1999 Pontiac Montana 3.4 from North America
Summary:
Not worth a tank of gas
Faults:
Replaced the engine at 39050 miles.
Replaced the Alternator.
Replaced the air compressor.
Replaced the computer because the ABS light wouldn't go away.
Replaced some sensor because the turn signal stop working.
The horn does not work and the dealer does not know why.
The power locks don't work. Dealer actually had the nerve to ask me if I really wanted to pay what it would cost for him to figure it out. Of course he advised trading it in for a new Pontiac.
The air compressor on the back of the vehicle never stops. As long as the car is on the compressor is running.
General Comments:
This vehicle has been nothing, but a money pit. At 37000 miles (of course 1000 after warranty expired) it started leaking anti freeze. The mechanic informed me that this is a know issue with that engine an to make sure to not let it go low on anti freeze. He also mention that the repair would be $975.00 It was kind of sad because he informed me that the part was actually $12.00 the rest was labor. So I go on vacation with my family and on the way back from vacation at about 70 miles per hour in the middle of a very busy expressway the engine blew up. At this time it had 39050 miles. I will never forget that number. Now there I am in the middle of nowhere south of Montgomery Alabama at night stranded with a car full of kids.
The GM dealer after a couple of days informed me that I would need a new engine at the cost of $6000.00 I asked if GM would assist with some of that being so close to the end of the warranty and I was quickly informed that GM was not responsible for any of the damages. Out of pride I took the van to a independent mechanic and he showed me the problem. There was about half a gallon of anti freeze in the engine mixed with the oil. This was caused by a faulty gasket. Now by looking around in the internet I could see that I am not the only victim of GM's poor product. Please let me know when a class action law suit is launch against this company. Every company is going to have problem sooner or later. It is what they do and how they choose to treat their customer that separates them from the rest. In my opinion GM has done everything within their power to kick customer away. By the way, now this van has 87000 miles and every month It has something else go wrong especially electrical. Today out of the blue it decided not to start. Who knows what is wrong this time. I was on my way to trade it in for a new Honda Pilot. Now I have to throw more money at this night mare.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 29th June, 2007
31st Aug 2006, 14:57
It sounds to me like a classic lack of simple preventative maintenance. Cars will not last forever if you do not maintain them with genuine GM parts.