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Buick Terraza Owners: Meet the Members

34 messages,  Last post on Jun 07, 2008 at 11:40 AM

You are in the Buick Terraza Forum.

What is this discussion about? Buick Terraza, Van

Messages Page 3 of 5

#13 of 34 Re: Terraza is not the first Buick's minivan.... [jerrywimer] by genmtrfan

Apr 14, 2006 (5:26 am)

Replying to: jerrywimer (Apr 14, 2006 4:15 am)
Jerry,
 
Thanks for the info on the airbag rattle, now that I know it can be fixed, I'll be sure to get it in before 20K.
 
Regarding the reliability of these vans in general, I would like to point out that what's not being discussed in this forum is a good thing. There are apparently not widespread issues with the critical functions of the van, such as major engine or transmission failures. Although the 2005 vans were introduced with some (usually) minor issues, I really believe that once these are repaired under warranty people will have a very solid vehicle in terms of long-term performance. I haven't heard of anyone with an intake manifold leak. That alone is a huge improvement over the last generation of v6's (3.4, 3.8). My feeling is that the drivetrain will go 150K, easy.

#14 of 34 Re: Terraza is not the first Buick's minivan.... [genmtrfan] by soderholmd

Apr 17, 2006 (9:03 am)

Replying to: genmtrfan (Apr 14, 2006 5:26 am)
I completely agree with you! My Saturn has been solid as a rock. Most people here have had minor electrical gremlins and no major malfunctions - like Honda trannys or sludging Toyotas.........

#15 of 34 Re: Terraza is not the first Buick's minivan.... [morewasabi] by dave_justdave

Apr 18, 2006 (4:25 pm)

Replying to: morewasabi (Apr 10, 2006 8:46 am)
I have the tow package on my Terrazza as well and have never had a problem with flickering lights. I have an 06. I also have the new 3.9L engine and havent encountered any problems like stalling, low idling etc etc, so maybe the new engine with the towing package is the way to go to avoid these common problems!
Dave

#16 of 34 Re: Terraza is not the first Buick's minivan.... [morewasabi] by kcorey

Apr 20, 2006 (12:53 pm)

Replying to: morewasabi (Apr 10, 2006 1:42 am)
Sorry being so late in replying...Actually, I take very good care of my car, but I live in New York City (Pot-hole City). I always get dealer service...after all, it is a new car, and if there are any service bulletins, etc., they can be corrected. The horn is a little stiff, but I haven't had it corrected (can't blame me for a noisy city). I've stated before that the dealer will make all the difference in your satisfaction of your purchase. My dealer listens to me, gives me A-1 service, and wants me to buy my next car from him. I'm very pleased with my Terraza CXL and my dealer...I'll buy my next one from him.

#17 of 34 New 2005 Buick by stobar

Apr 18, 2006 (10:39 am)

Am thinking about trading in my 2001 Olds Silhouette on a Buick Terraza. Initially getting internet quotes from dealers. One dealer still has a new 2005 on the lot and is offering $5,700 off MSRP. Since I will be keeping it for several years, I'm not too concerned with a last years model, but wonder if I can do better on the price. Haven't had an opportunity to wade through the thousands of posts here, but wanted to find out from others whether this is a good deal, or has there been noticeable improvements to the 2006 model that I should consider an 06 vs. an 05? Also, do they come equipped with XM Satellite radio as standard equipment? Many thanks!

#18 of 34 Re: New 2005 Buick [stobar] by cla1

Apr 18, 2006 (8:17 pm)

Replying to: stobar (Apr 18, 2006 10:39 am)
I don't think there were any significant changes in the 06 from 05. We also replaced an 01 Silo with the 05 Terraza and have been pleased although we did have the flickering lights issue which was fixed without problem by dealer doing the TSB on that issue. We also had a radio that was intermittent with no sound despite display and that was replaced. Otherwise nothing, nice on the road and mileage about same as Silo. The seats seem clumsier to adjust and remove, but are comfortable. The XM is standard in the upgraded radio, but you need to pay for it after 3 months. My wife loves that feature as she is the primary driver. The luggage rack is a downgrade I think from the Olds and the 98 Venture we had, no cross bars unless you buy them and our dealer didn't know where to get them at least when we bought the thing in Jan 05. We've got about 20k on it and are happy with it. I've grown to like the looks as most people do. Grandkids love the video and remote headphones.

#19 of 34 Re: New 2005 Buick [cla1] by stobar

Apr 19, 2006 (10:29 am)

Replying to: cla1 (Apr 18, 2006 8:17 pm)
Thanks cla1. Haven't made it over to the dealer yet, but have received quotes on two Terraza's. Come to find out they have two leftover 05's left on the lot; a CX and a CXL. Since we have the GLS, the CXL would most likely have the same features. Since we are nearing end of April, I wonder if I can do much better than $5,700 under MSRP. I found out I missed a $3,500 incentive on 05's that expired April 4th, but I would think they would offer a great deal to move them off the lot. Now I just need to convince my wife as she's unsure whether she wants another van (we've owned a 97 Venture and an 01 Silo), but I don't think you'll find an SUV that will get 25 mpg on the highway and that much cargo room with the third row seat down. At least I haven't found one yet. If there is anyone that can let me know if $5,700 under MSRP for a new 05 is a good deal, or feel I can do better, let me know. Thanks again for your response

#20 of 34 Re: New 2005 Buick [stobar] by genmtrfan

Apr 19, 2006 (12:42 pm)

Replying to: stobar (Apr 19, 2006 10:29 am)
As the owner of an '05 Uplander, I would spend the extra cash to get the 3.9 liter in the 2006. Don't get me wrong, we love the van and it's been reliable but just be aware that you will have an issue with flickering lights, possibly side moldings that come unglued (not sure if the Terraza has that issue, or just the Uplander), a whistling noise on acceleration around 2500 rpm, and perhaps a rattling front passenger airbag. All of these problems have been resolved or minimized on my van by the dealer. These problems are common throuout this post. Uncommon problems include radio and other electronics problems and power door issues. But, as I've said earlier here that the van is not experiencing widespread issues with major components in the engine or tranmission.
 
The 3.9 liter has a different charging system that will avoid the light flicker and it also doesn't have the whistling noise. Also, I think the 2006's have revised door moldings and hopefully no rattling airbag. Unlike some, I think the 3.5 liter has adequate performance, but because of the issues above, I'd go with the 3.9. But, if you get a great deal and are willing to have these issues fixed, then go for it.

#21 of 34 Re: New 2005 Buick [stobar] by jchan2

Apr 19, 2006 (7:12 pm)

Replying to: stobar (Apr 19, 2006 10:29 am)
I'd make sure all the issues some owners have been having here (flickering lights) have been resolved before you take delivery, if possible.
 
But otherwise I'd negotiate hard for a little more than $5700 off of MSRP.

#22 of 34 Re: New 2005 Buick [genmtrfan] by stobar

Apr 22, 2006 (5:06 pm)

Replying to: genmtrfan (Apr 19, 2006 12:42 pm)
Thanks genmtrfan. We looked at the 2005's after the dealership had closed and decided to go back the next day and take a test drive. They had 5 2005's left on the lot, and two were a Terraza CX and CXL. We liked the options on the CXL and test drove it. After all was said and done (and playing hard ball by preparing to walk out twice), we ended up 8K under the sticker, 6K under invoice. It was new but a demo model. Has every option available and drove nice. They gave us the CX to drive until the other was ready. I'm looking forward to the long road trips we will be taking in it. I am not a computer geek and will have to figure out how to dowload songs and moves to the "Phatnoise" system. I am not familiar with it, but it seems to be a nice option so that we won't have to be carrying along a lot of DVDs. Thanks again.

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