Buying 2003 Montana in Montreal

[Hubmen]

Hi, I want to buy the car with 88000 kms, very clean, very good condition. I am worry about the coolant reservoir very low, unable to remove rad cap, Engine is 4.3 , the problamatic intake manifold gasket GM problem. Van built 04/03 n GM change gasket type that year. Asking price $5500, I offer $4800. after inspection. Pls give me your input.
Hubmen Mtl.

[spike88]

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I have a 2003 GM FWD mini-SUV with 3.4L engine. At around 60,000 kms, it needed both its front wheel bearings replaced. Do have your mechanic focus on your van's wheel bearing conditions as well. Also, ask your mechanic to provide a "repair estimate" for its Intake gasket replacement. My local mechanic said intake gasket replacement is between $1,800 to $2,200 + taxes. If you did have to perform a future intake gasket repair (on your `target` 2003 mini-van), how much is the van worth then? Hopefully, your van's initial puchase price + intake gasket repair cost is equal or better then its re-sell market value. Also, do investiage van's rocker panels (for rust over load) and ensure every electrical item still works as well Also, pay extra inspection focus on its front brakes / front rotors as well. The older GM mini-van's are known for warped front brake rotors (due to under sized brake discs). Thus, why 2007+ montana vans have much larger size disc brake systems (with 6 bolt hubs/ rims).

If your auto certified mechanic does an end/end inspection and still feels "all is still good", then GO FOR IT. Especially if vehicle's interior is still great, ist has little to no rust (especially under its rocker panels) and it's still mechancially sound as well... Definately get seller to pay for both Mechnical "safety" Certificaiton and E-Test certification tasks as well...

Also... If you do buy this van (or different GM mini-van) and use it for 2+ more people &/or some cargo hauling, do install an LPD aux cooler as well. Target for minimum size for an attached 3,500 lbs trailer. In the Montreal winter months, simply wrap LPD aux cooler with a wind chill protection covering. And in the spring time, remove this "wind chill" proteciton convering. If wondering, my local transmission specialist says the 4T65E transmission (used in GM mini-vans) doesn't like stress. And it doesn't like heat over-load conditions either. An ATF aux cooler for 3,500 lbs or even 5,000 lbs attached trailer (like in my wife's 09 Montana van with 3.9L VVT engine) keeps its ATF temps much lower. Lower = less risk of future transmission problems. Even if not pulling a trailer....


Good Luck!!!!!

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[Hubmen]

Hi, really app your views. Made an offer $4800. as per CAA Qc suggestion. Owner wants $5500. Van in very good shape but worried about low coolant and that I could not remove rad cap. At 88000 kms, I say $5000 max. He is supposed to call me back.
Hubmen

[dewaynep]

That year should have the newer gaskets installed. Is the coolant just low in the overflow reservoir? Why can't you take the cap off? I bought my 2002 Montana last year for $8000(usd) and it had 81,000 miles on it. I think, just my opinion, that van is worth $5000(cdn) and then some especially if it is in good shape.

[Hubmen]

Hi, thank you for reply. I was able to remove rad cap, just little tight and tha cap spring dirty. Put in ner cap, no problem. Antifreeze in good condition bur will perform a rad flush soon n add new antifreeze.
bought the van for $4800. cnd, run great, at 89000kms. Very happy whit this van. This is my second Montana van n love them.Thank all of u for reply.
Hubmen Montreal

[spike88]

Originally Posted by Hubmen

... bought the van for $4800. cnd, run great, at 89000kms. Very happy whit this van. This is my second Montana van n love them.Thank all of u for reply. Hubmen Montreal

I hear the 4T65E transmissions in these Montana/Uplander vans do NOT like heat. As a technology "longer lasting" simple upgrade, do install a Hayden or Tru-Cool (Tru-Cool is better brand) LPD aux transmission cooler in your new van. Get one sized for `minimum` 3,500 lbs trailer or if towing / hauling more then usual, go with LPD design for 5,000 lbs trailer. Even is NOT towing or hauling heavy items, my local transmission guy tells me to install an Aux transmission cooler. If wondering, my 2009 Montana 3.9L van has the Hayden LPD design 5,000 lbs sized aux cooler and it works great. re: http://www.bulkpart.com/Merchant2/me...roduct_Count=2

When installing an Aux transmission cooler, do get its ATF filter replaced and system flushed as well. Instead of using factory Dexron III fluid, you might want to install Dexron VI fluid (which is much better then Dexron III/IV fluid) instead.

May I also recommend rust protection every year for your van as well. I hear the rocker panels on these vans love rust. Yealy rust protection in their rocker panel areas dramatically reduces rust. Being a uni-body design vehicle, rocker panels are needed for structure support. Less rust in rocker panel area, the better. If wonder, I get Krown Rust protection on my van. re: http://www.krown.com/

Hope these improvement suggestions help as well... Good luck!!!!!

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