With flexible rear seating and over 3,400 litres of available cargo space, the Uplander could effectively do double-duty as a pickup truck or even a camper-- depending on its owners needs.
Most owners report a comfortable highway ride, smooth (if not electrifying) performance, and plenty of space for whatever combination of kids, pets, gear and shopping are required. As well, since the GM Minivans are American, their typically low resale values and relatively generous feature content make them an attractive buy for the budget-minded.
Complaints tend to include interior squeaking, rattling and trim wear as the vehicles age, as well as bland and uninspired styling. If functionality comes first on your list of must-haves, with looks trailing far behind, the Uplander / SV6 / Relay / Terraza might be a good place to start your used minivan quest.
Of course, caution in several areas is advised. Thankfully, the newer 3.5-litre V6 in this generation of GM minivans seems to be free of the frustrating head gasket and coolant leak issues common on the 3.4-litre engine before it. Problems stated with the newer powerplants seem few and far between--and are mainly sensor related. If the engine and transmission’s service requirements have been adhered to, if it runs smoothly and if no ‘check engine’ lights are illuminated, you’re well on your way.
Be sure to ‘feel’ for any transmission slipping too--and avoid any model that exhibits it. This problem was reported by only a few owners, but is worth checking for. Of course, if in doubt, a mechanical inspection by a GM-certified mechanic is a great idea.
Be sure to have said mechanic put your used minivan candidate in the air and inspect the condition of the suspension, tires, brakes and undercarriage. This is a good time to check for potential fluid leaks from the engine and transmission, too.
Unless you absolutely need them, avoid a model with power-sliding doors. These can be an expensive hassle when they fail--which they ultimately will. Save your money and open and close the doors yourself.
Once on board for a test drive, kill the radio and listen for any clunking, popping or grinding sounds from beneath the vehicle as you travel over bumps and dips in the road at varying speeds. Any unwelcomed sounds likely indicate a worn-out suspension part that will need replacement. Be sure to check for proper functionality of both the main and rear-seat air conditioning systems too.
End of the day, a used GM minivan likely won’t prove the most refined, stylish or exciting minivan model on the road--though a well-maintained model should be a machine from which owners can expect solid powertrain reliability, plenty of space and affordable pricing.
Most owners report a comfortable highway ride, smooth (if not electrifying) performance, and plenty of space for whatever combination of kids, pets, gear and shopping are required. As well, since the GM Minivans are American, their typically low resale values and relatively generous feature content make them an attractive buy for the budget-minded.
Complaints tend to include interior squeaking, rattling and trim wear as the vehicles age, as well as bland and uninspired styling. If functionality comes first on your list of must-haves, with looks trailing far behind, the Uplander / SV6 / Relay / Terraza might be a good place to start your used minivan quest.
Of course, caution in several areas is advised. Thankfully, the newer 3.5-litre V6 in this generation of GM minivans seems to be free of the frustrating head gasket and coolant leak issues common on the 3.4-litre engine before it. Problems stated with the newer powerplants seem few and far between--and are mainly sensor related. If the engine and transmission’s service requirements have been adhered to, if it runs smoothly and if no ‘check engine’ lights are illuminated, you’re well on your way.
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| 2008 Chevrolet Uplander (Photo: General Motors) |
Be sure to ‘feel’ for any transmission slipping too--and avoid any model that exhibits it. This problem was reported by only a few owners, but is worth checking for. Of course, if in doubt, a mechanical inspection by a GM-certified mechanic is a great idea.
Be sure to have said mechanic put your used minivan candidate in the air and inspect the condition of the suspension, tires, brakes and undercarriage. This is a good time to check for potential fluid leaks from the engine and transmission, too.
Unless you absolutely need them, avoid a model with power-sliding doors. These can be an expensive hassle when they fail--which they ultimately will. Save your money and open and close the doors yourself.
Once on board for a test drive, kill the radio and listen for any clunking, popping or grinding sounds from beneath the vehicle as you travel over bumps and dips in the road at varying speeds. Any unwelcomed sounds likely indicate a worn-out suspension part that will need replacement. Be sure to check for proper functionality of both the main and rear-seat air conditioning systems too.
End of the day, a used GM minivan likely won’t prove the most refined, stylish or exciting minivan model on the road--though a well-maintained model should be a machine from which owners can expect solid powertrain reliability, plenty of space and affordable pricing.
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