1) I've minimized the chirping by adjusting the latch pin -- still
chirps, but not as badly.
2) I bought the following "Warranty America Platinum Plan" from
It cost about $2k, but unlike a lot of plans, this one covers "wear
and tear" failures instead of just catastrophic failures. Moreover, it
will cover engine, electrical, AC, etc.
3) I think the swivel base doesn't accept the bracket on the back for
the rear facing seat. Just call Steve and ask for sure.
--- In ev_update@..., "Florian" <fkahlert@...> wrote:
congrats to the van... if you get it:).
reg. your point 1. this is a fairly common thing and there are 3
reasons why it happens,none of them serious:
a) check the black ribbon around the edge of the pop top roof on the
outside. In ours it has a tendency to losen and almost slip off in
the front left corner towards the middle and in the rear right corner.
If its slipping down in the front(you might see a tiny gap btwn the
ribbon and the edge of the roof) you get wind noise.
b) the second reason is that the top wasn't put down carefully. I'd
pop it and then pull it down again, making sure that all fabric parts
are nicely and carefully tucked in.
c) the third cause would be that the top just isn't sitting tight
enough. You can adjust this by adjusting the pop-top latching system.
I believe there is a document in the file section that explains how to
do that.
Can't comment on your 2 and 3 question.
Good luck
Florian 03 MVWK
--- In ev_update@..., "paraportland" <jimlittle@> wrote:
Greetings,
I'm about to pull the trigger and buy a 2003 Weekender with ~53K
miles. Van looks to be in excellent condition overall, both
mechanical and cosmetic. So... two questions:
1) I've noted a slight "chirping" sounds from the latch on the poptop
while test driving it. Would be irritating on long drives. Goes away
if you put one finger on the poptop handle and gently pull down. Is
this common with these vehicles? Any tips for eliminating it?
2) Extended Warranty: I've read ad nauseum here and at other sites
about the potential transmission problems, procedures for changing the
fluid, etc. I'm considering getting an extended warranty, but the
prices I've seen online are not encouraging. Most of the plans that
cover engine/transmission look to be around $2500+ for a 7 yr/100K
coverage. The company Gowesty.com uses doesn't sell direct to
consumers, only to dealers. Does anyone have a reference for a
reasonably priced ($1500 or less) extended warranty that will cover
major stuff? I'm fine with a reasonably high deductible. If I can't
find one for reasonable price, I'll probably just "self insure" and
put some money into savings and hope I don't need it.
3) Can someone with the rear-facing seat/safe combo from
verify for me when they say "doesn't work with rear facing seat in the
weekender" does that mean you lose ability to put in the rearfacing
seat at all, or does it just mean you can't rotate the seat when the
7th passenger seat is installed?
Thanks!
