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1. Ignore the sound? Can you ;-) ???
2. Replace only the offending shock? No, should always be changed in pairs.
3. Get a second opinion? Not a bad idea.
At 48 k it's time for you to consider new shock anyway, it's not because they dont leak that they are not worn out. You will realize that the day that you will ride on new shock.
My question. do you REALLY need air shock ? Regular shock are cheaper...
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Steve
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These probably drive, handle differently and have different features. Which do you like better?
I have a used '98 olds I got with 62k miles and fully optioned for $11k. Most of us here have not had trouble with the electric door and when you use it everyday, you discover how nice it is (this coming from a guy who thought it was bogus as first). The dual doors is a must now a days, espec. with your 3 offspring.
Toyotas are good with resale usually. The GM vans have very good powertrain reliability and excellent fuel milage for their size, as well the fact they are made for americans and not small people.
You need them to simplify the deal so you are clear on each item.
1. get the price of the van negotiated separately, in cash price, not payments
2. then negotiate the trade-in. Know your car's trade value, and have it washed and cleaned (pay if you have to get this done). Getting out of a car for the remaining payments may be a good deal or it may be a rippoff. KNow what you have left and what your car is worth.
3. There are tons of used vehicles out there with the recent low-interest rate new car deals and extended warrenty offerings. DON"T FALL IN LOVE with one, usually there are always more if you keep looking. This gives you much more leverage in negotiating than if you are in dire need of a vehicle. Your car is working and you don't have to trade, so you have the upper hand. Keep going back if you like the Pontiac but low ball them and keep walking out if they don't match your lowball offer. At the end of the month go there and get serious.
4. try autotrader.com and local newspaper classifieds for comparables on both the sell and purchase side.
5. try credit unions and carmax as alternatives to dealer financing and trade-in. I got a USED car rate at 6%, less than my home note!
see the info here on edmonds on used car purchases. there is a lot of info.
Good luck. I think you would like the Pontiac, but I suggest if you like a luxury ride, check for a used Olds too.
DD
Consumer Reports lists the reliability of the Vans as above average. The interior/exterior trim was something that people had trouble with. But if you're going to have trouble with a vehicle, wouldn't you rather it be that mud-flap came loose and needed reattaching (like on my van)or some major drivetrain problem that leaves you on the side of the road?
The electrical systems of these vans is pretty complicated - at least my GLS is. All those electrical gizmos and power equipment see to that. Re: burning fusebox - You might be buying a lemon, I'd get someone at another dealer or something to check it over before you sign on the dotted line. I have read here stories where the orginal batteries leaking acid, and that on one occassion dripped on and shorted out the wireing harness. You'd need a decent skilled mech to get it all solidly wired back up again so the connections wouldn't be half-asked(G). You might also need to get the alternator serviced (common problem), but I have not heard of other electrial items giving trouble. The headlight leaking water is not a electrical problem and can be easily fixed.
Personally I find the Toyota vans reliable but about exciting to drive and look at as watching paint dry. granted we're talking minivans, but the toyotas are DULL. I don't know what you look like, but I'd feel like a real dud driving one of those things around.
Also, I'm trying recall the specifics of the Toyota model your' referring to, but I think it has a big motor hump inbetween the seats and a old van style access from inside the van. I belive it has a very weak 4cyl motor that will be slower than molassas in January. I find the Old's flat floor and 4 bucket seat arrangment wtih the asile down the middle very handy, and the 3.4 v6 to be economical and very peppy - more than my dodge truck with a 360cid v8 ever was.
you may think I'm biased against imports, but I'm not, I also own a '00 maxima SE.
If you like smaller, underpowered vans like the Toyota, also see the Mazda MPV - not a bad design but over-worked motor IMHO.
Also, compared to other "active" boards, the GM vans have few complaints. I doubt the low production Toyota vans of that vintage even have a forum. Also see the Olds and Chevy van archives
good luck
Gaskets replaced, coils replaced which appears to be a problem in all Montanas. My mom told them she wants a new engine they are giving her one.
They will give her a new engine 0 miles, and will extend the warrenty another 5 years on the powertrain.
I just want you guys to know so you can get the same thing she got. Don't put up with the crap that some of the inferior dealers tell you. This appears to be a problem for sure.
Hope this helps you.
Hope this helps you guys.
First, if you are really considering letting your Corolla go for only $2000 for a 98 with 70K mi. Respond back to me, I'll give $2,500 right now easy. (Hell I'll even come to Washington to pick it up.) In other words you are taking a beating on that car that you don't need to. Believe me I am currently in the market for a used Corolla/Prizm, and the car should be an easy!!! sell at $5,000 or more depending on condition.
Check out Edmunds TMV on your Corolla you will be very suprised.
As far as the Previa vs. Montana debate you are having: I would shop around a little more. I am very confident you can find a GM van that is newer than 97 with less mi for less than $9,500.
I think that because the one you are considering is a 97 (the first year of production) it is more likely to have some maintenance problems than subsequent years.
A good resource I have found is MSN carpoint for checking the reliability history of any vehicle. Go to MSN.com and click on autos, then go to used and find your vehicle. Then just click on reliabilty reports for the year you are considering.
As far as the Previa is concerned, they are not bad vans, but working on them is difficult at best if you do your own maintenance, the engine is under the floor of the van, lying on its side.
Also because it is a 93, the A/C system has the old R12 refridgerant. If youe ever have any problems with the AC system it will make the cost of repairs significantly higher.
We only have 1 child but I shopped for and bought the extended, its not THAT much bigger and heck, if you're going to drive a van anyway, the driving experience isn't that much different IMHO, and the room inside is considerably more. you supposedly (haven't tried) have room for a 4x8 sheet of plywood in the extended, that sold me as I'm replacing a pickup.
Also check the deals on Olds, they have extended warr built in.
DD
Steve
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Steve
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SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Steve
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SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
I had the A/C compressor replaced because it made a rattle noise when the A/C kicked in. The new A/C compressor has been fine.
The other problem we have had intermittently is the A/C blower will quit for no reason. If you turn the blower switch to the off position and then back on, the blower will start running again. This problem comes and goes, but has been a while since we last experienced it. Have you had this problem? If so, what was done to fix it? We have the rear A/C unit also with the Ext. version van.
Thanks,
Matt
Thanks for any help you can give me!
DD
One thing you could try is to kill the motor or take it out of gear right after coming to stop and see if that kills the noise.
Also check Trans. fluid.
DD
Any suggestions are welcome. Thanks in advance. gmfornow
dd
A. don't buy new thinking I will have no problems.
B. don't accept the dealers fixes unless I am 100% happy.
C. no wait...what am I thinking...I have an AUDI A4 2.8 my 3rd Audi in 15 years and my last one was 18 years old and still ran as good as new...with a no creaks or groans...so maybe the moral of the story is...
D. DON'T BUY @!#$% GM CRAP AGAIN.
Thanks gmneveragain
Here are the problems that I am having.
#1. Like alot of other Montana owners in this site, I too have a problem with disappearing coolant. Where is it going? I top up the over flow tank about once a month and then the low level coolant light comes on about a month later.
#2. Airbag warning light on steady. This only happens when my gas gauge drops under 3/4 tank. Once I fill up with gas, the light goes out until the gauge reads under 3/4 tank. Go figure! Explain this one to your mechanic. I have been keeping an eye on it for 2 months now, and the same results every time.
#3. Hard upshift. I have to be careful when drinking coffee while driving. My vans upshift is so violant some times that I wish my airbag would deploy so I don't get a broken nose on my steering wheel.
#4. WIPERS. THOSE D#$M WIPERS. I have replaced them twice now because they run into each other and get bent in two. I had the wiper motor looked at with no fault found.
#5. Drivers side electric window. It never ever goes all the way up unless given a little bit of help with my hand.
#6. Within the first 3 months of owning the van, the paint dissappeared from the front bumper. It began by bubbling and then flaking off. Yes, this was covered by the warranty and has held up since.
I believe that this is all of it.
I can't really afford to get these problems fixed because hey, I'm still paying for the van.
I'm just praying that it holds up until the payments are done atleast.
I'm new to the forum, and I've read lots of interesting stuff. I have real mixed emotions about my 97 Trans Sport.
I bought the van in September from a GM dealer here in Toronto after it had come off a lease. It had about 75,000 km on the clock, and was initially very pleased with it. Bought an extended warranty (3 years) and wondered if I was just throwing my $1,800 away or not. It turned out to be the best money I've EVER spent.
At about 115,000 km, I had the notorious coolant leak problem. After topping up the reservoir a couple of times, it was diagnosed as an intake manifold gasket problem, and covered by the 3rd party warranty. At the same time, I had noticed the transmission was "hunting" for 3rd gear. The cause? 3rd gear clutch pack had blown itself apart, so the tranny had to be rebuilt. Total cost to me - $100. Total cost to warranty company - $3,500.
It's now about 4 months and 9,000 km later. Four days ago, the engine died on the highway. Tried to restart it and couldn't believe the noises from under the hood. Towed it to the dealer. They've partially disassembled my COMPLETELY SEIZED ENGINE to discover a broken camshaft. The warranty company is sending out their adjuster. I guess they want to see if they can weasel out of paying. They demanded to see evidence of every oil change I've had done since purchasing the van 20 months ago. I don't think the warranty company has a leg to stand on - I've changed the oil every 3 months or so (6,000 km). My guess is that this repair will set the warranty company back another $4,000 or so.
Thing is, that's not the only problems I have with the vehicle. Since it was in the shop anyway, I told the service advisor about the following:
1. A/C compressor leaks oil from front seal
2. Power sliding door is inoperative for the 4th time in 20 months
3. Rack & Pinion is stiff
4. Rear self-levelling shocks are leaking hydraulic fluid
This should put the 3rd party warranty company out about another $1,500 - $2,000.
At the end of all this, the warranty company is out about 10K. If I hadn't purchased the warranty, I would HATE this van.
I'm curious about the broken cam thing... is this common with the 3.4L engine? Has anyone else run into this much trouble with one of these vehicles? Right now, I plan on selling this thing before the warranty expires in 16 months
AARRRRRRGGGHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!
DD
No warranty, no problems :-) (and boy do I hope this one has legs in real life since I'm driving around "bare").
Steve
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Sedona also much better than GM minivans.
You are absolutely on the money, I wanted to trade a 2001 Safari & the magic number was 10K upside down even when I purchased it w/ plan thru GM from dad.
I bought a 5yr/100k mi warranty with $0 deductible for $1050. If you plan to keep the van for a long time, they also offer a 150k mi warranty which is not much more, around $1400.
If you want to try the Warranty Gold policy, call 1-800-580-9889, ext. 4746 and talk to Linda. Give her my policy number WG101650 and she should cut you a great deal.
Good luck,
Matt
It was the most frustrating conversation I've ever head.
GM's "assistance" was a 10% discount, which is what I could get from a coupon from the back of the phone book, right? They quoted about $900 whereas the independent garage I'm going to take it to says they do these all day long for $350-$400.
Once this is fixed all I can say is Adios Pontiac!!