Recommendations/Concerns? Things to avoid--for SRX purchase

3561 Views 24 Replies 11 Participants Last post by rotharch, Jun 8, 2007

Stathunter

Discussion Starter · May 22, 2007

Hey gang! I am new here and looking at getting an SRX for the wife. Let me know if my thinking is flawed but here is what I am thinking of getting. V8 with AWD. I was thinking about the V6 but there does not seem like much difference in the mpg----1mpg difference? Also I tend to keep my vehicles for a while and I would guess that the V8 will out last the V6-----the AWD is for the Michigan winters---- rwd just does not cut it.
I am thinking about a used 05 or 06 ---anything thing to avoid or make sure that I look at?
Thanks!

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GMJim

· #2 · May 22, 2007

Hi, and welcome. I would consider a 06. new for 06 was the power liftgate, and much narrower rocker panels.( your wife won't be yelling at you over soiling her dress or slacks on the rocker, plus she won't need a hip replacement from swinging her legs waaaaaaay out to get out of the vehicle) I have 06 V8 AWD, and gets me through Michigan winters just fine. My 06 V8 AWD is averaging a hair over 18mpg, and that's mostly highway. Down from about 21mpg with 04 V6 RWD. Good luck in you purchase. Thanks for considering GM.

Jim

robhersch

· #3 · May 22, 2007

We love our 2005 N*V8 RWD (SouCal); an awsome vehicle!!; note that the power rear lift gate was not on those prior to 2006.
Suggest checking repair, recall, etc history of any used vehicle!!
The chatter on this forum has a lot of chaff; but recommend that you have the operation of all AWD differentials and of the UltraView checked by a qualified technician BEFORE YOU BUY. Lastly, strongly recommend getting a GM extended warranty and the GM dealer certified one just to be sure!!
Good luck, happy SRXing!!!!

TSS

· #4 · May 22, 2007

V8 and AWD sounds right for MI (which is where I am too). RWD is tough in MI. AND, the v6 WITH AWD can be a little bit underpowered. I think the v6 is fine for RWD models.

I like my SRX a lot. Definitely try for an 06 for the reasons stated above.

Other options to consider:

Ultraview - loads of fun - much better than an average sunroof (my has had virtually no problems - maybe they were worked out for the most part by 2006 - maybe I am just lucky)

MRC: Magnetic Ride Control: Trust me, worth every dime - especially with used. New it was a 1600.00 or so option.

NAV: Nice, but I probably would not get again unless the price came down. I just don't use ut enough to justify the extra $$$.

I have a great dealer if you need any help.

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73Thumper

· #5 · May 22, 2007

I was in the same boat 1 month ago, my original post has gotten very long/multiple pages. I ended up with a AWD V8, but I bought a 07. I have driven 04's, 05's and 06's - all were nice, the new touches in the 07 were just to much for me to pass up. I found one at Chesrown Cadillac in Ohio that they bought from the GM auction - executive vehicle. I saved $ over new and have a virtually new 07, for not alot more than a 06 with very low miles. Mine is totally loaded less magnetic ride control - with my "sport" package it was not a available option. My only regret - not the car but the option - is I wish Caddy would have the Magnetic Ride Control available for the 20" wheel package. Good luck on your shopping. Give Chesrown (Chad or Dave Jr) a call, they may have another exec '07... Oh, if you ever tow, find one with the "Utility Package" - to get the tow rating up to 4250lbs.
Don't be afraid to travel to get what you want - it will be worth it....

c5 rv

· #6 · May 22, 2007

I agree with most everything posted so far. If you need a third row seat for kids, I suggest you skip the SRX and get an Acadia / Enclave / Outlook or a minivan. I have the cargo management system instead of the 3rd row seat and find the three in-floor bins to be very handy. However, it seems that most all of the V8 units I've seen at dealers have the 3rd row seat. Plus, in 06, I think GM packaged the towing package with the 3rd row seat.

NorthernSRX

· #7 · May 23, 2007

I have an '04 AWD V8 with MRC and the 3rd row. All steel roof and no towing pkg. There isn't a feature that I didn't take that, after almost 3 years, I miss and I love the traction up in our Ontario winters (bought a 2nd set of wheels on ebay for snow tires - I was never able to find a decent winter-capable all-season that fits the SRX's 18" wheels).

Agree with the comments that the '06 has a better door sill and the power liftgate would be a welcome feature for my better half and that the '07's interior provides a compelling reason to look to that year as well.

You should also take to heart the advice on the 3rd row - we use ours several times a year, mostly to ferry the kids' friends here and there. They are pre-teens at this stage, though, and I'm guessing that those tight 3rd row quarters won't be as welcomed in a few years.

73Thumper

· #8 · May 23, 2007

"Utility package" and 3rd row seat. As myself and others have said, the 3rd row is tight - I really don't need it but it is there if I should - but for me it was just a Cadillac "packaging" thing as the utility package has the 3rd row, rear air, plus - the tow package - which buys you the heavy duty cooling. Those bins would be nice to have if you never see a need to tow (heavier loads) or need a 3rd row.... Mine also has the ultraview Plus (a fixed glass sunroof over the 3rd row and is only available if you have the 3rd row seat).
No knocks at all to the pre '07s - for me I wanted the "sport" package, the 6 speed (V8 only), and the 100K drive train warranty, those items not available until 07.

jmayhew

· #9 · May 23, 2007

my $0.02

i got my wife a 06 AWD V6.

as far as the people saying there are power issues...its plenty powerful enough to do what you need to do & my wife is the most aggressive lead foot female driver i know.
she went from a sport compact to the srx & besides adjusting to the size...the rest has been fine.

the power lift gate is a must IMO.
i would have liked to get the ultra view but couldn't pass on the deal we got.
the 3rd row is functional IMO spite what people are saying... we use ours a few times a month.
we have a 2yr old & our friends/family have young kids so when we go out it nice to be able to take one vehicle... its plenty comfortable for normal size kids up to early teens. ive even had an adult back there for short trips with no complaints.
& there is some adjustments..the 2nd row can be moved back & forth & the 3rd row has some back & forth adjustment & back tilt adjustment to maximize passenger room & storage room.

so if the 3rd row is something your gonna use everyday or very often, yes maybe look @ something else, but if its an occasional thing the SRX is fine....cause if you look @ a arcadia/enclave/outlook that is def. underpowered & HEAVY

as far as V8 vs. V6..... yes gas mialge is similar, but the V8 requires premium so thats gonna hit you in the pocket.
and for everyone that says.....my v8 runs fine on regualar...that BS....PERIOD
if its tuned for premium(witch the SRX is..check your manual) & your putting in lower octane, its not getting the best MPG & its gonna ping. i've worked on & tuned cars for a few years & its true no matter how much people deny it. I've seen it first hand many times...for instance...my mom V6 altima, my old SVT contour & the 2.2 prelude motor in my civic pings & performs like $hit on lower octane fuel.

the main advantage to the v8 is the passing power 40-70... i think the v6 is a little lax but def. not a slouch.
i've had a few battles (tahoe & V8 4runner) & won both so like i said its no slouch.

the MRC...from what ive read its amazing.

you also might want the HID's

also remember from a maintenance stand point that if you are keeping it OEM/factory buying the V8 means bigger & more explesive tires too.
a 17" tire is usually cheaper the a 18-20"

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GMJim

· #10 · May 23, 2007

My V8 N* runs just fine on regular...............I know.........BS!!!!!!!!!!!

Maybe not to the optimum, but just fine is ok with me.
Maybe I should fork out $20.00 more a fill up to get another mile per gallon

never heard a ping either.

I am not understanding the comparision........... Northstar V8 to V6 Japmobiles????

jmayhew

· #11 · May 23, 2007 (Edited)

GMJim said:
My V8 N* runs just fine on regular...............I know.........BS!!!!!!!!!!!

Maybe not to the optimum, but just fine is ok with me.
Maybe I should fork out $20.00 more a fill up to get another mile per gallon

never heard a ping either.

I am not understanding the comparision........... Northstar V8 to V6 Japmobiles????

you can think its fine all you want...but your kidding yourself.
& one that i listed is not a "japmoblie" SVT contour is ford..thank you.

if a car is tuned on high octane..then its wanting a specific detonation time....
lower octane has a lower detonation so therefore can cause a knock.
now...newer motors have knock sensors...to remedy this..newer engines can detect this low octane/early detonation & move the engine settings(retarding the spark) to a less efficient combustion (to stop the knock), which causes reduced power and lower fuel economy. so you have a loss in power & fuel economy. so get the V6 if you want to skimp on gas....
i never understood that....people who pay the extra money for the bigger engine & then skimp on gas.... retarded IMO...its what $0.20 - $0.30 more
i think read one time that with knock sensors the engine can usually protect itself form damage, but using regular when premium is recommended causes a minimum of 5% loss... HP/Tq, fuel economy, etc..

it says in every manual what the engine is tuned too so there is no excuse for not knowing....if you use a higher octane then specified your wasting money because the engine can't utilize it..only benefit might be the extra cleaning additives.
if you use lower octane then they recommend then it causes lower engine perforance like i stated above.

liek i said...you don't have to beleive me...you can keep fooling yourself..but there is a difference....no matter what the make is.
if you need american to convince you ask someone with a vette, or a WS6, cobra, srt8, CTSV (http://www.cadillacforums.com/forum...m/98567-octane-level-use.html?highlight=fuel), etc...see if they use regular.
ask guys who run turbos/SC & boost 25+ psi...see if they run regular..its even more of a concern for them

gas def. does make a difference.
a freind of mine had a fully built N/A honda motor with a 13:1 copression individual throttle bodies, dyno tuned ECU etc.... before he has it dyno tuned it would't even run right on 91 or 93....had to get 94 or royal purple(1??)....after the dyno tune it can acommodate 93.

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TSS

· #12 · May 23, 2007

My two Northstars are fine on midgrade - I never tried regular. Never a ping and no hesitation whatsoever.

As for B.S, everyone will tell me this is B.S (and unless it was me saying it to me), I would agree: My gas mileage improved one MPG Highway and a little more than one MPG city (according to computer) after installing my K&N air filter. Throttle response is better too, but that is off topic.....

jmayhew

· #13 · May 23, 2007 (Edited)

TSS said:
My two Northstars are fine on midgrade - I never tried regular. Never a ping and no hesitation whatsoever.

As for B.S, everyone will tell me this is B.S (and unless it was me saying it to me), I would agree: My gas mileage improved one MPG Highway and a little more than one MPG city (according to computer) after installing my K&N air filter. Throttle response is better too, but that is off topic.....

dyno it on regular or mid & then on premuim & see.
also do a acurate MPG...i bet premium gives best results.

i'm sure the K&N is noticable...the only thing with "performance" mods is that you feel or hear the difference & want to get on it more so it negates the MPG increase...lol

back on topic.
long term use of a lower then recommended octane fuel will beat up on the rod bearings due to all the detonation...& can cause engine failure.

& in my previous post...the race fuel is turbo blue...not royal purple....royal purple is oil...i couldn't think of the name.

GMJim

· #14 · May 23, 2007

All i am saying is I run reg, and suites me and my vehicle just fine.

I may be loosing 16 HP & 1 mpg min. But it's a commuter car, not
a funny car.

TSS, BS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

there, I feel so much better now.

jmayhew

· #15 · May 23, 2007

GMJim said:
All i am saying is I run reg, and suites me and my vehicle just fine.

and all i'm saying is your causing problems..

like i said...
long term use of a lower then recommended octane fuel will beat up on the rod bearings due to all the detonation...& can cause engine failure.

you bought a 40-50K car...but you want be cheap when it comes to gas.

do you use good oil like mobil 1 or some other brand?
i hope your answer is no cause if you say yes its very contradictory....i don't know why you'd pay extra for better oil but not gas when they both have to do with the the logevity of your engine.

73Thumper

· #16 · May 24, 2007

Stathunter - let's get you back on topic. What ever SRX you choose to test drive, 05, 06, 07, V8, V6 - list your priorities before you buckle up. I think you will be impressed no matter what you drive. When I discussed car options with my wife, we both drove multiple models (non SRX). I had a chance to drive a V8 06 model for the first time - with my wife in the passenger seat. She never drove the car - but that is all it took for her to say - I want a SRX.... I do think a V6 would be a fine choice, the V8 will impress you even more. Very smooth.

NorthernSRX

· #17 · May 24, 2007

I echo the views on the V8 - it's amazing how that thing just keeps pulling, with apparently no flat spot in the acceleration curve. Must be amazing with the new 6 speed tranny...

GMJim

· #18 · May 24, 2007

Einstein,
I guess your mothers' Nissian & you old Honda are as American as baseball, hotdogs, apple pie, and Toyota.

GM recommends 91 octane, but say's I may use 87 octane, but may experience slight exceleration reduction & knocking. I experience neither. So if I toaste my engine, I guess that's their problem.

Manufacturer's also recommend that I drink Don Q 151 rum, but Bacardi suites me just fine.
It goes along with being froogle, you know.

Speaking of cheap, I get my oil from Burger King. After they are done with the fries they give it to me.

TSS

· #19 · May 24, 2007

GMJim said:
TSS, BS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ouch.

jmayhew

· #20 · May 24, 2007

GMJim said:
Einstein,
I guess your mothers' Nissian & you old Honda are as American as baseball, hotdogs, apple pie, and Toyota.

GM recommends 91 octane, but say's I may use 87 octane, but may experience slight exceleration reduction & knocking. I experience neither. So if I toaste my engine, I guess that's their problem.

Manufacturer's also recommend that I drink Don Q 151 rum, but Bacardi suites me just fine.
It goes along with being froogle, you know.

Speaking of cheap, I get my oil from Burger King. After they are done with the fries they give it to me.

man...your reading comprehension is...:bigroll:
i thought i said that the SVT was american...and if you didn't like my "jap" stuff go to that thread in the CTS-V area on the same topic.

since you're so smart you do whatever you want...i tired of talking to the wall....& :horse:

FYI... sarcasm is my second language so the burgerking bit....ehhhh :yawn:

starhunter: do like 73T said... make a list of priorites in order of importance.....then test drive & you'll have your answer.

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