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Pontiac Montana

1487 messages,  Last post on Jun 10, 2013 at 6:26 PM

You are in the Pontiac Montana Forum.

What is this discussion about? Pontiac Trans Sport, Pontiac Montana, Van

Messages Page 24 of 150

#226 of 1487 CharlieH by chamadi

Feb 12, 1999 (9:42 pm)

I have a 1990 Transport which has been very dependable from its first day off the lot. I have always been convinced it was the best engineered minivan of its year.


The best aspects have been the engine, drive-train and the car like handling. After 9 yrs the upholstery looks like new, the plastic finders protected us against the many potential dings and tire wear has been acceptable. Overal, a very practical vehicle, but not all aspects of the vehicle has been pleasing.


The many plastic interior parts (which remains unchanged even in the 1999 models) have been an unending source of grief. I have replace numerious parts and some are so expensive I could not justify the expense to fix. But worse yet, the brake system. In the last 9 years I have spent an average of $500 a year in brake repairs. In the last 4000 miles I have replaced the front calipers twice. And the rear drum brakes begin sticking and causing damage unless I have them serviced (adjusted) every 6 months.


Still, up until recently my wife and I have planned on buying a yr 2000 Montana. The change of mind is the result of two experiences I had this week.


The first experience was the 1999 Honda Odyssey. The new Honda is the first time I have been awestricken by a minivan, in my view it has no equal, period.


Second, the dealers first offer for trade-in was $800. I realize the dealer expects me to negociate, but I was so shocked by the opening offer I had to reconsider ever owning a Pontiac again. A nine year old Transport in good shape and rated as low mileage (110,000), but I have to fight to get more then $800 from the dealer. I had to ask myself, "why would I ever buy a vehicle that has no value to the dealer after just 9 yrs?" I just looked at the dealer with a blank stare for what seemed like 10 seconds, a moment of time frozen in my memory. Once I came out of my stuper I realized I had nothing to say, I just walked away.


I'm going to buy a new Honda this time next year.

#227 of 1487 ltbison by ltbison

Feb 17, 1999 (8:00 am)

CharlieH,
I would guess that your trade may be so low for many reasons which may be: How the dealer is going to do with your vehicle, auction or sell. He will get significantly less at the auction. If it is on a Honda Odyssey some dealerships are trying to get everything they can on that vehicle. It is hot and they know it. Not to many people are in the market for a 9 year old van with over 100k. $800 is low but that is one dealership and one sales person. I have driven both the Honda and 99 Montana. I would say to you to wait and make that decision next year after you have taken a look at both vehicles. I did. At first I was sold on the Honda. After further review and shopping I found that I could get a great deal on a GM van and get more options for less when compared to the Honda. If you have the time and ability sell your vehicle yourself. You will do way better and eliminate one more thing to haggle on.

#228 of 1487 97 TransSport by jj86

Mar 02, 1999 (8:49 am)

I bought a 97 TransSport a few weeks ago. Couldn't afford a new one. This one has 25,000 miles on it. Nice ride! We are pretty happy with it. Power door works fine. Like the 2nd row captains chairs and all of the options. I do have a few minor complaints though.


1. a few interior noises and rattles
2. stereo sound is poor
3. fit and finish (interior) is not the greatest
4. maintenance (oil/air filter and spark plug changes)are difficult
5. brakes squeal (pads are not worn out)


Other than that, it seems to be a very nice vehicle.


I'll post more after more miles.
Oh, yeah. It, too, has moisture in the headlamps, although it doesn't seem to cause any problems.

#229 of 1487 marvyl by marvyl

Mar 05, 1999 (6:16 am)

I'm looking at a '99 Pontiac Montana for $100 over invoice. I just want the regular length and just 3 doors. The option for the 4th door is about $1200 which I feel is much to high. The only reason I picked the Pontiac over the Chevy Venture is the seats and head rests. An upgrade from the stationary head rests is not possible on the Chevy shorty with 3 doors. Right now there is 0% financing on this vehicle which is another factor in my decision. I looked at the Toyota Sienna and the Honda mini van too. I realize they will probably have better resale value a few years down the road. Does anyone out there own the "99 Montana and have a review of it for me?

#230 of 1487 gator by gator

Mar 05, 1999 (3:42 pm)

Look thru the 241 posts in this list for several reviews. My advice is to spring for the extended. You'll appreciate the utility of the extra room and the nicer ride.

#231 of 1487 zimmer by zim2

Mar 06, 1999 (5:54 am)

I've read postings refering to a fleet manager. Can someone explain what a Fleet Manager is.
As soon as the weather breaks here in Upstate NY we hope to get out there and find a '99 Montana. We too have a GM Credit card credit. At what point do you inform the dealer of this and do you pay tax on the credit? One more thing...$1000. 3.9% financing until 3-31-99. Anyone here if this will be extended or of any other incentive after that?

#232 of 1487 zimmer by hardesty

Mar 06, 1999 (4:09 pm)

The fleet manager is the person that does the buying for the dealership. If you are going to order a van, this is the person you will sit down with to enter your order. Odds are that some sort of financing/rebate will continue, all previous deals have been, and actually have gotten a little better each time.

#233 of 1487 rs1 by rs1

Mar 08, 1999 (10:50 pm)

   3 weeks ago I received a quote of 200.00 over invoice on a 99 Montana. This past Sat. we visited the dealer to check out the Montana again as our choice has narrowed between this and the Chevy Venture. The salesman that gave us the quote was not there and we obviously talked to another salesman. I showed him the quote and he took it to another person who handles the bottom line on the vehicles. He gave us a quote of $550.00 over invoice and told us that as of March 1 they lost the dealer incentive on the vehicle and could not sell it that low. When I brought up the topic of dealer holdback he became very defensive. To make a long story short I left there quite frustrated. My wife and I are not sure at this point how we are going to handle this. Any suggestions.

#234 of 1487 mvp4 by mvp4

Mar 09, 1999 (10:49 pm)

Regarding message 246: I would ask to talk to the manager, tell him you felt mis-treated (telling him by whom...) and walk out. There are plenty of dealers out there. $200 over invoice is exactly what I paid for mine. I've seen a number of postings here claiming $100 over invoice.

#235 of 1487 Margo0724 by Margo0724

Mar 10, 1999 (2:27 am)

We currently own a vehicle with which we are extremely dissatisfied. After 30+ things that have been replaced, repaired, (including two blown transmissions), we are disillusioned with the claimed performance of the Dodge Caravan. We are currently looking at purchasing a Pontiac Montana. My concern is that it so new to the market, that there is not enough long term runnability information out there. I would like to know how previous owners feel about the Pontiac.

Messages Page 24 of 150

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