Buick Ranks Highest In Vehicle Dependability

[Mav]

[well, they tied with Lexus anyway. ]

I am very excited to report that J.D. Power and Associates announced this morning that Buick is ranked No. 1 in its Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) – tied with Lexus. This is the first time ever that Buick has achieved this ranking, and comes on the heels of another great win for Buick – second place in the Customer Satisfaction Index – thanks to outstanding work by all of you and your teams.

In the VDS, Buick improved eight points from third last year (153 ppH) to first (145 ppH), earning a share of the lead with Lexus, which has owned the top ranking for 12 years. As you know, the VDS evaluates vehicle quality after three years of ownership. Owners rate vehicles based on problems experienced during the previous 12 months. Results are summarized with a problems-per-100-vehicles (pp100) designation. This year’s industry average was 216 ppH.

This is great news and another affirmation that our quality is equal to or better than any other manufacturer. In fact, some in the industry have characterized Buick as the “American Lexus.”

In the first quarter of 2007, we advertised the fact that Buick stands for quality. With, this latest and greatest accolade, the No. 1 ranking continues to solidify all of the elements that make up our Buick Quality Advantage, including better warranty coverage and the suite of services that protect, guide and educate, like OnStar Turn-By-Turn and onboard vehicle diagnostics. ..

JD Power has to approve every communication so at this point there is nothing to link to.

[Rob]

I read that somewhere. You must be rife with excitement.

[Damian]

Well, sure. We all know our grandparents only put about 16 miles a year on their Buicks. What the hell could go wrong with them in that time? Rot?

[Mav]

that perception is changing...

puurty:

[Rob]

Originally Posted by Damian

Well, sure. We all know our grandparents only put about 16 miles a year on their Buicks. What the hell could go wrong with them in that time? Rot?

I hate driving behind someone in a Buick; they are usually old and handicapped and can't drive worth a damn.

[Surf]

I sold one of the most dependable cars, and bought one of the least reliable



Don't miss it a bit Well, teh powa' I do miss, I admit.

[Damian]

I'm sorry, but that interior is fucking ugly. Hey, lets mix three shades of brown together!

[Surf]

Originally Posted by Damian

I'm sorry, but that interior is fucking ugly. Hey, lets mix three shades of brown together!

I've never been a fan of dark brown in car interiors to begin with.

[Jabber]

But seriously Mav, how many Buicks were sold last year? 13, 14? It's no wonder they ranked first.

[Vicious]

Originally Posted by Damian

I'm sorry, but that interior is fucking ugly. Hey, lets mix three shades of brown together!

I don't think it looks half bad and it would look great if the wood trim was darker.

[NHRATA01]

The interior on those is comfy, but i do think that would look better if the dark brown treatments were just black.

[kabob]

I think y'all missed the point of the article.

[JUMA]

[Mav]

you just had to bring up the IS300...

[kabob]

Where is there mention of an IS300 in that post? Point it out

[Sam]

Originally Posted by Mav

that perception is changing...

No, not really, GM whoring out platforms is still a constant; that perception isn't going to change.

Originally Posted by Edmunds.com

Built on the new GM's Lambda platform, the Enclave shares its underpinnings with GM's other crossover SUVs, the Saturn Outlook and GMC Acadia. All feature a 275-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 and six-speed automatic transmission, and cavernous interior space is shared across all three vehicles as well, so what distinguishes them are largely interior amenities and suspension tuning.

What are the Dinosaurs of Detroit thinking? - Opinion - USATODAY.com

And them continuing to produce gas guzzlers isn't going to help all that much either, you know since the Enclaves MPG is 16 in the city and about 19 on the highway.

Originally Posted by Edmunds.com Enclave Full Review

We managed 16 mpg overall, a combination of driving across the desert at high speed with a full load of luggage, plus crawling through stop-and-go city traffic.

Detroit’s Big 3 Lost Buyers Last Month - New York Times









GM recalls Saturn Outlook and GMC Acadia for faulty airbag sensors

[Mav]

that recall was in the first month of production and the preventative recall helped stop it in its tracks. Problem solved. move on sammy, you nissan whore.

(just for kicks... Cadillac: Luxury Automobiles: 2007 New Cars, New Trucks and SUVs)

[Sam]

Originally Posted by Mav

that recall was in the first month of production and the preventative recall helped stop it in its tracks. Problem solved. move on sammy, you nissan whore.

I complain about Nissan too, in case you haven't noticed (go run a search and humor me); I just pick you apart because you're delusional when it comes to GM.

[Sam]

Originally Posted by Mav

that recall was in the first month of production and the preventative recall helped stop it in its tracks. Problem solved.

Now why don't you address GM putting more and more porky, fuel inefficient automobiles into an economy that isn't going to support gas hogs forever, or you can talk about GM partnering with Cherry for a small car market when it just came to light that Cherrys safety standards rival a Le Car or Yugo.

[Tearstone]

Wow this is something to really be proud of.

[Mav]

Originally Posted by Tearstone

Wow this is something to really be proud of.

thank you.

and sammy, our dealers can't even park enclaves on the lot. They're sold before they even touch the ground.

[Jabber]

Haha. Welcome to Toyota 7 years ago.

GM wanted listed:
Enclave

Toyota wanted list:
Highlander Hybrid
Prius
Camry Hybrid
Yaris
Sienna
Scion Xd
2008 Highlander

All of these cars I mentioned.. we have less than 2 right now on the ground. Hybrids currently have a waiting list of 6-8 weeks minimum.

[Mav]

Originally Posted by Jabber

Haha. Welcome to Toyota 7 years ago.

GM wanted listed:
Enclave

Toyota wanted list:
Highlander Hybrid
Prius
Camry Hybrid
Yaris
Sienna
Scion Xd
2008 Highlander

All of these cars I mentioned.. we have less than 2 right now on the ground. Hybrids currently have a waiting list of 6-8 weeks minimum.

welcome to GM for the past 30 years (- the past 5).

[Doric]

What? It's been a lot more than five years that people have been passing up GMs.

[Mav]

its not fact, h0m0.

[Doric]

Originally Posted by Mav

welcome to GM for the past 30 years (- the past 5).

What part of this is fact?

[Jabber]

Originally Posted by Mav

welcome to GM for the past 30 years (- the past 5).

let's not get crazy now. I have been doing this for 15 years. I spent from 93-2003 with GM products (chevy, buick, cadillac, olds). I can't remember a time with any of those brands when there was a waiting list to get the cars. If GM senses a hot product, they build the shit out of it, ship them to customers, and then the demand goes bye-bye. Then GM is forced to put rebates on them to get to sell so dealers will buy more. Toyota says we are going to build xx,xxx. If you are one of the customers that bought it, great. If not, well, there is always next year to get one.

[Regulator]

Why does Buick's reliability matter? All their buyers will be dead in five years anyway. Except Tiger.

[Sam]

Originally Posted by Mav

thank you.

and sammy, our dealers can't even park enclaves on the lot. They're sold before they even touch the ground.

Is it really that hard for you to answer my questions?

[Jabber]

Originally Posted by Regulator

Why does Buick's reliability matter? All their buyers will be dead in five years anyway. Except Tiger.

Tiger gets them for free. He isn't nearly as dense as some to actually spend money for them.

Sorry Mav, it was too easy to take the shot.

[Manybrews]

the only reason buick ranks high is because the average owners age is about 72 and they have NO idea when something is broken unless the car doesnt start.

[Mav]

thanks for playing the misconception card, try again.

[Sam]

Originally Posted by Mav

thanks for playing the misconception card, try again.

Well, I posted this on 8/13:

Originally Posted by Sam

Is it really that hard for you to answer my questions?

and you took the time to reply to this thread, again. But no answer. I'm beginning to think that silence and misconception are how you act and respond in this forum?

[Mav]

Your precious answer.

I read an article today in Automotive News about how the large SUV/pickup market will never go away. In fact, in the past two years it has only decreased 2% according to this guys stats. Unfortunately I do not have an account myself so I cannot link an article. . . When I am at work it detects the work IP and I get in free. I'll try to get a screenshot at best.

[Jabber]

Oh Mav.. would you like me to point out the glaring problem with that webiste? It says 2007 models. Under the old fuel economy gauge. I can most assuredly tell you that 3-4 of those will drop below 30 mpg highway.

I don't think I need to list how many Toyota or Honda has under the 2008 standards. Hell, I think we have more than Chevrolet does that get 30+ IN THE CITY!

[Mav]

They'll still be in the game (go here and click on "chevy extras" on the left menu and click on the arrow for 08 malibu). Trust me, all manufacturers are going to have to meet the ridiculous CAFE standards congress is thinking about.Only thing is toyota is dedicated at going hybrid only. Good thing GM and Honda are willing to look further and put some R&D money into pure electric and hydrogen vehicles.

I guarantee you toyota is worried they dont have an answer to this.

[NHRATA01]

Originally Posted by Manybrews

the only reason buick ranks high is because the average owners age is about 72 and they have NO idea when something is broken unless the car doesnt start.

Shouldn't you be busy replacing valve seals on a 6G72 somewhere?

[Rob]

Originally Posted by Mav

I guarantee you toyota is worried they dont have an answer to this.

Whaaaaat?

Toyota.com : Vehicles : Future Vehicles : Alessandro Volta

[Mav]

Last I read Toyota was saying that they were going to focus all of their efforts into strictly hybrid vehicles. I also read an article not too long ago stating that Honda and GM were investing the most time and cash into different technologies.

[Jabber]

I knew I could count on you for bringing up the Volt

Has GM decided whether they are going to lease the entire car, i.e. EV1 back in the 90's, or their completely ridiculous idea of just leasing the batteries? Clicky

Why would Toyota mess with a good thing about coming up with different technologies? Compressed natural gas? Ford has been at that for 20+ years. Nothing to show for it. Hydrogen? Let me know when we can expect a little less than a nuclear explosion from a rear end accident. Lithium Ion batteries? They back off of lithium ion batteries due to heat problems ala Sony batteries. What kind of battery is the volt going to be going on? Oh yeah, lithium ion. At least you won't need a heater in the wintertime. Just run the car for a few minutes, there will be plenty of heat from the batteries. Wonder if Chevy will make a fire extinguisher standard or a just part of a package to earn back some money from the lawsuits?

The prius is going to be a plug in within 2 years. Bigger batteries, bigger electric motor. Better gas mileage in the first stages of running (just like the Volt). By 2014, EVERY Toyota will have a hybrid option. And since Toyota has out sold every other manufacturer COMBINED when it comes to Hybrids, I think we have a pretty good handle on what the public wants. But I'll make a few calls and tell them to watch out for GM via a friend on the 3g website.

[Mav]

no, it won't be lease only. I am familiar with what happened to the EV1. You also have to understand that they did that to make it more "affordable" as even the lease was really expensive. Thats why they scrapped em, they couldn't make the technology (at the time) cheap enough.

Your theory about mini-h bombs is a joke. Same story when vehicles first started out and the use of gasoline. People didn't think it was possible to build the infrastructure and have vehicles running around with flammable liquids inside because it was too dangerous.

Good thing Toyota is going ONLY hybrid as (currently) only 3% of North America is invested in them.

[Jabber]

I know Hydrogen is much safer than it was, but it will not be the NEXT great thing in autos.

Since you are the statistician around here, how many Hybrid cars are there in relation to Regular gas cars? I'm going to guess around 3%... As we make more of them (which we will), that percentage will go up as we sell more of them (which we will).

In the mean time, people will still be waiting for their local station to start carrying E85 fuel so they can save themselves about 20 cents per gallon. Good luck with that future Mav!

[Mav]

It's not just the idea that they're saving money on gas... The point is that they're utilizing a renewable resource in ethanol thats derived from corn. At the same it's also helping reduce our dependency on foreign oil.

Look, its a step. GM is coming out with hybrids, but they don't believe hybrids to be the end all be all.

[Jabber]

I agree 100% on using renewable sources. However, it seems most of the customers I have talked to seem to want to spend less on gas, rather than improving the environment. That is even true with Prius customers. Very rarely does anyone ask about the impact on the environment. Most just want to know how much cash they are going to save.

You are right (did I just type that?), it is a step in the right direction for GM, Toyota, and Honda. Ford just buys their stuff from us when we quit using it. haha.

Good discussion Mav! I even +erepped you for it!

[Mav]

A good, friendly discussion is always appreciated. e-rep returned (even though your rep isn't showing up ).


However (), do you explain to the customer that with the extra $5-6k they are investing in that hybrid they will only recoup that after 4-5 years of use? Is it really worth it? Is the customer actually going to keep the product for that long?

[Sam]

Originally Posted by Mav

Your precious answer.

I read an article today in Automotive News about how the large SUV/pickup market will never go away. In fact, in the past two years it has only decreased 2% according to this guys stats.

This guy might want to do Fords books then, as Ford was crippled in revenue due to the lack of sales in the large SUV market.

[Jabber]

It really depends on the customer. And I always find out if they are a city, highway, or combo driver. That makes a huge difference. Take 2 different scenarios:

1) The customer wants to save gas, but is on a strict budget. And they drive a combo city/highway (as most will say they do). When I start telling them that the Corolla gets mid 30's in the city and close to 40 on the highway, I judge their reaction. When I tell them that there is a 6-7k difference (after discounts and rebates) between a corolla and a prius, and how that will buy them ALOT of gas, it starts to sway their opinion.

2) Customer really likes the idea of the prius (gadgets on it), and budget isn't that much of a concern, I don't bring up the corolla. Besides, I make 50 bucks on a corolla, I'll make 400+ on a prius. Which would you do?

Bottom line is that I let the customer's idea of what payment they want dictate how much I push the corolla or the prius.

[Doric]

Jabber. Sell me a Corolla for really cheap. I'm 99.5% serious.

[Sam]

Originally Posted by Doric

Jabber. Sell me a Corolla for really cheap. I'm 99.5% serious.

Mare has a '06 Corolla; that is a great car for the money, its built solid and it sips gas, you can't really beat it.

[Jabber]

Which one do you want? CE, LE, or S. Figure the corolla has about 1300 markup to invoice. Another 300 off for being a prior 3g owner. And another 500 in rebates. Go to Buyatoyota.com and price one out. Let me know the MSRP and I can get you an exact price. One problem though, your incentives will be different based on region. In CO, they probably have different rebates then here in IL. Either way, I will let you know how much you can buy one for.

[Doric]

I'll look into it, but the magical thing about shopping for a commuter car is that the more you run the numbers, the less sense it makes to finance anything at all.

[Jabber]

I agree. If the car is for you, as a strict "from here to there" type car during the week, I would look used, not new. Or look into a Yaris. But then again, with the rebates on the corolla, they aren't that different in price.

Mav will love me for this, but if it is strictly a commuter car, look into a used Chevy Prizm. 1999-2001. It is the EXACT same thing as a corolla. Uses the same engine, trans, etc. It even uses the same gear shifter/selector. Even the dash is the same. The big difference is the price. There is a $3,000 premium because of the toyota logo on the grill.

And I looked into a new one in your area. Shows about 16k for an LE auto (you won't find a stick) with pw,pl,cruise, etc. 17300 MSRP. The website didn't mention rebates on them, but if they have the 500 like we do, they should be able to sell you one for a little over 15k. Figure taxes, fees, etc. and you would be financing 16200ish. No money down is 315 / 60 mo. That's alot to spend on a commuter car. But it will last you 12 years without breaking the bank on repairs.

[Manybrews]

Originally Posted by Mav

thanks for playing the misconception card, try again.

its the truth, like it or not.
any other car on the same shared platforms isn't anywhere near as high on the "reliability" list.
and the average buicks owners age is indeed 68. the difference is in the customers, not the cars (which is why I dont like consumer reports or J.D Power in general).
Hell, my fellow techs grandmother has an 04 Buick park avenue with 32000 on it. She was told it needed 500 bucks worth of work to fix an oil leak that she hadn't a clue was even present. Only after bitching did they even consider repairing it under warranty despite her good standing as a Buick customer, the car costing 35000+, and despite the fact that it was under warranty mileage (but over in time).
she, like many buick owners, is clueless about her car. Just turn the key and drive.

[Manybrews]

Originally Posted by NHRATA01

Shouldn't you be busy replacing valve seals on a 6G72 somewhere?

what, you mean the engine last used in 1994?
nope. Although there are probably more of those still running than 94 Buicks.

[NHRATA01]

Originally Posted by Manybrews

what, you mean the engine last used in 1994?
nope. Although there are probably more of those still running than 94 Buicks.

I'm sure there are many more Buicks running after 13 years than those "well built" Mitsubishis, considering the reliability of the 3.8 >>>> any Mitsu motor.

Don't worry, if they ever make a Spy Hunter movie, I'm sure they can find a use for those oil burners...

[Scorpions_Edge]

Originally Posted by Mav

It's not just the idea that they're saving money on gas... The point is that they're utilizing a renewable resource in ethanol thats derived from corn. At the same it's also helping reduce our dependency on foreign oil.

Ethanol is not going to save us from our dependency on oil. So instead of running gas through the pipelines, it has to be hauled in tanker trucks because of the ethanol seperation. So all of those trucks running is going to help how? And from what I understand of E85 you get worse mileage than if you use gasoline. Not to mention how much energy is used in creating the ethanol in the first place. Then what about the fact you are relying on a product that needs optimal growing conditions, ie. no drought. The only efficient way of creating ethanol right now is through sugar cane, which cannot not be grown here. And even the fact that it is efficient is highly suspect because where it is made now is done by slave labor.

[Mav]

Im not getting on an ethanol debate. As I stated earlier, GM realizes that ethanol is not the end all be all. However, It a step in the right direction as it helps ween us off the nipple of the middle east.

btw, you get "worse mileage" because ethanol is actually a higher octane than any super unleaded you could find. I believe its 96-98 octane. So it burns hotter, meaning it burns faster. If you want to hit up the track, your ethanol machine will most likely out due the same vehicle if it were non-ethanol.

edit:
ok, I have to interject this...

If you're so adamant that ethanol is bad because of the way it is produced and shipped, then how do you feel about the toyota prius? It's batteries are made in a factory in canada and everything with a 20 mile radius of the plant is dead. Check out this article that shows that the Prius does more damage to the environment than a Hummer.

[FLiPMaRC]

Originally Posted by Mav

edit:
ok, I have to interject this...

If you're so adamant that ethanol is bad because of the way it is produced and shipped, then how do you feel about the toyota prius? It's batteries are made in a factory in canada and everything with a 20 mile radius of the plant is dead. Also, check out this article that shows that the Prius does more damage to the environment than a Hummer.

Holy Shit!!!

[Rob]

Originally Posted by NHRATA01

I'm sure there are many more Buicks running after 13 years than those "well built" Mitsubishis, considering the reliability of the 3.8 >>>> any Mitsu motor.

Don't worry, if they ever make a Spy Hunter movie, I'm sure they can find a use for those oil burners...

My ass the 3.8L is reliable. I have had a SHIT ton more claims on any GM motor versus a mitsubishi. The spy hunter movie line was good, the mitsu's can use smoke screen for the oil burners and the GM's can use it for the coolant burners. Give me a break.

It cracks me that a guy buys a GM and let's say his family has bought them. Let us also presume that they have never had a problem with those cars at all, which is great. But it is pretty presumptuous to think the rest of the world has had the same good luck especially when there are a crap ton of consumer guides out there bashing the shit out of 'em.

[Doric]

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