Inspecting a Used 2003
larrysbk
05-31-2009, 10:05 PM
I found a 2003 Montana at a dealership. Vehicle has 67000 miles for $7000. Are there any problems with this model year my mechanic should be looking for? Did this model year have the Intake Gasket problem? Do these have the radio antenna in the windshield?
spike88
06-01-2009, 01:38 AM
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If I remember correctly, the GM 3.4L engine built in 2002 and early 2003 had the bad intake gaskets. Especially if Dexcool was NOT changed every 3 years. If Dexcool changed every 3 years, it dramatically lowers the risk of problems with weaker factory intake gaskets (in 2002, 2003 3.4L engines). Was told that intake gaskets often "let go" when above 60,000 miles (for normal city miles) and above 80,000 (for less stop/go hiway miles). For intake gasket replacement (in my area), its approx $1,800 (including planed heads / intake - to remove warps).
If my memory is correct, the early versions of Uplander/Montana had front brake rotor problems. The rotors are too under sized, they over heat and "can" warp. Not all rotors warp but if replacing, do replace with thicker 3rd party brake rotors. Some GM mini-vans in harsh turning conditions tend to blow more front wheel bearings as well. In my area, approx $400 to replace each wheel bearing (or, under $900 for both fronts).
I've read that many GM mini-vans have problems with their power sliding doors. Thus, why I bought a 2009 Montana with only "manual" sliding doors. Hopefully, the 2003 van has manual sliding door as well.
Before buying my 2009 Montana, I also read a high number of GM vans have problems with their factory "load leveling" air suspension (air shocks). Shock problems, compressor problems. Very expensive GM repairs. If replacing, go with 3rd party air shock replacement - at 1/4 the cost of GM. If wondering, my van has normal suspension and I installed Timbrens (at 1/4 the cost of factory "load leveling" system). If wondering, Timbren SES are rubber blocks that fit into rear coil springs. Think "air bag" without presurized air inside them. Love them since day one.
Was told the 3.4L engine is really "good on gas" (especially compared to my new van's 3.9L) but it lacks torque for towing and larger then average internal cargo. If planning to "load her down" with passengers or internal rear cargo or towing a little utility trailer, then the larger 3.9L engine will better. More "loading / hauling" stress also means more stress on its transmission / engine parts as well.
If the 4T65E transmisison is used on the 2003 van, do surf all contents within: http://www.tripleedgeperformance.com/4T65E_Transmission_Info.html Lots of known transmission problems. Do "double check" transmission number before buying as well.
These are the items that come to mind (when I did my GM mini-van or not? research)... In the end, I still bought a GM mini-van (with larger brake rotors, 3.9L engine and other design improvements - compared to previous years).
Hoping I made a good choice for the long run as well....
.
If I remember correctly, the GM 3.4L engine built in 2002 and early 2003 had the bad intake gaskets. Especially if Dexcool was NOT changed every 3 years. If Dexcool changed every 3 years, it dramatically lowers the risk of problems with weaker factory intake gaskets (in 2002, 2003 3.4L engines). Was told that intake gaskets often "let go" when above 60,000 miles (for normal city miles) and above 80,000 (for less stop/go hiway miles). For intake gasket replacement (in my area), its approx $1,800 (including planed heads / intake - to remove warps).
If my memory is correct, the early versions of Uplander/Montana had front brake rotor problems. The rotors are too under sized, they over heat and "can" warp. Not all rotors warp but if replacing, do replace with thicker 3rd party brake rotors. Some GM mini-vans in harsh turning conditions tend to blow more front wheel bearings as well. In my area, approx $400 to replace each wheel bearing (or, under $900 for both fronts).
I've read that many GM mini-vans have problems with their power sliding doors. Thus, why I bought a 2009 Montana with only "manual" sliding doors. Hopefully, the 2003 van has manual sliding door as well.
Before buying my 2009 Montana, I also read a high number of GM vans have problems with their factory "load leveling" air suspension (air shocks). Shock problems, compressor problems. Very expensive GM repairs. If replacing, go with 3rd party air shock replacement - at 1/4 the cost of GM. If wondering, my van has normal suspension and I installed Timbrens (at 1/4 the cost of factory "load leveling" system). If wondering, Timbren SES are rubber blocks that fit into rear coil springs. Think "air bag" without presurized air inside them. Love them since day one.
Was told the 3.4L engine is really "good on gas" (especially compared to my new van's 3.9L) but it lacks torque for towing and larger then average internal cargo. If planning to "load her down" with passengers or internal rear cargo or towing a little utility trailer, then the larger 3.9L engine will better. More "loading / hauling" stress also means more stress on its transmission / engine parts as well.
If the 4T65E transmisison is used on the 2003 van, do surf all contents within: http://www.tripleedgeperformance.com/4T65E_Transmission_Info.html Lots of known transmission problems. Do "double check" transmission number before buying as well.
These are the items that come to mind (when I did my GM mini-van or not? research)... In the end, I still bought a GM mini-van (with larger brake rotors, 3.9L engine and other design improvements - compared to previous years).
Hoping I made a good choice for the long run as well....
.
'97ventureowner
06-01-2009, 02:06 AM
Currently the 2003 and up Montanas and Ventures seem to be holding up better than their predecessors. The gasket chaneover to the new design occured in the summer of '02 so depending on your vehicle's build date, it may hav escaped that problem. Do you know if the gasket had been replaced? (Now might be a good time to request a Carfax or similar from the dealer for free if they are really interested in selling the van.) The older models were prone to electrical issues such as the contacts in the rear lights getting corroded by the infiltration of water draining from the roof. This caused not only the brake lights to go out, but also issues with the TCS/ABS lights and cruise control functionality. By cleaning the corrosion or replacing the "boards" (the part the bulbs fit into) the problems clear up. Also some issues with the power sliding door, and power windows/locks has been traced to the carpet on the passenger side getting constantly wet and shorting out the wires.
As a model ages, minor improvements are made to clear up issues that plagued earlier model years. The same can be said for these vans, as like I said earlier, the instances of reported issues seem to have decreased. These vans were produced until 2005 in the current body style.
Some other issues, like the load leveling system can be affected by the area of the country the van was operated in, (i.e.snow and salt, high humidity, etc.) Add age to the mix and issues can develop over time.Some vans in the northern areas where salt is used have started to have rust form in the rocker panels. The best thing to do if you really like this van is to get a second opinion from a mechanic ( not from the selling dealership) on it's overall condition along with a vehicle history report to see any reported repairs/accidents/etc. to the vehicle. The '03s I've seen have the fixed antennae mast on the passenger fender. Good luck.
As a model ages, minor improvements are made to clear up issues that plagued earlier model years. The same can be said for these vans, as like I said earlier, the instances of reported issues seem to have decreased. These vans were produced until 2005 in the current body style.
Some other issues, like the load leveling system can be affected by the area of the country the van was operated in, (i.e.snow and salt, high humidity, etc.) Add age to the mix and issues can develop over time.Some vans in the northern areas where salt is used have started to have rust form in the rocker panels. The best thing to do if you really like this van is to get a second opinion from a mechanic ( not from the selling dealership) on it's overall condition along with a vehicle history report to see any reported repairs/accidents/etc. to the vehicle. The '03s I've seen have the fixed antennae mast on the passenger fender. Good luck.
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