Buick Rendezvous

fedlawman · October 2001

I had a big wheel when I was a kid, and I think it was, at the most, 13" tall.

But seriously, is the step up from 16" to 17" enough of a difference to be noticeable? I think if 16" is too small (and I agree they do look a little small) you should probably consider 18" wheels (plus two) in order to get the most bang for your buck. I haven't done the math but, an 18" wheel will probably net you a 50 series tire, which is still plenty tall for good ride quality.

I'm sure this doesn't answer the question but, if a valet were to manually adjust your seat to some weird position, all you have to do is push the button on the door (either the 1 or the 2, depending on who you are) and the seat will return to the memory setting for that number.

suvshopper4 · October 2001

A wider footprint usually means less traction in the wet (rain or snow).

rdl40 · October 2001

In that case use the stock wheels and tires in the winter and the upgraded wheels and tires during the dry months(here in Cali. thats April-October)

exzur · October 2001

rdl40, The revs/mile for the stock tire(215/70-16) is 724. The tirerack recommended(235/55-17) is 742. That's 18 more revolution to complete 1 mile. Whereas tire size 235/60-17 revs/mile is 718, has to revolve 6 times less than the stock tire to complete the mile. Correct me, if I am wrong, but I don't think this would be neglible on the speedometer. I also don't think the 55 series has wider footprint than the 60 series.

The handling is better with the 55 series. Ride comfort goes to the 60 series and and a little bit increase in ground clerance.

I would prefer better handling car. If only the 245/55/17 or 255/50-17 will fit the front wheel wells of the Aztek, Iwould had gone for it. Problem is, I am not sure.

18" rims and tires are expensive.

suvshopper4 · October 2001

exzur: Using your 18 revs per mile difference and dividing by your 724 r/m of the stock tire equals close to 2.5%. That's how much the odometer would be off. Not insignificant, I think. 100,000 mile odo reading is about 97,500 miles actual (assuming you had the different sized tires on the whole time).

Speedometer difference is not as big a deal, I agree. 60 mph reading is really about 58.5 mph.

I think...

rdl40 · October 2001

excur, I think we're splitting hairs on this one.

denis9 · October 2001

I was able to reduce my gas consumption by about 8% on the highway by turning the AC off.

AC seems to always be active on RDVs equipped with the automatic climate control. Simply hit the "VENT" button to turn if off. ("AC off" will be displayed, push the AUTO button to activate AC next time you need it)

Now that the temperture is getting cooler (in this part of the world anyway) I think it would be a good idea not to have the AC on all the time for nothing.

Of course I'll try to remember to turn it on at least 20 minutes each week so it stays lubricated... Also, for those who don't already know, having the AC on is a great way to eliminate fog and humidity inside the car. (but you probably don't have to have it on ALL the time)

Hope this helps

jdimtsios · October 2001

Hello All,

I'm interested in buying an RDV and this group has been very helpful. I was wondering if someone can answer some questions that I have.

Has anybody tried buying a car from carsdirect.com or any other on-line service? I hate bargaining for cars and if I could get a good deal on line I think it would be good. For the RDV CX with ISC Versatility package (MSRP $27,586 - Invoice $25,182) they are quoting $26,434.

Has anybody just gone to the dealership with a quote like this in hand and told the local dealership to match / beat it? Any results?

Also, has anybody tried to get the standard 0% GM financing extended to longer than three years. Of course if I would love to get that extended to five years. However, I was wondering if 2.9% over five years or 0% over four years would be reasonable.

Also, if a demo is an option, do any of you have any clue on the amount one should be discounted per mile already driven?

Thanks in advance,

John Dimtsios

dpatel · October 2001

John - Please take a look at the What did you pay section of the Buick RDV Club. Also you may want to check some of the prior messages in this section also. As I recall, I have seen buyers who have paid about $200 above invoice. So your Carsdirect price seems significantly higher than the numbers you have quoted in your message. Also if you read the past messages there are people who have asked the dealers to match the internet pricing and the dealers have done so. I As far as I know 0% financing is available through GMAC and extending that to more than 3 years may not be possible but than on the other hand that may be the reason why you are quoted more for the car. Also IRS allows say 32.5 cents per mile deduction. I doubt if the dealer will be giving that much reduction but then there is nothing wrong in trying. You never know that until you try it. When I was shopping for my RDV, I was quoted about 10 cents per mile for a demo car.

ybc · October 2001

Has anyone had any luck finding generic all-weather rubber floor mats that will fit the Rendezvous driver/passenger and cargo floors?

My RDV is leased and I'd like to get mats that could also fit in my next vehicle rather than getting a RDV specific one that may not be as flexible. Thanks!

thf1 · October 2001

This may be a great way to save gas in Canada, BUT in the southern most of Alabama, NO WAY. Here we run the A/C on January 1.

Glad this works for you.

melsny · October 2001

To ybc: Try Mac Neil Weathertech at http://www.macneil.com/store/igsearch.asp?item_group_id=3

I bought them for my RDV but haven't put them in yet.

boondocks · October 2001

I have clear (with a matte finish) rubber all weather floor mats under the feet of all 3 rows. The husband bought them at Meijers (local big chain here in Michigan), but I've seen them at Target also. They were between $9 and $12 for the two sizes, long or square. I don't know what color interior you have, but they look VERY nice in the gray.

ybc · October 2001

Thanks for the suggestions! The clear ones must be popular 'cuz the Meijers in my area were out! I just went ahead and ordered the MacNeil/Weathertech mats. They're a little pricey for what I wanted to spend, but Roadworksauto.com offered them for free shipping.

P.S. I got a kick out of the "the husband" comment!! It's refreshing to hear that after so many "the wife.." this and that

nextmoon · October 2001

I was trying to customize a RDV CX package with a third row option on the Buick website and other direct buying sites and they don't offer the third row without upgrading some of the the packages. Can the 3rd row seat be added alone or are is it only available in a package?

dpatel · October 2001

As far as I remember, you have to select one of the option packages to buy the RDV. If you want to have the 3rd row seating, I beleive you have had to either select the Versatility (1SC) or the Luxury packages (1SD) for the CX models. Please check with the dealer as I am going by my memory. Another way will be to call the Buick customer service number.

nextmoon · October 2001

Thanks, that's exactly what happens - have to select the Versatility package. That's makes the 3rd a pretty expensive option.

dougster1 · October 2001

Picking up our CXL this evening. All of us, but especially my 10-year-old daughter(author of the previously posted "Top 10 Reasons a Rendezvous is better than an MDX") can't wait.

Details to come...

cwjacobsen · October 2001

spiritman1 · October 2001

Not seeing many RDV in NYS, it was fun to park next to an identical white CXL in LI, and when I looked inside it has a wood dash. We ran into the owner a few minutes later and he said Karp Buick in LI told him it came that way! I think it was the same car I test drove before I ordered mine from another dealer upstate. This fellow said it was a $700 on the sticker. My gal loved the look and I must say it looked very upscale! The dash, console , and door sections were done.

Spiritman

cwjacobsen · October 2001

Hi Spiritman. I think it was Brian F. (Fedlawman) who once posted a link to an aftermarket wood dash company down in Florida which had an incredibly large number of different panels, finishes, and colors for the Rendezvous. It would take me forever to find the link, I think it was all the way back around post 300 or 400 or so, but maybe Brian will see this and repost or maybe you might be able to find the link independently. It really was an impressive site.

CWJ

fedlawman · October 2001

Right you are CWJ, here are a few.

http://www.exoticwooddash.com/

http://www.wooddashfactory.com/

http://www.autodash.com/

With the bottom link, type in "rendezvous" for the model and hit enter. Select to view a dash kit from "Florida Auto Trim" and you will be given a "view photo" button. This is a picture of a RDV console with wood trim installed. Notice how the pieces are "flat" and don't cover the edges of the console or vents.

Personally, I think it looks "tacked-on" and a cheap. I'm waiting for someone to make a moulded kit before I decide.

spiritman1 · October 2001

I was only looking in the windows as the car was in a parking lot , but I have an eye for detail having spent years as a finish carpenter. It appeared that the trim was slightly rounded down at the edges, making the veneer look thick and moulded.....I am coming from a Lexus 400 with the same looking trim and it looked comparable. I admit that one needs to be inside the car to make a critical evaluation but my gal was most impressed. It didn't look like one had taken shelf paper and glued it on...lol. It worked will with the grey trim. I'm not sure its worth the money....I'm looking into a powered bass system to give the stereo a boost in the low end.

My passenger mirror seems to creap up. I have tilt in reverse turned on . I have shifted from drive to reverse multiple times to see if I can detect any creep, but can't. It may be doing it when I occasoinally park and run off the key switch too rapidly . I have about 4000 miles on so far and am quite happy with my purchase.

Spiritman

fedlawman · October 2001

Based on your experience, I'm curious of your opinion of the RDV wood dash photo at the autodash website. That is the photo that I based my opinion on as I have not seen one in person.

I finally turned off "reverse tilt"...I got sick of making periodic small corrections.

spiritman1 · October 2001

I can't seem to find a picture other than the very small shot of the dash .....is there some closeup somewhere? I would never consider it from that small pic but in person it looked swell.

Spiritman

ybc · October 2001

I drove my Olds for 8 years w/o incident and now my 3 week old RDV already has a rock chip in the windshield. I'm looking at home repair kits vs. taking it to a shop. Any recommendations on either? How much should it cost, generally. It's only about a 3/8" sliver. If anyone recommends a shop in the Michigan area, let me know (Troy/Rochester, etc..). Thanks!

fedlawman · October 2001

Spirit - I assume the picture you are referring to is the same one. It doesn't show the whole dash, but it is a good sized look at the center console and dash portion...and clearly shows the edge of the trim, which is the problem that I have with it.

If you have any information on the dealer installed aftermarket trim that you saw, I would like to follow up on that.

ybc - I have three rock chips on my windshield and had Safelite Auto Glass take care of each one. They came to me (mobile service) and charged my insurance company $165.00. I think most insurance companies waive the deductible to have the windshield repaired...call your insurance company and see.

robsmith · October 2001

I purchased a kit from JC Whitney many years ago and was able to repair a chip in my Tracker.

I once had a friend who did it for extra money repair a bulls-eye so well I couldn't find it.

My chip was still visible(not really a distraction) but caused me no further problems either.

It was pretty simple to use but seems like I remember you will get better results in warmer weather and direct sun helped it dry better.

spiritman1 · October 2001

Fed...you must be looking at a different picture than I can find. I can't bring up anything other than the original picture of a steering wheel and the center dash....about 1" high and 3/4" wide. Perhaps you could copy and send the picture to Spiritman@aol.com or redo the directions. thanks

Spiritman

fedlawman · October 2001

I'll e-mail it to you.

jp614 · October 2001

I too have looked at the wood dash kits. I do not particularly care for the ones that are out there. The way they handle the lines on the left and right of the instrument panel looks compromised. I also do not like the selection of pieces that one receives in the kits. I only want panels to cover the brushed aluminum look inserts on the doors and passenger air bag along with pieces for the door mounted window control areas. No one makes a kit for just these 9 pieces. And the price that they want for the flat look is outrageous considering they look tacked on and not OEM.

fedlawman · October 2001

I couldn't agree more.

Perhaps a visit to a Buick dealer would be helpful as they tend to have relationships with aftermarket suppliers and custom shops.

spence30 · October 2001

I have been looking at the Rendevous for 6 months now, and was looking for owners opinions of them. I, like many of you, want an all-wheel drive, non-mini van automobile. I live in NH, and winter weather plays a big roll in my buying plans. I am a little gun shy to purchase a 1st model year vehicle. I purchased a 2000 Chevy Impala 15 months ago, and while I love the car, I have experienced 1st year bugs. I would like to hear current owners opinions, issues, especially if you have put significant miles on it. I put 48,000 miles on my Impala in 15 months, and my wifes 99 Blazer has 58,000.

Thanks for your help

dindak · October 2001

Anyone in Canada looking for a Rendezvous model can get one at Loblaws supermarket (of all places). I picked one up tonight with the groceries. They are C$9.99 in the DealZone area in the small toy department. They also has the Chevy SSR which I may go back for.

fedlawman · October 2001

Many of us shared your concerns about a 1st year model.

My concerns were minimized by the knowledge that the RDV is built on an established platform (1998 Chevy Venture) and that the Pontiac Aztek proved to be very trouble free during it's first year of production.

The most often mentioned problems that come to mind are passenger side mirrors that don't always remember their memory setting and radios with a slightly slow clock. Some owners also find the rear hatch to be a tad bit heavy.

While no car is perfect, compared to other luxury SUV's, the RDV is very well screwed together (check out the ML320, MDX, X5, or RX300 threads to see the problems some of their owners are having).

A very well equipped AWD Rendezvous can be had for under $30,000 and right now, GMAC has very attractive financing.

dindak · October 2001

I think you have 0% financing down in the U.S. now. Up here, it's stuck at 3.9% or 4.9%. I guess they don't want Canada to help keep America rolling.

fedlawman · October 2001

36 months - 0%
48 months - 2.9%
60 months - 4.9%

dpatel · October 2001

spence30 - As fedlawman suggested, I was skeptic about buying a new car also. I watched this forum for a while and read just about the whole thread. I also read as many reviews as I could and then decided to buy the RDV. I had an option to buy a loaded sedan or not as much loaded RDV for about the same price. The only drawbacks I could find were some occasional nuisance type problems, but then which product will not have that. I would rather live with those than the major problems, so I took a plunge and went with RDV. I agree you should be concerned on a first year vehicle, but also I believe that during the first year more data is being gathered (to get the statistical analysis going during assembly) and more eyes are looking for defects too. This is based on my experience in manufacturing (not in auto manufacturing) as I myself have done that. If RDV will not make a good first impression due to mechanical problems, the product will be a flop. Yes, I do not have as many miles so cannot comment on the long term problems at this stage and hope someone else may be able to help you in that regard, but from my initial impression and first 5 weeks of experience, I have not had any mechanical problems yet.
The other issue which you may want to consider is the cost on owning the RDV. It costs less, and gives higher mileage both in favor of RDV. The unfavorable part will be the residual value of at the end of say 3 years compared to the Japanese autos so that is what you need to consider if you trade your cars more frequently.
One more thing - please read the problems and solutions thread of the RDV section also. This will give you a lot more information on the problems people are having with the RDV.

dlh4 · October 2001

Had a low level whining noise coming from the rear of the vehicle that I knew was not right. Turned out that I had a bad rear wheel bearing that needed replacing. My RDV has 6600 miles on it since I bought it July 31st and this is the first problem with it. The part was under warranty, and the fix was quick, so no delays in driving my vehicle this weekend to Santa Barbara for two college soccer games that I officiated. I can only hope this is an isolated problem that is the result of a bad part, not bad engineering.

dindak · October 2001

http://www.autoweek.com/cat_content.mv?port_code=autoweek&cat_code=autofile&loc_code=index&content_code=02114561

fedlawman · October 2001

Well, I finally took the plunge. As you might remember, I got a third rock chip last week, that prompted a call to my insurance company to arrange for repairs.

Well, I asked them about repairing my three small paint chips on the hood (from this summer) and they referred me to a local body shop for an estimate.

I went to the shop to discover that it is one of the best shops in the county, with an excellent reputation, USAA approval, and a clean, professional looking garage...I was impressed.

The owner helped me and while looking at the paint chips, I also showed him my scuffed bumper (also from this summer). Well, he made me an offer I couldn't refuse. If I let him fix the bumper, he would also do the hood - gratis! I said OK.

Well, I went to pick up the car yesterday and am pleased to report that the hood was touched up perfectly...it is virtually impossible to see the chips and, they even buffed out a few shallow scratches I had from dragging a towel over the hood when it was dirty (my stupid mistake).

Unfortunately, as they pulled the car out, the sunlight clearly showed that the paint on the new rear bumper didn't quite match the rest of the lower cladding. The owner was embarrassed when I pointed it out to him and he promised to make it right...I had him keep the car.

Today, he called and explained to me that GM has not published paint codes for the new colors yet, so the shop had matched the color from a book...by eye. For the redo, they are going to use a special camera to take a picture of the paint and then match it by computer, plus tweak it with tint, until it's right. This, I am told, will take a couple of days.

I am a little concerned since the Greymist is quite a complex color (in sunlight, it has beautiful, deep, green and violet metallic flecks under the surface).

Why didn't GM make it easy for shops to get the formula to match the paint? Does anyone out there know about this special camera method?

I have to admit, in retrospect, their first attempt was quite good. It was ever so slightly lighter in shade and the flecks were the right color, just not quite "enough". It was actually very hard to see the difference...but I am a perfectionist and only authorized the work because I was assured my RDV would look perfect again.

So why did I write a book about this? I'm not sure...just looking to get it off my chest and let you all know about this paint code situation. It may be wise to delay paint repairs until GM gets the codes out.

I'm excited because I'm confident that they will get the color right this time. For the cost of my deductible, I am getting all the blemishes removed and my RDV will be like new again (back to handwashing only John!).

dpatel · October 2001

John - Sorry to you hear that the body shop did not match the color. Hope you can have a good match this time. If you have a problem, my suggestion (being indirectly involved in the related paint business) will be to ask the body shop to find out who the original paint supplier for the RDV is, after which you should be able to get the exact match of the paint. Keep in mind that there will be some fading of the paint due to weather and UV light etc, but a good body shop should be able to handle that easily. Hope you do not have to go through this.

john325 · October 2001

Brian,

Congrats on getting things back in shape. I hope you have that partial bottle of Klasse AIO handy.

Go 9ers,
John B.

fedlawman · October 2001

dpatel - That's a good idea about the original supplier. I'll talk to the body shop today to check on their progress.

Good memory John, it's in a tupperware container in the garage. BTW, where have you been?

john325 · October 2001

In light of our recent East Coast tragedies, I've been in more of a "serious mood" as of late. Not that I haven't been doing fun things, ie. golf, time w/kids & wife (in fact, I've been doing lots of that lately), but all of a sudden our RDV seemed a whole lot less important than other stuff.

I have been checking-in on the boards, but like R5, I've kind of been in "lurk mode". I guess my last post was probably on or about 9-10.

Anyway, hearing your "good news", and only you know how much I wanted you back on the mend w/ your "family car", brought a smile to my face. And in these otherwise bleak times, smiles are good things. Sounds like you brought your car to the perfect place.

In the meantime, get that Klasse ready...I'm sure your RDV will be one of the best looking in Seattle. Enjoy.

:-)
John B.

fedlawman · October 2001

Still possibly the only one in Seattle...

dirkdaddy · October 2001

Hello,

I have read many of the posts (wouldn't it be nice Edmonds to have searches for message content within groups???) and like what I see.

I liked the idea of the interior of the Aztec, but the whole thing was not well styled obviously and GM is eating them. The buick, solve a lot of those problems with a very classy looking vehicle.
My question is really how have people compared this vehicle to the new Trailblazer with a much more powerful engine that has a much newer design. The 3.4 is ok but safe to say not a "great" motor like the 3.8 or small block v8 or northstar.

I like the size of the Buick and layout with my new first addition to our family, but 3.4 minivan hertige of this thing is giving me some serious reservations.

Also, it looks like the ground clearance on my old Shadow is greater than the Buick, especially the trick rear suspension. How is it off-road?

I haven't heard of any reports of people going off road. How does that high-tech AWD system work in say....thick mud like we get here in East Texas?

Dirk Daddy

fedlawman · October 2001

Having read back through the posts, I'm sure you realize that the RDV is not a truck...it is more akin to a AWD minivan without sliding doors. It is head and shoulders above the GM 3.4L minivans in refinement, quality, and luxury and in my opinion, nicer than any minivan on the market.

Ground clearance and off-road performance is similar to the other car/minivan based SUV's such as the Acura MDX and Lexus RX300, which is to say, minimal.

The AWD system is also comparable to the above mentioned SUV's in that it is primarily a front driver until a loss of traction occurs, at which time torque is redirected to whichever wheel(s) have traction. On slippery roads, I have found it to work flawlessly and seamlessly to provide traction. For DEEP mud and/or snow, I suspect the RDV's street tires and 7" ground clearance would be it's two biggest shortcomings. No, your not likely to ever read a report of a RDV going off-road.

Check out www.buickrendezvous.com to get good info about it.

The new Trailblazer, Envoy, Bravada trio are very compelling trucks. Clearly however, they are a different breed of vehicle intended for a different market. If you are interested in them, you should check out their forum...I don't think too many RDV owners cross-shopped them and personally, I haven't followed their release too closely.

dirkdaddy · October 2001

Thanks for response. Like many others I rarely offroad my dodge 1500 4x4 PU. I kayak and mountain bike, camping trips, going to music festivals where you park in fields and may be driving to snowboard in the mountians. As I don't really belive in driving vehicles (besides bikes and maybe horses) into wilderness areas just because you can, about the only use for a AWD or 4x4 is when the parking areas and camping accesses get muddy with rain and maybe snow in the mountains. Seems like this system would handle the mud OK if you know how to drive. These aren't Bogs by any means but the texas mud gets greasy as heck. Snow would be perfect for the AWD system. My 4x4 truck has the part time HD system, which is great for deep stuff but you have to engage and disengage if the roads go from covered to clear that sort of thing.

Honestly, I think I could just get the FWD version and know how to drive. I live in Houston and 99.5% of the time a AWD would be useless.

Your comments about it being a big improvement over the 3.4 based vans is interesting. I'll have to go drive one of these things and check it out. A guy on my soccer team has one his work gave him to use and I glanced at it - the back is very spacious, larger than my neighbor's Expedition I'd hazard to say!

Thanks again.

Dirk

dpatel · October 2001

This message was posted by the host of this site a while back -

"1678 of 1755 Drivers to pilot Buick Rendezvous through wilds of South America by nextmoon Oct 04, 2001 (11:42 am)

Here's an interesting article to read on:

http://www.autoweek.com

TC wouldn't let me post the full length of the address of article (too long). "

I tried to go back to Autoweek to see if they have posted any status reports, but could not find it in a short time. Maybe someone is following this story? The rally is already in progress as per the article. This article will answer dirkdaddy's and a lot of others concerns.

Buick Rendezvous

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