Thinking of buying 06/07 Montana SV6

[Fingaluna]

Hi All,

Our Astro has now reached 350,000km, and we are a little tired of 17MPG highway, so we are looking at options.

We have 4 kids, so need a 6+ seater.

We have narrowed things down to a Montana SV6 / Saturn Relay / Chevy Uplander or a Grand Caravan. The Honda vans just seem so expensive on the used market.

We tow a pop-up camper a few times a year. Weight is 2500lbs. I will be installing a tranny cooler on whichever vehicle we buy.
We drive around 35,000km per year. Yes that much.
We are just outside of Toronto, so I guess salt/rust is always a concern. I see lots of Montana vans with bad rockers.

So, a few questions for the forum:
Should we even consider the Montana?
Should we run away?
Is there a short-list (or even a medium-list) of things to watch-out for when buying these vans?

Thanks much folks!

 

[Steelcity]

Not sure but maybe you can research the models and see if there was a "towing option",if so I would try to find one of those,or find out what is in the towing option,maybe a HD radiator and tranny cooler ??? What your doing by adding a tranny cooler is essentially the same ? Good luck and keep us posted

ps make sure you sign up for that extra power train warranty(he he).

 

[Steelcity]

I did some quick research and found a few options you may want :
Heavy-duty radiator
125-amp. alternator
Auto-leveling suspension : rear Air rear shocks
Trailering with harness
Air compressor
Transmission-fluid-temperature warning

Found this info from cars.com research page

 

[Steelcity]

Another quick search 2006 Montana sv6 fwd: there is a trailering provision package

3500 lb Trailering Provision Package

* 125 Amp Alternator

* Includes wiring harness.

* Heavy-Duty Engine Cooling System

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[Fingaluna]

Thanks Steelcity.

Not so much worried about the items I will need to be able to tow, I can easily add all those items if the van I find doesn't have them. Done that on 3 vehicles so far and never had an issue. I do appreciate your input though.

Really, I'm asking if the Montana SV6 is a reasonable vehicle at all, or if they are very problem-prone. Also wondering what the most common issues to watch-out for on these vans would be.

Cheers & Thanks!

 

[Steelcity]

Your welcome ,I only can speak for the 2000 & 2003 model era I believe the 06 - 07 are of different generation,drive-train. Hopefully some other members/guests can comment on those years for reliability and share there towing experience.