1999 Oldsmobile Bravada 4.3 Vortec from North America
Summary:
Would make a great boat anchor
Faults:
4WD stuck. Fixed one time while it was still under warranty. It was a very expensive fix at $700.00.
Ball joints and tie rod ends have had to be changed out three times now.
Intake manifold gasket has gone out two times.
It has gone through three radiators, and two water pumps.
The heat actuator door had to be replaced because of no heat.
The heater core is bad now, and because of the location of it, it is not an easy fix. Repair manual says it is a 7 hour job to replace.
The fuel pump went out.
Several sets of brake pads and rotors over the years. And tires wearing because of continual wearing out of ball joints and tie rod ends.
The temperature control knob no longer works, and heat is either high, or no heat.
Engine coolant lines changed out two times.
Catalytic converter went out.
General Comments:
I have owned a lot of vehicles in my life, but none has cost me as much as this vehicle has. I feel I paid too much for it as a used vehicle, but I felt that 56,000 was low miles when I purchased it.
It has been nothing but constant trouble. It has a lot of good qualities that I like, like the 6 disc CD player, and the radio controls on the steering wheel, but even that has stopped working.
I feel it has plenty of power, but it is horrible on gas.
Everything has been gone through at the dealership to check it, and I keep up on all the maintenance.
When it is extremely cold out, I may only get 12 MPG or less.
I have receipts that show that I have paid out about $15,000 in repairs so far, and I get deals on repairs where I live. I worked in the auto parts business for 18 years, so I know a lot about cars. This one is the worst I have ever had.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 30th January, 2013
31st Jan 2013, 21:58
If you know a lot about cars, then why didn't you do some of the repairs, like radiators and water pumps yourself? Still cheaper than getting the deals at the mechanics where you live.