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Comments
Thanks for the info on problem RDV's at your local Buick dealer.I have seen your name on here before having BCM problems,etc.I'd love to see more dealer reports like yours so we can see how many RDV owners are having problems.Since so few of the 160,000 RDV owners have posted on here its hard to get a handle on things.Most of my friends would never dream of telling their vehicle problems on the internet so just keep quiet.
The rate at dealers in my area is 25% of the RDV owners with problems and 75% with no problems.This would most likely be on the 2002-2003 models.Like I've said before one dealer we know of has had 3 total lemons out of probably less than 30 RDV's sold.Thats far-far too many.
I'm not berating any RDV owners nor their vehicles.I'd just like to see Buick build a quality product and stand behind it.We'd still own our 2002 CXL if the quality was there.It had lots of features that we liked.
OK,now for the good news.Maybe there is possibly a fix for the BCM problems.I found this at another place.Please read this below.I wish I knew how to highlight it.
I am a auto body tech for a buick dealer in FL. I also own a 04 RDV and love it. I have only had one warranty issue and that was the two front window regulators. I had to replace them because they were making noise. The right side was broken and the window was going up and down crooked. GM needs to redesign these regulators and make them out of some kind of metal instead of plastic. VW has recalled the Jetta because of the same thing and the new regulators are made of cast alluminum. If this vehicle was in a climate with snow and ice it wouldn't last a week. My vous only has 3000 miles.
The only other things I see common on these SUVs, are the rear hatch and of course the BCM. There is a recall on the hatch. The fix for the BCM I had handled the first day I owned it. It required a $2.00 hose that catches the water from your AC units condensation and deverts it to the outside. This hose is necessary to keep the water from running down the inside of the firewall under your carpet. The water travels to a pocket in the body that contains the BCM. The pocket fills up with water and shorts out the BCM. If you have a dealer that is reputable have this hose installed right away or you will have problems.
I'd say that this is well worth trying.
Our local buick dealer is awesome. The service department is awesome. Come to think of it my 99 century limited only was in service once--THE DAY I SIGNED THE PAPERS ON IT so they could check fluids and stuff....same with my 2002 Regal...my 2004 Century went to the dealer once, and that was because I BROKE the a/c control switch...
JD power had buick ranked higher than Toyota for 2001...could it be the sleeping giant has woken up? In fact Lexus was number 1, Buick was number 2 in quality. Too bad their Century's take such an [non-permissible content removed]-kicking in depreciation. In my opinion they are a better value than toyota, DEPRECIATION aside.
For the Rendezvous...No complaints. No problems. And I would buy another one.
I'll take the car where I can get parts quickly. And where the dealer appreciates my business.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
As for the mileage hit with AWD ... it's not an issue for me. AWD is EPA rated as 18/24 mpg. FWD is rated at 19/26. Both very respectable. As for maintenance costs with AWD ... I have not incurred ANY additional costs due to the AWD so far (I have 38,000 miles on my 2002 Rendezvous CXL), so I believe that's a red herring.
Bottom line: AWD adds some extra security if you will be driving on snowy, icy, or wet roads. Do you want the extra security? Or do you want to save a couple of bucks?
We also have the 3rd row seat and we haven't used it as much as I thought we would. However, you can remove the 3rd row seat by simply removing 4 bolts. Easy to do and then you can store the 3rd row seat in your garage until needed. The 3rd row is nice to have, when needed, however, and it allows us to transport 7 people pretty comfortably. 3rd row is tight, but if you want to transport adults in that row, just slide the middle row up a bit (the bench seat slides forward and backward which allows you to increase legroom for the 3rd row passengers).
Good luck!
Very happy with our Rendezvous so far. Love the way it drives overall. Would like a bit more power, but it's adequate. Very comfortable for our family of 4.
Rarely use the third row seats, but they're good to have for the few times we've needed them. Plenty of cargo volume in the back with the third row seat folded -- almost none with it up. Also, I'm not entirely comfortable with the lack of "crush space" behind the third row seat in the event of a rear-end collision.
While I have no doubt the FWD works well in snow, I think it would be difficult, if not impossible, to disagree with the statement that the AWD works BETTER in snow. You have 4 wheels with power, versus only 2!
It boils down to: is the extra security of AWD worth a bit more in $? That's an easy choice, in my humble opinion.
Oh, and when the Rendezvous AWD doesn't detect any slippage (e.g. on dry pavement, everyday driving), only the front two wheels have power (helping to get better mileage). In essence, the AWD Rendezvous is a FWD Rendezvous EXCEPT when wheel slippage occurs.
I also can't argue with the 'AWD is BETTER in snow' statement, although I'd like it even better if Stabilitrak were added. But, it's also true that NO drive system can keep you safe in slippery conditions if you go too fast, make a sudden change in speed or direction, or hit some 'black ice' or the like.
My 3rd car, a '98 Jeep Cherokee Sport with 4WD, a much cruder version of the Rondy's AWD I'll admit, has an advantage only in deep snow or mud where the pulling power of 4 wheel traction has saved the day a few times. It gains NOTHING in icy going.
I've driven 2WD cars in snow for decades, and I can say that the FWD Rondy is one of the best ever. As to whether AWD is worth a 'few bucks', that's an individual call. Just MHO.
PS - Do they still ask people in Wisconsin to tie pennants to their car antennas, the better to be seen coming around those all-winter snowbanks?
I have a question... I own a 2002 cx model with the cxl upgrades. I have 41000 miles on it and purchased the car 3 months ago. First and foremost. We love the car! But, the temp guage moves up and down during a relatively short drive. My wife drove appx. 1 mile and the temp gauge maxed out, then, it would go to the normal level on the guage. Seems to have enough rad. fluid in the resavoir. No leaks, no steam. I let it idle for about 10/15 minutes. Noticed the temp guage fluctuated. Any answers/suggestions?
I can't wait to see what some people have done to theirs. I would like an audio system, rims and anything else that would look nice, I've searched everywhere and can't find any done.
So, in essence, make up a list of things that don't work, are broke, rattle, vibrate, etc. and take it into the dealer for it's "final" warranty repair. You're not going to get them to give you free new brakes, etc., by doing this, though. Like I said, unless something with one of those components actually goes wrong before the 3/36 ends, you're not going to get them to repair it no-cost.
tidester, host
Buick hotline guy has been no help.
I swapped my original Firestones after 1000 miles because they were too noisy as well. I was able to sell them as used.
Are touring tires quieter than 'regular' tires?
They have 70,000 mile warranty and are available in blackwall ($66 each) or with raised white lettering ($76 each) from tirerack.com. Link: http://tinyurl.com/6b7ql
Good luck!
Spiritman
The manual states that without a towing package, the Rendezvous can tow 2000 pounds, but with a towing package, the Rendezvous can tow 3500 pounds. Can I get any of the towing package components installed now? Do I really NEED all these components to tow a popup camper? Thanks for any ideas, thoughts?
FYI, towing package includes:
* Self-leveling rear suspension
* A larger radiator
* Transmission fluid and engine oil coolers
* Compressor outlet for inflating bicycle tires, rafts, and other inflatable gear
what item should I have replaced/ looked at before it expires -
I have not had any BCM problem - however I had the heater thermostat, blower, rear brakes replaced and front bearing done so far - so no big things- great service from my dealer.
Someone mention about the head gasket - anything else?
Thanks
any TSB I should be aware of?
I have traditionally been a high mileage driver (50,000 km/year), but have been making a concerted effort to lower my driving in the past 8 months.
Here's the history of problems I've had with my 2002 Vous, which was purchased in June 2002 and currently has 122,000 km (75,000 miles);
-Strut Bearings (fixed under warranty - 57,000 km)
-Both Front Wheel Bearings (out of warranty 80,000km)
-Spare Tire lowering mechanism broken in Summer 2004 ($340 to have fixed). And of course realized it was broken when I needed to change a tire which found a nail.......
-All 4 brakes pads and routers (expected with my high mileage)
-AC Compressor ($1,600), on a car not even 3 years old (AC only used in Canada 3-4 months per year). My old 1997 Chevy Lumina made it 5 summers, and 250,000km before AC Compressor died at the end of the 2001 Summer.
Another problem with the Buick Rendezvous is the lack of aftermarket products. The replacement parts seem to only be available from the OEM which means any repairs become very expensive, very quickly.
With my high mileage I expect parts to wear out and need replacing, but I wouldn't expect bearings at 60K and 80K, a tire lowering mechanism in just over 2 years (a 89 Chevy pickup lowering mechanism worked for all 8 years I owned the truck), and not an AC Compressor with the equivalent of 12 months usage.
Do you know what brand the AC compressor was that died? I am wondering if they changed suppliers from their AC Delco brand.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
I should have been more specific on the AC problem with the 2002 Rendezvous CX. On the Buick it was the Condenser and Receiver Drier which needed replacing, and the original and replacement are AC Delco.
As for the rotors I have to replace rear rotors and brakes after 55000 kilometers. I was able to get after market rotors for 35 bucks each and pads for 55 (ceramic) bucks. However the front brakes are still good. Shouldn't the rear last longer?. Dealer said its normal for rear to wear first on RDV. Interesting
JP - What a Lemon :lemon:
Regarding the TSB, what if there is no evidence of the bracket breaking - just the hole in the condensor?
Ultra model (1SE)
(LA1) Engine, 3.4L 3400 V6 SFI (185 HP [138.0 kW] @ 5200 rpm, 210 lb.-ft. [283.5 N-m] @ 4000 rpm)
(QLR) Tires, P225/60R17, touring, blackwall
(PCR) Sun and Satellite Package.
Two-tone lower accent color (WW1) Storm Gray Metallic
Two-tone lower accent color (WW2) Dark Graymist Metallic
Two-tone lower accent color (WW3) Dark Bronzemist Metallic
Two-tone lower accent color (WW4) Light Sandrift Metallic
New Features
QuietTuning now standard
(AH9) Seat adjuster, manual 2-way is the Standard seat adjuster on CX and CXL models
(LX9) Engine, 3.5L 3500 V6 SFI ( Est. 195 HP [145.4 kW] @ 5200 rpm, 215 lb.ft. [290.2 N-m] @4000 rpm)
Monochromatic appearance is Standard on all models
Exterior color (20U) Blue Frost Metallic now available on CX and CXL models
Exterior color (23U) Sagemist Metallic now available on CX and CXL models
Two-tone lower accent color (42L) Dark Platinum Metallic is available with upper accent color (67U) Platinum Metallic on CXL and CXL Plus models
Two-tone lower accent color (53L) Antique Bronze Metallic is available with upper accent color (97U) Cappuccino Frost on CXL and CXL Plus models
Changes
(AJ2) Seats, 3rd row, 2-passenger are now a part of the 1SC package
(IP3) Seat trim, neutral leather-appointed seats with Sueded fabric inserts available on CXL and CXL Plus
(N30) Steering wheel, leather-wrapped rim with wood trim available on CX and CX Plus
(B20) Woodgrain trim, located on instrument panel and doors available on CX and CX Plus
(CF5) Sunroof requires (UG1) Universal Home Remote on CX and CX Plus models.
(UG1) Universal Home Remote is now and Available option on CX and CX Plus models
Antenna is now fixed mast
(P23) Wheels, 17" (43.2 cm), aluminum, Chrome Tech is available on CX Plus and no longer available on CXL Plus
(PFH) Wheels, 17" (43.2 cm), aluminum available on CXL and standard on CXL Plus with (LY7) Engine 3.6L VVT DOHC V6
(PZE) Wheels, 17" (43.2 cm), aluminum, chrome available on CXL and CXL Plus with (LY7) Engine 3.6L VVT DOHC V6
(LY7) Engine, 3.6L VVT DOHC V6 is now standard on CXL Plus
(QKY) Tires, P225/60R17, all season, blackwall are now standard on all models.
(UE1) OnStar, (UA6) Theft-deterrent alarm system and (UD7) Rear Parking Assist, Ultrasonic are now Standard on CX models
Biggest changes seem to be the replacement of the 3.4L by the newer 3.5L, and the deletion of the Ultra model, probably because the CXL was getting too close to it anyway in power and equipment.
link title
I have 40,000 miles on my 2002 Rendezvous CXL -- I am consequently "out of warranty". My A/C condensor failed (crack in the lower left) and was leaking. I took it into my Buick dealer -- and they covered the repair in its entirety -- no questions asked. I was prepared to "fight" with them so that they would pay for this; I did not need to. They told me there was a service bulletin from GM on this, so it would be covered 100% by Buick.
Great job, Buick! I still love my Rendezvous!
Thanks