1999 Chevrolet Venture Exended

Summary:

Won't buy another one!

Faults:

We started shifting roughly before the warranty ran out, however they refused to open the transmission without threatening us with a 1500 bill IF they didn't find out anything. Once the 65,000 warranty ran out it seemed, that the transmission really went. So, that had to be rebuilt.

The driver's side window broke down and had to be fixed.

The interior computer (temp, fuel, directions) went out completely. We've tried replacing the fuses, but that hasn't worked. Before this happened however, we've had to replace the sensors at least twice before the warranty ran out.

The headlights get moisture in them.

The tail lights go out often.

The low coolant light blinks inconsistently with a full coolant tank.

General Comments:

The car now has 176,000 miles on it, but has definitely had it's problems. The biggest one is the transmission of this vehicle. Don't take no for an answer if it starts shifting like you're on a roller coaster! Tell them to open the transmission before your warranty expires!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 25th July, 2007

1999 Chevrolet Venture

Summary:

Would never buy a Chevy Van again

Faults:

We purchased our 99 Chevy Venture in Nov. 2005 with 68,800 miles on it.

So far we've replaced the following parts:

* Brake pads/rotors/drums/shoes at 72,000 miles -- $532

* Power windows switch at 75,000 miles -- $60

* Water pump at 85,000 miles -- $72

* Mass air flow sensor at 89,000 miles -- $300

* Rear A/C expansion valve at 89,000 miles -- $420.

We should have replaced the rear A/C expansion valve when it was out at the time we bought the van... at nearly 69,0000 miles.

General Comments:

The back windshield wiper has never worked since we bought the van at nearly 69,000 miles.

The driver's seat is broken to the point that we have to use a pair of pliers to raise the back of the seat up to a sitting position.

The lights for the radio only illuminate on half of the display.

The hood latch is broken - have to manually open the hood.

The compass/direction control isn't working.

The driver's side carpeted floor is always wet.

Sometimes the power windows go down very slowly.

Overall, we've owned 5 Fords, 2 Dodges, and 2 other Chevrolet/GM vehicles since 1998 and have never had this many problems on all vehicles combined. I am sad to say that I have lost faith in Chevrolet vehicles because of the problems with this Chevy mini-van.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 11th July, 2007

1999 Chevrolet Venture

Summary:

Buy used, and you won't be disappointed

Faults:

Seriously, not much, other than a water pump, two shocks, brakes (due to normal wear), and a few minor things that one can easily fix on their own. The ABS indicator light came on, but simply removing battery cable, and resetting, it was fine. ALso, the Air bag light came on, but it was just the connector under the passenger seat where the Air bag control module is; I just unplugged it and plugged it in again. Also, the windshield wipers only would work on high, but a friend told me it was probably the electrical unit (brain) under the wiper motor. I found a new one on ebay for $27.00, and it works fine. THe power window, driver's side had difficulty going up - removing the panel and adjusting the mechanism and a little grease, and it works just fine. Seriously, this van is an easy vehicle to work on, and parts on ebay are cheap and easy to get. Warning - don't ever bring it to the GM dealership for maintenance. They are far too expensive, and most things you can fix yourself if you google the problem, or have a reputable privately owned repair shop do the work.

General Comments:

THis is by far the least expensive car I have purchased, that requires minimal maintenance. Very little has gone wrong, and if something small comes up, it is an easy fix. IT is super on gas, can tow a trailer well, and has lots of room. Don't worry about people commenting on all the problems they have had. Buy it used, not new, for a good price, and you won't be disappointed. I owned a Volvo 850 that I paid a premium price for, and within a 2.5 year period put over $6000.00 into it for repairs. I sold it and bought this van for $7000.00, and have enjoyed it so much more than the VOlvo. WHat a piece of garbage the VOlvo was. Stay away from Volvo!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 24th June, 2007