COMPARISON · THE SHOWDOWN
OPEN LABOR PROJECT
VEHICLE A
▼
Chevrolet
Uplander
3.9L V6
VS
VEHICLE B
▼
Chevrolet
Uplander
3.5L V6
Real labor data. Real maintenance costs. Real recall counts. No subscription, no paywall — free for every wrench-turner.
01
Specifications
Year
2009
2009
Engine
3.9L V6
3.5L V6
Drivetrain
AWD
AWD
Transmission
—
—
Fuel
gas
gas
04
Cost of Ownership
★ WINNER
5-Year Maintenance
$7,038
0.12 $/mi
5-Year Maintenance
$7,038
0.12 $/mi
Routine maintenance only. Cost = labor hours × $150/hr × estimated 5-yr frequency. Parts cost not included.
05
Maintenance Breakdown
Hours per common service. Lower is faster (and cheaper) at the shop.
Oil & filter change
0.4 hrs$1,200 / 5yr
0.4 hrs$1,200 / 5yr
Differential fluid
1.5 hrs$530 / 5yr
1.5 hrs$530 / 5yr
Front brake pads
1.2 hrs$520 / 5yr
1.2 hrs$520 / 5yr
Rear brake pads
1.2 hrs$500 / 5yr
1.2 hrs$500 / 5yr
Tire rotation
0.4 hrs$480 / 5yr
0.4 hrs$480 / 5yr
Wiper blades
0.3 hrs$300 / 5yr
0.3 hrs$300 / 5yr
Brake fluid flush
0.8 hrs$270 / 5yr
0.8 hrs$270 / 5yr
12V battery
0.4 hrs$260 / 5yr
0.4 hrs$260 / 5yr
Cabin air filter
0.3 hrs$210 / 5yr
0.3 hrs$210 / 5yr
Fuel filter
0.5 hrs$210 / 5yr
0.5 hrs$210 / 5yr
Spark plugs
0.8 hrs$200 / 5yr
0.8 hrs$200 / 5yr
Water pump
2.5 hrs$173 / 5yr
2.5 hrs$173 / 5yr
Oxygen sensor
1.5 hrs$173 / 5yr
1.5 hrs$173 / 5yr
Coolant flush
0.8 hrs$170 / 5yr
0.8 hrs$170 / 5yr
Intake manifold gasket
3.0 hrs$162 / 5yr
3.0 hrs$162 / 5yr
Engine air filter
0.3 hrs$150 / 5yr
0.3 hrs$150 / 5yr
Oil pan gasket
3.5 hrs$144 / 5yr
3.5 hrs$144 / 5yr
Alternator
1.5 hrs$131 / 5yr
1.5 hrs$131 / 5yr
Serpentine belt
0.6 hrs$125 / 5yr
0.6 hrs$125 / 5yr
Valve cover gasket
1.5 hrs$114 / 5yr
1.5 hrs$114 / 5yr
Power steering flush
0.5 hrs$95 / 5yr
0.5 hrs$95 / 5yr
Starter motor
1.5 hrs$85 / 5yr
1.5 hrs$85 / 5yr
PCV valve
0.4 hrs$80 / 5yr
0.4 hrs$80 / 5yr
Thermostat
0.8 hrs$56 / 5yr
0.8 hrs$56 / 5yr
06
Active Recalls
Open NHTSA Recalls
0
CLEAR
Open NHTSA Recalls
0
CLEAR
✓ Both vehicles are completely clear of open safety recalls.
07
Fluid Capacities
Chevrolet Uplander
ac_refrigerant · R-134a
brake1.00 qt · FMVSS 116 DOT 3
coolant12.50 qt · GM 6277M
engine_oil4.50 qt · API SM
front_diff · none — integrated with transmission
power_steering1.50 qt · GM Part No. 89021184
rear_diff1.50 qt · GM Part No. 12378261
transfer_case1.00 qt · GM Dexron VI
transmission_auto13.00 qt · GM Dexron VI
washer4.00 qt · windshield washer fluid
Chevrolet Uplander
ac_refrigerant · R-134a
brake1.00 qt · FMVSS 116 DOT 3
coolant12.50 qt · GM 6277M
engine_oil4.50 qt · API SM
front_diff · none — integrated with transmission
power_steering1.50 qt · GM Part No. 89021184
rear_diff1.50 qt · GM Part No. 12378261
transfer_case1.00 qt · GM Dexron VI
transmission_auto13.00 qt · GM Dexron VI
washer4.00 qt · windshield washer fluid
08
The Verdict
TOO CLOSE TO CALL
Across cost of ownership and recall count, neither vehicle pulls decisively ahead. Pick on personal preference — drivetrain, transmission feel, brand loyalty, or the engine that puts a smile on your face.
Open the full dashboard for either truck
Labor times, torque specs, fluid capacities, DTC codes, repair procedures, recalls, common platform problems.