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Within my area, GM has a few good promotions on their '09 vehicles. Specifically, the 09 Uplander and 09 Montana vans. Before taxes, their factory promotions and GM Card discount makes the "new buy" deal look really good. Anyway.... Based on comparing online spec details, each van seems to share many details. Engine, MPG, seats, ABS, tire sizes, etc. etc. Only difference seems to be towing (Uplander has 3500 lbs and Montana has 2000-3500 lbs range) and their internal cosmetics seem to be slightly different. But each vehicle seems to be its sister vehicle - to each other.

Other then these above differences, what is their other differences? What is their resale value difference? Does one have more recalls or TSBs then the others? Does one have more problem areas then the other? etc. etc. Which brand of GM van would you pick?

If wondering, my wife & I are looking for basic "extended" version of either van Base package with PW, PL, PB, PS, etc. etc. Less extra "gadgets" (like onstar, GPS, DVD system, etc. etc.), less things to screw up later on. We're looking for a low cost, reasonble priced mini-van - something to haul 3 kids, 1 dog, 2 adults and tow up to 3,000 lbs loaded utility trailer (perhaps 2% of the time).

thanks.

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Just curious: what kind of rebate is GM giving on the 2009's in Canada (in U.S. dollars)?? They're only giving $1000 to clear out the 2008's down here and dealers are dying trying to unload them. If you can get down here, you'd probably be able to pick up a brand new leftover 2008 at a really good price. An LS with a $24k sticker could probably be had for $17k (I'd start with $16k offers) - especially as the days drag on into the year and the vans don't move. Use the GM site and search for all the 2008's near the Canadian border, then make some offers. I know that there are plenty of 2008's still out there and U.S. dealers are going to have a hard time getting rid of these things because they're so lowly rated AND because GM isn't advertising any appreciable rebate money. It's a very bad situation for U.S. dealers right now. They're pretty much waiting for GM employees or people with GM dollars to show up and bail them out...

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Within my area, GM has a few good promotions on their '09 vehicles. Specifically, the 09 Uplander and 09 Montana vans. Before taxes, their factory promotions and GM Card discount makes the "new buy" deal look really good. Anyway.... Based on comparing online spec details, each van seems to share many details. Engine, MPG, seats, ABS, tire sizes, etc. etc. Only difference seems to be towing (Uplander has 3500 lbs and Montana has 2000-3500 lbs range) and their internal cosmetics seem to be slightly different. But each vehicle seems to be its sister vehicle - to each other.
They are actually sister vehicles to each other, and you're right, it's mainly cosmetic differences.

Other then these above differences, what is their other differences? What is their resale value difference? Does one have more recalls or TSBs then the others? Does one have more problem areas then the other? etc. etc. Which brand of GM van would you pick?
There really isn't much other differences between the two. From what I've seen over the years, and especially when shopping for one, the main difference is the optional packages each offers. In the GM hierarchy, Pontiac is above Chevrolet. Pontiac versions tend to have more to their option packages, and their "base" vehicles seem to have more items standard. Because of this, they tend to be higher in price and resale value.
One does not have more TSBs because they are basically the same, same as problem areas.I would choose the van that would give you the best bang for your buck. With the industry the way it is currently, you should be able to negotiate a good price on either, especially a Pontiac, bringing it closer to the Uplander's pricing. Back in '06 when I was looking at these vans I would have taken a Pontiac if I could have found one with the options I wanted close to the price of the Chevy. I opted for one with less toys, bells and whistles. All of the Pontiacs on the lot were higher in price and loaded with options at the time.

If wondering, my wife & I are looking for basic "extended" version of either van Base package with PW, PL, PB, PS, etc. etc. Less extra "gadgets" (like onstar, GPS, DVD system, etc. etc.), less things to screw up later on. We're looking for a low cost, reasonble priced mini-van - something to haul 3 kids, 1 dog, 2 adults and tow up to 3,000 lbs loaded utility trailer (perhaps 2% of the time).

thanks.

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You really can't go wrong with either van. I think they are an improvement over their predecessors. And they don't deserve all of the bad media aimed at them. I've had mine almost 2 1/2 years and it's much better than the 2 Ventures I owned previously. I also didn't get Onstar, GPS, but I did get the DVD system, which is excellent if you have kids. These systems have come a long ways in reliability over the years.

Just curious: what kind of rebate is GM giving on the 2009's in Canada (in U.S. dollars)?? They're only giving $1000 to clear out the 2008's down here and dealers are dying trying to unload them. If you can get down here, you'd probably be able to pick up a brand new leftover 2008 at a really good price. An LS with a $24k sticker could probably be had for $17k (I'd start with $16k offers) - especially as the days drag on into the year and the vans don't move. Use the GM site and search for all the 2008's near the Canadian border, then make some offers. I know that there are plenty of 2008's still out there and U.S. dealers are going to have a hard time getting rid of these things because they're so lowly rated AND because GM isn't advertising any appreciable rebate money. It's a very bad situation for U.S. dealers right now. They're pretty much waiting for GM employees or people with GM dollars to show up and bail them out...

Thanks for your feedback colt.

If you do a seach of "Ontario GM Dealers" and drill down on a few found URLs, you'll probably notice Uplander & Montana vans are going for $16-$18K (CDN dollars). Subtract trade in, subtract Visa Points of $2,000, the before tax price sounds better and better. Especially if still being offered for 0% for 6 years. I heard that a new proposal is being submitted to make the "new vehicle" sales start flowing better. re: New GM, Dodge or Ford vehicle and government would drop their current mandatory 13% sales tax. Thus, making the "out the door" price "for a big 3 vehicle" even better. 13% on $16K = another $2K saved. If they offer this additional new vehicle purchase sweetner (sort of speaking) in the future, we're buying. (giant smile).

BTW: For GM Dealers within Ontario Canada, surf within: http://canada.emotor.ca/gmc-dealer.html


For now, I'll just "keep researching".

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Thanks for your detailed feedback '97ventureowner. Much appreciated.

Yes. I agree. The 07+08 GM mini-vans with larger 3.9L engine, better brakes and better electrical system seems to be much better then previous years. I don't see too many people posting "pattern problems" of their '07 and '08 vans. Thus, proving previous steering, wheel bearing, gas guage, flickering lights and braking problems have been resolved.

If our current economy was stronger and my company wasn't down-sizing, I'd trade my current Safari van in today. Especially since gas prices in my area keeps going up and up. For now, I'll continue to reasearch and "dream". Been dreaming to replace my 2001 Safari van since last Feb. May have to wait another year (or so) again. Only time will tell...

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The place where i bought my Uplander has been running commercials for used 2008 models for around $12995 with varying mileage(@ 10K to 22K). That's not bad if you aren't in the market for a new one and the depreciation has already been taken.
I just looked on their site and it appears they sold out of those,(they had quite a bit of these in stock and ran numerous commercials advertising that fact).
http://usedcarking.com/inventory/browse2.asp?param_new-used=used&param_make=Chevrolet&param_model=Uplander

Wow! Maybe I should drive up to Canada and buy an '09 Uplander there! A $16k Uplander (CDN dollars) would be $12,400 US dollars? Is that right? Never even considered this option until now.

Wait a minute: Just checked around on the web and it appears only a used car (if only one day old) can be purchased. Sounds like the dealership might be able to title it to themselves and then sell it to a customer to get around that one?? Then, of course, you get the speedometer and odometer in kilometers only (which isn't really a problem, but worth mentioning).

Aha! - just searched GM Canada and noticed that the LS's are stickered in the mid-teens and the LT's are around $30k (CDN) ... BUT, the LT's don't appear to be equipped as well as in the U.S (aluminum wheels, DVD system only on the very highest MSRP, and no 2nd row captain's chairs at all?). Still, a $30k (CDN) '09 Uplander would be $23k (US dollars). Are there any additional dealer discounts? If so, maybe I could get an '09 LT in Canada for around $20k US dollars? That would be a good deal for a brand new model (non-leftover). It would be like getting the leftover price without waiting until the following year. Right now, here in the U.S., we still haven't reached the point where the leftover '08's will start getting their prices cut. Even though there are still a lot of leftover '08's out there, they're spread out across many dealers such that most only have one or two left to unload - so they're sitting tight waiting for a GM employee or GM Card person to buy their unit for MSRP minus rebate (a terrible price for a discontinued and lowly-rated vehicle). In this economy, that may not happen...

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Thanks for your reply Colt.

Regardless of one's specific region, definately "read the fine print" and do shop around. From my experience, it's often best to personally visit each target dealership, chat with the assigned Sales Rep, throw some figures on the table (re: Base + freight + Desired Options - GM Promotions - GM Visa card points - specific dealership bonus offers + Prep Fee + regional sales tax). Throw some numbers "on the table" and politely tell the Sales Rep you are thinking about it. Do this approach at many different target dealerships, and pick your top 5 "possible" dealers. Then, revisit each top 5 dealerships and "offer them" your best purchase price. And if needed, do "walk out". If they want to sell, they will call you at home - within a few days later. If wondering, we did this approach with an expensive "used" 2006 Travel Trailer. "They" called me at home 3 days later and in the end, we saved another $3,000 + 13% of its taxed amount. If times are tough in your target GM dealerships, they will lower their "so called" best selling price even more.

My wife & I will probably "dream" for a few more years. Then, buy 3 year old vehicle. Thus, getting even better purchase price - because previous Mini-Van owner already paid its initial depreciation amount. For my family's future vehicle purchase actions, only time will tell...

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Then, of course, you get the speedometer and odometer in kilometers only (which isn't really a problem, but worth mentioning).


Just curious... can't one witch from US to Metric on the DIC? On my van there is a small button that if you push it changes the values of the readings from one to another. I would think it would be available on all Uplanders regardless of country of origin.

spike88:

I send my offers in electronically and never visit the dealership until I have a deal (or just want to test-drive something). I figure my offers this way (always for 'leftovers'): calculate total cost based on baseline cost plus cost of all added packages and options, deduct rebate, deduct holdback amount (3%), deduct carryover amount (5%). The final number typically boils down to around 20% off MSRP. The dealer typically tries to sell a unit at 10% off (a lousy deal that I won't touch). Getting the other 10% (or more) means waiting all the dealers out. Some of the units sell along the way to uninformed (or desperate) buyers, but there are always units remaining somewhere. I'll drive almost anywhere to buy a vehicle at the right price - and I don't really care about the color, either. I think I'm every car salesperson's nightmare - although I'm just picking up the scraps, so in theory they've already made their money.

'97VentureOwner:

I didn't think of that. You're probably right ... it's got to be electronically switchable...