New Here - 2005 Chevy Uplander is Aweful - lemon law??

[SandyMarie]

My Uplander has been in for service over 10 times in the first 11 months that we've owned it. The biggest issue is that I get a very bad vibration in the steering wheel (I also feel it in the seats) at highway speeds - 55 -65 mph. It is on the 3rd set of tires. It has been in 8 times for this and each repair order states that they were able to duplicate the problem. However, the service manager at the dealership is now trying to tell me that because it is AWD (like the old Astros), that it is just the way the van is built.

I have also had it in 4 times for the rear sliding passenger door either not opening or not closing.

I have been contacted by a GM service manager to get me out of the vehicle. He has stated that I will pay the difference in MSRP plus 30cents a mile for usage. Unfortunately, I have 0% right now, and won't get that on my new vehicle thus increasing my payment by $100 a month that I can't afford.

Then I find out that if I pursue lemon law as it clearly qualifies, that I only pay for mileage from before the first reported incident which was at 100 miles. That is a difference of $4500 on this deal as I have 15,000 miles on the van.

My question.....in anyone's experience, would GM view this vibration as a safety issue? I have talked to some people that said it is a safety issue and others that haven't.

I'd hate to pass up on this deal from the service manager and try for lemon law and not get anything then. I just want out of this vehicle and back into something that I feel safe in with my 3 young children.

Thanks!

SandyMarie

[CobaltSScrazy]

ouch, thats harsh. Honestly, I'd give up the uplander and hop into a Chevrolet Equinox, the Theta platform its built on is bullet proof as are the tranny and engine (though some scof at them for being 'outdated'). Nevertheless, the Nox gets decent gas mileage and has decent crash test ratings while priced competitively. If not, a Malibu Maxx sedan, you should probably be able to get a deal on that. My mom bought one that I drive during the summers (She drives her T/A convertible then ) and we have 4 kids, 2 at 13 yrs old, a 17 yr old., and me at almost 20.

Best of Luck!!! Sorry to hear about your issues, the Uplander and other CSV's are unfortunately, probably the WORST products GM has built since 04. Sorry!!!

CobaltSScrazy

[SandyMarie]

I'm actually thinking of a Tahoe. I need to have a vehicle that fits 3 car seats - as my oldest must still be in a booster - can't go into a car or Maibu Maxx as it is too narrow. I really do love my Uplander if it weren't for the fact that it is always being fixed. My husband refuses to buy another one as we had a Venture before this and also had problems. Yet, he's still a GM man.

SandyMarie

[CobaltSScrazy]

Originally Posted by SandyMarie

I'm actually thinking of a Tahoe. I need to have a vehicle that fits 3 car seats - as my oldest must still be in a booster - can't go into a car or Maibu Maxx as it is too narrow. I really do love my Uplander if it weren't for the fact that it is always being fixed. My husband refuses to buy another one as we had a Venture before this and also had problems. Yet, he's still a GM man.

SandyMarie

A tahoe would be awesome! I recommended the Nox because it sounded like you had some tight price constraints (doesn't everyone, lol, myself especially) but yes a tahoe would definitely meet all your needs and it gets north of 20mpg in a full size suv too. Depending on your timeframe, I'd highly recommend looking at the Lambdas: aka Saturn Outlook (probably most economical choice) or a GMC Acadia or if money weren't an issue, the Buick Enclave (yes a Buick, its on par with a Lexus RX 330).

The Saturn Outlook should have seating for 7, enough for car seats, really modern interior/exterior, good quality, high mpg, and a smoother ride (especially for your little ones) with a lower ground clearance (aka easier for your 3 year old to get in). But yes, a Tahoe would be great, I'm just throwing out there some other potential options as I KNOW you don't want any problems at all and a vehicle that meets your needs best at the lowest price possible. Best of luck and feel free to frequent GMI for any auto related business/news/etc. and let us know what vehicle you end up getting! Enjoy your night.

CobaltSScrazy

[osv_alero]

I would talk to an attorney regarding the issue. Chances are GM will cooperate, they just need a little proding.

[shadams]

Originally Posted by SandyMarie

My Uplander has been in for service over 10 times in the first 11 months that we've owned it. The biggest issue is that I get a very bad vibration in the steering wheel (I also feel it in the seats) at highway speeds - 55 -65 mph. It is on the 3rd set of tires. It has been in 8 times for this and each repair order states that they were able to duplicate the problem. However, the service manager at the dealership is now trying to tell me that because it is AWD (like the old Astros), that it is just the way the van is built.

I have also had it in 4 times for the rear sliding passenger door either not opening or not closing.

I have been contacted by a GM service manager to get me out of the vehicle. He has stated that I will pay the difference in MSRP plus 30cents a mile for usage. Unfortunately, I have 0% right now, and won't get that on my new vehicle thus increasing my payment by $100 a month that I can't afford.

Then I find out that if I pursue lemon law as it clearly qualifies, that I only pay for mileage from before the first reported incident which was at 100 miles. That is a difference of $4500 on this deal as I have 15,000 miles on the van.

My question.....in anyone's experience, would GM view this vibration as a safety issue? I have talked to some people that said it is a safety issue and others that haven't.

I'd hate to pass up on this deal from the service manager and try for lemon law and not get anything then. I just want out of this vehicle and back into something that I feel safe in with my 3 young children.

Thanks!

SandyMarie

It's hard to say what GM would think. I cant imagine a vibration being normal, but I also cant imagine it being a safety issues either. Thats assuming the dealer has thouroughly checked out the van. It's really hard for me to give advice with so many variables.

I would probably take the buy back offer, as going through the Lemon Law process is very slow and painful. And in the end if it doesn't end up going through as a lemon very costly. At least with the buyback you are guaranteed something.

[01cavalier]

Originally Posted by shadams

It's hard to say what GM would think. I cant imagine a vibration being normal, but I also cant imagine it being a safety issues either. Thats assuming the dealer has thouroughly checked out the van. It's really hard for me to give advice with so many variables.

I would probably take the buy back offer, as going through the Lemon Law process is very slow and painful. And in the end if it doesn't end up going through as a lemon very costly. At least with the buyback you are guaranteed something.

I really doubt it would be considered a safety issue, though I would suggest taking the buyback offer, even if you end up a bit better off financially it won't be worth the time and headaches.

[uboys]

Originally Posted by SandyMarie

I'm actually thinking of a Tahoe. I need to have a vehicle that fits 3 car seats - as my oldest must still be in a booster - can't go into a car or Maibu Maxx as it is too narrow. I really do love my Uplander if it weren't for the fact that it is always being fixed. My husband refuses to buy another one as we had a Venture before this and also had problems. Yet, he's still a GM man.

SandyMarie

GM is really lucky he won't switch.
God alone knows why GM still allows these cars to singlehandely sully its already suffering name.

Get a Tahoe. They are pretty awesome, and I think you'll like them very much.
You might also want to consider a Saturn Outlook or GMC Acadia.
The Outlook has seating for up to eight, and from all appearances, it looks to be a great car. Well-built like never before--at least way better than the Uplander.

http://www.saturn.com/saturn/vehicle...cles/index.jsp

Go check your local Saturn dealer.

I think yo ushould talk to the dealer and try to get into a Tahoe. Ask him to work a fair deal out for you. I think he could be very amenable.
If not, try the Lemon Law and go to another dealer to get a Tahoe.

[Uplander_Doug]

[quote=uboys]GM is really lucky he won't switch.
God alone knows why GM still allows these cars to singlehandely sully its already suffering name.

Get a Tahoe. They are pretty awesome, and I think you'll like them very much.
You might also want to consider a Saturn Outlook or GMC Acadia.
[quote]


You know if you search the web you will find people complaining about how their Tahoe’s lights flicker. Many other GM vehicles have some of the same problems as the uplander. My father has an Enovy that has spent its share of time at the dealer. So much so that it made him leave the GM brand after 25years. A guy I work with just sold back his Malibu, yes that one sucked too. The Uplander is not single-handedly soiling the GM name. Many other GM vehicles do their part too!

It is clear many people don’t like minivans, but to many of us with families they are great. The sliding door, ability to walk from the front seat all the way to the back row, second row captains chairs. Ever go on a long trip (with kids) in a minivan? While SUV’s have there place I don't think they can fully replace minivans.


Doug

[likearock00]

Sorry to say, but this van actually sounds like it is a better one!

[caddycruiser]

Originally Posted by likearock00

Sorry to say, but this van actually sounds like it is a better one!

Agreed, especially given the number of other issues these less than spectacular vans have had.

As far as being a lemon and/or getting it taken back, a vibration may seem like a trivial (if annoying) thing, but I know a few people who had Chrysler 300M's that had vibration problems, and after multiple sets of tires, wheels, and re-checking the suspension and steering, they still had vibration issues and Chrysler DID buy them back.

So it all just comes down to whether or not a dealer really can fix the issue, or if it continues going on and on. The one bad move, I must say, is going from a Venture with issues to an Uplander, but at least you gave GM the benefit of the doubt, I guess.

If you haven't already, you need to go to a different dealer and have them work on it, because if diligent enough, vibration issues can usually big figured out one way or the other--and the comment about it just being a natural side effect of the AWD is beyond stupid, and a lie, which would have me running to a different dealer in the first place.