I have a 2005 Uplander LS with 400,000 km on it. It's never let me down. Tires, brake pads, one pair of rear shocks and two front wheel bearings. That's it folks.
A month or so ago I wanted to buy my second uplander, the first one I got without knowing the common problems it has and it ended up having all the issues stated in this video..... needless to say I sold it. Doing my research I came across this vid and it did help tons......thanks for this video. In 2023 I got a 2008 Chevy Uplander with 60k miles in immaculate condition (State owned and maintained cargo)
Good video. I have 270,000 km on the Uplander's cousin, a 2008 Montana (bought it with 90,000 km), and I am starting to have power steering issues. Lucas fluid additive keeps that functioning. I've resigned to drive it into the ground to save wear and tear on my other vehicles. The mileage is decent, it is a comfortable ride, and that 3.9 has been an all round great engine.
Had mine since 2009, when it was released the newest verison, still driving it today, and looks brand new, and runs just like the day I baught it still. Massively underappreciated car it is.
Thanks for the confirmation. My '08 cargo has ~90,000mi on it. The transmission went out at 75,000. Either my emoloyee driving it like a comm. truck, downshifting, etc or our local drug addict let the fluid out I thought it shouldn't have done that, i like it tho its rollover prone, it has a comfortable ride. Tonight and this is the point of my gabfest the cable went out. Yes, the employee was driving and went to back up like it was yesterday, and the cable let loose. Can shift it tho the thing stays where he had it, 3rd gear, but we made it home. Nothing is too far in Honolulu. Im going to discuss how to drive grandma's van with Mario here bc it needs to be driven nice then it doesnt break.
Good luck. I also mostly buy unseen nowadays, due to covid, restrictions, etc...If buying on Auctions, look into their Arbitration Policy it can save you lots of headaches if you get a bad buy
I just did the same thing today. 170,000 km, 2007. Going to go pick it up tomorrow. Very nervous about what the rust will look like. It went cheap. Didnt think I will be stuck with a bid but did.
@@Countryboy316 i got mine from a surplus site, mine was a USPS van in Las Vegas before it got to me. Handful of issues with it but nothing big. For the price, it's definitely paid for itself by now.
Just picked mine up and looked it all over underneath. Someone at one point sprayed the bottom with a rubber undercoating and looks like they sprayed over rust. Or its rusting faster and flaking off. 2 spots I can send a screwdriver into the van and other places its flaking off and revealing more rust. 🤦♂️. Winter project.
I’m picking up one driven by an elderly woman who recently passed, its in mint condition I’ve never seen one this clean before. 63k miles on the clock. Super nice so I can resell the van at $6-7K
I bought a used 2008 last yr. Had 105k on it in very good condition but the trans started shifting hard at low gears, i noticed only did this with low octane gas. Now i only use chevron high octane, solved the issue.
I saw one listed but dealer stated it needs a new transmission. It only drives up to the 2nd gear (40-45 miles per hour). It's dirt cheap (based on today's used car market). I am think of buying it and just replace the transmission with a remanufactured transmission.
It is a good idea if you can buy it cheap enough so it makes sense to replace the tranny. You could go even with used tranny from a car salvage to save some $
I have a 2008 Pontiac Montana SV6. I’ve so dealt with those issues. I’m upgrading to the 2009 model and getting the shorter body one, in the best condition possible with the lowest kms.
Anyone with an uplander which bangs into gear especially after driving it for a while, do yourself a favor and install the transgo shift kit springs accessible from underneath. It solved the problem for me, I also added lucas transmission fix at the same time. Now the problem rarely happens.
On this video - I hear a noise when you were turning the steering wheel - is that noise considered “whining” ? Where is the filter located? Looking at a ‘06 and an ‘08 this week, approximately the same mileage and close to same price, am I right? - I’d assume ‘08 would be better choice if it doesn’t have any issues listed here (or elsewhere)
Hi, no that noise is coming just from the rubber cover behind the steering wheel. Power steering pump whining sounds different. 08 would be a better choice for sure if it is in better mechanical / body shape
i have a 2006 uplander with 200k miles running excellent no lights on dashboard,just replaced alternator and disconnected dvd player that was draining battery for some reason..also the plastic near rocker panel is starting to fall off and hang,how should I stick it back?Bondo?I want to keep this beauty going
I found one at 86k origibal kms, super clean inside out, rust treatment was done regularly. Only hand size rust on side panels which can be cut and fixed. Other than thay i did not see any red flags. Worth buying? The first thing i will do is to flush the transmission oil and change the filter.
Does anyone know why you would have the red brake warning light on? I have checked the fluid reservoir sensor and it is working and correct level. The foot brake switch is also working properly. It comes on every time after a few minutes of driving. Brakes feel solid - is there some kind of pressure differential switch somewhere?
I’ve had my 2005 Uplander for almost 5 years and I love it. Besides basic maintenance I never had any major issues with it and the thing is just a tank. I bought 2 junk ones for parts as I discovered early on parts are hard to find. I’m curious did you ever have wheel bearing issues? I feel like I’m always replacing wheel bearings thanks
Thanks for commenting...Yes actually quite often when I get Uplanders one of the bearings will be noisy. I did learn over time which aftermarket parts to use for a longer life, even if price is a bit higher
@@QuiteAlright Thank you for sharing your recommendations!!! Agreed with staying away from cheap ones. Went with Timken last time and have been happy with the quality but it did cost more.
I have 2008 Chevy Uplander I have an issue when I switch the gear on D won’t move only on first and second gear goes and reverse work perfect If you could, please reply back to me what could be the issue? Thank you for your help
You're suggesting a transmission filter/fluid change and flush every 10K?? That's 6x more often than most vehicles and it's not particularly cheap like engine oil. Not saying a rebuild is cheaper but hell it's not much more expensive by the time you add all that up.
hey thanks for the info ! im going to see one of these this week, it'd be my first car. they reported some rust on the bottom of the trunk lid and slippage between gears, so 2 of the things you said to watch out for. would you recommend to completely steer clear of uplanders with these issues? Are they just too expensive to fix? Thanks for your advice ! i don't know much about cars so these videos are super useful
Hi, well if seller reported that the transmission slips between gears that means that most likely that transmission is done. So most likely in the next couple of months you will have a $1500+ expense of replacing it. It is worth to buy if that uplander has very low km and you are getting a good deal because of the issues. You can try flushing the transmission or using something like Lucas, but most likely it will not help.
I got lucky then. I just got an 2006 Uplander that's only seen one winter. No rust. Dealer maintained and 1 owner over the original 145k miles. In the 2 weeks I've owned it, I replaced the headlight houseings and drivers side turn signal housing as they were badly yellowed. It drives amazing
Anyone have a problem with very very lose steering? Like I can drive in a straight line and wiggle my steering wheel from left to right a few inches and nothing happens. Feels disconnected. Besides that car operates just fine. Fluid levels are good.
Most likely you will have to replace the Steering Shaft. If not could be loose tie rod ends or possibly problems with the rack n pinion. It will have to be diagnosed properly, but usually play in the steering wheel is caused by a steering shaft. $150 online for the part
@@QuiteAlright alright I'll see if I can figure it out. By the way I have a very loud whining noise. I'm not sure what it is. I swear it's the power steering pump but my power steering is just fine and no leaks. It only makes the sound under acceleration. If I let off the throttle noise stops. 🤔🤷
Well if rocker panels or frame are rusted out for example, the body integrity of the vehicle is not as it is supposed to be. Which is always a safety concern, that's why it fails safety inspection. In case you get into a bad car accident, that is the weak spot. Rust on the liftgate for example is more of a cosmetic issue if it doesn't get too bad
Rust on the rocker panels will not reduce structural safety. It's all cosmetic. I had a Venture van where the rockers were simply gone, and the rust was progressing quickly up the lower fenders. The rear suspension bolts onto galvanneal steel, and the spring retainers are way up in the body so they don't rust out. The entire front engine/trans cradle is bolted into the unibody frame. My very rusty van still had clean metal holding the assembly together. The rocker rust is unsightly, but there's minimal reason to be worried about safety from it.
Yes, water gets trapped from wet boots here in Canada. Especially the Cargo versions because of the aftermarket vinyl flooring. When the transmission crapped out, my mechanic wouldn’t replace it due to all the rust bellow. It’s my parts van now as I bought a same one for work.
Terrible review. I Had 2 Uplanders. Never had a rust issue. Never had a steering problem. And never had that transmission issue that you name. The weakest thing is the ‘foreward’ band in the transmission. Athen you don’t have D. Only 1 and Reverse. The part cost 75€. But you have to take the transmission apart … that is a lot of work. But …it can be done. Lots of videos on TH-cam. I’ve had it, and done it myself. Also did the clutch plates , chains and solenoids etc. Drives like new. Good vans. But you have to do your ( preventive) maintenance.
I just saw the crash test on the side😂 thats what really brought me down
I have a 2005 Uplander LS with 400,000 km on it. It's never let me down. Tires, brake pads, one pair of rear shocks and two front wheel bearings. That's it folks.
Wow are you serious
@@realdealneighborhood2023 Yeah still going. I threw in a new water pump because I figured it was time.:)
@allancrow134 amazing. I just bought a 2005 edition. With 170,000 iam hoping it will last along time
@@realdealneighborhood2023 Good luck I've got nothing but good things to say about mine I've had it since 2006.
@allancrow134 ok great thanks
A month or so ago I wanted to buy my second uplander, the first one I got without knowing the common problems it has and it ended up having all the issues stated in this video..... needless to say I sold it. Doing my research I came across this vid and it did help tons......thanks for this video. In 2023 I got a 2008 Chevy Uplander with 60k miles in immaculate condition (State owned and maintained cargo)
Thanks for watching and I'm glad my video helped you to buy a good vehicle
Good video. I have 270,000 km on the Uplander's cousin, a 2008 Montana (bought it with 90,000 km), and I am starting to have power steering issues. Lucas fluid additive keeps that functioning. I've resigned to drive it into the ground to save wear and tear on my other vehicles. The mileage is decent, it is a comfortable ride, and that 3.9 has been an all round great engine.
Thanks. I'm glad to hear your Montana is serving you good and I hope it will keep doing so
Had mine since 2009, when it was released the newest verison, still driving it today, and looks brand new, and runs just like the day I baught it still. Massively underappreciated car it is.
Yes they are great minivans. Too bad they discontinued them so early, they could have been grand caravans main competitor
Boss. Mine am using it recently for door dash is that ok? Like i drive it 10 hours a day
Thanks for the confirmation. My '08 cargo has ~90,000mi on it. The transmission went out at 75,000. Either my emoloyee driving it like a comm. truck, downshifting, etc or our local drug addict let the fluid out I thought it shouldn't have done that, i like it tho its rollover prone, it has a comfortable ride. Tonight and this is the point of my gabfest the cable went out. Yes, the employee was driving and went to back up like it was yesterday, and the cable let loose. Can shift it tho the thing stays where he had it, 3rd gear, but we made it home. Nothing is too far in Honolulu. Im going to discuss how to drive grandma's van with Mario here bc it needs to be driven nice then it doesnt break.
Sold mine at 340 k km , was my construction working horse. 100% reliable car.
Yes those are good vans
where do you live?
Thank you for this very well made video.
I am going to look at one today.
2007 with 46,000 original miles.
I will specifically focus on these areas.
Thank you for the comment and good luck
I have one everyone says I look like a mail driver
Did yours end up having transmission problems?
Still got one - I loved it - transmission went - replaced it. Power doors stopped closing properly. Rear wiper seized... that is about it.
Yes when maintained they can go a long time
I just bought one sight unseen on an auction, much appreciated video, I'll be sure to check these out when I pick it up
Good luck. I also mostly buy unseen nowadays, due to covid, restrictions, etc...If buying on Auctions, look into their Arbitration Policy it can save you lots of headaches if you get a bad buy
I just did the same thing today. 170,000 km, 2007. Going to go pick it up tomorrow. Very nervous about what the rust will look like. It went cheap. Didnt think I will be stuck with a bid but did.
@@Countryboy316 i got mine from a surplus site, mine was a USPS van in Las Vegas before it got to me. Handful of issues with it but nothing big. For the price, it's definitely paid for itself by now.
Just picked mine up and looked it all over underneath. Someone at one point sprayed the bottom with a rubber undercoating and looks like they sprayed over rust. Or its rusting faster and flaking off. 2 spots I can send a screwdriver into the van and other places its flaking off and revealing more rust. 🤦♂️. Winter project.
hey man that's absolutely correct i already have had the three issues the gear is fixed currently working on steering and rust later
Good luck. That rack and pinion is really a huge problem. We just got 07 uplander with under 100k km and rack leaking all over
Liked and subscribed. Super helpful
Thanks for the support :)
Great video thanks for uploading this!
No problem, thanks for the comment
I’m picking up one driven by an elderly woman who recently passed, its in mint condition I’ve never seen one this clean before. 63k miles on the clock. Super nice so I can resell the van at $6-7K
Sounds like a great buy. Good luck :)
Excellent video. Well done sir.
Thank you kindly!
I bought a used 2008 last yr. Had 105k on it in very good condition but the trans started shifting hard at low gears, i noticed only did this with low octane gas. Now i only use chevron high octane, solved the issue.
Good information,
I got a 84 elcamino, does similar,
Won't run Good until I get premium gas.
I saw one listed but dealer stated it needs a new transmission. It only drives up to the 2nd gear (40-45 miles per hour). It's dirt cheap (based on today's used car market). I am think of buying it and just replace the transmission with a remanufactured transmission.
It is a good idea if you can buy it cheap enough so it makes sense to replace the tranny. You could go even with used tranny from a car salvage to save some $
Nice, informative video. Thanks for taking the time to do this. -b
No worries! Thanks for watching
These are known for corrosion on the fuel pump EVAP wire block behind driver seat underneath car can be accessed through the top take up the rug
Thanks for sharing :)
I have a 2008 Pontiac Montana SV6. I’ve so dealt with those issues. I’m upgrading to the 2009 model and getting the shorter body one, in the best condition possible with the lowest kms.
Thanks for sharing. Good luck with the 09 Model
Anyone with an uplander which bangs into gear especially after driving it for a while, do yourself a favor and install the transgo shift kit springs accessible from underneath. It solved the problem for me, I also added lucas transmission fix at the same time. Now the problem rarely happens.
Thanks for sharing
On this video - I hear a noise when you were turning the steering wheel
- is that noise considered “whining” ?
Where is the filter located?
Looking at a ‘06 and an ‘08 this week, approximately the same mileage and close to same price, am I right?
- I’d assume ‘08 would be better choice if it doesn’t have any issues listed here (or elsewhere)
Hi, no that noise is coming just from the rubber cover behind the steering wheel. Power steering pump whining sounds different. 08 would be a better choice for sure if it is in better mechanical / body shape
@@QuiteAlright
Thank you !!!!
@@melanies9152 You're welcome :)
i have a 2006 uplander with 200k miles running excellent no lights on dashboard,just replaced alternator and disconnected dvd player that was draining battery for some reason..also the plastic near rocker panel is starting to fall off and hang,how should I stick it back?Bondo?I want to keep this beauty going
Drill a self tapping screw through it and into the metal behind. Never again will get loose
How did you disconnect the DVD player? Mines keeps spinning and sounds like it's ready to spin into a new dimension. 😅
@@dnegel9546 its easy you just need a screw driver and its two screws then its just one wire that you need to unclip
I found one at 86k origibal kms, super clean inside out, rust treatment was done regularly. Only hand size rust on side panels which can be cut and fixed. Other than thay i did not see any red flags. Worth buying? The first thing i will do is to flush the transmission oil and change the filter.
Hi, yes sounds like a great buy. There minivans are hard to find right now and especially if it is in good shape and low km
Does anyone know why you would have the red brake warning light on? I have checked the fluid reservoir sensor and it is working and correct level. The foot brake switch is also working properly. It comes on every time after a few minutes of driving. Brakes feel solid - is there some kind of pressure differential switch somewhere?
Have you checked your parking brake? Could be seizing up causing the light to come on
Hey great channel. I found an 2007 uplander for 1600 bucks but it's leaking transmission fluid. You think it's worth grabbing an fixing ?
Thanks. $1600 is quite cheap in todays market. If it shifts fine and you don't have to replace the tranny I think it's a good buy
Good Job. Thanks
Thank you for watching
Same problems with the 2005 with the 3.5L v6??
pretty much...but if you got it for 850 and it drives decent you should be good
I found one, 2005 with 150k miles. Didn't see any of these issues, good deal at $1100?
Thank you!
You're welcome!
I’ve had my 2005 Uplander for almost 5 years and I love it. Besides basic maintenance I never had any major issues with it and the thing is just a tank. I bought 2 junk ones for parts as I discovered early on parts are hard to find. I’m curious did you ever have wheel bearing issues? I feel like I’m always replacing wheel bearings thanks
Thanks for commenting...Yes actually quite often when I get Uplanders one of the bearings will be noisy. I did learn over time which aftermarket parts to use for a longer life, even if price is a bit higher
@@QuiteAlright Any recommendation for wheel bearings?
@@PaulDo22 Mevotech , SKF , Moog, Acdelco. Stay away from really cheap ones
@@QuiteAlright Thank you for sharing your recommendations!!! Agreed with staying away from cheap ones. Went with Timken last time and have been happy with the quality but it did cost more.
Your transmission never had any problems?
I have 2008 Chevy Uplander I have an issue when I switch the gear on D won’t move only on first and second gear goes and reverse work perfect
If you could, please reply back to me what could be the issue?
Thank you for your help
Hello, unfortunately sounds like a transmission problem if you have only 1st and 2nd gear which is quite common on this vehicles
@@QuiteAlright thank you
@@BeharMehalica You're welcome
Ty for this info!!
No problem. Thank you for watching
You're suggesting a transmission filter/fluid change and flush every 10K?? That's 6x more often than most vehicles and it's not particularly cheap like engine oil. Not saying a rebuild is cheaper but hell it's not much more expensive by the time you add all that up.
This was really helpful - thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
What does the 2023 and 2024 Chevrolet Uplander's look like?
They were made only from 2005 - 2009
had mine since i was 14 now im 21 and with a family and only major issue ive had is the radiator falling off cause of rust xD
😳
What about high mileage
hey thanks for the info ! im going to see one of these this week, it'd be my first car. they reported some rust on the bottom of the trunk lid and slippage between gears, so 2 of the things you said to watch out for. would you recommend to completely steer clear of uplanders with these issues? Are they just too expensive to fix? Thanks for your advice ! i don't know much about cars so these videos are super useful
Hi, well if seller reported that the transmission slips between gears that means that most likely that transmission is done. So most likely in the next couple of months you will have a $1500+ expense of replacing it. It is worth to buy if that uplander has very low km and you are getting a good deal because of the issues. You can try flushing the transmission or using something like Lucas, but most likely it will not help.
@@QuiteAlright ok thanks for that clear answer I really appreciate it 😊
Would it be wise to bring it to a mechanic before purchasing?
Always. Ask for a pre-purchase inspection. Check oil leaks, suspension, brakes, test drive
Thank you
You're welcome
Yes you keep pulling on those bottom panel then the water will get in
I got lucky then. I just got an 2006 Uplander that's only seen one winter. No rust. Dealer maintained and 1 owner over the original 145k miles.
In the 2 weeks I've owned it, I replaced the headlight houseings and drivers side turn signal housing as they were badly yellowed. It drives amazing
Sounds like you got a really nice van. Good job
@@QuiteAlright I believe I did. I'm happy with it too. Think I broke my buy a beater every year trend with this one lol
Lol I got a 2006 yesterday as well. Having signal issues as well
Thank u very much
You are welcome
long ago got one when come out for top price lol
too bad they stopped making them in 09
Anyone have a problem with very very lose steering? Like I can drive in a straight line and wiggle my steering wheel from left to right a few inches and nothing happens. Feels disconnected.
Besides that car operates just fine. Fluid levels are good.
Most likely you will have to replace the Steering Shaft. If not could be loose tie rod ends or possibly problems with the rack n pinion. It will have to be diagnosed properly, but usually play in the steering wheel is caused by a steering shaft. $150 online for the part
@@QuiteAlright alright I'll see if I can figure it out.
By the way I have a very loud whining noise. I'm not sure what it is. I swear it's the power steering pump but my power steering is just fine and no leaks. It only makes the sound under acceleration. If I let off the throttle noise stops. 🤔🤷
@@dnegel9546 probably power steering pump getting weak. That's how they start to go
Not bad
Buying an 05 today 150k miles
good luck
Why is that rust there a safety concern? I have rust there now I’m worried
Well if rocker panels or frame are rusted out for example, the body integrity of the vehicle is not as it is supposed to be. Which is always a safety concern, that's why it fails safety inspection. In case you get into a bad car accident, that is the weak spot. Rust on the liftgate for example is more of a cosmetic issue if it doesn't get too bad
@@QuiteAlright oh I see I will get it checked thank you so much
Rust on the rocker panels will not reduce structural safety. It's all cosmetic. I had a Venture van where the rockers were simply gone, and the rust was progressing quickly up the lower fenders. The rear suspension bolts onto galvanneal steel, and the spring retainers are way up in the body so they don't rust out. The entire front engine/trans cradle is bolted into the unibody frame. My very rusty van still had clean metal holding the assembly together. The rocker rust is unsightly, but there's minimal reason to be worried about safety from it.
It's a chev,got lower gear transmission issue
2005 uplander
thanks for sharing
Correct
My friend here sounds like Gru 😅
I'm getting one today for 850
thats a good deal
@@QuiteAlright runs amazing
Dvd pñayer dont work lol for the kids
@@anthonykulhanek1307 4 months with Uplander any updates or problems ?
The subframe go on these.
Thanks for the comment
Yes, water gets trapped from wet boots here in Canada. Especially the Cargo versions because of the aftermarket vinyl flooring. When the transmission crapped out, my mechanic wouldn’t replace it due to all the rust bellow. It’s my parts van now as I bought a same one for work.
If you live in Minnesota or New York not in California
20’000 thousand tranny change is fine,
I’m buying one for 500$
Sweet
@@QuiteAlright yes
@@opalescencedoll7840 one month after purchase any updates ?
@@hajileserpud9539 not really still runs and drives the same
@@opalescencedoll7840 Ok thanks for update... @still running, well that's a plus
Ты не переживай у нас такая же машина, но у нас в Техасе нет таких проблем.... шото ты миздишь на Шеви!!
Good video. Thanks!
You're welcome!
Terrible review.
I Had 2 Uplanders. Never had a rust issue. Never had a steering problem. And never had that transmission issue that you name.
The weakest thing is the ‘foreward’ band in the transmission. Athen you don’t have D. Only 1 and Reverse.
The part cost 75€. But you have to take the transmission apart … that is a lot of work. But …it can be done. Lots of videos on TH-cam. I’ve had it, and done it myself. Also did the clutch plates , chains and solenoids etc. Drives like new.
Good vans. But you have to do your ( preventive) maintenance.
Talk to me
Hello
Thank you!
You're welcome!