Buick Rendezvous Owners: Meet the Members

nidge · October 2004

I had to add my two cents worth. Glad to hear it's not only me. I ended up tearing out the left front fender liner(plastic) . Here is where the horn is located. I then attached a quick connect to the hot wire only. I mounted two horns I had laying around and mounted them. It's a good sound for this car and much louder. Does anyone know how to remove the grill? About the K&N Filter. Wow!! What a difference. An entirely different vehicle. I get 23 and 24 MPG on the freeway at 75 and 80 MPH. Really. Lots of power and torque tt. It's kind of a tough job though, but worth it. Filter costs $47.00 special order.

billyl · October 2004

Thanks, nidge. I am trying to find another way to get to the horn other than removing the inner fender liner. However, if I can't, I will remove whatever it takes to get the horn changed. Had to order the K&N filter for mine and it should be here next week. Hope it gives a little more power and mpg. Haven't tried to remove the grille but noticed someone else who was having a problem removing it posted a question, but have seen no replies with "how to".

nidge · October 2004

Actually, when you do get the horn replaced, you havea hard time using it anyway. That's because it's to stiff to push on. By the time you find it, the emergency is past. Be sure to use silicone spray as is suggested to install filter(Supercharger). You'll love it.

nextmoon · October 2004

nidge -
In what kinds of road condition do you normally drive? Is it mostly free traffic and little bumper-to-bumper or vice versa? Also, do you normally drive alone or with passengers? And finally, are your roads flat or hilly? I'm considering the K&N but want to understand the conditions under which I can expect those MPGs.

jay_northrop · October 2004

I picked up my new 2004 RDV CL-Plus (FWD, towing package) on Thursday of last week and took it on a trip on Friday night. I got 22.5 mpg on the Friday night (hit some traffic). On the way home I averaged 28.5! I'm thrilled, to say the least. I can't wait to see what this thing is getting when the engine is broken in! My friends with Explorers (who never go off road) were pretty surprised to hear I'm getting that kind of mileage. I'd like to have another one of these (AWD) for my daily commute (my Nissan truck feels like an old haywagon now).

-Jay

nidge · October 2004

I live in suburban Chicago. Daily driving is typical of everyone. Sometimes pretty congested. Mostly I use the car on freeways other than to go to the store etc. Usually I am alone but my wife pops in once in a while. The K&N Filter was installed at about 15,000 miles. I now have over 21,000 miles and it works fine. Gas mileage has increased also. I just returned for a trip of over 500 miles. At 75-80 MPH I averaged 25.5. At one time I did see 26.4 mpg. Power is great and torque in good too. I'm now going to install a K&K Filter into my daughters 2002 RDV. She drove mine today, and that was all it took. You won't be sorry that you laid out the money for one.

nextmoon · October 2004

Normally for me as I go past 65mph I see the MPG slightly go down. I assume it's related to wind drag. So I'm somewhat surprised you are getting rather good MPG's at those high speeds. Please report back if your daughter gets the same improvements in power and MPG. Thanks!

billyl · October 2004

Haven't tackled the horn yet but did get a K&N airfilter installed. Took a short trip today from Valdosta, Ga to Jacksonville, Fl. Drove right at the speed limit (Most of the time around 70mph and averaged 26.5 mpg on the way down but only 23 mpg on the way back due to a stormy headwind. I believe the filter will make some difference in mpg, but unable to really tell much on this trip.

nosuvyet · October 2004

Went to buy a K&N filter at my local auto parts store. Took it to the cash, I guess it was mis-bar-coded. Scanned as a potted plant for $5.95. Girl didn't notice and I got a K&N for less than the cost of a throw-away. Hee-hee-hee. Bought a lottery ticket on the way home :-)

verdi942 · October 2004

So far [1K miles]- noooo problems.

We just took a round trip out to Montauk - got a solid 26 mpg! Then, while gassing up [@ $2.49/gal!!], my husband noticed a free air pump. He put the recommended 35 psi - the dealer had delivered the car with only 26 psi! Hubby says they were trying to give us a softer ride. Return trip showed 28 mpg. Moral - watch those tire pressures!

We hauled home mucho antiques and farmstand goodies - what a handy car!

Still lovin' my RDV....

rap5 · January 2005

New member,ordered new rdv, Will not get for a month or better. Now I have a few questions. How do you like your Ultras,any pros or cons. How is the power,should be pretty good. Gas millage city and country. Thank You.

ak rondy · January 2005

bought a 2004 cx awd rendezvous back in august. got a very good deal, basically saved about $9000.00 off of list. we have 4600 miles on it now and the car has performed great. the awd system is just great, better than most others i have driven. mpg is good, with the lowest mileage (16 mpg) coming during a recent cold snap (-24 below), the best was 20 mpg (mostly city). this is a very comfortable car and has accumulated more miles on it than any other vehicle i or my husband have owned. even with today's temperature hovering around -28 below, the rendezvous is keeping me warm and frost free. i've read all the problems people have had with this vehicle but have not encountered any so far and i think i got a great car.

verdi942 · January 2005

And noooooo problems - aside from adjusting the parking brake and there's STILL that dinky horn...

Oh, yeah, cold weather drops the MPG down to about 20 in mixed driving. This is for an '04 FWD CXL.

pgn421 · July 2005

Im Patrick , ive had my 2004 Rendevous since late 03, I love it. Ive had many vehicles, an Escalade, and the Rendevous is great. I love the ride. After driving my semi for 12 hours a day, Its so nice to have a comfertable ride home
Go Wings!
PGN

alfromca · September 2005

2006 CX FWD. Yup, had the same defects w the a/c and hubs on our 2002 that are posted way too frequently. Tried to buy something else, showed my wife everything up to $40k MSRP. There is nothing out there that beats the RDV for a quiet, comfy everyday ride that can seat 6 comfortably enough to drive from LA to Vegas 3-4 times a year, and we paid just over $24k w CX plus and deluxe pkgs. We ave 22 mpg for 140,000 miles with the same model.

We debated pros and cons of every other car on earth :-). Some very nice cars out there for $25-35K, but we found them all lacking something that we really liked with the RDV. When the 2006 popped up at a price $1,000 under Carsdirect, I didn't even blink. Called her at work Sat, asked if she wanted it, arranged to drive it Sun night and wrote a check.

You know what's really nice about the RDV? Look around for mods and accessories; not a lot out there because it already looks, sounds and feels great. I could spend another $1000 on wheels, but it doesn't really improve the profile. Could buy a Bose or some other sound system, but the new car is so quiet that you could listen to a an old transistor radio and hear it just fine. Don't like DVD or NAV systems built-in...invites break-ins; we just plug in the laptop, plug it in to the sound system AND we now have computer for work and games instead of just movies; bought a GPS software program for $200, and voila.

RDV's have not been trouble free; read the other forums, there's always potential for real trouble. For an economical near-lux suv, RDV couldn't be beat. Glad to join this forum.

acruzak · October 2005

I just purchased my first SUV this late afternoon a Rendezvous AWD CX Plus '05. I got it at invoice price with 4000 rebate and 1000 worth of gas voucher. Is it a fare deal?

dmyer3 · December 2006

Hi rap5,
We have a 2004 RDY Ultra which is my wife's vehicle. It has approximately 12,000 miles on it and we have not had any problems. We did have a recall early on and I think it was to reprogram the computer. My wife had a Toyota Sienna and a Honda CR-V before the RDY and I did not like either of them and she was crazy about them either. The RDY she loves and has told me that if we were trading today she would want another one. It is very quiet, has good ride and much power. I have a 2007 Yukon and I think the RDY feels equally as powerful. We took it on vacation two months ago and it was a pleasure to drive. When we first bought it the in-town mileage was around 14. Recently I noticed it has been 16, but maybe that is just a different mix of driving. My wife is not an easy driver. On the vacation I mentioned, we got around 23 mpg, but that was mostly secondary roads and hilly and mountainous terrain.
I hope you enjoy your RDY and I think it will serve you well.
I am going to have synthetic oil put in at the next change just for extra protection.
Don

javajane · March 2007

We recently purchased a 2004 Ultra Rendezvous. Does anyone know where to get the navigational dvd's and the specifications on the cd player? We would like to connect a cd changer to it since you can't use the navigation system and the cd player at the same time. Plus, we can't play mp3 cd's. Crutchfield simply list a add on tuner type of changer. But I would like to know where to get a manual with the connections available to the cd system.

Thank you

intrepidcub · March 2007

Try ebay as far as a CD changers go youll prolly need a FM modulated one. the ones that say they will plug in the back of the receiver you gotta watch out i hear they need to program the outputs to be active at the dealership. If you do pull the nav unit out can you send me the model number?? I wanna add one to mine but the dealerships say only ones from a buick will work. and cant tell me what model numbers will work. Intrepidcub@yahoo.com . Have you thought bout jsut getting an IPOD? its alot easier that a CD changer and you can import all your CDs to theIPOD and carry your music library with you/

spike99 · March 2007

Last Monday morning, my wife & I were driving into our local Saturn dealer to buy a new 2007 Saturn ION-3. Being 15 minutes early, we stopped in our local GMC dealer. One of those "let's burn 10 minutes in her before continuing our drive..." things. To make a long story short... My wife bought a used 2003 RDV FWD model. To this day, I don't know if it's a CX or CLX version. That's how fast she wrote them a check for it. With cloth fabric and only 2 rows of seats (front buckets and 2nd row is bench), I would assume its a basic CX model. Its got 71,000 KMs (52K miles) and not a spot of rust on it. If wondering, it only took my wife 2 test drives to fall in love with it. First time was as a passenger and 2nd time as the driver. She loved it so much, she bought it "on the spot". Talk about a women on a mission and knowing what she wants in life. Certainly caught me by surprise. Currently, our new 2003 RDV is being certified, e-tested, cleaned, etc. She'll be "ready for pickup" this Friday (if things go as planned).

After surfing the net, I find this site. Yes, after the fact. After reading many historical posts, I'm getting a little worried. Seems to be more electrical and mechanical problems with the RDV then other GMC SUV and mini-van brands. I was under the impression the Buick was a very solid built vehicle. After lots of reading, the "hot issues" that come to mind are: Rear End (for AWD verson), plastic head gasket leaks on the 3.4L engine and electrical problems. Are these "hot spots" (sort of speaking) only unique to the 2003 AWD version or do they also apply to the FWD version as well? Do these problems suddenly appear or do they give early warning signs of gradual failure? If wondering, I'm worried if we should only use this vehicle as a local "run about" or do risk it on long trips?

thanks.

.

spike99 · March 2007

.

We will soon have 2003 RDV CX (???) sitting in our driveway by this weekend. I read a few previous posts that V6 3.4L head gaskets may need to be re-done. Someonething about a plastic thingy and over time, it starts to leak. My neighbour had the head gaskets / Plastic thingy recently re-done on his 2002 AWD RDV model - that has 150,000 kms.

In the old days, I had a 1990 Sunbird car with a 2.0L engine. It ate head gaskets every year. After its second head gasket replacement, my local mechanic told me to install an Aux tranny cooler under its hood. Yes, over kill for a 4 cylinder but I did it. This aux tranny cooler kept its engine "a little" cooler and thus, it stopped burning out head gaskets.

With the above solution in mind, should I get my local mechanic to install an Aux Tranny cooler under the hood of our future 2003 FWD RDV as well? We don't plan on using our 2003 RDV for towing but if a $120 Aux tranny cooler will stop its "plastic head gasket thingy" (or what ever its called) from blowing, then spending $120 now might be worth it.

thanks for your idea on this possible long term solution.

.

intrepidcub · March 2007

I dunno botu the head gasket but the RDV has a bad history with the intake gasket and i hear that has to do with the Dexcool system . so flush the cooling system GM claims 150K 5 years on the coolant but it sludges up soooner. research the intake gasket and the dex cool sludge

spike99 · March 2007

Thanks for your feedback intrepidcub.

Found some great info at:
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/gm_dexcool.html
http://www.geocities.com/b_gillie/dexcool_prob
http://www.imcool.com/articles/antifreeze-coolant/CPM-52-DEXArticle-Excerpt.pdf

Very interesting reading in the above sites...

I talked my wife into allowing me to install an Aux Tranny Cooler. The more I think about it, the more I like the idea of installing more "cooling" then needed. She said after 1 month (after the dealer end/end 30 day warranty period), I get to install a few mods on it. First mod will be the Aux tranny cooler install - by my local tranny specialist. While doing this work, he can flush, push or change the rad fluid the best way he sees fit. He rebuilt the tranny in my 2001 AWD Safari van and based on his technical feedback, he knows his trannys inside and out. Especially the GMC trannys. If he feels the factory RAD should be also be replaced (with a larger HD 3rd party RAD, we'll get it installed a well. Installing a larger RAD is much less expensive then head and intake gasket replacements - if over heating from sludge build up is the problem. Next time, I'll consult him before buying a future vehicle.

thanks.

.

dill · May 2007

I have owned my 2006 Buick Rendezvous now for 14 months. In short, I love it. I have the standard 3.5 liter powerplant that although isn't neck snapping on accelleration it is fast enough for merging and other things it would be called upon for. There is nothing specific that the Rendezvous does exceptionally well. But it does a whole lot of things very well and that is how it gets such glowing accolades from me. Comfort is very good, ride quality is extremely good for its segment, get up and go is reasonable, fuel economy is very good considering its a CUV (Crossover Utitlity Vehicle). Most of my driving is highway in nature to and from work its about 35 miles each way. I get roughly 19 city/27 highway as I have calculated a few times over the last year. Relaibility is not stellar but nothing too bad either. I had a winshield wiper motor die, a front tie rod replaced and a generator replaced because of a potential recall issue. The old generator worked perfectly fine except for a dummie light that came on very rarely on the dashboard for a few seconds at a time. It only has gone on when the AC was on and I was under medium to heavy acceleration going uphill. GM said replace it, the replacement generator which is much heavier duty, also makes the dummie light glow on the dashboard. after the replacement generator didn't solve the problem, The dealer by GM that there was nothing more to be done until they(GM) find a solution for the issue. The light is never on long enough to pose a problem. ( Always a few seconds at a time) GM knows about the problem that appears to be fairly widespread across the range of Rendezvous. My documented problem is now in the service computers and if any further problems occur, I will take it up with the GM techs. The GM techs said no damage will happen with the light going on. I realized this before he said it because whatever it is its minor, no loss of performance when it does come on. Besides even if there were damage with it coming on, their computers show that I had this issue well before the 4/50,000 mile warrantee was long from expiring. Therefore it would be covered under warantee since they have known about it for so long. They told me that once they find the appropriate fix they will send me paperwork to bring it in under warrantee service. I am not nor have I ever really been concerned about the dummie light issue. But outside of this minor thing and the other things stated above the car has been great. I have 37,000 miles on it at present and it is just as nice and fun to get around in now as it was when I first got it. I would gladly buy another if I were in the market for another car because it fits the need for carrying people and supplies, it does everything comfortably and with good economy and with lots of utility.

buickinva · May 2008

I've been browsing through these forums for the past week and I'll be honest and tell you that owning a 2002 Buick Rendezvous scares me. She's getting close to 100,000 miles - I got her used and still owe on her .. thought about trading in for another vehicle but everywhere I turn, they'll only offer me $3500 or 4 grand. I owe alittle over 8.

As of now, I haven't had any problems with her at all. I did have to change the right rear hub assembly but since I'm the service advisor at an auto shop - it pretty much was at cost. I'm lucky in that regard. I have changed rotors and pads last year and just did the spark plugs a couple of weeks ago - otherwise, I haven't had her in the shop at all for anything.

What worries me is I've never owned a vehicle that had close to 100K miles - I've always traded in. But with the trade in value, this is one I'll more than likely keep until she's paid off.

How many of you own the 2002 RDV with over 100K miles on it. Any problems? I mean, once you hit 100 - did it suddenly become a lemon? I'm really concerned and worried about hitting that mark for some reason and wanted to hear from some of you fellow owners.

I love my Buick ... absolutely love it. Great room - no problems - nice feeling ride.

pilothoward · July 2008

Depending on when you bought it, about every 50k, you'll need to replace the front wheel bearings. Its not too bad, just make sure you don't puncture the boot around the 1/2 shaft : ).

I'm getting ready to flush the radiator and change the plugs and harness. Did you reach the plugs from underneath or did you rock the engine forward?

Howard
'02 'Vous CXL AWD 102K currently

ransom255 · July 2008

Hi I am Phillip and Live in Rocky Mt. N.C We have owned a RDV for a while and although I like the way it drives and, handles and the gas mileage average about 24 mpg`s with 3.4 V6 we are starting to have problems with it first the intake gasket went out on it $850.00 then problems with the transmission $1800.00 and just yesterday the drivers side front window just fell down in the door. I called the dealer and he said to expect about
$450.00 but thanks to the forum here I have ordered the plastic clips for about $40.00 and expect to fix this myself, It is hard for me to understand why buick would use a cheap plastic part to hold up something as heavy as these windows and according to the forum a lot of others are having the same problem. This car has less than 100,000 miles and seems to me that it is falling apart.

crud · March 2009

How did you end up getting to the rear plugs? Did you need to remove any other parts to access them?
101,000

brithor52 · June 2010

Our 2003 Buick Rendezvous CX had a strange problem back in March of 2010. We were driving along when all of a sudden we lost 80% of power and a loud clanking, thacking sort of noise could be heard coming from the engine compartment. We limped home for about 3 miles and long story-short... the cylinder #2 (front head passenger side) exhaust valve rocker arm bolt had pulled out of the head taking the aluminum threads with it. The power loss and bad emissions were from the exhaust gases not being able to exit in the normal way and blowing past the open intake valve and into the intake plenum forcing the engine to run on less O2 than normal. The noise was the push rod bouncing around.
****the fix**** The dealer wanted to sell me a new engine or new or repaired heads. Minimum charge: $2000. They led me to believe the problem was on the rear head which is inaccessible for purposes of repairing the threads. But I went to the dealer and saw for myself that it was actually the front head that had the problem and knew from talking to an independent mechanic that if he could get to it, he could replace the threads with a Heli-coil thread insert. I paid the dealer for the towing and the work they did to remove the valve cover (actually 15 minutes of work if you know how) and towed it to my mechanic and he fixed it for $200.00. Everything was great until about 2 months later when it happened again. This time to exhaust valve rocker arm bolt for cylinder #4 (middle front bank). This time I knew what it was and drove it to the mechanic's place and he fixed that one for $200.00. So at least the first on (#2) heli-coil held. But it implies that they all might go at some point. Luckily we've been in our home town of Tallahassee Florida for both breakdowns. If we'd been on the road it would have been total disaster. So now the vehicle cannot be trusted. It does have 123K miles but it has never overheated and has had synthetic oil in it since day one. I used to rev it to the limiter (5500 RPMs) at times but now I take it real easy. My mechanic wants to drop the engine and do all of the remaining threads on front and rear banks. Dropping the engine is the alternative to pulling the rear head. He says it is a 15 hour job and estimates $1500 to $2000 to complete it.
My theory is that the front bank was not torqued correctly on the assembly line and that maybe the back bank was torqued correctly. The current plan is to do all the front threads (replace the threads with Heli-coil inserts) and drive is like I used to - good and hard - and see if any of the back ones go. This morning I pulled the valve cover (steps: unplug spark wires-set to side, unclamp harness and move aside, pull out PVC and set aside (up and over obstacle), unbolt top pass side dog-bone motor mount and flip up (remove bolt closest to engine 15mm and 13mm) loosen radiator side bolt then flip up), move clamp -at engine- away from the 90 degree hose to bypass pipe and pull it off that end, remove oil filler cap and dipstick, then remove bolt (8mm) holding the bypass pipe to the head (also disconnect any other brackets holding the bypass pipe to the engine- you don't need them anyway- then pop the pipe out of the hole- it has an o-ring so make sure you don't lose it, or buy a new one from the dealer or install any one that fits- lift pipe over mount bracket and leave it there. it should move without too much effort- if it feels like it is solidly held in place you'd better investigate more closely- unbolt four cover bolts (they will not come completely out-captured) and take off the cover -takes a bit of twisting and manipulating. The rocker arm bolts have "10.9 m" and "SPS" cast on the head. Not sure of the size but I think the threads are 8mm. I need to verify if I try to fix them myself. So.............. I hope that helps anyone that might have it happen to them. I've not heard of another such incident but would like to hear from anyone who has. This vehicle has be very good to us and we'd hate to loose it to such a stupid problem.
Good luck, Brian

juliaom · June 2010

Well you should be worried and scared. These RDV's are junk.
I bought mine in 04, and its a 2002 at about 29,000 miles.
First thing that went was the AC, then both front windows, tie rods, head gaskets started to leak at 97,000 but Dealer did not point it out to me.
On the highway on the TN/KY border near Bowling Green, KY the car started to get hot and smoke. All the head gaskets blew. I crept home stopping often to cool it off, and the dealer charged me close to $3000 to replace them.
Now the All Wheel Drive sensors are out, $800, and the brake something is out.
Also the dealer said the gasket under the motor is bad and leaking, another $700.
This car has cost me close to $11,000 and I cannot afford to get a new car.
It is not worth about $4000, if that.
I just had the radiator drained and something else for $300.
It has 136,500 miles on it. I am thinking of donating it to the Fire Dept. after I set fire to it.
I missed the first Class action suit by a couple of months.
You had better hope that someone hits you while texting their friends. :mad:

ray80 · June 2010

For the AWD disabled message, many times its a wiring problem that causes it, not the sensors themselves, I would have that checked first (including the c305 connector )

juliaom · June 2010

Thanks RAY, it was checked by this infamous Dealer repair dept. They said it was the sensors, it has 135,000 miles on it. I don't know who else to take it to.
Will check the c305 connector. This car can drive you to drink, but that gives me a headache too.

juliaom · June 2010

Love your comment, "It'll only get better when it breaks in 5,000 miles.
BREAKS is the operative word here, just get the extended warrenty, or a second job.

ray80 · June 2010

When they plug in the magic computer to get codes, the first thing it will indicate is a problem with sensor and that will be the first they they want to replace. Many times though it is a wiring issue to the sensor thats the problem (which includes the 305 connector)

juliaom · June 2010

Wow, kisses and hugs. Where were you four years ago!!
I am taking this email to my dealer and watching the computer magic. They know me by sight and know I don't put up with their crap.
Sometimes I take them bourbon for Thanksgiving or Christmas to grease the wheel.
My rear view mirror fell completely off three weeks ago in the heat, so I went in at 4:30pm as they were closing and they reglued it free. HA.

loveshercar · August 2010

I can understand how you feel. I love my Rendezvous, absolutely, but I had another rocker arm bolt pull out today on my way to, of all places, the dentist. This is the third time this has happened to me. The first time was the day I started it up to drive it off the lot (I bought it used). The salesman (who is a friend of mine, yes, still) had it fixed and I picked it up the next day. About one year later, another one came off. Repair cost of about $200.00, and now, another. Told me it would cost about $200.00. Was this ever a recall issue? I never received anything about it, but maybe it should have been. Like I said, I love that car and would hate to think about having to get rid of it. Just thought I would put in my 2 cents worth.

brithor52 · August 2010

I eventually had my mechanic drop the engine and replace the remainder of the 12 threads with heli-coils. If I'd done this from the very first incident, the total price would have been about $1600.00. Which IS a lot but the car is paid for and we really didn't want to pull the heads and now I can drive long distances without fear that another bolt will pull out.
I could have lived with it if it only effected the front head, but the back head was the real killer.
If there is any way to roll the engine far enough forward or backward to be able to work on the back head, then you could have it done for a lot less.
BTW I emailed Buick with my displeasure with the situation but they didn't have the guts to respond.
Good luck.

rvrsd · September 2010

Hi guys,
Well, I just bought a 2002 RVD CXL with 48K @ 7,500. I test drove it and the ride was nice. The interior is very nice, the leather seats were well taken care of. I bought it from a hyundai dealer, a few days later I get the check engine and they fixed it at no cost. It needed to have the Air pump replaced. I picked it up and noticed some vibrations on the break pedal, I had to bring it back b/c it was doing it too frequent. Right now I'm waiting from their reply, I will keep you guys updated though.

According to the info displayed in the dashboard, it's only giving me average 14 mpg!!!!! I read that some of RVD owners changed to K&N Filter and this noticitibly helped in the mpg, so I will try that sometime this week. Do you think I need to replace other parts in order to improve the mpgs? Thanks a lot

juliaom · September 2010

Good luck, the milage is the least of your problems, I would not worry about that.
The bigest problem is that you "bought it" in the first place.
The next to go will be your AC, ($2000) and then probably your front power window motors, then some tie rods, the gaskets leak due to the Dex Cool (class action suit over), the head gaskets will start to leak around 75,000mls, mine blew up at 84,000 miles and my new heads were $2700. Buick said "tough" you have too many miles.
Now my AWD light has been on for months, my power lock break lights are on, and the sensors are $700.
The gasket under the head is leaking, and now the Torque convertor is stuck open, its overheating, and I just replaced the pcc solenoid, and now the Tcc solenoid is gone, and the car is at the shop and will not run.
I had to have it towed 65 miles on I64 back to Lexington when it stopped running.
I am buying a new car this weekend, it will not be an American car, (the Rendevous was made in Mexico), and I am salvageding the Buick, or donating it to the Fire Dept.
I want to watch it burn.
Get rid of it, do not wait till you are upside down in repair costs that you can't even afford another car, like me.
:sick:

rvrsd · September 2010

Wow... scary... I hope I dont go through that. I bought the extra powertrain warranty I hope the major problems happen within the next 3 years or 36,000 miles. By the way I think it has already started, the passenger's power window makes a squeaky noise when bring it back up. gggrrrr

juliaom · September 2010

If I were you, I would cut back on the groceries and save for all your future RDV repairs.
Bless the Lord and the Nissan Dealer, I AM FREE. I traded that RDV in this weekend, bought a Nissan Murano 2007, dealer was wonderful in Richmond, KY and I love the way it drives, like a sports car.
I am really broke but its worth it, maybe I will have a monthly cash flow now that I am rid of the RDV. Go drive a Murano, and trade that RDV in today or you will live to regret it.

tnlady007 · January 2011

I am looking at buying a used 2005 with 75000 miles awd. Please tell me experiences that others have had and you feel about that yr bruick.
Thank you.

jordand · March 2012

I have had the same problem with my 2003 CXL. I was on the highway, got on it, and my car started knocking and missing terribly. I talked to several mechanics and they said that there was no way to tell with either one, replacing random parts or two, tearing into the engine. I had a compression test done, and I took it to my mechanic and he said the the rocker arm assembly, on cylinder 3, had stripped and fallen into the bottom of the motor. He used a magnet and pulled out the parts, and replaced the rocker arm assembly with a new one with a longer bolt. He fixed it and a few months later, the same thing happened on cylinder 2. We took it back to him and he fixed it again. We had him check all of the cylinders to make sure it was not going to happen again.

brithor52 · March 2012

Dude, there is no way your mechanic can tell if it is going to happen to more cylinders. So far I guess it has only happened to the cyls on the front bank. Otherwise your mechanic would not be fixing them so easily. A longer bolt is not the way to go. a heli-coil is the only permanent fix that will also make it stronger than it was originally. If it happens to a cyl on the back bank you are in a world of crap. As I probably stated in my original post, you need to drop the engine and do all 12 bolts. Or, if possible do the pull engine forward trick to get to the back bank. Since my car was done nearly a year and a half ago, no problems and it seems to pull harder and stronger than ever. Good luck.

cjk1794 · March 2012

Are there any types of other engines I can put in her to make it faster. I don't know why i just want to an idea of all the crazy things i can do with it.

bifford · January 2013

Hello to all! We just purchased this vehicle, it seems to be highly rated....only one problem. My husband cannot locate the PCV Valve!!! It's a 3.5 L . He is a great motor head but this one has him stumped!! Please help.....
Sincere thanks,
Janine aka Bifford

mymojo1975 · February 2013

Interested to hear of high mileage RDV owners. Just bough an exceptionally clean 2005 CX AWD with 147k on it. Previous owner put about 23k/yr since they bought it in 2007. Just went through all the maintenance on car (flushed all fluids - coolant, trans, brake lines, oil, versatrak). I was surprised at how clean the old fluids were for the mileage. Car has all signs of being well looked after. I preemptively replaced two rear 17-inch tires and the brakes are all new. Very solid, well built car. I bought it with the 3.4l which has been bullet proof in our 2002 Montana (caught manifold gasket problem early about 6 years ago with no problems since). I needed AWD and another vehicle for teen driver. I plan to get many more years of trouble free service. I'll keep you all posted. Please share your thoughts on keeping high mileage RDV's on the road.

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