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Buick Rendezvous

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  • fedlawmanfedlawman Member Posts: 3,118
    Finally had some free time to clean my RDV yesterday, and boy did it need it.

    During the winter up here, I rarely wash my cars because it's really quite pointless. However, we had a couple of sunny days in a row so I took advantage of them to wash the RDV inside and out.

    I found that the wax job from July is still holding up somewhat so I left it alone, and concentrated on cleaning the body and wheels, dressing the tires, and dusting/vacuuming the interior.

    I can't believe how many french fries and chocolate milk stains can accumulate inside a vehicle this large! The leather seats (all three rows) are terrific and make cleanup a snap. Also being able to flip and fold the middle row makes vacuuming very easy.

    Now my problem. I am anxious to drive my RDV again as we all know a clean car drives so much better than a dirty one. Unfortunately, it's raining again and today I asked (begged) my wife to drive the Honda rather than get the RDV dirty again. She's used to humoring me.
  • theottheot Member Posts: 7
    Hi all,

    I just got a '02 Rendezvous and I love it! I have a question about the 3rd row speakers though. If I seat in the third row, the only thing I can hear is noise from these speakers. Are they subwoofers?

    It is VERY annoying for the third row passengers. Can they be changed with full frequency speakers? Do I have to rewire them?
    I wonder if there is a frequency filter at the radio which would mean that I have to rewire them.

    Thank you for any input,
    Theo.
  • nextmoonnextmoon Member Posts: 386
    I believe your question may have been answered recently in this forum. Check previous posts.

    What I recalled was that the 3rd row audio cuts off if the 2nd row auxilary radio is on (head phones). You can find that article for more details.
  • theottheot Member Posts: 7
    The headphones are removed when this happens... I will check the archives.

    Thanks,
    Theo.
  • nextmoonnextmoon Member Posts: 386
    I remember the post mentioning that there's a control (switch) to turn on/off the auxillary audio. If the auxillary audio is on, the third row speakers cut off or produce limited outputs. Someone brought his RDV into the service department thinking it was a problem but the service person showed him the control to swithc off the auxillary audio. I will post the message number if I can find it.
  • nextmoonnextmoon Member Posts: 386
    Check out post #156 in the RDV problems and solution forum.
  • theottheot Member Posts: 7
    Thank you for the link. I will check it to make sure. My problem though is that the 3rd row speakers sound like subwoofers and the passengers cannot hear the high frequencies. I'll keep digging...

    I also have a problem with the rear parking assist feature... It is always ON regardless of gear. I am off to the dealer tomorrow.

    Theo.
  • dws41dws41 Member Posts: 12
    An unusual situation of an "intermittent" clicking (slight vibration) when I use to brake pedal. I've had the tech from Buick check it out and was told (in essence), "not to worry about it". Has anyone out there had a similar "clicking noise" with their brake pedal?
  • netnerdnetnerd Member Posts: 118
    Hi,

    My name is Douglas. I bought my RDV in October of 2001. But you can get all the details in the Meet the Members section of the owners' club. I also posted a link to pix of my Rondy in the Gallery and some "issues" in the Problems and Solutions section. Also a few links to Rondy Accessories in the Accessories and Modifications section.

    I spent most of my day reading all of the posts in this section of the club. I'm only on about #300. Whew...got a long way to go. Yesterday I read all of the posts in the other sections so at least I'm caught up there.

    Is this the area where most of the talking goes on? I didn't even think to check for recent messages here.

    In the problems section I mentioned that I didn't thin my RDV came with the tilt-on-reverse mirror option even though I ordered every option but the towing package. But tonight in the parking lot of a Dollar store I checked out the personalization options and saw the Tilt Mirror option was there. I tried what was suggested in the Problems and Solutions section: Turn the setting off, shut off the car, restart the car and turn the setting on. Lo and behold, it now works! I can't believe it. VERY VERY cool.

    My wife is about to buy a BMW wagon and she likes to remind me that my "cool" Rendezvous doesn't have the tilt-on-reverse mirror feature that her Beemer will. Ha Ha Ha! Wait till I tell her this! It's like a Christmas present! Almost like getting a new car (well quite a stretch from that, but you know what I mean).

    This is why I kept hoping that an owners' club like this existed online so we could share our thoughts, problems, and solutions. Thanks!
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    http://isuzu-suvs.com/events/pb02-17-01/index.html


    A Light off-road event in Southern New Jersey! Come enjoy the trails!


    -mike

  • gramngramn Member Posts: 2
    My wife and I are getting ready to buy a RDV. Here's the problem. At the dealership, there are two models we like. The one we prefer has everything we want, but we have reservations about the captain's chairs in the second row. Will a children's seat fit properly and is there a tethering bracket? Has any tried to have the dealer change out the seating arrangements? In this case swap out the captain's chairs for the bench seat. Please let me know what you think.
  • amoralesamorales Member Posts: 196
    Pop wanted bench seats inseat of buckets in a certain pick-up model. He brought his tools and told the salesman (fleet manager) that he would buy the truck if salesman would help him swap seats. Salesman rolled up shirt sleeves and honored Pop's request. Both quite happy.

    Good luck,

    Regards
  • nextmoonnextmoon Member Posts: 386
    The problem with the missing extension piece to remove the spare tire? Did all owners finally recieve the extension piece through the dealerships??

    I may soon be a new owner of an RDV within a week if everything works out. I put a small deposit down for an CX FWD with ISC and towing packages for invoice + 1% advertising fee. But my dealer has not been able to locate one for me until recently when he found one from a new shipment but don't know of it's status. Trying not to miss the Feb 28 deadline, I called another dealer nearby and he has the exact match from his new shipment (could be same vehicle). SO all I'm need to do is get the 2nd dealer to agree or do better than my first deal. Does it make sense to show my written deal to the 2nd dealer? Or should I not show him the reciept in case the deal does not work out and I have to go back to the original dealer?
  • nextmoonnextmoon Member Posts: 386
    This question is not specific to the RDV, but here goes: I have a car and insurance now. Do I need to buy insurance for the RDV before I can drive it home or can I drive it home because I have car insurance in general?
  • netnerdnetnerd Member Posts: 118
    Hi,

    I posted some documents about the Valve Spring problem some owners have had. There's info about my situation and a link to the documents in the Problems and Solutions section of this club.

    Douglas
  • netnerdnetnerd Member Posts: 118
    I wouldn't show dealer #2 the receipt/document from the dealer #1. Just walk in and let them know that if they can't do the price you specify (either a specific dollar amount or beating a specific price), that you'll take your business to another dealer. When they know you are serious and you get up to walk away if they don't give you what you want, they'll either do your price or you'll walk out and get a better deal than they'd offer you.

    And regarding your second question: If you have insurance on a vehicle already, all you need to do is bring your insurance card (or prossibly just the phone number of your agent) to the dealer and they'll take care of the rest.
  • gramngramn Member Posts: 2
    For the captain's chair / bench seat swap question. According to the dealership, they are not interchangeable. I find it hard to believe that the same mounting brackets aren't used. Can anyone confirm this?

    For the second dealer. 1% over invoice seems to be the going rate. I wouldn't show the written deal. Ask the 2nd dealer for his best price. If its the same or more, I would just smile, say thanks, and start to walk away. (letting him know it wants good enough) He may give you a better deal then. If he doesn't you should buy the car from the original dealer for being up front with you originally. He'll get the car if its out there.

    Insurance: Most insurance will cover you for 1-3 days after purchase of a new car with out actually changing the insurance coverage to the new car. YOU SHOULD REPORT THE NEW CAR PURCHASE TO THE INSURANCE COMPANY THE FIRST BUSINESS DAY APPLICABLE. The dealership may ask to see a copy of your current insurance policy before they'll let you drive it off the lot.
  • nextmoonnextmoon Member Posts: 386
    to netnerd and gramn for answering my questions. Now I will not show the second dealer my written receipt. I had told him my original quote for invoice + 1% and basically I will buy only if he can meet it or do better (didn't go into numbers on the phone).
  • lukjacklukjack Member Posts: 21
    Nextmoon- I would not let a few bucks get in the way of driving out with your new RDV. From what I understand, it is difficult to locate specific model/color/accesory. With the feb. 28th date quickly approaching, I would negotiate with the second dealer and close the deal with them. If they are a nearby dealer, I am sure they will work a deal very close or better than the first dealer. If you walk without the rdv, you may not find one like it before the incentives are over...It may be worth it, even if you have to pay a little more from the second dealer to guarantee you will get the RDV you want.
  • nextmoonnextmoon Member Posts: 386
    In my area (NYC) there is a shortage of CX models with optional equipment. But there are plenty of CXL's or bare CX's in the dealerships around here. In the start I was thinking the same as not letting a few bucks make a difference UNTIL I got my insurance quote. While I don't think it's as expensive as it can get, it's still a big number to digest.

    I've told both dealers I'm only buying if it's guaranteed I get the $2002 rebate, otherwise I'm prepared to walk. My car now is still running strong and paid up but just a bit small at times. Without matching my exact package and getting the rebate, I honestly wouldn't be buying now.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    Insurance on the AWD Rendezvous will be a lot more than the FWD. Unless you really need AWD, get a FWD and save on insurance, gas and maintainence.
  • lukjacklukjack Member Posts: 21
    Hello all. Just bought a black CXL. Even though I did not need all the options, this one had every option available on a rdv. Since I have had difficulty finding the one with the right color, options, etc. I went ahead and got this one. If anyone is living in the bay area, I would recomend buying one now. They have specials on the ones used in the AT&T PRo Am at Pebble Beach for shuttling around the PGA players. Various dealers throughout the area have these in limited supply. The $2002 rebate still applies. I ended up getting this one about $4200 under invoice (around $7200 under msrp). The car only had 170 miles on it. I was looking for second row bench, but this has the captains chairs which is starting to grow on me.
  • nferrnferr Member Posts: 32
    We just picked up our black CXL today. Has just about every option except tow package and 6 cd changer. We had 2 adults and 3 teenagers in it today, and the car had plenty of power even on the hilly Merritt Parkway here in Connecticut. Ride is very nice - I think we're going to like this vehicle.
  • fedlawmanfedlawman Member Posts: 3,118
    Two more black RDV's on the road!

    My wife and I both think that the black is really sharp looking. I think it makes the RDV look like a high class UAV (Urban Assault Vehicle). She also says the black makes the rear glass look a little more integrated with the body and improves the rear end proportions. Unfortunately though, black is all but impossible to keep clean in the Pacific Northwest.

    I'm sure you'll learn to appreciate your RDV's even more as you spend time with them. The RDV gets even better with age!
  • netnerdnetnerd Member Posts: 118
    Welcome to the club, lukjack and nferr!

    lukjack, sounds like you got a great deal! Congratulations!

    Fedlawman, did you know there's a guy with a personal web page about the Rendezvous and he has a quote on the front that he attributes to you? If you haven't seen it I can probably find the URL again. Let me know.
  • fedlawmanfedlawman Member Posts: 3,118
    netnerd, Ken told us about his webpage some weeks ago and asked us for opinions and input.


    It's got some pretty good links and very insightful quotes!


    By the way, for those that are interested in drag racing MDX's and Durango's, here is an interesting link for 3.4L Grand Am accessories which should be fine for the RDV:


    http://www.partsforyourcar.com/


    Regards,


    Brian

  • pvnguyenpvnguyen Member Posts: 21
    Hello All,

    I'm a new RDV owner since last Tuesday. I had no intentions to purchase a RDV until I stumbled upon one looking at a GMC Envoy/Path Finder/4Runner. Now, I'm an extremely happy owner of an Opel Blue AWD CXL with all the options possible for $26,400.

    I did have the valve spring problem but it was taken car of immediately.

    Why all the fuss of no power? It has plenty of luxury power.

    When I get my digital camera, i'll post a few pics. Thanks everyone for all of the good informative posts especially the mirror tilt feature.

    Peter
  • nferrnferr Member Posts: 32
    From what I've read the RDV is selling at the rate of about 90,000 per year or 50% above expectations. You will probably see GM put more advertising dollars behind the RDV if this continues. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Aztek dropped and production shifted totally to RDV's. I think the plant has a lot more capacity so maybe another variation is planned?
  • dorene1dorene1 Member Posts: 75
    Hi nferr - nice to hear that RDVs are selling well, as it's not apparent in my area. This is especially surprising because I live in a development that is built around one of several golf courses in the area! I wish I could of gotten one of the Pebble Beach RDVs like lukjack- congratulation to lukjack on an incredible deal!

    I was just researching articles on the upcoming Pontiac Vibe (for my teenager) which said that GM is switching some of its PT Cruiser production to Mexico because it's demand is above capacity at it's US plant. Seems like that will account for the extra production space. The Vibe is a very interesting variation on RDVs, and is getting extensive marketing. It will be built out here in Fremont Calif.at the Toyota plant as a joint venture of some kind.

    Congratulations to all the new owners on your excellent auto choice!
  • fedlawmanfedlawman Member Posts: 3,118
    I still haven't seen more than a couple of RDV's on the road since last summer. Even 90,000 units pales next to the several billion Americans and Canadians that populate North America. Do they sell them in Mexico?

    The Vibe/Matrix is an interesting car, but difficult for me to define. To me it seems nothing more than a tall Celica wagon. Not really an SUV. I suppose it could be looked at as a sporty looking Subaru Forester, except that the Vibe/Matrix with AWD is only available with 130hp. Certainly adequate, but not sporty.

    Oh yeah, are you sure you meant PT Cruiser? That is a Chrysler product built on the Neon platform, not GM.
  • lukjacklukjack Member Posts: 21
    Keep in mind that this is still the first production year of the RDV. Over the next few years we all will be seeing many more. However, it is fun to have a car that you do not see often. We just picked ours up Friday, but since have had many people comment and ask about it at grocery store, costco, and at gas station on initial fillup (which the dealer paid for!!) I cant go a mile without seeing an explorer or cherokee. I remeber when the PT Cruiser first came out. I did't see one for like a year. Now I see them all the time.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    pvnguyen : Rendezvous is selling very well in this area (west Toronto burbs). I see them on the road almost every day. I think they are really one of the best values in an SUV out there for people who don't really off road. I also think the power is just fine.

    fedlawman : Saw the Vibe at the Toronto Auto Show Friday. Neat vehicle to say the least, drawing big crowds. It's about the same size as a PT cruiser inside.
  • fedlawmanfedlawman Member Posts: 3,118
    You must be getting close to a decision. There sure are a lot of choices out there as compared to when you first starting shopping.

    The crossover SUV segment is getting very crowded!

    Which way are you leaning?
  • dorene1dorene1 Member Posts: 75
    Thanks Fedlawman - you're right, it's the Toluca Mexico Chrysler plant that is going to put out 200,000 PT Cruisers, moving out of the Nummi Fremont plant where Vibes are going to be built.

    Saturn is also entering the crossover SUV field this year. As was mentioned, it's a crowded arena. I still think RDV's own the versatility with luxury class, however. The spaciousness that the high ceiling offers in RDVs for 7 passengers is unsurpassed in any other vehicle I've seen - we're currently taking my mother and father-in-law, 3 kids (one adult size) my husband and I, on day trips with total comfort. Happy driving, everyone!
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    It's really tuff. We still have a few months, but if we order a vehicle we will have to do it sooner. I think the 4 cyl. VUE is our first realistic choice though the RDV would be my first choice if money was not as big an issue. With day care payments and two car payments, things have gotten tight in the last year so I don't really want to get out of control.

    I have to admit the Vibe/Matrix are hard to ignore for value. Lots of space and function for a very small price. I think the Escape is also a good value and my wife is warming up to the Aztek believe it or not. After sitting in the Aztek at the auto show, it's hard to ignore the versatility of the vehicle that's for sure.
  • kenymkenym Member Posts: 405
    Thanks for the plug Brian. For the new people of Town Hall I have a web page featuring the Rendezvous. It is located at www.geocities.com/myersworld2001.

    I was thinking of adding "The owners corner" were you can add comments or pictures or any thing else pertaining to your RDV. I would really appreciate some feed back on this or whatever topics or links anyone would like to see on/or added to the web page.

    Some of the newer members of the Town Hall have listed some really great links. Thanks and I hope you don't mind that I added them to the web page.
    .
    Ken
  • boondocksboondocks Member Posts: 57
    Here in mid-Michigan (aka GM Country), I see a minimum of one a day. Some days I see several. They're catching up to the Lexus RX300's around here.
  • nextmoonnextmoon Member Posts: 386
    I met with the new dealer and he did not have the model I asked for in stock that he said he did on the phone. I negotiated a price for $500 under invoice after he claimed to have exactly what I wanted and could deliver by tomorrow (Tuesday). He was going to call back the same day I negotiated for my VIN number and did not have one when I called back. The next day it's the same story - no VIN. I have to call again today. I really doubt I will get a RDV by the 28th. BTW - this dealer pushed hard several times to see my receipt from the first dealer and I stood firm by not showing him. Said he has to take my word for it. I think that's why he offer to beat the quote.
  • ckirk4ckirk4 Member Posts: 11
    I am a potential SUV buyer. Can someone share the performance of the Rendezous in snow, especially in hilly terrain that is asphalted? Also, has anyone heard of changes in the Rendezous for 2003? For example, the 3.8 as an option to the 3.4.
  • msadamsmsadams Member Posts: 26
    Hi Gang,

    This is also GM country here in Western New York near Buffalo. We have the Tonawanda engine plant which is one the largest in the GM Powertrain fleet.

    I live in the eastern burbs of Buffalo and now see 2-4 RDV's per day. My Buick dealer really pushes hard to sell RDV's. Their "test loop" uses a road that I am on at least once a day and I see people taking test drives frequently. On Saturday they had about 20 RDV's neatly parked in a row in front of the dealership. Would have been 22+ but I saw 2 out on test drives.

    As for my AWD CX 1SB, it is 1 month/1100miles old. I am glad that I did not get the Trailblazer as the RDV is better in nearly every respect. It gets better everyday, just like the fuel economy :-)

    Mark
  • rwisemrwisem Member Posts: 96
    Here in south Jersey I work in an office tower that includes major administrative offices for Mattel and defense contractor Raytheon. I have counted 5 RDV's in the parking lot in addition to mine.
  • fedlawmanfedlawman Member Posts: 3,118
    January 2002:

    RX300 - 5855
    RDV - 3886
    MDX - 3423
    ML - 3175
  • nferrnferr Member Posts: 32
    fedlawman, I saw the same Jan sales number as you posted, but in an article I read it said current sales were running at 50% above Buick's original expectations of 60,000 per year. Perhaps the article is talking about sales to dealers who may be stocking up?
  • fedlawmanfedlawman Member Posts: 3,118
    You seem better informed than me, nferr. I just copied the numbers from the chart.
  • dorene1dorene1 Member Posts: 75
    I have been getting gas as soon as possible after the fuel light goes on, and it seems to consistently have 3 gallons left at that point. Has anyone driven through the 3 gallons? Does this have any adverse effects?

    Today the fuel light went on when driving through a rough area, and I would have preferred to go to my MTBE-free gas station near home, but didn't know if it would be a good idea- Thanks for any input!
  • kenymkenym Member Posts: 405
    dorene1. I live in Ohio where the winters can get pretty cold and I was told long ago not to let the fuel tank go below half for the following reasons.

    The main reason was Condensation. Going from heated garage to cold can cause condensation or water in the gas tank and that can cause some real problems. If the car is older sediment from water or bad gas or even rust from the tank itself can set in, and the lower the fuel in the tank the more likely this sediment can be sucked into the fuel lines and cause you problems.

    At least this is what I was told. I am not sure if it is true or not but I always try to keep the tank full or near full. If nothing else you wont have to stop in a rough area to purchase gas.

    Ken
  • tombarb3tombarb3 Member Posts: 5
    I'm close to making an RDV purchase, but read 2 reviews that were very negative about the fuel economy. What are some of you getting, 2WD and AWD. The reviewers claimed they got much worse mileage than sticker. Perhaps the vehicle needs to be broken in?
  • fedlawmanfedlawman Member Posts: 3,118
    dorene1 - I have gone 20 miles with the fuel light on a couple of times, but I was nervous doing it. I think Ken is right that you shouldn't do it often...although half a tank seems a little extreme. The fuel guage does accelerate dramatically as you pass below 1/4 tank, so you probably have less gas than you think.

    tombarb3 - 80% city/20% highway gets me about 17 MPG. The few trips with extended highway driving I have done showed 26 MPG. Mine is AWD.
  • jp614jp614 Member Posts: 34
    As I have reported earlier, I am generally matching or exceeding the EPA estimates. I have a 2WD CX 1SD. With no cargo and flat roads, I generally receive 27 - 28 MPG at 63 - 65 MPH.

    I just complete a 2000 mile trip from Ohio to Alabama and back with a total of three people and a ton of luggage in the back. I averaged 73 - 80 MPH on the trip. The DIC reported 22.3 MPG.

    I found that the mileage sweet spot is under 2000 RPM. Anything over that diminishes the economy rapidly.

    If you have a light (not lead) foot, your mileage on the CX should be fine. The AWD owners seem to be reporting less than EPA estimates in real world conditions.
  • netnerdnetnerd Member Posts: 118
    I have been getting considerably fewer miles to the gallon than I expected. According to the DIC, I'm getting about 14.5 mpg. However, my average speed is only around 19 mph. I commute about 8 miles to work each way and about half of that is on the highway, but the last mile takes about 6 minutes due to traffic jams. The rest of my drive to work is through residential areas so I stop at lights or stop signs every 30 seconds or so.

    When I drove to Illinois from my home in Philadelphia last November, I believe I averaged 22 mpg or so which seemed pretty good.

    I was hoping for more like 18 or 19 for my commute, but I guess the type of driving I'm doing just won't allow it.

    YMMV (internet speak for Your Mileage May Vary)--literally!
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