Chevrolet Uplander -- same but slightly changed topic from the truck-suv forum

[21Rouge]

Actually I'm buying the car so ... good luck to myself!

The cash price (I won't take GM financing -- too expansive) with all extra-crap included (freight, tax, fees, body repairs for the leased car I am returning) is a little less than 21k

So, God help!

For sure the price is sooo attractive but they look sooo terrible....that pig face front end. It couldnt have cost GM much more to made the body look more appealing?

Does it come in AWD? I hope not as my wife wants one (because of the price) but I tell her we shouldnt consider this vehicle since I have been painting AWD as a worthwhile safety feature.

[Trainman]

I have an 06 Montana SV6, with about 80K on it right now.   Aside from oil changes and new pads, I had a strut bushing replaced, and a steering column (under warranty).

I think they are actually pretty good.  For $15K, I would say it's a good deal.   

A Sienna or Odyssey will hold their value better, but you got to look at it in absolute terms as well.  i.e after 3 years if the Odyssey depreciates 30%, that's 10K.  If the Uplander drops 50%, that's 7.5K.   Plus, you will have less interest charges with the GM (given smaller principle, and likely lower interest rate). 

There's disks all around btw, at least on the Pontiac.

Actually the Sienna's are not holding their value very well in comparison to other Toyota's.  One of the poor performers for Toyota that way for some reason.  Maybe because of competition like this?

And I saw an entire auto carrier of new Uplanders heading towards Kamloops a couple of days ago.  Must be moving if they are shipping them.

[kardood69]

For sure the price is sooo attractive but they look sooo terrible....that pig face front end. It couldnt have cost GM much more to made the body look more appealing?

Does it come in AWD? I hope not as my wife wants one (because of the price) but I tell her we shouldnt consider this vehicle since I have been painting AWD as a worthwhile safety feature.

I bought the SV6 since I thought the nose looked a little better.  Can always stick a bag, I mean bra on that pig.

They did have AWD, not sure about this year.

[Hooked on Cars]

The dealers are selling the 2009 model way under the MSRP. Is there a catch with this low price? How reliable are these Chevy models?
(Asked this question (slightly changed) on the "truck-suv forum" and only got 2 replies.)

I thought GM was getting out of Minivans?

[ktm525]

Just curious to know if anyone on here has actually owned one.

I rented one in Maui last year and it was a complete POS with 5000 miles on the odo. The brakes were weak and warped. The thing had rattles already, the engine was underpowered, 4 sp. tranny was lazy. Handling was downright dangerous.

This year we rented a new Caravan. Lots of plastic but the ride/handling/braking was in a different league. Even when loaded the van still handled safely. Night and day. Buy the Caravan.

[kardood69]

The Caravan I drove had lots of cheap plastic a la Caliber.  Seemed hollow, like a mock up or a movie prop.

[ticu]

Drum brakes in the rear.

The 2009 model has 4-wheel disk brakes

[ktm525]

i love uplander..

Man love Kurt?

[Honda Owner]

I drove a Sienna, the tranny sucked almost as much as the interior. The Honda is a pig. I'll buy an Uplander!!!!

Better hurry up. Why do you need two cars, an Equinox and Uplander? I call BS.

[Honda Owner]

 

[farleywilbur]

My wife has an '08 Uplander extended version for her company vehicle.  We have almost 50,000 kms on it over the past two years.  Really the only good thing about this van is the engine.  Tons of power, more than I would ever want in a family van.  The downsides are many though.  Brakes suck, rear seats don't fold into the floor and are very heavy and awkward to take out and put back in.  This van has had quite a few problems fixed under warranty.  I will have to commend winter driving with the set of good snow tires the company bought for us.  Very good traction in snow.  Other than that, it is ugly as sin.  Fine for a free company car but would never buy one for us if we were paying for it.