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Silverton, OR Car Consumer Discussions

2007 GC Diesel update

by sahara111 on Sat Jun 14 12:36:08 PDT 2008

Hello all, wanted to get a quick update to you on my diesel GC. I just recently returned from my first, true long roadtrip involving lots of real-world experience that will be applicable to anyone with the diesel GC. My trip started in WA, and went thru OR, then NV, Utah and to Colorado. It was a total of 4422.8 miles. I purposely used as many dirt, gravel, mud roads and paved backroads as possible as this is what I like to do. I made tons of stops - I took over 1000 photos along the way - some idling, some engine off, on again, etc; setting up tripod, camera, changing lens, etc. Did 4 different National Parks in Utah, did 4x4ing at Great Sand Dunes NP, did 4x4ing up to Engineer Pass (near Silverton CO), passed people with great ease going up all passes, had windy days several times, etc. Lots of curvy roads, slow for the blind corners, accelerate out, etc. In other words, the first portion of my trip - to Colorado - took about 9 days and had tons of stop-n-go, and then returning I came straight back via Interstates in 2 days traveling from 75-85 mph in most places. So, I consider this the first real extensive test of the vehicle and mileage. For the entire trip I have an average of 23.56 mpg (again, this is the actual calculated mpg, NOT the computer mpg reading as it has variable error - see some of my previous posts...). I now have a total of 23902 miles on the truck, I may hit about 28000 by the end of August (I had prev. estimated 30k for my first year...). This trip lowered my overall (since new) mpg to about 24.92 mpg - still outstanding in my opinion considering the far-from-perfect aerodynamics (compared to new Toy Highlander, and Saturn crossover rig I compared to originally), the super but heavy, inefficient 4x4 system and the rear-end ratio (oriented to heavy trailering and off-roading vs. fuel mileage...). Additional notes: 1) the turbo-diesel and the Quadra-Drive II in deep sand is simply stupendous; I didn't even bother to lower the air pressure (although GSD N.P. has a air hose when re-entering the paved road from deep sand) on my still stock street tires; just amazed at how easily it pulled and dug and when I gave it a bit more throttle it just leaps to the top of the sand. Had prev. experience in same exact place with Toy LCs, and this vehicle is better in that condition. It also worked extremely well crawling up Engineer Pass in 4-low; needed only 1300-1600 rpm in 4-low; it has huge reserves of power for incredibly steep climbs - it only needs real off-road tires to go with further confidence. It never slipped on me - I was scrapping the right side mirror on the 5 foot wall of snow-ice to safely hug the mt and not slide off - but off road tires of course will provide much more maximum grip and safety. 2) the additional cruising range on the 'outback' roads of south-central OR and down into Nevada desert areas is also wonderful (I did carry a 5-gal jerry can to be safe, but never needed it...); really is great to not worry about fuel and to have that extra range in case you miscalculate the next nearest fuel stop (which is easy to do in outlying areas...). 3) I was extremely curious to - finally - see how it does at true high altitudes. It never missed a beat; this was perhaps my most surprising discovery/confirmation. I never even noticed any power loss, it feels the same and it just leaps going up the passes at 9, 10, 11000 feet, etc. Just awesome, and now I know it will easily pull a trailer at any altitude one is likely to be at here in North America. Easily the best - in terms of no noticeable power loss at higher altitudes - that I have driven in CO (been going there rather consistently since the 80's with numerous vehicles, a couple street bikes, etc). 4) Oh - I did one of those 'measured mile' sections on the Interstate somewhere - it confirmed that the speedometer and trip meters are spot on, which reconfirms my findings using a GPS last year...good to know. However, you need to check your own vehicle as each may certainly vary. 5) I'd like to re-iterate that this vehicle is a near-superb long distance, all-around touring machine. As configured - the stock tires, leather seats, diesel package - it is very quiet, very comfortable on my somewhat meager back, has great range, and steers/stays in a straight line very easily. It of course handlescorners the best of the several SUV's I've owned and/or driven/rented. Just darn impressive and will do everything (if only a few times/yr) I or most would ever need. Of course, it's not oriented to people hauling - larger families need not apply - but for 2 or 3 adults, or a family of 4 with 2 smaller kids - it is an excellent choice. It brings a lot to the table, period. Well, happy trails and a nice summer to all.

Re: Leaking Trunk Lid [silverton]

by nwraaa on Thu Aug 30 14:07:52 PDT 2007

The two holes are there so that water will not build-up around the black trunk seal; however, there should be at least four other holes along the same plane as the trunk latch at the bottom of the trunk lid. These holes, at the bottom of the trunk lid when closed, allow the water which comes in through the two holes that are underneath the trunk near the back window to flow out. Make sure that these holes have been drilled in the trunk and that they are not obstructed.

Re: Leaking Trunk Lid [euphonium]

by silverton on Sun Jul 22 03:54:49 PDT 2007

Thank you euphonium for the input. However, my problem seems a bit different. The water gets inside the trunk lid and will stay there until it either evaporates or the trunk lid is lifted, at which time it drains out through the two holes in the lid. I park my car on a level spot and it doesn't seem to matter how hard or little it rains. It still gets inside that trunk lid. I didn't expect a reply so quickly. That's great. It shows me that there are people out there who care about what's going on around them. Thanks again, euphonium.................Silverton

Re: Leaking Trunk Lid [silverton]

by euphonium on Sat Jul 21 20:52:56 PDT 2007

The one and only time your problem happened to me was when I parked facing downhill and the accumulation of rain over flowed the ridge and seeped in the trunk. Since then I park facing uphill so the rain will drain down the trunk canal.

Leaking Trunk Lid

by silverton on Sat Jul 21 17:58:08 PDT 2007

I own a 2004 Town Car Ultimate (no sunroof) that has a problem in the trunk area. After it rains, when I open the trunk, water drains out of two holes on the underside of the trunk lid. AS the trunk lid is opening, the water goes directly into the trunk area. I have complained to Ford Motor Company about this and they say it is within factory specifications. I would like to know if anyone else out there in Lincoln-Land has the same problem. If so, would you please reply to this post and let others and me know how you got it resolved? Thank you..........Silverton

frustrated Impala Owner

by axle52 on Fri Mar 09 21:47:38 PST 2007

Hi I have a 06 impala LTZ silvertone metallic and i have numerous stone chips on the hood , bumpers , side mirrors, and even on the trunk but I do alot of highway driving, so I don't think you can blame it on any one colour. I guess its just the nature of the beast. Good luck in trying to get GM to admit to a problem with their paint jobs. BTW I am fed up with my impala. I have had the car in numerous times for the remotes power steering hose TPM ( twice in one day) popping noise in the dash, loose driver side window, I'm on the fourth thermostat ABS upgrade and the list goes on. Just thought I'd vent ... i must also add that i am a GM worker in ST. Catharines ON and we assemble part of the transmission that goes into the Impala and it is probably one of the only things that works properly on my car OK enuff. Bye