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Uplander - would you chose it again??

30 messages,  Last post on Jan 06, 2012 at 12:26 AM

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What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Uplander, Van

Messages Page 2 of 4

#6 of 30 Re: 2005 Uplander LT LWB [danno] by spike99

Feb 04, 2008 (7:51 am)

Replying to: danno (Feb 03, 2008 7:41 pm)
Thanks for the info about your brake rotors warping. On pre-2007 models, warped brake rotors are a known problem. I read that brakes rotors on the '07/08 Uplander have been improved. Not too sure if this is true (but do hope to check part numbers soon). If true, many of its previous "brakes problems" should be resolved - on the newer year models. Many folks like the stronger 3.9L engine as well. Especially the folks who like to cargo/mass people haul. Or, folks who live in hilly country. For me, I'd go for the stronger engine - for my occasional small utility trailer hauling.
 
If wondering, I did read the '07 Uplander "Consummer reviews" on the Edmunds site. Many of the folks are pleased with the stronger engine, its 4 wheel disc braking power and its sharp cornering. Didn't see any negative patterns about mechanical weakness. All but one person seemed to be pleased with their new vehicle. For details, surf:
http://www.edmunds.com/chevrolet/uplander/2007/consumerreview.1...html
http://www.edmunds.com/chevrolet/uplander/2007/consumerreview.2...html
 
If we did get an Uplander/Montana van, it would be an '07 up. Might even hold off for an '08 model with a 0% factory interest - which GM sometimes offers during the slow summer months.
 
Only time will tell - on which path my wife & I will take.
 
Thanks for all who replied to my inquire.
 
Much appreciated.
 
.

#7 of 30 Re: 2005 Uplander LT LWB [spike99] by spike99

Feb 05, 2008 (7:50 am)

Replying to: spike99 (Feb 04, 2008 7:51 am)
Update:
 
Just to advise that my wife & I decided to "re-invest" into our current 2001 AWD Safari van. Currently, she's in the shop getting 2 x idler arms (Moog brand) and a wheel alignment. At end of Feb, she's booked for E-Test and muffler piping replacement. Last week, she got new rotor, distributor cap and battery installed. Last Dec she got new shocks and last Nov, she got new brake pads (with 2 x new front brake rotors). With this in mind, most of its common items have been replaced. Hopefully, this will the be last of her winter 2007/2008 repairs. Since this is our 2nd vehicle (that is only used for family "long haul" and occassion utility trailer towing trips), we can't justify paying huge monthly payments to replace her. Especially since our current van sits in our driveway 6 of the 7 days a week.
 
Besides the above, I'm still not too sure of the 4+ years reliability track record of the '07 Uplander/Montana. Better brakes and larger 3.9L engine sound great. But... Still not too sure how reliable this upgraded vehicle is.
 
Many Thanks to all who replied to my above vehicle replacement inquire. We'll try to breath 2-3 more years into our current 2001 Safari van. Hopefully, we've had the last of our immediate repairs....
 
.

#8 of 30 Re: Uplander - would you chose it again?? [spike99] by rtrip

Feb 05, 2008 (12:49 pm)

Replying to: spike99 (Jan 31, 2008 8:03 pm)
I have a 2006 extended uplander and this van has been great. I was not a fan of minvans but needed one for work so i decided on the uplander. I put a lot of miles on my cars in a short time so it's really important to buy a car that will hold up and give me 250,000 plus with litttle repairs. It had 26,000 on it when i got it in Sept of 2006 it now has 139,900 and I have had no problems. I have put brakes in it the front then the front and back but that's expected. This van does hard driving going up and down steep hills in up state NY and it still drives like it's new.
 
 I took out the back seats and throw my skis and bike back there it has lot's of room. I've used it for tailgating at football games,apre ski and bringing stuff to the dump, everything but hauling small children...but i am sure it would be good for that to, just leave the seats in.
 
I have come to love my minivan and this uplander has proven to be a solid problem free van. If I had to complain about something then it would be the CD player but on the scale of things...i can handle that!
 
I have never owned a chevy before and I thought maybe I should buy a Honda, I was worried about the realibilty of the Chevy. I went with the uplander, glad I did, I have had other great cars 250,000 + with little problems but no car that hit 139,900 with out putting something in it.
 
I just hope I wasn't lucky because my next van will be an uplander.

#9 of 30 Re: Uplander - would you chose it again?? [spike99] by rbhoel

May 13, 2008 (5:40 am)

Replying to: spike99 (Jan 31, 2008 8:03 pm)
My wife bought a new 2007 Uplander LT last summer for a trip we made with her parents going from Tampa to Scranton PA. It was a very pleasant trip, especially because of our new Uplander. It came with tons of accessories we were not used to having in a vehicle and for a very reasonable price for the van. The comfort level of the ride surprised us and it is also very quiet. The engine (the larger one) has great power and will climb any grade with ease. I believe this is the largest vehicle in the USA with front wheel drive. The only problems we have had were with the DVD player not playing and a gas guage sensor; both repaired promptly under warranty by a very friendly dealer, Gordon Chevrolet. We bought our van from a dealer out of town. My wife drives it to work every day and still likes her Uplander very much and has no complaints and she is very forward to complain if there is a problem.
 
Ron in Tampa

#10 of 30 Uplander by tlneel

Jul 15, 2008 (9:45 pm)

We bought an 05 Uplander LS and have loved . We traded it a week ago on an 08 Uplander LT. The 05 had 79K miles on it, with no problems.

#11 of 30 Re: Uplander - would you chose it again?? [jpf] by aubryj

Aug 23, 2008 (5:55 pm)

Replying to: jpf (Feb 02, 2008 12:57 pm)
No. I would not choose it again. Mine has been in the shop numerous times. I am now at 50k miles and the fuel sending unit has gone bad.
Previous: A/C, wiring harness for blinker (twice), child belt ajustment broken 18k miles and 47k, part in steering column (needs to be replaced again), tie rods, pistons on lift gate and now the fuel sending unit.

#12 of 30 Re: Uplander - would you chose it again?? [aubryj] by uplanderguy

Aug 24, 2008 (7:04 am)

Replying to: aubryj (Aug 23, 2008 5:55 pm)
We have an '05 (built 6/05) and I'd consider an '08, what with the deals available and apparently the brake rotor and probably the wheel bearing issues fixed, as well as the peeling side-molding issue. I've been disappointed in our '05 but luckily our dealership's Service Manager has stepped up to the plate and made good on a few things, even beyond the warranty period. I do like the looks of the van. I think the tire noise is too much though. But yes, I'd consider an '08.
 
Bill

#13 of 30 Re: Uplander - would you chose it again?? [aubryj] by lilbug1

Jul 14, 2009 (4:18 pm)

Replying to: aubryj (Aug 23, 2008 5:55 pm)
when we bought the van in march of 2008 with 14,000 miles, we have had nothing but problems with it. this van is 1 yr old. between the rotars being turned the sliding door modulre needing replaced, the back up sensor not working the tires are really worn, needed a new balancer, rough idle not fixed the first time. the seat needing fixed and best of all to take this van 4,000 miles on a raod trip we had the ding going on the whole trip. had the salesman been honest from the start then that would have helped me but instead coming back from vaction and taking the van in the get looked at they have told me that the salesman had gotten fired and they are still cleaning up messes from him. we took a loan out for this van and have had it for months and so far it has been in the shop every month for something. every time i turn around i have to take it into the shop. that is bad for a 2008.

#14 of 30 Re: Uplander - would you chose it again?? [spike99] by spike99

Jul 14, 2009 (6:58 pm)

Replying to: spike99 (Jan 31, 2008 8:03 pm)
Update:
 
Just to advise that last spring, my wife & I bought a brand new 2009 Montana EWB 1SB package van. Due to high pattern areas, we bought our van without power sliding doors, without air level suspension and without DVD system. We got our new van with simple "basic" power items (like: PS, PL, PW, PB, rear AC, side impact air bags) and that's it. Since owning this van, I've installed my own Class III trailer hitch, installed my own rear Timbrens (which are like air bags without pressuized air inside them), installed my own transmission aux oil cooler (for 5,000 lbs trailer) and installed my own electric brake controller. Even lowered both front seats 1.5" - to obtain better visual sight out the front window. Since March 30th (our "drive home" date), my new '09 Montana van has been great. Runs great, stops great, has lots of power under its hood (especially with 3.9L VVT engine), can easily fit it between parking lines and is very comfortable to drive. Its a great change from my previous 2001 Safari "slug" van. So far, I'd recommend my new Montana van to others. Especially for folks who have 3 small kids and do lots of "long haul" trips - like my family. So far, "turn its key and go!".
 
Just wanted to advise that so far, I love my new 2009 Montana van.
 
.

#15 of 30 05 Uplander rear wiper by cheeze74

Jul 22, 2009 (6:56 am)

Just purchased a 2005 Uplander and the rear wiper is stuck in the middle of the window. Motor apparantly quit. Dealer wants $142.00 for motor. Seems to be a common problem. Anyone else experience this? Can motor be repaired rather than replaced?

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