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Should I buy an Enclave?

9K views 13 replies 10 participants last post by  fcar53 
#1 ·
Hello,

I'm looking to buy a 2014-2016 pre-owned Enclave. After researching some common problems with these vehicles, I'm now a little gun shy. I have a few questions that I was hoping some of you could help with. I currently own Toyotas and put upwards of 200K miles on each with little to no mechanical issues. Could I expect the same from the Enclave? I've read about the transmission, a/c and timing chain issues. Have any of these issues been resolved on the 2014-2016 models? We are really easy easy on our cars and keep up the maintenance as it should be. Thanks for your recommendations and suggestions.

By the way.... I've owned my Buick Grand National since 1986 and it has 59K original miles. I am excited about the possibly of owning a new generation Buick again! :smile:
 
#2 · (Edited)
It's very unlikely you're going to go 200k in an Enclave without a lot of repairs. I don't expect to keep mine much past 100k. The forum is full of people who stretched their budget by buying 90k+ miles Enclaves and their stories don't end well. GM has come a ways but they're generally not 200k mile cars.

That said, take problems on a forum with a grain of salt. For non-enthusiast vehicles 99% of people don't join a forum if their car is running fine. They join because they're having an issue and want help or want to complain about an issue to anyone that will listen. Meanwhile the trouble free cars get under-represented because their drivers have no reason to sign up and post.
 
#3 ·
I can't say if you can get 200,000 miles out of an Enclave. What i can say is a lot of problems have been work out for 14-16. I owned an 09 Traverse LTZ that i had many problems all under warranty so not much of a problem. I now own a 15 Enclave Premium. Bought used with 5000 miles. Have owned for 3 years and 30,000 miles and not a single problem"Knoch on Wood'. So if you do buy i would also buy a Warranty for insurance. I did.
 
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#4 ·
The newer Enclaves are much better. I'd get the latest model you can afford. GM made major changes to the transmission starting with the later 2013 models which eliminated the pressure switch issue on the TECM.
 
#6 ·
nearing 150,000 on my 2010 Trans.
Has not broken down.


Though Ive replaced the discs.... (the discs were removed in 2012+ trans- so no need to worry about them)

The discs were $30 or so- they tear- from Flexing.


I do occasional drain and refills to keep fluid clean.
 
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#11 ·
nearing 150,000 on my 2010 Trans.
...The discs were $30 or so- they tear- from Flexing...
GM should have NEVER used such a cheap part to begin with. It's stupid things like this that can cause these transmissions to fail on owners at the wrong time, increasing the likelihood of crashes and people getting hurt, all for some executive to get a bigger bonus thru all the cost savings.

I really think that had GM made the Lambdas very reliable, they would have made a lot more sales in the long run. Just look at what Toyota is doing with the Highlander as proof. I'm glad GM did fix the transmissions in later years.

Rbarrios, I did want to thank you for all your posts on this forum on how to fix these vehicles. Your advice has helped a lot of us.
 
#7 ·
B-Man, I feel your pain. I paid about $4500 to rebuild the trans on my 2009, but I only had 73,000 miles. I was changing fluid every 25,000 miles too so it's not like I didn't take care of the transmission. I think it might have just been the TECM but the transmission shop said that when that goes, other stuff inside the transmission can get screwed up too. There's no way to know unless it is opened. They found burnt clutches and replaced that, the wave plates, torque converter, and other parts. Since I put my family in this vehicle I opted to spend the money and fix it - far cheaper than a new SUV. It shifts great now.

With that being said, GM should be ashamed that these transmissions have so many issues. My brother's Toyota has gone over 200,000 miles with just fluid changes.
 
#8 ·
I Understand your pain. I don't know if it was just plain old dumb luck....but I had 225k miles on my 2008 Enclave with original wave plate and no transmission issues. I did have the beginnings of possible transmission issues at 227k miles and decided to trade up to a nice used 2013. All-in-all......can't complain.
 
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#9 ·
You have some top rate people responding to your question above. I just posted my issue at 91K. It just happened and we're beyond depressed. 91K and the vehicle is basically done. We can put $4,000 into a $11-12K vehicle. After 7 years of ownership and 7 years of GM service, we're out of luck. Based on my current state of mind - I would say that a Buick Enclave is an excellent car to LEASE (not own) for 3-5 years.

More on our issue: https://www.enclaveforum.net/20-engine-drivetrain/22187-another-gm-victim-porosity.html
 
#10 · (Edited)
Maybe, Maybe Not...

Chris311
First off.... Rock On with the Grand National. 3.8L turbo V6 still blows my mind for that era.

I just recently purchased a fully loaded 2014 Enclave Premium because of it's people capacity and local service options. With the exception of my 2006 F150, I've only purchased Honda and Toyota vehicles in the past.

Can you expect the 200K + miles without significant issues: not a chance.

They're not built for it. It's a heavy machine with parts made for lighter equipment. The suspension parts in my son's 2006 Accord are far far heavier than the Enclave that's double the weight. While seeming more plush interior, the plastics are cheaper, thinner and the tabs holding them in have broken on mine.

Not to completely poo-poo the Enclave: It's a very quiet, smooth and comfortable ride. The features (that are part of daily driving) are well done. GM has that part mastered. The engine in these is overall really good and doesn't have a lot of service issues (like Pontiac's Quad4..). You can drive for 2 hours non-stop and not feel like it's been a draining experience. No AC problems to report. I've spoken with unrelated mechanics on the transmission and don't believe there is a prolific problem with them.

The key to longevity is proper maintenance and not abusing it. Follow GMs service schedule. Address issues right away. Pay a GM dealer or trusted mechanic (even if it's yourself) to do maintenance and repairs right.
Parts wear out on all vehicles. So a bearing going bad isn't a bad omen necessarily.

In all honesty: I searched for 6-10 months for a used Honda Pilot w/ options in the sub $30K range with low miles and couldn't find it, so I settled on the Enclave.

My autos: 2014 Enclave (60K), 2006 F150 Crew (190K), 2006 Accord V6 Sedan (185K), 2004 Honda Odyssey (240K)
 
#14 ·
I fell your pain when i hear all the problems that are had with these cars.I owned an 09 Traverse LTZ that i bought as a demo with 7000 miles. First year model run. Nice car, put 77000 miles on it. Never left me stuck anywhere. Had lots of problems. Kept it under warranty the whole time. Did not cost a lot of out of pocket money other than what i paid for the warranty, That was worth every penny. I will not be with a warranty with these modern cars. I understand when people are upset when these cars become a problem around and after 100000 miles. There was a time that if a car lasted longer than 60000 you were thrilled. Personally i don't fell that buying a car with over 100000 mile is a good investment. And if you bought it new and got 100000 you did real good.I know I'm going to hear about all the Hondas and Toyotas That get much more than that. Well right know i own a 2015 Enclave Premium. Bought used with 5000 miles and 18 months old. Three years later and 31000 miles, still has original Tires, Brakes, Never been to the Dealer since i bought it. A friend bought a Toyota top of the line crossover at the same time i did.. Replaced full set of brakes, Three sets of tires and trips to the dealer. He has just about the same milage as i do. So theres good and bad with every car maker, and you never know what you will get when you buy a vehicle.
 
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