Chevy Venture

indiana6 · March 2002

In a different discussion, folks were talking about the advantage of 8 seats. That was a "read-only" discussion, so I comment here: I have a 2000 short Venture, bought with 7 seats. I wanted 8 seats, so I bought a middle seat and right seat for the 2nd row from salvage yards (one from across the country)as well as plastic trim for the new slits I cut in the carpet. The U shaped floor bolts that receive the right seat were already there. I also moved the upper bolt for the right seat belt to the lower position on the door post. It works fine, and cost me about $200 per new seat, although the upholstery doesn't match.

lick_creek · March 2002

I have a 2002 Venture with less than 8,000 miles. Sometimes when you go up a small incline and go over the crest the van stalls suddenly. This has happened three times, twice when crossing railroad tracks. We have driven the van in the mountains and it never happened there. It must have to do with the sudden cresting of the incline. Unfortunately this is an intermittent problem that is hard to reproduce.

Another problem is that the CD player has stopped working.

Has anyone experience either of these problems? We are going to take the van back to the dealership and want to be as informed as possible.

haunruh · April 2002

My friend has a 1998 Venture and has been experiencing occassional steering lockup during sharp turns. Every time so far he has been able to force the wheel out of the lockup but is concerned this may eventually be permanent. Is this a known or previously reported problem?
Thanks, Harry

stever · April 2002

#8 Chevrolet Venture

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mkstf · April 2002

I have horrible odors coming from my vents when I turn on my ac,or fan I heard a lot of ventures have this same problem, can any one please tell me of a way to fix this.. or maybe I should invest in a pair of nose plugs kids wear in pools???

rayt2 · April 2002

GM issued a TSB #99-01-39-004A Air Conditioning Odor (Install Kit) for their Silverado line, my guess is it may also be applicable to the Venture or there should be something from mfg. to cover this issue. Check with your dealer and mention this tsb#

Ray T.

mkstf · April 2002

thanks for the info , im gettin tired of the ole lady's complaining.....

wynnie · April 2002

I am considering purchasing the Chevy Venture. It seems to have the best features for the price. As someone who never thought she would own a minivan, I am interested in any feedback. Is this a good vehicle?

hfdad · April 2002

I have been a Venture owner since 1999. It has been trouble free and currently has 36000 miles on it. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another one. My complaints are poor headlights and needs touring tires for better handling.

boatnut1 · April 2002

I just purchased a brand new 2002 Venture LS about a month ago. It now has approximately 2300 miles on the odometer. What concerns me is an accumulation of dirt and mud at the bottom of the jack storage well (rear quarter panel on the passenger side). I had mud flaps installed by the dealer, could this be causing the problem? I'm assuming if mud gets in on that side, it's probably the same on the other side. What's the best solution to this problem? I've monitored this site before and seem to remember reading about this problem, but I can't recall for certain. Thanks!!!!!

grgbrtz · May 2002

I just purchased a 2002 Venture Warner Bros. edition. At several locations in the owners literature it mentions a club sponsored by Warner Bros. related to the entertainment system. However, I could find no forms for subscribing to or joining said club. Is this done automatically with the purchase? If anyone has been through this, which I am sure someone has, please advise. By the way, so far we love the van which is for my wife who swore several years ago she would NEVER own a minivan. Five years and three kids later-well you know the rest.

Thanks

lennx · May 2002

My 2002 Venture has good air flow from the dash vent when on cold air but when on hot, it makes lots of noise but blow only a small amount of hot air. Also the defrost seems to blow well on hot but poorly on cold.

Is this typical? The dealer said that how they all are.

mobilmac · May 2002

Maybe this will help, i own the the triplet to the venture, 2000 olds silhouette, we had a similiar problem with the inside well extremely dirty, with water in it sometimes.

Our problem turned out to be a hole about 2-inches in diameter, mounted high on the wheel well just above the jack, there is supposed to be a rubber plug in that hole.

I don't have any idea as to why it came out, but when it does the tire kicks all the road dirt and water ( when it rains, or ride threw a puddle) off the pavement threw that hole.

I hope thats helps, its a real pain to take all that trim apart just to get to the back side of that whell well cavity, but you won't have that problem your still under warranty.

robsmith · May 2002

Has anyone experienced the back windshield shattering? My 2000 Venture was sitting in the garage. It hadn't been driven for about an hour.

I was standing out side and heard what sounded like an explosion and glass all around the outside of the vehicle. It seems as if it exploded from inside out so I ruled out that somewhat possibly took a shot at it. Assuming the majority of the glass would have been on the inside instead of outside.

Just curious if I'm the only one to have had this happen?

dadofchamp · May 2002

How about a price check on a 99 4 Dr LS Extended Venture?

4 Dr LS Passenger Van Extended, 36K, 8 Passenger Seating, AM/FM Stereo/CD/Tape, Camper/Towing Package, Dual Air Conditioning, Power Drivers Seat, Power Sliding Door, Traction Control System, Rear Audio, Load Leveling, Good Rubber, Good Brakes, Very Clean.

My mechanic is checking it out in the morning. $14,990 (firm) What do you think?

stever · May 2002

Check out the True Market Value and look for the Customized Appraisal link.

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melis · May 2002

I am in the process of hopefully purchasing a new 2002 WB Van w/touring suspension, towing package & the drivers side power door for $30,885.00. I'm being told by the dealer that there are advertising fees already included in the invoice price & that I have to pay them. Is this true? It's a difference of $1400 between Edmunds & the dealer. I'm trading in my '99 Venture LT that has a small chip in the windshield & a couple of scraps on the back panel. They want to offer me $8500 for my van but I told them that I had to have $9,000 for it which they agreed but then when I figured out invoice I came up with this $1400 difference - does this sound like a good price? It bluebooks at almost $11,000. I really want this van but I don't want to take a big loss on my van.

Thanks
Melissa

stever · May 2002

"Advertising Charges:

Most vehicle invoices include a legitimate advertising fee levied by either the manufacturer or regional dealer groups. Ad fees can range from less than 1% of the vehicle's MSRP to more than 3%, depending on region. Metropolitan-area dealers are more likely to charge higher advertising fees than rural dealers. When you comparison shop for a car, be sure to ask the dealers how much the advertising charge is on the vehicle."

One thing you could do is a customized appraisal on the trade in and figure the TMV for the new one. Throw in taxes and doc fees and that will get you your "out the door" price, and you won't need to worry whether the dealer allocates some dollars to ad fees or whatever.

True Market Value - Used (look for the Customize Appraisal button there).

True Market Value - New

What you should know before going to a dealer.

Good luck!

Steve
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dadofchamp · May 2002

Thanks for the tip on the TMV. I had already done that ($750 higher than the $14,990).

I was just looking for some verification from "real owners" as to their thoughts.

stever · May 2002

Best ask Melis who is not getting offered anywhere near that for a '99 trade-in.

Anyone got some feedback for Dadofchamp? (Is Champ a kid, pet, future Nascar or Goldenglove winner?).

Steve
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jpnmass · May 2002

I just bought a 2002 Silhouette Premier on Long Island, NY. Don't have the invoice with me, but the advertising fee was about $330 if I remember correctly. About 1% of MSRP of about $34K. That seemed reasonable to me. But $1400, that seems excessive. Ask for a copy of the invoice and you will see for yourself (near the bottom). If he/she refuses, go elsewhere. I know it's hard to walk out when your close, but it's your only weapon against some of these creeps.

agt_cooper · May 2002

go to Smart Buyers section, then look for the "Real World Trade-in Value" thread. Terry and Bill will take good care of you. Just don't forget to give them all the information about your car, or they'll send you to your room!!!

dadofchamp · May 2002

Well it's a done deal...I took it to my mechanic and $30 later he gave me his blessing. Even though he said it was his best deal, I had to ask for something off, so I suggested $14,500. With my promise that I send him another customer soon, he agreed. He also agreed to give me a week to decide if I want to purchase the API Extended Warranty ($1800 for 5/100K) and to write it at the mileage he took the van in at (35,985) not at the 36K+ it has on it now. Over 36K they offer a significantly shorter warranty for almost the same money. I checked some internet sites, and with 36K I can't seem to do better than 4/85K for $1400. Since we keep our vehicles for well over 100K, I'm leaning towards the 5/100K for $1800. I've spent less on the van than I planned, so it's like free money right?

catam · May 2002

I know this is a decision of personal preference and peace of mind. However, here is my 2 cents worth. Generally speaking, extended warranties are a big money maker for car dealers, the reason for this is they charge far more for the purchase than they predict will need to be paid out in repairs.
When I bought my 01 Venture used, with 18500mi, I did purchase the 5/100 ext warr only because I knew the sales manager and he gave it to me for $600, it also has a clause that states if I never use the warranty I get 90% of my purchase price back when it expires.

As a general rule though, you are probably much better off saving whatever money you were going to spend in a savings account. Whatever repairs you do have will very likely be significantly less than $1800 (more like$2000 plus, after tax and interest).

This is even more true if you can do any minor repairs yourself.
It lacks the peace of mind of the warranty, but you said you keep your vehicles for a long time, so I assume you try to take good care of them.

Good luck.

tomekk · May 2002

For those on a shopping spree: in Boston area some dealers offer $7,500 off MSRP on extended Venture LS. Sound like quite a deal.

Tomek

tomekk · May 2002

After 28K miles the following repairs were made on my 2000 Venture:
- replace alternator (it was causing moaning noise, really strange)
- fix oil leak form seal around balance shaft (somewhere at the bottom of the engine
- fix broken hatch pulldown handle (yes, they did have them in stock)
- adjust driver's side sliding door

It would be about $1,500 at consumer rates (the warranty bill from the dealer to GM was $900).

Earlier I had right rear shock absorber replaced twice (it was leaking both times), right outside mirror replaced, and I'm waiting for new driver's seat cover as a internal seat frame rubbed through the fabric and split it open...

I'm thinking of extending my warranty. Anybody can recommend warranty company that's cheaper than the $1500 bumper-to-bumper extension to 6 years / 60K miles offered by GM?

Thanks,

Tomek

william21 · May 2002

Myself and two of my friends own 99 Ventures. One of the vans has developed an oil consumption problem. My friend has also noticed that black smoke is coming out of the tailpipe. The dealer says it needs major engine work. The repair will be covered by an extended warranty but I am concerned that a van with 60,000 miles needs major engine work. Has anyone out there experienced this kind of problem?

Also, just put a set of Bridgestone Turanza's on my van and the ride is great.

autolover3 · May 2002

What is a good price on a 7yr/100K/$0 deductible warranty for a Venture (02)? I have been quoted $3000 over the internet by a dealer and thought this was high. Can't find any prices on the internet site. Any ideas? Thanks.

fear_hope · May 2002

My '99 Venture has developed an intermittent rattle in the dash. It seems to be coming from the area to the left and right of the long air vent. It is particularly annoying on windy days and when driving at high speeds. The van has been in 3 or 4 times for this problem and service "can't duplicate." When the rattle appears oftimes it is louder than the stereo and hearing it is like Chinese torture. Has anyone else experienced this? If so what was the fix? Much appreciate any response.

kkollwitz · May 2002

If it's related to the air vent then it may be an acorn or something in a duct. If it's related to wind it may be something loose under the hood up near the dash. While you have said it's dash related, I had a wind-caused rattle which was due to a loose luggage-rack crossmember.

pmarchand · May 2002

Well, I have not been to this site in 2 years so it has taken me a couple of weeks to read through the some 800 posts that I was behind. I have found great information here and printed out ones to keep for future reference such as the SOP for changing the air filter. My Venture is three years old next month. It is a 99 and was purchased new. It only has 23,000 miles on it as my wife drives it 90% of the time to lug the kids around and take her to her part time job. So these are hard city miles. My job is to maintain it and keep it clean. I drive a $500 clunker that I throw away every couple of years and get another $500 one. The Van has been good to us, we have never been stranded with it and it has been to the dealer 3 times. Within 2 days of owning it it leaked oil from the sensor (plastic housing)in the pan. About a year later the back window windshield wiper motor failed. I have had it in for what I think is excessive knock. I do not hear very good so if I here it it must be load. Dealer claims it is well within manufactor's spec. Yea right! So I have had this documented several times so I got something to stand by later on. We hope to keep the van until it rots. That is what all my previous GM cars do. The engine lasts for ever, the body rots. (it takes about 12-15 years in upstate NY for this process. )Other than that I got no real complaints. Yea, my steering wheel squeaks, I think the tires it has have worn excessively fast.
One of the seats plastic back seems to always come undone. Dealer does it with a "special tool" I do it by hand and it last just as long as when he does it. All in all these are small problems. I do believe it is just the luck of the draw when you buy a new car regardless of brand. The real test will be in couple of years with 50K to 150K miles. I would like to see data from people that got that many miles. The majority of us here have in the 35K range, heck a car is just barely broken in. My junker has a 178K on it! The van is in mint shape and the warranty runs out in 31 days ( 3 years ), I have purchased NO extended warranty as I feel this is a big rip off, whether it is for a car or a washing machine. If you made it in the USA, then damn it it better last!

Thanks and best Regards to all.

pmarchand · May 2002

Well, I have not been to this site in 2 years so it has taken me a couple of weeks to read through the some 800 posts that I was behind. I have found great information here and printed out ones to keep for future reference such as the SOP for changing the air filter. My Venture is three years old next month. It is a 99 and was purchased new. It only has 23,000 miles on it as my wife drives it 90% of the time to lug the kids around and take her to her part time job. So these are hard city miles. My job is to maintain it and keep it clean. I drive a $500 clunker that I throw away every couple of years and get another $500 one. The Van has been good to us, we have never been stranded with it and it has been to the dealer 3 times. Within 2 days of owning it it leaked oil from the sensor (plastic housing)in the pan. About a year later the back window windshield wiper motor failed. I have had it in for what I think is excessive knock. I do not hear very good so if I here it it must be loud. Dealer claims it is well within spec. Yea right! So I have had this documented several times so I got something to stand by later on. We hope to keep the van until it rots. That is what all my previous GM cars do. The engine lasts for ever, the body rots. (it takes about 12-15 years in upstate NY for this process. )Other than that I got no real complaints. Yea, my steering wheel squeaks, I think the tires it has have worn excessively fast.
One of the seats plastic back seems to always come undone. Dealer does it with a "special tool" I do it by hand and it last just as long as when he does it. All in all these are small problems. I do believe it is just the luck of the draw when you buy a new car regardless of brand. The real test will be in couple of years with 50K to 150K miles. I would like to see data from people that got that many miles. The majority of us here have in the 35K range, heck a car is just barely broken in. My junker has a 178K on it! The van is in mint shape and the warranty runs out in 31 days ( 3 years ), I have purchased NO extended warranty as I feel this is a big rip off, whether it is for a car or a washing machine. If you made it in the USA, then damn it it better last!

Thanks and best Regards to all.

fear_hope · June 2002

The rattle I hear is definitely in the dash. It only appears on windy days or at 70mph and above. The service manager mentioned that he serviced another car with a dash rattle where the vent doors (that open and close for the air to come through top or bottom or both) were rattling. If that is the case with my Venture maybe someone else has experienced it. I thought I saw a post some time ago, but can't find it now. Any one else have anything to offer?

rayt2 · June 2002

Try this website http://www.angelfire.com/tx5/gmpistonslap/index.html on a little known battle being fought against GM and their "knocking" engines. Register your vehicle on the site and also go to the NHTSB site and register your knocker their also, the more people who become proactive against GM on this one the better.

Again I ask, if the knocking GM engine is "normal" then what about those that don't knock? are they abnormal?? Good Luck on this one!

Ray T.

mizeuml · June 2002

My '99 Montana makes a rattle noise when I travel 70+mph or on a windy day. My noise first appeared to be coming from the dash, but I traced it to the black plastic vent cover outside the van that runs along the bottom of the windshield. The driver side rattles on my van. On the passenger side, this black plastic cover fits snug against the bottom of the windshield. But on the driver's side, this cover has a couple mm gap along the bottom of the windshield and if the wind hits this piece just right, it rattles against the windshield. At first we thought it was coming from inside the van, but later found it to be outside along the bottom of the windshield. It is something we have learned to ignore if that is possible.

Good luck.

pmarchand · June 2002

Rayt2, Thanks for the information, I am taking your suggestion.....

balooo · June 2002

I just traded my 99 Venture with 110,00 miles on it with never a single problem for a used 2001 Town and county LX and I'm sorry I did...
It starts and idles rough,gets LOUSY gas milage 18 HWY/12-14 city has no passing power when loaded.
I think I'll follow your lead guy the next time I buy a vehicle I like I'm gonna keep it till it rots as well!
I miss my Venture! To all having problems with your's I agree it think it just the luck of the draw
But if you visit the Town and county section you'll see too many post complaining about the milage for the T/C not coming anywhere near it's claim of 24 hwy in it's defense it does have great exterior styling and a fantastic ride quality but the low milage is not worth the looks at a stop light.
I was getting about 26 MPG hwy with my Venture and did nothing but change the oil and replace the tires at 80,000.

pmarchand · June 2002

Baloo, did your 99 Venture knock. Thanks.

fear_hope · June 2002

Mizeuml, thanks for the tip on the rattle. I think that is what is going on with my van on both sides of my windshield. I plan to try and find stick on rubber moulding to close the gap. The noise just drives me nuts. Will let you know if it works. I love this forum!

mommakath · June 2002

We bought our 99 Venture used at 3k miles. It has been a great vehicle for traveling. Right before 36k miles, we purchased an extended warranty from Warranty Gold. Good thing...since that time we have had to replace the accelerator cable (which snapped while we were checking it out in our driveway), a whole new engine because the head gasket blew out (antifreeze in the oil) and the gear that allows the passenger front seat to recline which just broke. All of this has been covered under the extended warranty. Thank goodness we purchased it! After reading the postings here (which I haven't done in awhile), all I can say is that it is proof extended warranties are a necessity!

We are in search of a good used car for my husband and think we will go with a Prizm because it has the Toyota engine. We now own a 87 Chev. Nova with 193K miles and low maintenance. I think the Toyota engine makes all the difference as evidenced by our problems with the van.

dmathews3 · June 2002

mommakath says: We are in search of a good used car for my husband and think we will go with a Prizm because it has the Toyota engine. We now own a 87 Chev. Nova with 193K miles and low maintenance. I think the Toyota engine makes all the difference as evidenced by our problems with the van.
Before you pat Toyota on the back for their engines you should read about all the sludge problems etc. with the Toyota vans. GM has some problems, but for the most part they make some of the best engines out there. They took a beating in the late 70's early 80's for some of the junk they put out but even way back then the engines were rock solid. They have came a long way since then and make cars that can compete with the best of them. Remember, even the Camry is make in the USA by American craftsmen/women and a good share of the parts are made in America and the Camry is supposed to be the best made car around.

mommakath · June 2002

Well it was that argument that got me into the Venture. I grew up with foreign made cars particularly Subaru and guess I got my bias toward them from my dad who was a mechanic. I'm not sure that I will purchase another GM van. However, since I tend to hold on to vehicles until they die (which is hopefully long after they are paid off) who knows what GM will be producing by then! My after market warranty is 5 yr/150,000 miles at which time I'll be looking.

mizeuml · June 2002

I just purchased a 2002 Montana and am planning to get an extended warranty for it. Has anyone had any experience with Warranty Gold? I am either going with them or the GMPP. The 5yr/100k mi Warranty Gold policy is going to run me $1100 and the same policy through GM runs $1890. I talked with the service department at the dealer and they had no complaints with Warranty Gold.

Any comments would be appreciated.

Thanks, Matt

dlubin · June 2002

No experience with Warranty Gold, but I did buy GMPP on my 2001 - figured there was less of a chance of an argument over coverage with their warranty.

-Dan

mommakath · June 2002

I have the Warranty Gold policy for 150,000 miles. You can read about them here on the Warranty Board under Warranty Gold claims. I posted my positive experience with them (they've paid for a new accelerator cable, engine and front seat repair so far). However, i waited until almost 36k before purchasing and the amount really goes up. Regarding GMPP, one service advisor I talked to said that trying to get claims processed through them can be as time consuming as any other company and that on my engine they would have paid the same as Warranty Gold. Of course, now that I have a new engine, I have a 3 yr/51,000(?) GM warranty on the engine.

stever · June 2002

Thanks Mommakath. Here's the link:

"Warranty Gold" Claims

Steve
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mizeuml · June 2002

Thanks for the information guys. I purchased a 5yr/100k mi warranty yesterday through Warranty Gold for our new 2002 Montana. I got them down to $1049 which was a nice savings over the GMPP for $1890. I did ask WG about their 150K mi warranty and they quoted me $1450 for the 5yr/150K plan. I asked about if that came in a 6 or 7 yr term, but you can only get it with the 5yr. We drive about 25K a year so I would hit 5 yrs before the 150K mi. I thought about waiting a year then buy the 5yr/150K plan so I would hit the 5yr and 150K about the same time, but figured the cost may go up on the plan plus my van would then have about 25K mi on it which may cause the warranty to cost more also. We have never owned a vehicle yet past 100K mi, so I think I made the right decision, though I would like to keep one longer if it stayed reliable.

sanjig · June 2002

I am thinking of buying the chevy venture, the basic value package. Any one recently bought that? How much did you pay? I am getting a quote of 18800 out the door, including all rebates etc.

sbspence · June 2002

That seems a tad high for the plus...I'm thinking my local paper had on advertised for $17,900 ...but then again that would be BEFORE taxes, so you may be in the ballpark.

Did you look up the INV price using Edmunds tools? You should be able to buy it really close to invoice (within $100) and receive the rebate on TOP of that.

We are shopping ourselves right now. We have a '97 LS EXT that we've had for about three years and have had excellent luck with it. It just now has started to give us nickel and dime problems at 75k miles.

With the interest rates offered at our local credit union right now(till 7-1), and the whopping rebate the General is offering it's hard to resist buying...there is also a lot of near new Ventures coming in off leases, etc...that can be bought worth the money!

I'm personally trying to talk the wife into an SUV, OR 4door pickup, but, she is so sold on the Venture that she'll barely look at anything else!

hfdad · June 2002

My door lock/ unlock switch on the drivers side door will lock the doors but will not unlock them. Has anyone had this problem and if so could you provide your experience with getting it fixed.

Chevy Venture

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