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Comments
CWJ
P.S. I hesitate to ask, but any news?
CWJ
To my best recollection, the grey mist and storm grey are very similar in color (in between a medium and a very dark grey). The pewter Rendezvous I saw was a CXL and while the color combination is nice (it's my second favorite color combo) I too was a little surprised that the pewter had a beige tone to it. I was really hoping that it would be a real grey metallic and I actually saw it on the road before I saw it at the dealer and it appeared to be almost a champagne color. Also got great news today from a second dealership that you can now order all-leather as an option in CX's but still no price. The dealer said they get dribs and drabs of information and it's frustrating (for them and us). Anyway, I'm so glad that now I don't have to settle for that ugly cloth/leather combo. By the way, apparently no one will do after-market leather because they don't want to mess up the side impact air bags.
Also, I'm not crazy for ordering a vehicle from a dealer that's a 13 hour drive away. It just happens that I ordered my CXL from my old hometown dealer so I'd have an excuse to visit with some of my buddies back home. Now that I've been married a few years and have a kid, it seems *me* time is getting scarcer and scarcer.
My only concern, and it is a big one, is that I've yet to actually see, sit in, or drive a RDV. The thought of arriving at the dealer to pick up the RDV only to realize I have a serious problem with the styling, color choice, fit/finish, power train, etc, etc..is not something I wanted to have to deal with. Here's hoping a RDV will actually make it to my area before the weekend.
Here are some positive thoughts:
People who ordered Toyota Sequoia SR5's with the luxury package took delivery of their trucks, and learned when they got home that Toyota had removed heated seats from the package and shipped the vehicles...without telling anyone (including dealers). There are a lot of angry Sequoia owners with cold bottoms right now!
At least one MDX shopper has decided to buy a RDV instead because he/she is fed up with Acura dealer attitudes, games, and price inflation. You should check out some of the games Acura dealers are playing, it's a disgrace! Why would anyone wait 6 months AND pay $6000 over invoice, only to have their car sold to someone else from under them?
My dealings with my local Buick dealer have been fantastic. The fleet manager (Victor) is as frustrated as I am with the lack of information and misinformation regarding the RDV. He has endured my questions with a smile, and every time, he has called Buick and called me back with an answer! I even changed my mind on colour twice and he never missed a beat.
Bertoli - As you know, my wife and I currently own a 1993 Accord that is "Seattle "Silver", which is basically a light gold or champagne type colour. We didn't want another gold car. In fact, we originally wanted a pewter RDV because we expected it to be a dark silver sort of thing. We were surprised to see how gold it appeared, so we changed our minds and ordered white over light sandrift. Of course, we (she) changed our minds again three days later and had Victor (smiling fleet manager) change the order to white over moss green (sorry ra1der5).
Drove by local Buick dealer this morning. Still no Rendezvous' on the lot. They have 3 of the new Envoys though. Very nice!
I'll be sure and give a report when we get back home with RDV. It'll be interesting to see how the RDV holds up on a long trip and driving on the interstate.
Toog - thanks for the comments on the "storm gray"/"graymist" cladding and the pewter combo.
Darn, now I have to buy one :-). I'll have to go with the CXL in order to get both AWD and captain's chairs, with the third row seat. I wish they would offer the captain's chairs with the versatility package, or on the AWD CX, because I really don't need most of the luxury package features and don't particularly like having to pay for them just to get the seats (which are extra on top of the extra cost of the luxury package). I need the captain's chairs because I have to have 2 carseats installed, and wouldn't be able to access the third row seat otherwise. The other vehicle I'm looking at, the '02 Explorer with third row seat, does a 40/20/40 split for the second row bench. By the time I add up the CXL with luxury package and captain's chairs, the price of the high end Explorer becomes comparable.
Thanks bymclaugh!
3rd row seat is almost useless for anyone over the age of 7
considerable wind noise if you have the roof rack
some questionable things mentioned on the MDX board here at Edmunds, like rear slip on tight curves with some tires, and some maintenance things
lastly, and this one is probably personal to me, the nearest dealer is over an hour away, and I don't want to have to go that far every time I need something serviced.
But for a lot of people, it would make a fine choice. Just not for me.
By the way "woody", what did you say I had to do to get a trailer hitch for my truck? My salesman could not believe it did not have one until they received their first RDZ with towing and no hitch. Of course I said "I told you so" and I read it on this board. In fact everything I have read on this board has been very accurate.
I did not consider the DX nor RX300 for several reasons but the main one was the nearest dealerships were 60 miles away and the local Buick dealer had such great customer service.
Dindak I agree with you and have said before I wish I could wait and get a better deal on my Rendezvous. Taking in consideration the unexpected increased production capability, after the initial demand is over they will be giving rebates and other incentives.
Exzur - We already went down that road a few weeks ago...It is a rare Acura dealer indeed that is selling an MDX at invoice, and when you add sales tax, you are looking at about $38,000. Most people are waiting 4 to 6 months and some people are getting the run around from the dealers. More than a few people ordered cars at MSRP, only to discover 4 months later that their car was sold to a walk-in customer for MSRP+.
I agree that the MDX is a really nice car! In fact, my wife and I went to test drive one and where very impressed. If I was in the market for a $32,000 car and willing to pay $38,000, it would be first on my list. Maybe I could have it by Christmas? As it happens, with my GM discount and GM Card earnings, I am getting a CXL with 1SD and moonroof for $27,000.
Dindak - I agree that people will be able to buy a RDV for $500 over invoice, which would be about $30,000 a CXL with 1SD.
Boondocks - Thanks for your input. More than a few of us are hungry for real-world impressions, especially regarding power-to-weight ratio. I agree with all your comments about the MDX and Explorer, which were (are) strong contenders on my list...although the RDV is virtually a sure thing.
Again, I'm glad we could help, and hopefully we'll see you in a Rendezvous soon!
BY
Other things equal, is the newer more powerful drivetrain worth $2,000? Depending on the individual, probably so. But other things aren't equal. Your comment that an "MDX can be had for $34,850" seems a bit naive. My understanding is that you would be lucky to get the MDX for only $34,850 (Edmund's TMV for this very vehicle is $35,760), while as Dindak points out there will soon be substantial negotiating room in the CXL's price.
CWJ
I don't really think you can compare the RDV to a MDX. The MDX has a much more powerful engine, 5 speed transmission and duel AC/Heat system that really works. It's based on the Honda Odessey, which is light years ahead of the GM Mini-vans the RDV is base on.
You can defend it all you want since this is the RDV group. But please don't make this the be all and end all of SUVs. It's not. I don't even think this is considered a luxury SUV, is it?
For that matter, the MDX is not either, but it's not as "bad and terrible" as you make it to be. It has a long waiting list because it's highly desirable. It's a supply and demand thing, you know.
If you are getting massive discounts on the RDV this earlier in the game, then, good for you, but what does that really mean.
BTW I got over $1,000 rebate on my MDX using the Citibank Driver's Edge VISA. It's not brand restricted and it works.
BTW, during my shopping, my wife and I visited two Acura dealers. On both occasions, we were treated quite disrespectfully and the sales people made no attempt to answer our questions or offer us a test drive.
Thanks for joining this thread. I think you own an Aztec if I remember, and like "dog" said, that makes us cousins. And as people become less knee jerk about THAT vehicle, I don't mind being a member of the family (if undeniably the successful handsome member of the family). Insert cute wink face here.
CWJ
P.S. If you're comfortable with my entire handle that's fine, but CWJ works just as well.
I'm driving by the Buick dealer every day but still no Rendezvous.
R5
Looks like the dealers in Cleveland are getting their RDV's in. I got a call from another dealer who has 2 in. I'm stopping by during my lunch to check them out.
My $.02 regarding Drivers Edge. I have the GM card that limits how much I can use on a vehicle. I have almost $1700 on it but can only use $1500 for a RDV. I can earn 2% on any vehicle with Driver's Edge and have $1350 on it. It is something to consider after you max out your GM Card.
Defend the Rendezvous? Who's attacking it?
"...please don't make it the be all and end all of SUV's." Who here has even begun to do that? It's seems to me that Rendezvous buyers and pre-orderers are united only in that the vehicle in our opinions best fits each of our individual sets of needs and desires, at a price we are each willing to pay. We all make choices in our lives. Choices are individual. There is no "be all and end all."
Since you put it in quotes, who here has said the MDX is "bad and terrible." You attribute it to this board. So who said it. No one. The people here who have shown an interest in the Rendezvous have done so for positive reasons, not negative ones. They have not nor do they seem to feel the need to run down other vehicles to justify their interest in the Rendezvous.
The massive discounts to which you refer came from the unique bargaining position given to people ordering the vehicle through the "pre-sell" program, it doesn't "mean" anything. I expect that for a time dealers will be able to sell the vehicle at or near sticker, and then the normal domestic vehicle haggling process will kick in at some point.
So, tell me houtexan, why are YOU so defensive about your choice in vehicle that you have to make up issues that as far as I can tell don't exist?
CWJ
CWJ
CA thanks for posting my sentiments.
spend the time looking for the details, and my gut feeling is the price of the MDX will go up, while the RDZ will go
down, hence, placing the two cars in different ballpark. Thanks for the kind words, Instead of the word "goofed", I
should have said, "You are right.".
BTW, how did the colours look to you?
Brian
You know, I think you're going to like the moss green. It's not exactly the same as either the website color page or the brochure, but it looks quite nice. Take it up and out into your gorgeous green great northwest outdoors and it will look even better. However, it does clash with corn and soybeans so the sooner they ship your vehicle out of here the better.
Now the inside, you will absolutely love. The "oak" is a marvelous choice and they use several different shades without the interior looking too "busy." There are strips that are trying to look like brushed metal that I like but ar the perfect candidates for you to remove and replace with your wood package when you either find one or invent it yourself. You'll see what I mean when you finally get your vehicle.
I also liked the sunroof a lot. The total effect is exactly what I hoped. Namely a feeling of a well appointed vehicle allowing you to forget you're hauling a van/truck hybred behind you.
Other impressions:
Power: no problem. Gets up to speed very smoothly. In fact, just like my Jaguar it puts on pace without you realizing it. Things seem slower when you're up high in a relatively vertical sitting position without a long hood in front of you. Which brings me to:
Ride: Very controlled by Buick standards. Not a truck, but not a pillow.
Noise: Quiet until the engine gets to higher revs. This must be the "thrashing" I hear others talk of. Would have liked something a bit more refined, but this is not a problem other than to remind you of the vehicle's van underpinnings. Everything else hides the van background quite well.
Size: Big but not "party van" big. The three rows of seating is workable but not generous. If this is what you get with 109 cubic feet, I have to wonder how workable smaller SUV's would be with a third row. The cargo area is just over six feet from the inside the rear hatch to the back of the center console.
I could go on, but I've posted a lot lately and should just back off for a few days.
CWJ
I'm not sure why I am excited about you seeing my car in IN, but your description really brought me there.
Regarding demographics, maybe there is more to GM than meets the eye...
http://www.mclaugh.com/RDV/RDV.htm
BY
You made me wish I could have seen an oak interior before we ordered, as the wife really wanted the light sandrift for the exterior color, but it only came with the oak interior, and she didn't want a "tan" interior, so we went with the Indigo Blue with Grey interior. I like it, but I wish she could have seen the oak, as then she might have realized that it wasn't the "tan" interior she was expecting.
Anyhow, thanks again for sharing your thoughts.
BY
BY
BY
P.S. Regarding demographics, I think you're right. My wife and I are both 35 with kids 4 and 1. Buick hit the mark with us.
As for the adjustable second row seats, I've also noticed not many people seem to realize that. Most everyone who's checked out ours has been suprised when I've pointed that out, as its a nice feature that even Buick doesn't seem to promote.
Good luck ordering yours today! (and hopefully you won't have to wait too long for it to show up!)
BY
By the way, I'm 32 and this is the ONLY Buick I would consider at this time. I do hope Buick makes the Bengal (Tiger mobile).
Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
BTW, I was very tempted by the Regal GS when it came out a few years ago...I'm a sucker for wolf in sheeps clothing cars (I'm in love with the Subaru Impreza WRX).
Brian
Go Raiders!
http://www.mclaugh.com/rdv/rdv.htm
or
http://www.mclaugh.com/RDV/RDV.htm
Hopefully those should both work. (I just checked them and they're working fine right now.)
BY
Thanks again.
BY
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/buickrdv
So maybe that will work. I did also just check the other server and it seems to be running ok right now. I'm assuming when you try to get to the other server you just get no response, or do you get some other error? Any info you can give me and I can take the issue to the web hosting service.
Thanks,
BY
The dealer walked me through all of the options including the heads-up display, the ultrasonic back-up alarm, and connected me to an OnStar operator to walk me through some of those features. We will receive one year of the basic OnStar service for free. You will soon be able to use the OnStar system for regular cell calls... for an additional fee.
Opening the back hatch, I was surprised at how little space there was behind the third row seat. Four of the white plastic grocery bags is about all it will handle with the seat up. But with the seat down, there is plenty of room for my family and everything we will tote with us! The hide-away storage area is good for tools, flares, and maybe tire chains... but don't expect to be able to hide your kid's Christmas presents in there.
I found the middle row seats easy to handle... fold, flip, and you have fairly easy access to the back seat. But don't get trapped in that back row by yourself. It's hard to get out if you don't know what buttons to push. I'm 5'-10" and I fit okay in the back row. With the middle row all the way back I had about 5-6" for my feet and legs. I wouldn't want to be back there longer than an hour.
The front row seat has A LOT of room! If you are a large person, you will fit fine and with head room to spare. I found the power to be fine. No, it's not going to win any drags, but I definitely didn't have a problem getting into a passing gear at 65 and hitting 75 within a couple seconds. It's enough power for what we are going to be doing.
There has been a lot of talk about wind noise at high speeds. At 75 mph I turned down the radio and TRIED to listen for wind noise... couldn't hear it! I don't know what the reviews were talking about. The ride was smooth, quiet, and very pleasing. The side mirrors are huge! HUGE!
Pictures do not do this car justice. The one thing I found surprising is that the lower cladding started almost half way up the side of the door. I guess that after seeing the Montana, I expected it to start a little lower. None the less, it looks great and the lower cladding will help to protect my new investment... er... car. If you think "van" and look at the car, I could see how some would say it looks like a van. But I really think you have to walk into it with that mindset.
Overall, I think I am going to LOVE this car. We had received a quote from Moore Buick before we put in our order. They gave us a very reasonable price at $500 over invoice but unfortunately it was not the lowest. I say "unfortunately" because this was the first salesman who actually knew about the car and the features. All of the other dealerships, including the one we purchased from, appeared to be relatively clueless. Still, they didn't have a brochure.
No buyer's remorse here! We're looking forward to saying goodbye to ol' "Red Bret".
Go Raiders!
R5
I'll link some of your pictures in here so that others can see it. Hope you don't mind. They're a bit wide, so I hope that everyone will forgive the temporary throw off in the page width margins.
Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
Once again, my excitement about this car is validated!
Brian
Thanks
BY
BTW.. that's a beautifl Rendezvous. Great color!!!