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

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What is this discussion about? Buick Terraza, Van

Messages Page 3 of 4

#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.

#23 of 34 Re: New 2005 Buick [stobar] by jerrywimer

Apr 24, 2006 (9:05 am)

Replying to: stobar (Apr 22, 2006 5:06 pm)
We're pretty happy with our 2005 CX (optioned up, but still cost us less than the CXL). As mentioned above we've had the issues with dimming lights and the rattling airbag module. The flickering issue hasn't been completely addressed yet, but I'm waiting a bit more to see if a permanent solution appears to take it back (and ours doesn't dim enough to be a real problem anyway).
 
The best part is that the 3500 is capable of easily exceeding the EPA highway estimates- we averaged 29.5 mpg on just over 11 gallons of fuel (under 1/2 tank for 360+ miles) going to WV this past week, and 26.3 on the trip back (I ran some local in-town trips before gassing up, which I'm sure lowered it by up to .5 mpg).
 
Both results were manually calculated, rather than trusting the DIC. GMs DICs are normally a bit liberal in my experience (including local driving in this van). But the trip to WV actually read about .5 mpg low, while the reading was dead on for the last fillup (the 26.3). Both were well above the EPA sticker (24 hwy, if I recall correctly).
 
Oh, and the van is also a superbly comfortable highway cruiser.

#24 of 34 2005 Buick Terraza CXL questions by stobar

Apr 25, 2006 (11:02 am)

I will be taking delivery of my CXL tomorrow. The vehicle was missing a few items since it was used as a demo the past year. The front floor mats were missing, although the dealership has ordered another set. The second row has the long floor mat. Was there also a floor mat for the third row seating area? There isn't one, but I'm unsure if it comes with one. Thanks.

#25 of 34 05 Terraza by ericzoom

Apr 25, 2006 (1:58 pm)

I've had my 05 Terraza CXL for about 15 months now,and I could basically take it or leave it. I find the ride fair and the power with the 3.5 passable. The body integrity sucks,and the A/C barely able to keep up with the FL heat. The MPG is typical of these vans,no big deal. I find the only thing that's decent with it is the interior comfort and the generous standard features. I'm thankful I lease the van and not own it. I'll probably turn it in early and take advantage of GM's pull ahead program when the time comes.

#26 of 34 Re: Surprising changes [haditwithmyvan] by morewasabi

May 23, 2006 (11:40 pm)

Most of us like our vans. Yes we may have had a few issues. But we have dealt with them. I am one that really likes my van. I think thousands of others would agree as GM is selling thousands of these vans each month. If you have a complaint take it to http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/ and file it with the NHTSA. Oh, by the way the GM vans have some of the fewest and most minor of complaints on the NHTSA. The 2005 Honda Odyssey (92), Toyota Sienna (80) and Chrysler Town and Country (148). The GM vans had the following for 2005: Pontiac SV6 (7), Chevrolet Uplander (46), Buick Terraza(36). You can even pull the TSB (Technical Service Bulletins) under Edmunds.com maintenance section for doing car research. The GM vans are a little more than Toyota and way under Honda.
 
I think some of the complaints of the GM vans are no different than the Honda and Toyota but are way more minor than Chrysler. For some reason the Japanese van issues are overlooked and the GM van issues are perceived as lemons. Why is this? Is it lemon or lemonade? I think its lemonade and sometime the idiosyncrasies of the van may make you pucker. But I like my van and as I guy ( yes ok I am being chauvinist) can live with the idiosyncrasies. Sorry but true. I'll keep this van until I have over 100,000 miles on it.
 
Chow

#27 of 34 Re: Surprising changes [morewasabi] by dtownfb

May 30, 2006 (10:32 am)

Replying to: morewasabi (May 01, 2005 7:12 am)
I think you answered the question when you stated, "But I like my van and as I guy ( yes ok I am being chauvinist) can live with the idiosyncrasies."
 
Considering the Sienna and Odyssey outsell the GM vans combined, I think the complaints on the NHTSA hold true and show that the Honda and Toyota vans are more trouble free.
 
But to a current owner of the vehicle, it doesn't matter. all that matters is your experience with the vehicle.

Messages Page 3 of 4

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