Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/22 for details.
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/22 for details.
Options
Comments
nextmoon : I like the Grand Prix, but that's about it. New Vibe looks to be pretty good though. Next generation Pontiacs are all suppose to have their plastic ribs removed.
CWJ
Back to RDV: Does anyone have the third row option installed? If so, I was curious as to how much weight do you think it adds to the vehicle?
And does it really fold completely flat and not slightly raised?
The seat folds flat, not "slightly raised."
CWJ
Since perception and expectations are just as significant as torque, gearing, weight, etc. I recommend that you get three or four friends (maybe one friend and two salesmen) and go test drive one all loaded up.
I realize you may not be able to test it on hills, but I would contend that if it feels OK around town (stoplights, passing, etc.), you can be assured that a downshift to 3rd gear or 2nd gear will get you up your hills.
My perception of the power is that it has good power below 4000 RPM but starts losing some steam above 5000. Below 4000 RPM, it will keep up with any comparable SUV on the road.
I have hauled six passengers up hills, and all I do is drop it into 3rd and power up the hills, again no problem here with the power issue.
Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Although I like the Explorers option v-8 (239hp) and new styling, it's utilitarian interior I'm not impressed with.
So I must ask current RDV owners a couple of questions to help us make the right decision.
1. are you satisfied with the 3.4l V-6 powerplant
2.are you happy with the overall quality of the vehicle(ex. fit, finish, options etc..)
3. With the new financing available and it being a buyers market, can I purchase an RDV close or below
invoice?
I did have the opportunity to test drive a RDV recently and was quite impressed. But I did notice
heavily equipped versions were within spitting distance of the MDX.
Besides, the fancy aluminum suspension is so low to the ground (7") that it would certainly whack any BFR's before they made it to the gas tank.
P.S. I finally saw another Washington RDV. I was sitting at my desk looking out the window of my office (towards the airport) when I spotted a Medium Red CXL with alloy wheels pull out of a nearby business.
2. The overall quality is *excellent*. Best new vehicle to come out of GM in 20 years, in my opinion. Go to the NHTSA recall/service bulletin page and compare the RDV to the Explorer and other new 2002 vehicles. http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/Index.cfm. Personally, the Mercury Mounatineer was in the running for me right up until the very end. But I just couldn't trust Ford's quality any more. And the Mountaineer's interior just couldn't compare to the awesome interior of the RDV.
3. I leased an AWD CXL with leather and third row seat (versatility package), and tow package, for less than $400 per month. They offered $2000 off MSRP, I countered with $200 over invoice, and they took that offer. Unfortunately, I think the great lease rate promotion ended yesterday (at least the one going on here in Michigan). Even though the MSRP comes close to MDX, in real life you will pay a lot less for the RDV.
P.S. - Passed 1500 miles on the odometer today, and I'm getting roughly 19 mpg with a combination of city and highway driving.
Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
After my failure with Chrysler minivan, I have bought 2 Japanese made cars until recently when I bought the RDV. To my surprise, RDV has performed well and without any problems (3 weeks). I had some concerns of buying a brand new model in the same year, but I believed that they would be a little more quality consciuos in the beginning also so as not start of on bad grounds.
1. are you satisfied with the 3.4l V-6 power plant
Yes I am satisfied. Compared to other vehicles it may be undersized, but you need to think if you really need that power or not everyday. On occasional trips to the hills, you can always shift down and drive if needed, but on day to day the power is very good. I live in a slightly hilly terrain and there are no problems in taking off from a light or keeping up with the traffic while going up. The gear shift is very smooth that sometimes you do not even realize that the gears have shifted. Also the point is that due to the "adequate" power supply, RDV does give you a lot better mileage than the other SUVs which actually helps on a long run also.
2.are you happy with the overall quality of the vehicle(ex. fit, finish, options etc..)
As mentioned above, I am very satisfied with the quality and I am not in the younger age group too. I have not had a single problem as of yet, but I do not have a lot mileage either yet.
3. With the new financing available and it being a buyers market, can I purchase an RDV close or below invoice?
I cannot help you on this as I bought the RDV under GM supplier agreement. If you are working for a large company see they qualify for supplier discount from GM. It will take a lot of headache away (no negotiations) and you get the GM product 4% above the employee cost which is still below invoice.
"I did have the opportunity to test drive a RDV recently and was quite impressed. But I did notice heavily equipped versions were within spitting distance of the MDX."
I believe that the MSRP of top of the line RDV will come close to bottom of the line MDX. You will have to make a decision which way to go, but I believe American car will cost you much less every time you go to a repair shop. In the past I have always seen that every 30,000 miles I spent $500 or more for scheduled maintenance. For RDV, the dealer gave a scheduled maintenance brochure with costs and none of it exceeded more than $300. I am sure all new cars now need less scheduled maintenance but typically in my area, Japanese cars do cost higher to maintain.
I hope you I have answered your concerns. This is a nice group of people who will try to answer any of your questions, so please free to chat or ask more questions as they arise. Best of luck on your decision and hope you enjoy your new car which ever it is.
PS - I have see several RDV in my area in the last month. They are becoming more and more visible as time passes.
Loved the RDV! Will order the wife one this week.
What model/options do you plan on ordering? What color? Inquiring minds want to know.
Let us know if you have find one.
It's All Good!
OAT reading? - It's the temp normally indicated in the dual zone HVAC display. When you turn the driver side temp knob to adjust the interior temp, it temporarily indicates your desired temp reading and then returns to displaying outside temp.
http://www.autoweek.com
TC wouldn't let me post the full length of the address of article (too long).
Click here
Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
DETROIT - Rendezvous, Buick's all-new crossover vehicle, has posted its fifth straight month of sales growth. September sales of Rendezvous were more than 14 percent higher than the previous month (4,565 vs. 3,998).
The addition of Rendezvous to the Buick brand has played an important role in the continuing improvement of Buick's overall performance. September retail sales for the division were almost 13 percent higher than the same month last year (26,056 vs. 23,100).
"Even in tough times, Rendezvous continues to gain a foothold in the market, and we are extremely pleased about the enthusiasm for this vehicle," said Jack Bowen, Rendezvous brand manager.
The average daily selling rate of Rendezvous also continues to improve month-to-month. "With two fewer selling days this month than last, the average number of vehicles sold daily in September was 147, continuing the trend of double-digit improvements," said Bowen. "Additionally, our dealers closed out the month selling an amazing 675 vehicles on the last day. That's our best single-day sales so far."
Two other Buick brands also performed well in September. Century retail sales were up over 4 percent from September a year ago, and LeSabre retail sales were up over 7 percent."
Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
My wife and I are currently looking to purchase a CX with the 1SD luxury package, 3rd row seats, leather seating surfaces and eye cue.
Speaking of the eye cue option, can anybody tell me who has this feature if its more a gimmick or a real safety feature?
Also, can anyone recommend aftermarket 17" wheels that would look nice on the RDV. Stock wheels look
small.
I've checked with a Buick dealer in my area, he's
willing to sell RDV at $300 over invoice. I'm wondering if a better deal can be had if GM has incentives or rebates to dealer. Is there anybody in this town hall that paid below invoice?
Please tell me your strategy if there is.
If the "eyecue" is the heads up display (which I think that it is), I have it and rely upon it. It is NO mere gimmick. Most of the time it just displays your MPH, but any time anything else is invoked, be it turn signals, high beams, changing radio stations, getting low on gas, or whatever, those things pop up on the eyecue as well. In other words, it tells the driver what he/she needs to know when he/she needs to know it, and all just at the lower edge of normal vision. I bought it for gimmick reasons (it is too cool), but as you asked (and I found out), it's a safety feature as well keeping your head up and focused on the road 99% of the time.
Hope this helps,
CWJ
P.S. I think 300 over is a great deal, and on a CX I think that means you're talking less than 30K on a really loaded up vehicle. Stick that in your Acura MDX and smoke it. Then again I'm really biased.
Anyone seen end of year pricing on RDV anywhere near 7K discount? I doubt it strongly. The Azteks are just lined right up - bet they'll still be there in Feb!
I wonder what the base 2K1 RDV goes for now.
Ken
The newly remodeled 2002 Aztek AWD will come with 17" wheels. They are very good looking wheels and would fill a RDV wheel well nicely!
http://www.autoweek.com/specials/2001_truckissue/index3.mv
Scroll down towards the bottom of this link and check them out!
We are working with the dealer to find a solution to this problem. They think me may buy something else. (SHHHH our secret.)
As far as color Black with Gray. Looks like I'm in for a lot of washing and waxing.
Let ya'll know what the outcome is on the interior.
I loved the 2002 Aztek wheels too. When you find out price tell us.
Although it is not published, the full leather interior is available for the CX. It was made available just after the RDV hit the market in response to customer feedback. Have your dealer check with Buick for the order code.
Some of us (myself included) originally shopped for a CX too. After adding the Luxury package, leather, etc., we realized that the AWD gives you many more features for just a few dollars more. For me and others, it proved more cost effective to go with AWD.
I must say that AWD is not just for foul weather climates. Yes, it serves well for rain and ice, but also for gravel and other surfaces where a loss of traction may occur. Even in the south, it will improve emergency handling and make the vehicle safer.
Whatever you decide, good luck and...
...Think grey
thf1 - Leather seats are definitely available for CX option. If the dealer is saying that he will do something special for you (when he really not doing anything special) I will be more cautious about him. I would suggest you to please check with some other dealer in your area. He is definitely not doing anything special other than making sure he gets your business by making you feel that he can do extra things for you. Also please be aware that the really fully loaded RDV come only with CXL model as several features are not not available for the CX model ex. dual zone auto climate control, electrochromatic rearview mirror, upgraded wheels, luggage rack etc. But when you go with the CXL model, it comes standard with AWD which you said you do not want. I have a pewter/grey CX with the luxury package and HUD which works for me quite well.
As for moving up to a loaded CXL to get the same features, if you are looking for a price leader get the loaded CX. It will come in at between 29 and 30K. A loaded CXL is actually much higher and probably not necessary in the sunny south.
Also Re: leather seating on the CX--I bought mine from the dealer who had the car in stock! I live in Florida and don't go off-road so I don't need the AWD, but I wanted the leather seats. The dealer has been ordering them that way because they listen to their customers.
I'm getting real close to the purchase of a CX with luxury pkg., eye cue, leather seating, 3rd seat and tow pkg. My wife insisted on the eye cue irregardless of the color. She's not an easy woman to please. This narrowed the search to only one vehicle in this area. It's color is the light driftwood even though I prefer the pewter metallic.
So, how old are you owners out there ? :-)
Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
http://www.pontiac.com/vibe/vibe_landing.html
Thank you all!!!
For a quick tutorial look here: http://www.toyo.com/tire_basics/plus.html
You wrote about going with larger ~tires~, not just larger wheels (with smaller tires), and that is different from plus-sizing, the way the term is usually used.
If you go to a larger diameter, many things change, including the odometer accuracy, suspension dynamics, and tire clearance in the wheel/fender wells.
This site shows the vehicle with the many different
wheel choices.
On a 17" rim they recommend a 235-55-17 tire.
With the 235/55-17 the diameter decreases 0.7", from 27.9 to 27.2, that's a -2.4% difference. Whereas with the 235/60-17 the diameter goes up 0.2", from 27.9 to 28.1, for a difference of only 0.9%.
The 235/55-17 tire is the size recommended to me by tirerack. According to the guy that's the biggest 17'' tire I could go for the Aztek. I did my measurement and purchased the 235/60-17 Goodyear Eagle LS tire mounted on 17" ASA JS1 alloy wheels.
I have put almost 6,000 miles on the odometer with this new set of wheels. The looks, handling and ride quality have improved. No problem, whatsoever.
In all fairness to the dealer, he was busy the day I talked to him about the seats and what I wanted. He gladly showed me the book, and I was confused too. No, we did not get on the computer to look all the codes, but with your help, I called the Buick hot line and they told me how to place an order for 6 passengers seating
You must order 1SD (the luxury package). Then under the AR9 you add -2. Then add the AJ1 option (she said this must be done the get the all leather with 6 passengers).
I am going to the dealership to order my in the morning. Wish me luck
I think I might opt for the 55 series because of better handling and a wider "footprint".
However, the choice is to ones own preference.