What options and why???

[spike88]

.

Like many "possible" new buyers doing their research, I'm narrowing down my mandatory and "nice to have" factory options. Here's my list so far:

Base items:
- Normal AM/FM/CD Player system - nothing more. If I wanted head phones, the kids can use their own IPOD devices - which they already do in our current van.
- Normal smooth (default) suspension. I can add my own Towing Package upgrade items for 1/2 its factory cost.
- No extra cup holders. I can add my own middle seat cup holder tray or front seat center floor console from junk yard purchase - if really needed in the future. Or buy 3rd party add-on. re: http://chevrolet.dealerfit.com/store...od691_8581.php
- PS, PW, PL (Power: Steering, Windows, Locks)
- ABS (which is included in all models)
- Basic wheels - will get different rims and "winter rubber" later on.
- NO LCD system or upgraded radio. If my kids want to play videos, they bring their own 12V DVD Player - like they use in our current van today.
- Plastic strip around each wheel well - if already included in factory build.
- Plastic lower panels - if already included in factory build.
- Roof rack - if already included in factory build.
- Cruise Control - if already included in factory build.
- Manual sliding side door.
- Manual adjusting mirrors (unless power mirrors is included in factory build).
- Non heated mirrors (unless heated mirrors in included in factory build).

Mandatory option "upgrades":
- Front Row bucket seats. Was told this is great for 2 adults in the front.
- Middle row high bucket seats. Was told this is great for kids in the middle seats.
- 3rd seat can be basic `low back` 50/50 split. Was told this is ok for small kids.
- Rear AC / Heater - especially if passengers in year during long road trips.
- Rear windows have extra tint glass - especially if passengers in rear of van.
- Keyless entry remote.
- Remote starter. Factory price is same as 3rd party add-on afterwards. Thus, will take this option - if already included in factory build.


From your perspective, what mandatory "options" would you recommend? And, why?

thanks.

.

['97ventureowner]

Originally Posted by spike88

.

Like many "possible" new buyers doing their research, I'm narrowing down my mandatory and "nice to have" factory options. Here's my list so far:

I'll try to add some comments based on my experiences. I'll also compare them to the 2 previous Venture vans I owned that were similar.

Base items:
- Normal AM/FM/CD Player system - nothing more. If I wanted head phones, the kids can use their own IPOD devices - which they already do in our current van.

Od you can get the factory installed DVD I thought it was worth it . There are headphone jacks where passengers can use all sorts of headphones for their listening pleasure. I also bought a pair of wireless headphones (GM OEM) off eBay, rather inexpensively (compared to dealer cost.)

- Normal smooth (default) suspension. I can add my own Towing Package upgrade items for 1/2 its factory cost.
- No extra cup holders. I can add my own middle seat cup holder tray or front seat center floor console from junk yard purchase - if really needed in the future. Or buy 3rd party add-on. re: http://chevrolet.dealerfit.com/store...od691_8581.php

Again places like eBay and www.car-part.com are your friend. I have seen so much stuff on eBay for Uplanders , even the 2nd row storage tray w/ cup holders doe a fraction of the dealer's charges.

- PS, PW, PL (Power: Steering, Windows, Locks)
- ABS (which is included in all models)

Mostly standard equipment in most of the vehicles today. Also more reliable for a longer period of time than in previous years (in reference to most GM vehicles)

- Basic wheels - will get different rims and "winter rubber" later on.

After owning mine 2 1/2 years I finally am getting winter tires and roms for my vehicle after this past horrendous winter . I'm getting Winterforce tires from Tire rack (@ $80 ea, excellent tire I used on Venture.) Lucky for us, used rims are starting to become more plentiful in salvage yards. When I first entertained the idea of winter tires/rims back in '06, one couldn't locate used 17" rims without paying an arm & leg for them.

- NO LCD system or upgraded radio. If my kids want to play videos, they bring their own 12V DVD Player - like they use in our current van today.

See my response above concerning the factory DVD. If the van has it installed, it's worth it. My kids have video games and can hook them up to the player in the van via the white/red/yellow cables and play together.

- Plastic strip around each wheel well - if already included in factory build.
- Plastic lower panels - if already included in factory build.
- Roof rack - if already included in factory build.
- Cruise Control - if already included in factory build.
- Manual sliding side door.
- Manual adjusting mirrors (unless power mirrors is included in factory build).
- Non heated mirrors (unless heated mirrors in included in factory build).

I tend to be a "minimalist' when it comes to body cladding. Having owned many vehicles over the last 25 years in the Northeast, i see the rust and body damage these pieces cause by hiding in the salt and other road debris. On the roof rack, if you don't travel a lot and don't use it to store extra luggage, then the roof rack adds to the drag on the vehicle, more so if you do carry a load on top. The CC is usually standard on many vehicles now and is good on long trips and around town to save gas and a speeding ticket After the horrors of the sliding door on one of my Ventures, (the other one was manual,) I am happy to have a manual on the Uplander, and I don't miss the power option either. On the mirrors, I noticed that power mirrors are very common in most Uplanders as is heated. I believe either it is standard equipment or will soon be legislated to be because it is considered a safety option. It comes on whenever you hit the switch for the rear defrost. if you live in places that get cold weather or snow, it is a welcomed option

Mandatory option "upgrades":
- Front Row bucket seats. Was told this is great for 2 adults in the front.

What is the other option for the front? All I've ever seen is 2 high back bucket seats. I think high back are required for safety and air bag use.

- Middle row high bucket seats. Was told this is great for kids in the middle seats.
- 3rd seat can be basic `low back` 50/50 split. Was told this is ok for small kids.

I like the option to fold down both rows of seats to haul bigger items.

- Rear AC / Heater - especially if passengers in year during long road trips.
- Rear windows have extra tint glass - especially if passengers in rear of van.
- Keyless entry remote.
- Remote starter. Factory price is same as 3rd party add-on afterwards. Thus, will take this option - if already included in factory build.

I noticed the rear heat option seems to becoming more standard in these vans, as is the tinted rear glass. I think over the last four years I've only seen one Uplander without the rear windows tinted, and it didn't look right.
The keyless entry remote I believe might be standard with thew power locks.
A thing to consider; Most of the vans I looked at did not have the remote start installed. I went to my Chevy dealer after buying the van and had them install a GM factory remote start made for the Uplander, (the one that they normally install when a customer requests one at time of build.) It was well worth it. I had a terrible experience with an aftermaket unit installed in my Venture. I have a friend who is a service manager at GM dealership and he daid GM discourages customers from installing aftermarket remote starts because of potential issues( exactly what I experienced). He said it's even printed in the owners manual of most GM vehicles to not use aftermaket units.

From your perspective, what mandatory "options" would you recommend? And, why?

Not that it's available but I'd like to see a power rear hatch that opens and closes by remote. I know I talk of my disdain for the power sliding doors, but power assist would be nice for the back,especially trying to close the rear hatch with your arms and hands full. Other than that I can't think of anything else at this time. Like I said earlier, one can buy a 'basic' van and then add to it to their liking by looking on eBay. I bought 2 overhead storage units that hook up to the rail system to store items out of the way, for a very low price, much cheaper than if it were an option at build tome, or going to the dealer's parts counter.

['97ventureowner]

Originally Posted by spike88

.
- No extra cup holders. I can add my own middle seat cup holder tray or front seat center floor console from junk yard purchase - if really needed in the future. Or buy 3rd party add-on. re: http://chevrolet.dealerfit.com/store...od691_8581.php
.

I'm using this as an example. Here is the same part on eBay, less expensive.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Parts...3A1|240%3A1318
If that's not the color you want, just wait a bit and one will appear in an auction.

[spike88]

.

Thanks for your feedback '97ventureowner. Much appreciated.

Sharing your different ways to reduce a vehicle's "purchase cost" is appreciated. Like many (especially during our tough economic times), one does have to find ways to save even more dollars. Even if going ebay or 3rd part add-on afterwards.... (giant smile).

My wife & I are still "crunching the numbers". The numbers look good but we both feel the selling price of '09 will come down some more. Especially in May / June - when new vehicle sales volumes drop even more. "Lower sales volumes means lower sale price - to attrack more customers" thing...

With lower selling price and price reduction in options if going 3rd party or ebay, "the numbers" on our calculator are looking better and better. Only time will tell...

Thanks again for your cost saving ideas...

.

['97ventureowner]

You're welcome...it's kind of my specialty, getting the lowest price possible. My wife said she's going to put on my headstone either "I will not pay retail", or " I can get it cheaper".
Generally car sales either remain constant or increase slightly in the Spring as pent up demand from the Winter when people tend to buy fewer vehicles. But the way the automotive industry has been lately it will be hard to predict if the same will hold true again. I've seen sales generally decrease and the need for incentives a month or two later, by mid summer. Dealers are preparing for shipments of the next model year's vehicles and want to clear their lots so you might want to consider that in your plans.

[Colt Hero]

Personally, I think the LSs are too stripped. I mean, I really don't want the power driver's seat b/c I'm a foot taller than my wife, and I really don't want to pay that ridiculous premium for the DVD system ($1500 US), but I'm looking at LTs because you can't get a roofrack or captain's chairs on an LS. I'd like to be able to throw a long square basket (but with a low profile ... say 10" high) up on the roof to lug wood products from the big box stores (studs, plywood, sheetrock, etc). This would give my Uplander some truck-like utility without having to junk up the interior. No - I think the only way to go with these things is to buy a leftover LT and just get the best price you can on it. A $30k LT can be had for $20-$22k (might even be able to get one for $19k if it hangs around long enough). Just keep track of the inventories all around you - as far as you're willing to drive to buy a vehicle. Some of the first '08's off the assembly line are about to turn two years old! If you know where they are, you can steal one for a very good price.

[spike88]

Thanks for your feedback Colt Hero. Much appreciated.

For me, I have 2 Utility Trailers. A little 4ft wide by 6ft long utility trailer. It has a single axle / leaf springs of 3,200 lbs. My other Utility Trailer is a 6x10 with 3,600 lbs axle. This larger trailer also has its own oboard electric brakes. Thus, I can use either size trailer to transport "stuff" around (when needed). Especially for transporting peddle bikes, construction boards (light load), small load of gravel, etc. etc. for short distances. And, will I use a Reese / Class III hitch to pull my Canoe trailer (that holds 3 canoes) at my seasonal camp site as well. For me, a Class III hitch is well worth installing. If one is going to buy a Class II hitch, I spend a few small amount of dollars and get a "much stronger" Class III hitch instead. The minimim cost difference for 3rd party upgrade is well worth it. And, I'd install an onboard brake controller for my larger size trailer is needed as well. Luckily, I can install these 3rd party purchase items with very little effort. (re: I'm a monkey wrench type of person). And, I can backup up utility trailers with ease as well.

If you do haul stuff around, you may want to investigate a future Utility Trailer instead. Thus, all "stuff" isn't pushed inside your van or lifted on its roof. Simply connect to a `low to the ground` utility trailer (like a 4x8 solid floor utility box), connect its wiring and, "away you go". And, you don't have to lift stuff over your head - to load on your van's roof / railing system. Being "wind tucked" behind one's van, its more secure from wind drag as well. Utility Trailers (when needed) works for me (and my hauling / towing needs).

---------

I know what you mean about "getting good deals" on '09 Montana vans. We recently looked at a few "new" vans and in my region, their MSRP is between $29K - $32K. After factory $10K discount, + $2K GM Visa Point + $3K trade in, we're looking at a brand new '09 Montana EXT 1SB (with Quad seating, rear AC, Remote Starter, etc. etc.) for approx $16K (before taxes). And their '09 Demo (which is dust gold) is being offered at $14K. We'll do some more shopping and within the next 2 weeks, we'll have a new '09 Montrana 1SB van in our driveway. It's just a matter of time...

re: http://ca.autos.yahoo.com/newcars/po...tyle_overview/

How is your "shopping research" going? Just wondering...

.

[Colt Hero]

Spike88:

I don't normally haul stuff around, but I've been building a house on paper for a couple of years now and I may need to haul residual building products at some point if I ever get going on it. A small trailer is certainly an option (thanks for the class 3 hitch advice, I'll keep that in mind if I go that route). The one problem with the trailer would be storage. I'd be living in a subdivision that frowns upon anything being parked outside the garage. I think an extra car is OK, but a trailer probably would not be. I'd have to verify that. Maybe a collapsible trailer?

That Montana deal sounds pretty good to me. Also sounds like you're capped on your GM points program (post '99 I think it was?). I asked around here about buying a new '09 in Canada and was told it's not really possible. The vehicle would have to be used to qualify. It's a system that keeps people in the northern U.S. from buying all their cars in Canada. Oh well!

As far as my 'shopping research', it's pretty much done (has been for a while). I've already collected all the information I need to make a purchase on one of two GM vehicles. Now all I have to do is watch the inventories and make offers at the right time, hoping one unit falls to me. It looks like there are plenty of vehicles out there, so I'm pretty sure I'll come away with one of them. Just don't know where I'll have to go to pick it up. At the same time, however, I've got points 'wrapping around' on me, so I need to pull the trigger on something, or watch money go down the drain with each passing month...