2009 Buick Enclave

[ledhedsymbols]

Looking at replacements for my wife's Mazda 3 that was totalled a couple weeks ago. One of the options in our price range is the titled Buick. Any experience with them? I think they share a platform with the GMC acadia and the Chebby Traverse. Lots of bells and whistles for about 17k. Is it a dog?

[Nickshu]

I looked at all 3 in 2008 (new as 2009 models). The Buick was the nicest interior/feature wise but also the heaviest with the same engine as the other two. Despite this the only difference I could tell was the gas mileage was lower. The Buick seemed to drive nicer b/c of the mass, and I assume they modified the suspension for a better ride as this is a more premium model, at least it felt like they did.

In the end we bought a Ford Flex, which was a great car. Traded it in 2012 b/c wife wanted to downsize after the kids were out of strollers and carseats.

[Noah930]

FIL has one. Visibility out of it is a little tough, particularly for shorter drivers; both my MIL and SIL comment on that. When at a stoplight or parking lot, it's tough for them to see things like pedestrians, particularly when blocked by the A pillars.

But it replaced a Rendezvous, which was a not so great car. The Enclave is much better, overall, but Mrs Noah and I wouldn't want one in our garage. Gotta be better vehicles out there for us.

FIL loves it. (He's a Buick man, though.)

[yetibone]

I had one major repair on an '07 Acadia come thru the shop due to a stretched timing chain on the forward bank. The General issued a service bulletin that said the oil change interval should be changed from, I believe, 15,000 miles to no more than 7,500. An PCM reflash was also issued dealing with the service interval.

No fun to work on the drive train. Engine is far down, and back under the cowl. Very poor side access too. The reason for this is strictly for crash safety. The drive train is meant to go under the cabin during a heavy front end collision.

If it's anything like the General's other vehicles from those years, it may have some electrical problems due to module failures. Doors, seats, HVAC, entertainment and communications, etc... all have their own control modules on a controller area network hosted by the PCM. I've replaced and programmed more control modules on GM vehicles than on any other marque; usually Body control modules...


As far as the rest of the vehicle, They drive well, and are very comfortable. The 3.6 VVT engine is pretty powerful for it's size, and is generally pretty reliable. My brother has an '09 Enclave that only gets driven on long trips, or whenever he has a need for cargo space, or people space. He likes the car, but says it's pretty thirsty.

[onewhippedpuppy]

I'll make you a great deal on our 2013 Mazda5 Grand Touring. One owner, like new, 13k miles, we're selling because our growing family needs more space. It's way bigger than the Mazda3.

[fintstone]

They are butt ugly like most Buicks.

[Aggie93]

My wife's vehicle is a 2011, bought 18 month used. From my research, it seemed to avoid the 2008 and 2009 models. I cannot remember why. I used EnclaveForum.net: Buick Enclave Online Community - Index and it seemed pretty good.

We like it, but as others said it is big and viability is not great. It barely fits in the garage and the fender shows it. We like it for road trips, but I don't care to drive it around town.

[ledhedsymbols]

Good info from the Pelican brain trust as always. I'll keep everything in mind when we take a closer look and test drive a couple. The visibility is a big deal to me, and that will be a sticking point. I don't care for the massive pillars and high waistlines of many newer cars. Makes me feel like I'm driving a pillbox.

[Black968]

Have owned a 2010 CXL2 (full load) for the last year and a half. As stated, big and solid with a fantastic ride. Do not care for the panoramic sunroof but it comes standard. Seats are comfortable. The 3.6L is thirsty in town but OK on the highway. We bought it for the extra room in its class. Much more room than an MDX

[ledhedsymbols]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

I'll make you a great deal on our 2013 Mazda5 Grand Touring. One owner, like new, 13k miles, we're selling because our growing family needs more space. It's way bigger than the Mazda3.

Thanks for the offer! We loved our Mazda, but we are looking for a 3rd row. The CX-9 is also on the short list. Test drives tomorrow and then we shall re-evaluate. Any other recommendations for SUVs with a 3rd row under 20k?

[onewhippedpuppy]

Quote de onewhippedpuppy

I'll make you a great deal on our 2013 Mazda5 Grand Touring. One owner, like new, 13k miles, we're selling because our growing family needs more space. It's way bigger than the Mazda3.

Thanks for the offer! We loved our Mazda, but we are looking for a 3rd row. The CX-9 is also on the short list. Test drives tomorrow and then we shall re-evaluate. Any other recommendations for SUVs with a 3rd row under 20k?

It has a 3rd row! Seats six with second row captain's chairs. Under $20k too!

If you want a crossover SUV, my favorite is the Mazda CX-9.

[yetibone]

Originally Posted by fintstone

They are butt ugly like most Buicks.

I believe Buick hasn't made a good looking car since the late '60's.

The Late '40's Buick Eights, the '53 Skylark, the Roadmaster, the '59 Lesabre, '67 Rivera.....

Electra 225...

Ok, most of them are just really classy autoMObiles (should be pronounced just like that). Not ostentatious like a Cadillac, not utilitarian like a Chevrolet, not festooned with rocket ornaments like Oldsmobile. Turns heads, doesn't raise eyebrows.

Yeah, and a Grand National... Sinister look. Clean, understated. Properly bad ass.

[Aggie93]

Originally Posted by ledhedsymbols

Thanks for the offer! We loved our Mazda, but we are looking for a 3rd row. The CX-9 is also on the short list. Test drives tomorrow and then we shall re-evaluate. Any other recommendations for SUVs with a 3rd row under 20k?

We wanted the third row as well and the CX-9 was also on our short list. it is quite a bit smaller. Toyota Highlander and I think the Ford Explorer were the others we considered. We replaced a Highlander and went into the process thinking we would just get another one. Cannot remember why it slipped.

[unclebilly]

The CX-9 is nice, I had a rental in Houston for a week in 2013 and really liked it.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by Aggie93

We wanted the third row as well and the CX-9 was also on our short list. it is quite a bit smaller. Toyota Highlander and I think the Ford Explorer were the others we considered. We replaced a Highlander and went into the process thinking we would just get another one. Cannot remember why it slipped.

Good options, but you won't find the current bodystyle Highlander or Explorer for under $20k.

[ledhedsymbols]

And the winner is...

2007 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring with about 82k miles for $15.5k. Wifey's happy so I'm happy and we kept the cost within our budget. Our last Mazda was so good, and the other vehicles the met my wife's criteria were just too big for her preference. No regrets about it, the others were like tanks and the Mazda felt about half the size!

[onewhippedpuppy]

Congrats! When we bought our 5, it was between that and the CX9. It's a great SUV.