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Comments
Any thoughts?
-Dan
1) No power driver's side door at all (does this mean that this vehicle has been sitting here since before 01/01?)
2) It has a power driver's side door, but it isn't listed as standard w/ the 1SG package, it's listed as a $350 option.
I don't understand the discrepancy between Pontiac's own information and the actual window stickers. Is it likely I could argue my way out of the additional $350 for an alleged "standard" feature?
Finally (sorry 'bout the long length): a second question. I'm having a little trouble finding a local dealer with exactly what I want - I found one that has exactly what I want, except it also has the $165 towing package. What exactly is in this towing package and is it a big deal to get a Montana w/it and never use it?
The specifications (according to the brochure and website I see) list a sliding drivers door, but not power. Power drivers door is even optional on the silhouette premier - so I'd expect it to be on the Montana as well (even 1sG/J)
Regarding the tow package - I wish I had it, but keep in mind that production has stopped on Montanas - availability is limited to whats in the field. The package provides the wiring harness, and (why I wanted it) heavy-duty oil and transmission coolers - no trailer hitch. I think it may help with reliability if you intend to keep the vehicle a while (which I do).
Hope this helps,
-Dan
The difference in window sticker prices is because of price increases throughout the year. 10/20/00 $10 Destination. 1/26/01 $115 base price. 3/2/01 $105 base price.
Here are a few links for you to look at:
http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/96026.htm
http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/summary_passvans.htm
http://www.fia.com/tourisme/Ncap6/OPEL_Sintra/OPEL_SINTRA.html
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/ncap/cars/1566.html
Curious as to how the NHTSA full width test differs from the IIHS offset crash test? Have a look at these links:
http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/offset.htm
http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/def.htm
http://www.crashtest.com/explanations/nhtsa/usncap.htm
"Full-width and offset tests complement each other. Crashing the full width of a vehicle into a rigid barrier maximizes energy absorption so that the integrity of the occupant compartment, or safety cage, can be maintained well in all but very high-speed crashes. Full-width rigid-barrier tests produce high occupant compartment decelerations, so they're especially demanding of restraint systems. In offset tests, only one side of a vehicle's front end, not the full width, hits the barrier so that a smaller area of the structure must manage the crash energy. This means the front end on the struck side crushes more than in a full-width test, and intrusion into the occupant compartment is more likely. The bottom line is that full-width tests are especially demanding of restraints but less demanding of structure, while the reverse is true in offsets".
Hope this helps!
Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
This water enters through the plastic boots on top of the rear edge when you lift the hatch. It requires to put clear silicone sealant around the rubber boot.
However, it is unlikely that you would hear it, and suspect it is gas in the tank, especially when it is full and gradually subsides as the gas volume goes down.
Try testing at different levels, and especially if you have to brake hard with a full tank you can hear it. Have a Venture 2000 and noted similar circumstances.
Good luck,
Matt
Thanks
To determine where your leak is coming from, check to see if there is silt in the bottom of the jack well. If yes, then the seam i described. If no, then the wire harness boots at the top of the hatch opening (inside) are suspect. Good luck.
John
Thanks!
Could I get a quick show of thumbs up or thums down on this vehicle.You can email at FKatu@aol.com so not to clog this forum up
thanks
Frank
fkatu "Hyundai Santa Fe" Jul 19, 2001 6:44pm
Steve
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Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Given the news from Montanafan, I'd go with the 2001. Sounds like GM is restricting the possible seating configurations for the 2002 and grouping other options together. If you really need the LH power door, consider getting an Olds Silo or Chevy Venture. Essentially the same cars as the Montana. In fact, my wife and I were all but ready to put down money on a Montana when we realized that the Olds looked pretty darned good too. In fact, we ended up getting a 2001 Olds because it was EASY to find one with the LH powerdoor and all the features we wanted (tow package, SJ option cluster, LH powerdoor, seven seat w/ fold flat third row and leather).
In addition to the same features as the Montana we were looking for (but never found), we got THREE zone climate control and a bumper-to-bumper warranty for 5 years/60K miles (whichever comes first) vs. the typical 3yr/30K warranty. Our Olds dealer told us that GM was doing this to reassure Olds customers that even with the demise of the brand name in two to three years, GM will still stand by its vehicles (not that it had much choice under current federal law anyway!). These extra perks plus the features we wanted convinced us we got the right GM van.
Price and financing were also factors. We got our Olds for $200 over invoice, got the dealer to through in a rear class II hitch and wiring for FREE and went with the 0.9% financing. The money we would have put down on the van is now earning MORE money in a savings account than if we had put it into the van.
So check out the Montana's twin vehicles. You might be pleasantly surprised.
My wife and I have the 2001 Olds Silo - twin car to the Montana and the Chevy Venture. We love the minivan. BIG thumbs up (of course, I've always been a big GM fan - just plain like their cars - no, don't work for them). My prior post talks about some of the great features we like.
As for which is better, Montana vs. Santa Fe, I think you are really comparing two vehicles with different purposes. The Montana is a people/pet hauler and sometimes cargo hauler. It can tow light loads (max 3500lbs) with the appropriate package (oil cooler, trans cooler, etc.), but really is meant to haul people/pets on public roads in comfort. The Santa Fe is an SUV built to haul fewer people but to be more rugged (i.e., capable of off-road operation). It's probably geared more for singles, couples or those with only one kid/pet and not too much baggage. I understand it can also tow light loads. So as far as which is better, I would guess you would need to look at what you need in terms of carrying/hauling capacity over the type of terrain you will be in. Whichever vehicle you decide, best of luck!
After two attempts the dealer has yet to solve the leak. I took your suggestions and sealed the boot at the top of the tailgate. Hopefully, that will fix the problem. I'll keep you posted if that doesn't work. Keep up the good work. I really like this van. On a recent 400 mile trip, it almost got 26 MPG.
I've seen this topic covered elsewhere - I think the best answer is to try to procure one from a junkyard.
-Dan L.
'01 Pontiac Montana / Montanavision
The best feature about the van for our family has been the Montanavision. We have a one year old and a seven year old, and they watch it all the time, even around town. It's a built-in passifier. If I could make a suggestion to GM, I'd let the driver control the volume, and I'd make the control buttons on the VCP bigger so that the driver can see them more quickly while driving. Another feature I like is the 2nd row captain chairs. Originally we had been considering the 8 passenger seating, but the ease of getting around inside the car from front to back in the center aisle between the captain chairs, more than makes up for the lost seat.
Now, if I can just get my newly found leak fixed...
Both leaks were noticed inside the jack panel.
Good luck. Hope this is helpful.
Hope someone can shed some light on a problem we have with our Montana
(2001). Occasionally, buy always during hot weather and the air conditioning on,
we get a loud, sharp noise coming from what sounds like the front left side of the engine compartment. The dealer has tried twice to find out the souce and cause but is struggling. The noise is just like the sound that a large truck makes when "jake braking". Another description would be the "water hammer" noise that can be heard in water pipes. Has anyone out there ever had a similar thing happen? I think it is either the air conditioning system or the anti-lock brakes although the noise is the only symptom. There doesn't seem to be any effect on the driveability other than the shock and adrelalin rush that you get when it happens.
Associated Press story
Steve
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Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
As for the AC Delco oil filter, I don't know the number off hand, but it is in the owners manual. Keep looking because it is hard to find. It is in the area where they show part numbers for the air filter and or maintenance items.
I would appreciate any info on how to fix Air Bag light also.
Thanks,
Matt
Good luck and please keep us updated!
Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
Again for you safety so you can post again, get it fixed.
Few minor things like the leaking that others are having and the smell in the A/C. We had all that taken care of at the dealer with no problems. charges.
Mike
There seems to be water leaking in through the e-brake cable grommet and soaking the underside of the carpet, I did not even notice it until I had to lift the carpet up to install something. Has anyone else found this problem. I also noticed that most of brake line holders on the drivers side underbody have broken. The driver side window does not close properly, I have to push it back as I roll it up. Has anyone seen these problems? any fixes???
I welcome any info.
Dave at: ufpa97@hotmail.com