4 Wheel Drive/SUVs/2007 gmc acadia

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Expert: - 1/19/2011


Question
Carl,
I am considering purchasing a 2007gmc Acadia with 58k mi. It just had a new transmission put in it.  Seller said that it was a brand new factory transmission...was covered under gm power train warranty.  What are your thoughts on that? Kinda concerned that the transmission went out at 58k. Makes me wonder what else is wrong with it...but I know nothingn about cars, that's why im asking you. It also makes me think, well it does have a Brand New transmission.
Thanks
Lacey

Answer
Lacey,

I try not to advise people as to what kind of vehicle to buy, as this can be a real personal thing.
The main advise I would give you, is that if you really like the car, then take it to a reputable shop and have them do a safety and mechanical check on it.  If you can find the original owner, contact them and ask them what, if any other problems they may have had.  If the transmission was replaced and under a warranty, then contact the place that replaced the transmission and question them about the transmission.  That way you will have an idea as to the actual condition of the car.  Just because it has a warranty does not guarantee that it was a "new" transmission as many rebuilds are also covered by warranties.

Remember though, that it is still a used car and subject to problems.

Carl

4 Wheel Drive/SUVs

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Carl Brandt

Expertise

Will discuss suspensions, lifts, lockers along with tire suggestions. Trail ratings and possible requirements needed for specific type of trails. Safety equipment and what you should carry with you. Certified off-road instructor. I am not a mechanic, and 4-Wheeling is a hobby, so if I can't answer a technical question it is due to my mechanical knowledge being related to vehicles that I have owned, or have worked on. I do not have manuals on all vehicles.

Experience

40 plus years of 4 wheeling in a variety of vehicles. At the present time, my major off-road rig is a 94 Jeep Wrangler with a spring over and a 1 1/2" suspension lift. This gives me a total lift of 7" or so. I have lockers front and rear. I have removed the track bars, and sway bar for maximum articulation. I am running a stock 2.5 ltr 4 cylinder with a Jacobs ignition along with a cold air high flow filter. It has 4.56:1 gears with a Dodge NV4500 transmission along with a 3.8:1 Atlas II transfer case. This gives me a final ratio of 105:1 in low gear/low range. Other vehicles I own, are a 96 Ford F-250 with a 6" lift, posi rear end, 36" Hummer tires, 5 speed with a fuel injected 460 ci engine, an 87 Samurai with an 8" lift, Ford 9" rear end with a spool, Chevy Dana 44 front end with an electric locker, 5.88 gears, 16% reduction in high range and a 6.5:1 low range with 35" Baja Claws, and a stock 2003 Grand Cherokee Overland. Trails I have run are the Rubicon (10 times), Dusey Ershim, Fordyce Creek trail, McGrew trail, several trails in Moab, Utah along with local monthly runs.

Organizations
Lost Coast 4x4's Cal 4-Wheel Corva UFWDA Blue Ribbon Coalition

Education/Credentials
Certified off-road instructor - Certificates in engineering/electronics

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