GMTruckGuy74

Fly, if I understand your cryptic message right, and you have extra, I like the black. :AH-HA_wink: Bob, there was a Final 500 Intrigue for sale in my local newspaper last week. 140 miles, garage kept, $23k. If I didn't lease the AURA in November, I'd probably have that car in my garage right now. Of course it would get driven on a daily basis, but IMO the Intrigue 500 was the best of the "final" cars by Olds. I was totally in love with the all-new-for-1997 Grand Prix at the time, but liked the Buick Regal and Olds Intrigue too. I looked at a used white 2001 Intrigue GLS back in 2004 or 2005, but decided to lease the Envoy instead. Those Intrigues still look good on the road today.

Well, to settle this is quite easy - make it a GMC and viola!I know all the Chevy El Camino fans don't want to hear that though....

I will definitely be at the All-GM show in June. We make a "mini" family vacation out of it - in Carlisle all day Saturday, into Hershey that night, in HersheyPark all day on Sunday, another night's stay, and then this year we're taking the little guy into Lancaster for a visit to Dutch Wonderland. I'm figuring the family will be with me at the show, so I don't know if I'll be able to meet up with anyone. But I'll be there!

Even though I lease, I usually take the extended mileage coverage offered by GMPP. I take 36 month leases with 15,000 miles allowed per year. So that means that I have the lease for 36 months and 45,000 miles. The warranty is about $200-$300 tops, but it's reassuring to know that the vehicle is covered for the entire mileage time I'm leasing it. However, I did not take one out on the AURA lease. With GM's new powertrain warranty, and no sunroof in the car, I'm not as cautious as I once was. Because I bought the '04 Malibu (11/2003), I did take a 60 month/75,000 GMPP warranty. I got refunded about 45% of the amount I paid when I traded my car in (which was a good thing - more money in my poket!). I did not take one with the SKY, as I don't drive it much (less than 1,400 miles in it's first year). If we buy our next vehicle (Acadia/OUTLOOK/Enclave or Sierra), I will definitely purchase an extended bumper-to-bumper warranty for peace of mind. Depending on what is leased next though, I may add it. Does this help, or did I totally confuse you?

I am very grateful for your assistance with my request. I can't wait to get it and bring my baby finally back to "normal" (pre-accident condition).I don't know how to repay the favor, but I will add you to my list (just call me Earl!). Oooo! If it's on fire, then that must mean the item inside is really hot! Should I douse it with water? No, that might ruin the surprise inside. Step on it? That may damage it too. Hmmm, any suggestions? :AH-HA_wink:

What, no mid-'50s GMC Trucks for me to drool over?

Color change already for the '70 Pontiac Trans Am and Buick GN. The Pontiac is now a metallic blue with a white stripe and the GN is a dark red/maroon. Sorry I don;t have pictures, I didn't purchase either one. I prefer the black GN and white T/A that I bought a while back now. Just some "FYI".

Well, whether it was part of his act or not, he really thought he was good and took Simon's criticisms like only Simon felt that way. He didn't care whether people were voting for him as a joke or not, all he cared about was that people were voting for him. He's only 17 you know! He's a horrible singer and I'm finally glad to see him off the show. Yes, having him on there made people watch just to see how horrible he would perform - but I watch the show to see the good singers, not the bad ones. So finally the good ones can perform and get their shot at winning. Plus he's now signed on for the AI Tour, giving him a six-figure income to boot, so it's not like this is the end of Sanjaya and AI.

Sorry ocn, but I have to disagree with you here. I had the boring GM car before the AURA - the '04 Chevy Malibu. I find the AURA to be a better looker than the current Malibu and G6 (look at the side profile of the G6 compared to the AURA's side profile and you'll see what I mean). And while the new '08 Malibu is lightyears ahead of the '04-'07 Malibu, to me it looks like a rebodied AURA with new front- and rear ends. I can't help but stare at my AURA whenever it's parked in the garage. I find it's shape more pleasing than either the current Malibu (too blocky) or G6 (too long).

Deliverance???

Does anyone know if the Holden Rodeo is based more on the Isuzu D-Max than the Canyon/Colorado twins?

Any updates InvictaMan?

I went on Monday the 9th and fell completely in love with the 2008 Cadillac CTS. I was going thinking I would leave there really wanting a Pontiac G8 (which I think is still a great car), but the CTS caught me by surprise. Even the wife liked it, saying it would be a great car to replace the AURA when that lease expires at the end of 2009. Some additional observations - the Groove, Trax, and Beat continually drew crowds, and many current CTS owners were talking about replacing theirs with the new 2008 model. The G8 didn't seem to have a big crowd around it, as seen in pictures from the other auto shows, but there were many people in Pontiac display. The Buick Supers are okay, but seeing the Chinese Park Avenue makes them completely a waste of time. Old people were seen at their display, but sadly sittting on the edge and not really there for the car. The preproduction Enclave and dissected version were getting a lot of attention from the crowds. Saturn was busy and while at the Solstice display, overhead many people saying they like the SKY better. Surprisinglu the wife liked both versions of the Astra hatchback and the XR version of the new VUE. GMC had many people looking over the Sierras, Yukons and Acadias, but it was positioned in a wierd spot between Chevy & Pontiac. Down in the basement though was where GM decided to show-off the new Sierra Denali with the rest of the big GM truck display. Big mitake, as there was no one around it. Usually this type of intro would have been included upstairs with the rest of the GMC line-up; not sure what happened here (big mistake though by GM to make the upstairs GMC display so lame this year). Saab had Olds last known location (is that a good thing?) and Buick was placed in the back where Saturn usually was. Cadillac was obvisouly crowded and so was Chevy - the Camro Convertible concept had tons of people around it at all times. It looks like the Enclave, Acadia or OUTLOOK will occupy my driveway next summer when the Envoy lease expires. She's totally in love with the Enclave, which is 3rd on my list out of the three. I'm really torn between the OUTLOOK and Acadia - I like the "truckier" grille of the Saturn, but like the Envoy cues in the exterion design of the Acadia (and naturally being a GMC fan makes me want to stay in the "family"). Still trying to decide too if we'll lease it or buy it (she wants a nice, 7- or 8-seater family hauler that we can take anywhere and not worry about mileage limits). Overall I was impressed with this year's show, though it lacked the "concept edge" by GM that was prevailant in past years. More production intros though means more that people can buy.

I fell in love with the 300 GPX concept car in 1995 - the precusor to the '97 Grand Prix. When the time came, we leased a dark blue 2000 GT Sedan with many options, including the HUD. We loved that car. However, when the 2004 model came out in mid-'03, I couldn't get over the discomfort I felt in the interior and the new styling it had on the exterior. Why Pontiac messed with the design of the '97-'03 models I'll never know. That was the last Pontiac in my stable... well, for the time being (G8 may be a possibility in '09).

If that package was available when I leased mine last November, but with the tan leather and woodgrain trim, I would have defintely opted up for that.

I was a long-time subscriber, and still buy off the newstands from time-to-time, of both Pontiac Enthusiast and High Performance Pontiac magazines. Many of the readers of both magazines have abandoned Pontiac for their new vehicle purchases; many think Pontiac died after 1979, when the last Pontiac Motor Division engine (nee V8) was manufactured. I don't see many in the Pontiac hobby buying and customizing '90s/'90s Sunbirds, LeMans, TranSports, and Bonnevilles. The '80s and '90s Pontiacs you see at the car shows are Firebirds/Formulas/Trans Ams, Fieros, '97-'03 Grand Prix's, and '99+ Grand Ams (go to tha All-Pontiac show at Englishtown in May for proof). Pontiac needs new models that will bring those that left, like MYSELF, back into the dealerships. While I like the Solstice, I LOVE the SKY even more (hence why many of my pennies went to Saturn and not Pontiac). While the G6 is nice (I helped find my parents the one they wanted), the trunk was narrower than the AURA and I felt the seats were uncomfortable (side bolsters), not to mention the old GM radio (no iPod input jack) - so again, my money went to Saturn. It's funny that at the NYIAS, Buick is placed BEHIND Saturn, and Pontiac is to the right of Saturn (when visiting the Pontiac stand, I still heard many looking at the Solstice say that they liked the SKY better). Saturn is filling the void left by Oldsmobile (I know, this is debatable) and is offering those that used to buy Pontiac something they may like to keep them within GM. While the G8 isn't a '77/'78 Special Edition (aka Bandit) Trans Am, a '64 GTO or even a '69 Grand Prix, it is definitely a Pontiac in my eye and has caught my attention. Which is the point, as I lease my cars and replace them every 30-36 months. Do you think GM cares more about what demographic market I'm in, or in the group that hasn't bought a new Pontiac since "new" meant pre-1979? I will tell you this - when my AURA lease is up in 2009, I will give Pontiac another chance by considering the G8... I can't say that the current GP, not even in GXP form, could get me to do that last November!

InvictaMan, do you think the "cold shoulder" experience you're getting from your salesperson is because they can't get you the Enclave you want yet? Somewhere it was posted that Buick dealers have pretty much taken all of the initial orders, for customers and stock, so getting one ordered now might be a problem. I know some salespeople I've dealt with just aren't professional - unless you're able to drive off the lot RIGHT NOW, then they don't care as much (the almighty $$$ rules their actions). As for my opinion on Buicks, my wife leased a 2003 Buick Rendezvous in January '03 and absolutely loved it (when the GMAC lease pull-ahead came up, I took advantage of the situation and got an Envoy). The Envoy lease is up Aug '08 (depending on what lease pull-ahead deal is offered beforehand) and at the NYIAS today we looked at the OUTLOOK, Acadia, and Enclave. She really likes the Enclave the best, I'm torn between the Acadia & OUTLOOK. But she brought up a good point - we do have a good B-P-G dealership locally that we can work with and she was extremely happy with her Rendezvous. Given the opportunity, I wouldn't hesitate to get another Buick in a heartbeat. If possible, can you look for another dealer? There was a local Saturn dealership where I used to live that I wouldn't deal with at all. I moved and am half-way between the one I don't like, and a little more than half-way from the one I do like. Although the drive to the one I don't like is easier and more convenient, I wanted to be 100% happy with where I spent my money. So I go out of my way and leave with a happier expereince after each visit. Maybe another Buick dealership can give you the attention and service you deserve? Good luck on your next purchase. However, I'll keep my fingers crossed that you end up with an Enclave! :AH-HA_wink:

I'll be there on June 23 with the family... we make a mini-vacation out of it, with Saturday being spent in Carlisle, Sunday spent in Hershey, and this year Monday will be spent in Lancaster to take the little guy to Dutch Wonderland. I also have to figure a way to get out there for the All-Truck Nationals in August (3-5). There's a really cool show in Macungie, PA the same weekend and Sat, Aug 4 is the only day that they have their really big toy show (new, as well as old and hard-to-find collectibles are available). Last year I did the truck show on Friday, but there wasn't much to see on the show field. I fear going on Sunday will mean just about the same, if not less, as vendors pack to leave. Any advice from those that attend Carlisle events on Sundays???

I grew up with 7-elevens, Wawa's and QuikCheks! And of course TastyCakes and Trenton Porkroll. Living in southern NJ, you can't spit without hitting a Wawa.... one of the funniest things I've experienced when accompanying Senior Class Trips as a chaperone is watching the kids see Cirlce K's in Florida and NO Wawa's anywhere! My kids are addicted to Wawa, to the point where I'm thinking of bringing them on as a partner in my School Store!!!

Now that you got yours, I've seen a ton of them on the road yesterday (1 white, 1 dark red/cherry, 1 stealth gray and 2 black)! They do hold a unique presence on the road and I think they're much better looking than the regualr GP (I still don't like the rear taillight design though). Your color must be a rare color - I've never seen one on the road or on a dealer's lot. Not too sure what the deal is with the plant tour; the organizer is keeping a tight lid on the day's events. All I know is that there is your choice of either a 6:45 AM or 7:45 AM tour (1.5 hours), and then of course all the SKYs and Solstices parked outside in a car show-type of deal. Does the plant give many tours to outsiders? Is there a gift shop? I ask because two years ago I took a tour of the MACK truck plant outside of Allentown, PA and they had a gift shop there (I had to load up on some MACK collectibles!). You should stop by that day and see all of us owners return to the "birthplace" of our babies. I'd also like to see your car in person. Yes, I've seen a few pictures of the Daewoo version before. More Opel GT than SKY, but those both originated off the SKY (as you well enough know!). Have they started to produce the Daewoo version yet? Anything you can tell me that I should look for in the tour? As you can probably tell, I'm very excited about this tour and can't wait! Anyway, back to your GXP. You'll have to get a picture of it and your Custom-S together and post them here.

No updates on this vehicle? I was expecting to see it at the NYIAS, but alas it's not there. Anyone know what's going on with this project?

I can understand where you're coming from. Several of the Buick dealers in southern NJ were already paired up with Pontiac/GMC dealerships since the mid-'90s, but there were a few that were still stand alones. One in particular was Eickenhoff Buick in Cherry Hill, NJ. They recently sold the franchise to a Pontiac/GMC dealership - in particular, the one I leased my Envoy from. The upscale image that Eickenhoff had is now gone, replaced by the cheesy sales staff at this Pontic/GMC dealership. I will not go back there when my lease is up, as the Service Dept isn;t the greatest (I should say that you don't get treated well by them) and the sales staff only cares when you're in there to buy. I can see those long-time Buick customers will feel that special treatment is going away.

I've had my rear differential checked early last fall, per the TSB, and it wasn't leaking (also, there's been no sign of leakage on my garage floor or more importantly on the rear suspension). As for the transmission notice (you didn't mention this one), my Aisin 5-speed auto already had the metal tube installed at the factory; those with the plastic tube were the ones that needed to be replaced (issue: water was entering through this venting tube and contaminating the trans fluid, damaging the trans). The Aisin 5-sppeds, auto & manual, are the same as in the Colorado/Canyon and CTS; however, they are up off the ground more in those vehicles and in the SKY/Solstice too low to the ground. They sucked water in rahter than venting water out. A few owners I know over on skyroadster.com needed to get new transmissions. As for the top, those owners that are having leak issues (at the rear of the top btw) have had a newly designed top replaced by their dealership by GM. I have not had any leak issues - my car was in two heavy rainstorms and several car washes with no wetness in the interior or trunk. Now I have a pretty early build - April of 2006, and mine was the 1,366 off the line (assuming the last five #'s of the VIN truly represent the build #'s; that's according to the Solstice/SKY forum). Now another thing to consider is that as of March 27, I have only put 1,299 miles total on my car. As I intend to drive it more this year, I'll update if I experience any problems. Trust me, I keep up with the issues as posted on the Solstice/SKY forums and whenever I visit my dealer's service department.

Well, it's definitely not the color I was expecting to see you get. It's a great looking car with a unique color. I wish you nothing but fun with it during your ownership. That HUD is one cool feature, and I'm still disappointed with GM for not making it available on more of it's vehicles (we had it on our 2000 Grand Prix GT sedan). The one picture with the Wilmington plant in the background - that is the Kappa plant, right? I'll be there on May 19 with the Solstice/SKY Forum group for a plant tour. Can't wait!

FD Estate Wagon - I guess we'll never see another Buick Estate wagin in the future.... H1 Van - umm, Hyundai... Dodge/Mercedes called - they'd like the Sprinter van blueprints back!