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Pontiac Montana New Owner Reports

21 messages,  Last post on Jul 21, 2009 at 6:16 PM

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#17 of 21 Update Report: Mileage by writer Sep 06, 2007 (6:33 pm)
Having finished my 2nd tank of gas, I can report that I refilled it 56.869 litres at 439.5 km, which gives 7.73 km/litre which is about 18.18 mi./gal. Ironically, this was actually heavily highway driving, but on the last day before filling, I got stuck on the highway, adding about 15 min. to my travel time, which wasted a lot of gas. Then again, in the real world, that is what happens, and the result is what those of us who live in fairly large, busy cities often see. However, on a good week, with a lot of highway driving, I see 20 mpg.   Also, in the Road & Track 2007 Truck Buyer's Guide, I found that the 2007 Uplander GVWR is 6,500 lbs. This number is, apparently, the same for both the long and short wheelbase versions. As I mentioned, the curb weight of the long wheelbase version was 4,470 lbs. giving 2,030 capacity, which means either 2007 version is better than either of the 2003 version vehicles. And comparing the short wheelbase 2007 Uplander adds another 427 lbs. to the payload capacity giving 2,457 lbs. or about 1000 lbs. more "headroom" to work with. So the later Uplanders and Montana SV6's should have far less problems with engines and transmission. At least that is the theory. Replies to this message: swathdiver (Sep 09, 2007 5:02 pm) swathdiver (Jul 17, 2009 3:39 am) spike99 (Jul 20, 2009 8:59 pm)
#18 of 21 Re: Update Report: Mileage [writer] by swathdiver Sep 09, 2007 (5:02 pm)
Replying to: writer (Sep 06, 2007 6:33 pm) Don't know which motor you have, my 3900 loosended up considerably once she hit about 10-12k on the odometer. Mileage increased by about 1.5mpg too. Of course, using higher octane fuel will get you better mileage as well, sometimes even specific brands are more efficient then others. Replies to this message: swathdiver (Jul 17, 2009 3:39 am) spike99 (Jul 20, 2009 8:59 pm)
#19 of 21 Re: Update Report: Mileage [swathdiver] by swathdiver Jul 17, 2009 (3:39 am)
Replying to: swathdiver (Sep 09, 2007 5:02 pm) Vehicle has about 52K now. The driver's side power sliding door has been most annoying. We don't use it because I'm sick of taking it back to the dealer. Well, it's been about a year and will probably take it back next week to get fixed. Bought the extended warranty. Brakes are about ready to be replaced. 2nd set of tires no alignment needed. The dash up under the windshield has just cracked, the little seat belt guides have broken, one of the cables which allows the rear seats to be raised from the back has frayed. Kids say DVD screen get discolored once in a while, a tap and it goes away.   It gets 23mpg on the highway fully loaded and then some, and around 18-19 in the city, always with the air blowing here in South Florida.   Except for the door the rest of the stuff is minor. Onstar and built in phone is cool! Too bad my beloved GM has been taken over by Marxists. I will not buy another new car until they're free again. Replies to this message: spike99 (Jul 20, 2009 8:59 pm)
#20 of 21 Re: Update Report: Mileage [swathdiver] by spike99 Jul 20, 2009 (8:59 pm)
Replying to: swathdiver (Jul 17, 2009 3:39 am) Hi there swathdiver.   I noticed you do indepth `proactive` research and detailed maintenance of your van. Great stuff!!! As as suggestion, you may want to install an aux tranny cooler in your van as well. My local transmission specialists tells me the 4T65E transmission (in the GM mini-vans) run hot. Even for typical non-towing driving conditions (like soccer parents trips in city driving on a hot summer day), the ATF fluid runs hot. He tells me that a aux transmission cooler for a 5,000 lbs trailer will add many more years to the factory transmission's life. And with more transmission coolering, it helps keep its 3.09L VVT engine a little cooler as well. Thus, win-win in the long run. If wondering, I installed Hayden ATF cooler in my '09 Montana EWB van 2 months ago and its working great. re: http://www.makcotransmissionparts.com/OC-1678.html   Hope this helps improve your new GM mini- van as well...   .
#21 of 21 Thanks for the Reminder... by swathdiver Jul 21, 2009 (6:16 pm)
I used to always add a cooler to my cars. This van has heavy duty cooling and tow package option with larger radiator. It's due for a transmission fluid change, going to do the exchange method and replace it all rather then just the pickup screen with 1/2 the fluid. When that is done, it will get Dexron VI synthetic which is superior to Dex V. I just may add the cooler like I used too though now that you mention it!   Thanks!   James

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