Bye bye Cadillac

onewhippedpuppy · 02-22-2008, 09:40 AM

After less than a year, I'm ready to get rid of our 2004 Cadillac SRX. I have a very limited tolerance for problems when it comes to my wife's car, and it has already exceeded it. Our 4Runner had zero issues over 65k, our SRX has somewhere in the neighborhood of 5 dealer visits over 8 months and 10k miles. Not major issues, but annoying ones. The transfer case on early SRXs has excessive lash, and can "clunk" when transitioning on and off of the gas. Dealer acknowledged problem, but wouldn't fix because there isn't a TSB.

Radio CD changer died, then new radio didn't work with steering wheel controls, which required another new radio. Vinyl pulled loose on the sunvisor. Something loose in the front end (sway links?). Transmission takes 5 sec to go from R to D when cold ("normal"). Misfire on #3 cylinder (plugs and coil packs). While it is fun to drive, it's a PITA, and the dealer service sucks at the two I have been to. Circa 2004, GM still didn't have the quality thing totally done. Final dagger of death is the zero baggage space behind the 3rd row seat. Kids or groceries, pick one.

Anyway, I had some interested parties that wanted me to post feedback after I've had it for a while, so here ya' go. Used ones are cheap at a bit over $20k, and many of the issues were resolved by later in the 2004 model year. It is a lot of fun to drive, but that's not enough to make us keep it. It's probably no worse than the competition, I'm sure the X5 and Cayanne have their share of issues as well.

So, after some shopping, the wife and I have decided we like the Nissan Armada. It's much larger, drives well, and Japanese. Early models had issues with brakes and rattles, but they're all addressed by TSBs. We plan to buy a later one anyway. My wife was never really happy with the SRX's size, we often found ourselves really having to cram to fit our family + stuff. It doesn't handle all that well, but it sure goes quickly in a straight line.

JeremyD · JeremyD's Garage

I have almost 90,000 miles on my armada - it runs like a top - only brakes (once) and oil changes.

the · 02-22-2008, 09:44 AM

Well, you lasted longer than I thought you would. In your "I owe GM an apology because I've always hated them but now their cars are awesome" thread that you posted when you first got the SRX, I recall giving you 6 months, but you went almost a year?

berettafan · 02-22-2008, 09:44 AM

too bad. i saw one at the display in Disney and liked the size/comfort/interior quite a bit.

onewhippedpuppy · 02-22-2008, 10:05 AM

Yeah, I gave them a chance. It's sad, because I really like the damn thing. It's like a tall BMW 540, and the Northstar V8 is a sweetheart. Just too many little PITA issues. Really, it was doomed from the beginning with my wife, she always felt it was too small. As much as I hate to admit it, she was right. GM has come a long way, but maybe still has a ways to go.

Jeremy, what year is your Armada?

911boost · 911boost's Garage

I still don't understand why poeple avoid the Tahoe / Suburban. I have 90,000 miles on mine, and other than oil changes, have done ZERO to it. Its nothing fancy, but that is what I wanted.

I had a freind with the Armada, and he didin't have any issues either.

Bill

JeremyD · JeremyD's Garage

2004 The engines in these things are pretty steller. I can't even feel my 19 foot boat behind when I tow it - when you take off - the torque can throw your head back -

onewhippedpuppy · 02-22-2008, 10:34 AM

Bill, I like the '07 and on models, but my wife doesn't. I think she wants something different, traffic here is a sea of Tahoes and Yukons. Though in all honesty, my Cadillac experience hasn't really turned me on to GM. Also, their dealer service is a joke.

tabs · 02-22-2008, 10:39 AM

Buy American, Buy Gm!

911boost · 911boost's Garage

Yeah, I am lucky as we have a good dealership, although I haven't had to spend much time in there at all. I also got pretty lucky buying my Tahoe, as I bought it from a coworker transferring back to a Nordic country, so he had to get rid of it. I also wanted something I could tow a camper with and figured Chevy had been building trucks/full size SUVs for quite some time.

I also know what you mean as well with regards to having zero tolerance for problems on your wifes car. That is the main reason we got the XC90, and after about 30,000 miles, I couldn't be happier. It was spendy, but in the end worth it, as we'll keep it for a long time.

What about an older Sequoia (or however in the heck you spell that)? My boss leases them, and then turns them in every 3 years. I bet there are some good lease returns out there with extended warranties.

onewhippedpuppy · 02-22-2008, 10:44 AM

I love Toyota, and took a serious look at the Sequoia. However, compared to the Armada it is slower, smaller, more dated looking, floatier ride quality, more expensive, and doesn't get any better MPG. The '08 Sequoia is VERY nice, but way out of my price range.

lendaddy · 02-22-2008, 10:55 AM

My wifes Envoy, though boring, has been flawless. I'm not even afraid to say it anymore.

The drive train is stellar (straight 6). The rest is just there but it works great for a utility vehicle.

BlueSideUp · 12:14 PM

The Armada shares a lot with the Titan. The early rear differential issues on the Titan haven't shown up in the Armada, perhaps the independent rear suspension on the Armada uses a completely different center section. Some Titans/Armadas have had issues with cracked exhaust manifolds which ours had at 45K and was taken care of by the dealership no charge. The brakes on ours were replaced at 8000 miles and haven't been a problem since. Nissan batteries are very crappy, ours lasted three years down here in socal.

We average 16 to 17mpg. The highest was on a trip to Vegas when my wife managed 19mpg and the lowest was pulling a trailer with an RX-7 on it at 12mpg. Not bad for a 4x4 Off Road model.

The front brakes were redesigned for '08 which is why you can't get smaller than an 18" rim.

Overall a nice dependable truck.

frogger · 02-22-2008, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeremyD

2004 The engines in these things are pretty steller. I can't even feel my 19 foot boat behind when I tow it - when you take off - the torque can throw your head back -

Clearly, you need a bigger boat.

71T Targa · 02-22-2008, 12:23 PM

We have a 2002 Sequoia with 115+ miles. This is an great truck/SUV. It has room for 8 but still fits in the garage and parking spaces without issue.

onewhippedpuppy · 02-22-2008, 12:31 PM

I tried for small on the SRX and lost bigtime. I don't think smaller is going to sell the Sequoia.

Though honestly, I prefer the Armada.

Jess, from what I read, they came out with a kit to fix the brake problems. Maybe that's what yours got at 8k. We're doing well to get 18 MPG out of the SRX, actually lower than it's rated for. The Armada won't be much of a shock. I already have my 30 MPG Saab for around town usage.

Seahawk · 02-22-2008, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

Our 4Runner had zero issues over 65k...

...it just passed 80K, with zippy issues

I am sorry to hear of your problems, Matt.

onewhippedpuppy · 02-22-2008, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seahawk

...it just passed 80K, with zippy issues

I am sorry to hear of your problems, Matt.

You have no idea how many times I've heard, "we should have kept our 4Runner". Doh!

Seahawk · 02-22-2008, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

You have no idea how many times I've heard, "we should have kept our 4Runner". Doh!

I'll delete my post!

When do you graduate, btw?

Tim Hancock · 02-22-2008, 12:53 PM

Matt, simply do as I did.....make a vow to yourself to NEVER again buy from the big three. Sure some have been OK, but why take the chance when spending your hard earned money? Many Americans seem to be accustomed to taking their "new" cars in for minor repairs.....me, not so much (8 minor and major problems with my wife's Dakota.....NEVER EVER again

).