty of power, but it's not as crisp as it could be. I had a set of Infinity's in my last car and loved them.
Are the existing speakers 4 ohm?
sbindley - Would you happen to know if the Kenwood's Excelon 5.25" two-ways would fit in the front door openings w/o any modification? A few of us have been working on ways to improve upon the non-Bose system in our trucks.
Let me know if you need help. I have a couple different versions of my excel lease calc. depending on how taxes are applied in your region.
tim
"If anyone here knew what the deal was with the lease program for the triplets. I live in a area that has 6.5% MF, if I drive 3 hours, the deal changes to 3.5%. That's a huge difference on the lease. Is it based on dealer location or home location? Both? I have no problem driving 3 hours to pick up a truck and save close to 50 a month.
Thanks "
My next door neighbor just picked up a 02 Envoy on summer clearance this week. These GM triplets are getting very popular!
I also started that with "My suggestion..." Hmmm. You would think, by your [over]reaction that I had commanded you to... My "commentary" was just that. If you are going to get so upset by a response to your request you should write exactly what kind of advice you want so that way no one will "offend" you by giving you what you don't.
Enough said? Let's get over this already.
~Ken
Just to clarify...
GMAC is currently doing leasing deals until the end of the month based by regions. West, North Central, and NorthEast has a 3.5% financing deal for the triplets. While South and South Central region are given a 6.5% financing deal. Unfortunately, I live in a region that is considered south central while places south and east from me ( About 3 hour drive) is considered North Central.
I was just wondering if anyone here knew how the leases work for GMAC. If I purchase a vehicle in the North Central region and register it in a South Central region, will I still get the special financing?
Anyway, thanks for the reply - you gave me more information than my local GM sales guy would give me.
The boiling point drops by about 2° for every 1000 foot increase in elevation. Dissolving certain materials in water increases the boiling point.
tidester
Host
SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories
yep...I double checked today. 3.5% but more like 4-4.5% given the F&I office markup at the dealer as they often will. not a bad thing, that's how they make money.
residuals are 52 & 54% for 12k and 15k per year leases at 36mos.
tim
I should have some pics of my LTZ with is mounted and loaded up in the morning!
tim
http://www.timlauro.com/cars/trailblazer/reese-bike-rack-mod.htm
That is essentially our policy as well. In case it's been a while since anyone read them, here's the link.
We find members tend to settle squabbles on their own with minimal intervention from us but, short of that, we will and do intercede.
Thanks for asking!
tidester
Host
SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories
~Ken
tidester
Host
SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories
My deadpedal definately needs some protection.
see them here
http://www.suvxccessory.com/xccessory/liners-mats-2002-chevrolet-trailblazer.html
You stated:
"3.5% but more like 4-4.5% given the F&I office markup at the dealer as they often will. not a bad thing, that's how they make money.
residuals are 52 & 54% for 12k and 15k per year leases at 36mos"
Some questions....if the 3.5% is GMAC lease rate, is the dealership allowed to mark that figure up?
If I'm reading you correctly, the residual is 52% for 36 mos and 12k/year mileage allowance or 54% for the same term and 15K/year mileage allowance?
Do you know the rough pricing difference between the Envoy and TB with like for like options?
I'll probably be doing a GMO deal using my brother-in-law's Delco/Delphi employee pricing. He doesn't live too far from you....in Dayton.
If you get the chance, can you fire an e-mail to me at graphicguy@yahoo.com with GMO figures?
If I go to the dealership for the pricing, they're going to hound me and I'm not sure I'm ready to make a deal.
Your help would be appreciated.
Thanks!
YOU ASKED:
"Some questions....if the 3.5% is GMAC lease rate, is the dealership allowed to mark that figure up?"
ANSWER:
Yes, just as loan officers, banks, lending institutions do on your home loan or any loan really, they do mark it up. GMAC and other banks limit that markup, but it will almost always happen at .5% I consider it fair as there is a cost involved in processing the loan and in the F&I office in general. Ethically I question standard loan markups that can reach max. 25% in some areas like ohio, but even then, there are costs to getting a person with very poor credit ratings done on a finance deal. That's another story though.
RESIDUALS
You have it backwards. 52% is for 15k/year and 54% is for 12k/year. Use the truck less over 36mos. and it will be worth more in the end.
PRICING
I would consult Edmunds New Car/Truck Pricing for the differences between the Triplets. I went with the LTZ as the costs difference for the nicer trim inside and out didn't equate to what I personally needed for the cost involved. Buyers drive away when price=value and while the GMC's are nicer, it wasn't worth it to me in the end. Would love to have and SLT, but I'll keep my money instead. Everyone is different.
YOU WROTE:
I'll probably be doing a GMO deal using my brother-in-law's Delco/Delphi employee pricing. He doesn't live too far from you....in Dayton.
MY REPLY:
Well, then you should be in good shape. I too get a huge discount from my past and it can't be beat. I don't have the GMO figures handy as I'm no longer in the business, but you will be able to sit down with the dealer and go over them. It's an easy sale for them.
YOU WROTE:
If I go to the dealership for the pricing, they're going to hound me and I'm not sure I'm ready to make a deal.
MY REPLY:
Enjoy the test drive and just be firm on what you are looking at. Personally if you're there just to drive a vehicle to see if you like it, then state that. You're entitled to review the GMO pricing and from there it would be best to email me the figures and I'll calc. the lease ranges.
I say that as if you have no intentions of driving home in your new vehicle, sitting through the negotiation is pointless and frustrating to all parties.
Anyway, let me know if you have any questions and enjoy.
tim
So far, runs just like the open cone only I'm sure much better off the line when it's really hot.
Enjoy.http://www.timlauro.com/cars/trailblazer/cai-mod/cai-main.htm
We brought an EXT, most all of the bells and whistles, 12 miles on it as we drove off the lot. Next day left on a long trip with the intent of taking our time. 59 miles from our house, 129 miles on the odometer, left a highway gas station after filling up and the engine wouldn't accelerate as the gas pedal went down, or it did and the transmission wasn't engaged, and the ABS and Brakes lights came on along with the service brakes soon message. If I stepped on the gas hard enough it would suddenly jump into second or third gear and lurch forward, but if I let up on the gas it would disengage the transmission. Turned the car off, back on, same behaviors, stopped at the end of the onramp and called Onstar. End result was being towed back to my home since it was late Saturday night and I couldn't get to a dealership anyway.
This afternoon, after talking to the dealership I bought from, attempted to drive the TB to them, approx. 12 mi. Same erratic behavior, turned around at 1/2 mi. and went home, am waiting for the tow truck. Of note, when I was driving into my neighborhood the RPM was up around 1500, the transmission was disengaged, and though I was coasting at 15-20 MPH, the speedometer showed 0.
There are TSBs on similar problems. Has this problem been noted before in this group? Recommended course of action? Replace whole computer vice smaller components? Invoke Lemon law now? Any assistance appreciated.
Between these and the CAI Mod, I was picture happy I guess
tim
http://www.timlauro.com/cars/trailblazer/reese-bike-rack-mod.htm
Appreciate your posting of the pictures of your mods to the airbox.
Have you noticed any change in performance, economy or engine compartment noise? MIght be too early for economy judgement but the others?
Paul P
Overall, with either open cone or CAI, the MPG isn't really going to change. IMO, the MPG changes are over-rated. Never noticed a thing over the many years and cars I've tweaked.
Noise...well, roar more like it. It's the typical K&N sound. Gotta love it. You should here it on a Turbo or Supercharger Like a jet plane taking off.
tim
YOU WROTE:
Appreciate your posting of the pictures of your mods to the airbox.
Have you noticed any change in performance, economy or engine compartment noise? MIght be too early for economy judgement but the others?
Paul P
I've driven both, the EXT rides a little nicer, but feels bigger. Weight is move than 400 lbs more. The turning feels different.. and measures 3+ feet different. I'm not going to be primary drive (Wife's truck). From just driving, I like the feel of the standard size. Felt frisky, handled a little more car like.
So, does anyone know the 0 - 60 times for the EXT? I can't find that anywhere.
Anyone else driven both and have opinions?
The extra space would be nice... really nice if the third row would fold flatter. It still leaves a slight crease, etc that prevents a truly flat surface.
Thanks in advance for any comments!
For us a primary factor was could we fit 2 400 dog crates with the 2nd row seat up.
Does your wife really care about 0-60 times. ;-)
S
What kind of gas mileage are you getting?
How does the TBs do at highway speeds traveling on grades? Does the transmission kick out of overdrive a lot?
We're going Monday night for a second test drive of both vehicles.
Thanks again for the comments.
As far as size goes, it handles and parks easily for me, however, anything would park more easily and feel smaller than my Ford E150 HiTop Conversion Van that we traded in. Seriously, I really don't find it much more difficult to maneuver than my wife's Honda CRV.
The EXT is the only reason we ended up with a TrailBlazer. Had the EXT not been available, we probably would have purchased a Tahoe or Expedition. We sail and my son plays travel hockey and we need the room for weekend sailing and hockey trips. Those hockey equipment bags take up a lot of room, especially when your the coach and you have other players traveling with you.
Yes the transmission does shift out of OD on steep grades, but I suspect the same would happen with the regular TB. Even so, it is very smooth and hardly noticed unless you're watching the tach. The only thing I wish it had were a more stiff and responsive suspension. While it handles better than the van, it doesn't handle as well as the CRV. I could see myself upgrading the suspension within the next year or so. So far though, with 1400 miles under my belt, I can strongly recommend the TB EXT.