[greenj3]

First off... Wow... What a great forum and great people. The data and information on this site is excellent. I have to say I would have never purchased a Buick if it wasn't for this site. I'm 32 yeas old, work in High Tech Sales, have been blessed with a great job and NEVER thought I'd buy a Buick. This is different...this isn't my father's Regal or Riviera. My 70 year old father almost fainted when I told him I was buying a Buick... Most people say "you're doing what..." Only if they knew what we all know.....

Enough with the nonsense. I need the groups help and assistance...please! I'm a new father (8 month year old little girl ;0)) and I'm struggling to decide on whether I should wait two weeks to order the console or proceed without. FYI: I'm not in a huge hurry for the car, so two weeks is not a big deal to me.

Here's my dilemma. [/color] I entertain clients and I'm a daddy. I like the idea of the extra isle (no console) to walk through to access the third row but at the same time I want to make sure my clients are comfortable and have room for their adult beverages in the 2nd row.

Today I have a rear facing car seat. In three months I'll have a front facing car seat. More than likely (god willing) in 18 months I'll have a new rear facing car seat in addition to my front facing car seat. I'm trying to make this decision based on practicality, the future and my clients comfort.

While it's nice to be able to move between the 2nd row and 3rd row, I also want comfort and elegance. For those of you who already own a Enclave with out a console can you please share your experiences as it relates to 2nd row drink placement, seat comfort and storage. Based on my limited knowledge It would appear the rear console is a necessity for the drink storage and headphones. Is it not?

For those of you who are wiser and more experienced, how big a deal is it to have that extra space between the seats when you have small children and car seats? Would you rather have the space to move around (No Console) or more storage (Console)? [/color]

The way I see it is the seats are designed to move regardless, they have great front to back mobility for access to the rear. Do I really need that extra isle or would I be better served with the console. I don't know; I'm a novice in grown man's world. It's always the little things like this that come back to bite me later....

[size=12pt]Any and all advice, experiences or wisdom would be appreciated. I apologize for this lengthy request...I'm tired and usually long winded in the evenings.[/color]

FYI: I've ordered a Gold Mist Metallic AWD CXL with everything but the block heater. Are there any other issues I should be aware of? So far I love this vehicle and everything about it... I'm trading in a 2003 Lincoln Navigator. Reasons being (Size, Fuel Economy, Back Up Camera, Comfort)

Thanks

James ;D

 

[greenj3]

PS. How comfy are the arm rests in the captains chairs that come with the console less version? Do we think a console would be as comfortable?

Thanks to everyone in advance for thier input!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[smokeyy]

First of all...congrats on your newest edition to your family! I'm also 32. I'm in sales (pharmaceutical) as well, however, I have a company car and clients/physicians are rarely, if ever, in it or see it. Oh by the way, we are expecting our first child in December. With all that being said, I clearly understand where you are coming from. I was in no hurry when I ordered my Enclave and thought about waiting to get the center console until I took it on an extended test drive (all weekend). We have a 2006 Nissan Armada with a center console that is easily removed. A friend of mine that also has an Armada with two small kids decided it was easier for him to just remove his center console for the second row, even when he had clients in his vehicle. His children were in the vehicle more often than clients. To me, the Enclave interior was classy enough, that I didn't feel as though the lack of a center console would me adult passengers feel as though something was lacking. I do like the way the seats slide forward to allow entry to the third row. However, it is much easier to access the third row by simply walking between the captains chairs. It would have been perfect if Buick would designed the console like Nissan and designed it to be removed...oh well. You brought up a good point. We ordered ours with the DVD system and I'm now wondering where I will store the headsets. Maybe in the center console up front. Bottom line...if your clients are in your vehicle often, I would probably wait. However, if this going to be the primary hauler for your little one(s), I would rather have the walk through space. I don't think you can go wrong either way. There will be times you wish you did the opposite of whatever you end up doing. But the overall package of the Enclave should make everything more than okay.

 

[axiama]

The benefits of the 2nd row console are extra storage and perhaps a more upscale feel to the interior. Don't worry about the need for additional cupholders for the 2nd and 3rd row passengers - there are plenty of cupholders in the doors and molded into the interior panels.

The biggest factor for me with 2 kids was 3rd row access. I really like that my 5 year old can scoot between the captain's chairs and get to the 3rd row. If you are planning for another child in 18 months this may be something for you to consider. That's about the time your oldest will move to a booster seat. Those are much easier to position in a vehicle since they don't use the latch system.

So, how long do you plan on driving this vehicle? If you'll only keep it for about 3 years then the console may be the way to go. If you plan on driving it longer you may want to consider skipping the center console.

 

[fenwah]

32 seems to be popular age. I'm 32 as well...and am expecting our third kid in January (have a six year old about to turn seven, and a 2 year old). I'm still torn between the Enclave and Acadia. I like the outside look of the Acadia, but like the interior of the Enclave. I plan on finishing my basement this winter. Will the center console lay flat with the two captain's chairs as well as the third row bench? I plan on getting the drywall and lumber delivered to my house, but I'm sure there will be times where I will have to run back to Lowe's to pick up another piece of drywall, etc...and want to make sure that it would fit back there.

 

[smokeyy]

I think I've seen a picture of the center console being able to lay flat when you want the second and third rows down for hauling dry wall or something like that.

 

[mrbuick]

I personally would like the console, but it was not available when I got my Enclave. I never sit in the back seat anyway. Coming from a minivan, my teenage daughters like the walk through to the 3rd row.
If I was to order one now, I would not order the console.

 

[KatieMae]

I'm a 38 year old mother of two (11 and 7) and I decided not to wait for the console though it's nice, classy addition. Ultimately, is your Enclave a family car or a business car? If the family will be in it most of all, you'll probably appreciate not having the console. I have a van now that I'm trading in and appreciate how easily everyone flows through the vehicle when loading it up with kids and their friends. It's also more utilitarian for trips to the home improvement stores, which if you're a homeowner, is something to consider. I also think that I saw somewhere that the console is supposed to fold flat, but is that after you're emptied it of it's contents etc. To me, it just seemed simpler to go without. BTW, there are pockets on the back of the seats that will offer you some storage, but when I get my Enclave, I plan to be a meany . Why my kids put something in the car, I'm going to expect them to take it out. No more trashing mommy's car!

 

[ajaybarve]

I am 39 and picked up our Enclave this past weekend with Captains Chairs. The Arm rests on the chairs are fairly comfortable. Having two kids, not having the console definitely helps. Access to the third row is definitely easier. There is plenty of storage without the center console. I store my headphones in the 3rd row arm rest. There are 4 cup holders for the captains chairs without the center console. One in each door and two in the driver/passenger center console for the captains chairs.

 

[dfc101a]

This will not be a popular view on this thread and on the board in general, but the most utilitarian configuration is the bench and even more so with young children. A bench would allow for an adult to sit in the second row with both children (in this example both are under three). With captains chairs, the older child will likely be forced to sit in the third row. Finally, I have not yet attempted to put an infant seat in the middle of our bench seat, but that position is the best location for infant seats IMO.

Just another point of view.

If forced to choose between the console or not, console. In our Odyssey, the console is great for holding gameboys, toys, and drinks of course. And access to the third row is little issue for kids - hop over the console, slide the seat forward, get out the back. Walking through the center of the captains chairs is very overrated for us.

 

[smokeyy]

ajaybarve,

I didn't think to put the headsets in the third row. I guess I'll pick up on more little things like that once my Enclave arrives. I didn't want to use the front console for headsets and now I don't have to.

As for the bench seat in the second row. I would not want that. I think it takes a little away from the "space" of the Enclave. I know you lose one seat but it just feels a lot better when you get in and have the captain's chairs as opposed to the bench seat. There is a reason vehicles have gone away from bench seats in the front. I can't think of a vehicle made in the past 8-10 years that offers a bench up front. My 1980 Pontiac Grand LeMans did but it was a 1980 Pontiac Grand LeMans.

 

[mrbuick]

Buick still offers a front bench for the LaCrosse @ $250.00, and Lucerne @ $295.00.

 

[fenwah]

Is the center console an option that you delete from the order it if you ordered one? Or will all Lambda's have the center console if you go with the captain's chairs in the 2nd row.

 

[zman]

Is the center console an option that you delete from the order it if you ordered one? Or will all Lambda's have the center console if you go with the captain's chairs in the 2nd row.

I am pretty certain it is an option if you get the 2nd row buckets. If you do not specifically order it, you will not get it.

 

[dfc101a]

As for the bench seat in the second row. I would not want that. I think it takes a little away from the "space" of the Enclave. I know you lose one seat but it just feels a lot better when you get in and have the captain's chairs as opposed to the bench seat. There is a reason vehicles have gone away from bench seats in the front. I can't think of a vehicle made in the past 8-10 years that offers a bench up front. My 1980 Pontiac Grand LeMans did but it was a 1980 Pontiac Grand LeMans.

Personal preference aside, comparing a front bench to a second row bench is a bit of a stretch. How many sedans have split buckets and a console in the second row? For that matter, the common configuration for SUV's is a bench because for one that is something a SUV has always done better than a minivan.

The captains are nice and turn the Enclave all the more into a minivan replacement with style. Options are good.

 

[greenj3]

Folks,

This is great. Thanks for all the replies. Please keep it coming. I'm still undecided but I will admit the storage in the third row is a big plus for no console. It's a shame no one has actually seen or touched a 2nd row console.

FYI: The 2nd row console is an option and has to be included in the original order. The Enclave can not [/color] be retrofitted due to electrical issues and seat configurations. Enclaves with a console come with armless captain chairs (console acts as a arm) while Enclaves without a console come with captain chairs with fold down arms.

Thanks for all the input and advice.

 

[fenwah]

I am pretty certain it is an option if you get the 2nd row buckets. If you do not specifically order it, you will not get it.

Edmund's web site is indicating that it's a $250 option for the 2008 Acadia. I'm going to assume that it's the same price for the Enclave.

 

[sunshadw]

Greenj3,
My wife and I like many others have been wrestling with the same decision. Back in January when we first decided on the Enclave, we were convinced that we had to have the console (it was removed from the Distribution Updates 1/29/07).
Our current ride, a Pacifica, has one so we thought we wanted it in the Enclave also.
1. The Pacifica's includes the second seat's heat control --- Buick decided we don't want/need heated seats
2. The Pacifica's includes drink holders --- Buick covers this with other areas for drinks
3. The Pacifica's includes the rear seat AC/Heat controls --- Buick's controls are on the back of the front console, I believe, and A/C ducts elsewhere.
4. We have never used the Pacifica's storage area
My following comments are probably more intended for your 'client' passengers. It seems that there is an almost unanimous vote for ease with children and carseats to leave out the console.
My reasoning is more for the slightly arthritic, somewhat stout 'Older Americans' who will buy the Enclave. Our rear passenger area will probably be used only for:
1. A bunch of neighbors going out for margaritas, I mean Mexican food, and I cannot visualize any movement between seats. Also, after sitting in the 3rd row middle of a test Acadia, I enjoyed the extra leg room and feeling of openness.
2. Picking up family and friends from out 'local' airport (110 miles away in las Vegas), the extra floor space would be useful for some of the luggage.
3. Out here in the warm zone, we never travel with out a cooler of water or the like with us. We will probably use the between seat floor space for a 12 volt cold box.
After considering all, we decided that we wouldn't miss a fixed console and ordered our Enclave without it.
Wayne

 

[rocketman]

Greenj3,
My wife and I like many others have been wrestling with the same decision. Back in January when we first decided on the Enclave, we were convinced that we had to have the console (it was removed from the Distribution Updates 1/29/07).
Our current ride, a Pacifica, has one so we thought we wanted it in the Enclave also.
1. The Pacifica's includes the second seat's heat control --- Buick decided we don't want/need heated seats
2. The Pacifica's includes drink holders --- Buick covers this with other areas for drinks
3. The Pacifica's includes the rear seat AC/Heat controls --- Buick's controls are on the back of the front console, I believe, and A/C ducts elsewhere.
4. We have never used the Pacifica's storage area
My following comments are probably more intended for your 'client' passengers. It seems that there is an almost unanimous vote for ease with children and carseats to leave out the console.
My reasoning is more for the slightly arthritic, somewhat stout 'Older Americans' who will buy the Enclave. Our rear passenger area will probably be used only for:
1. A bunch of neighbors going out for margaritas, I mean Mexican food, and I cannot visualize any movement between seats. Also, after sitting in the 3rd row middle of a test Acadia, I enjoyed the extra leg room and feeling of openness.
2. Picking up family and friends from out 'local' airport (110 miles away in las Vegas), the extra floor space would be useful for some of the luggage.
3. Out here in the warm zone, we never travel with out a cooler of water or the like with us. We will probably use the between seat floor space for a 12 volt cold box.
After considering all, we decided that we wouldn't miss a fixed console and ordered our Enclave without it.
Wayne

After drinking Margaritas and eating Mexican Food (No Offense To Anyone), I imagine there would be plenty of movement all over the seats and between them too. Ha !!!

 

[rocketman]

Folks,

This is great. Thanks for all the replies. Please keep it coming. I'm still undecided but I will admit the storage in the third row is a big plus for no console. It's a shame no one has actually seen or touched a 2nd row console.

FYI: The 2nd row console is an option and has to be included in the original order. The Enclave can not [/color] be retrofitted due to electrical issues and seat configurations. Enclaves with a console come with armless captain chairs (console acts as a arm) while Enclaves without a console come with captain chairs with fold down arms.

Thanks for all the input and advice.

I have seen the Console. That's why I want the Console at all cost.
See my Gallery and check out the Split Color Enclave. That one had a Console in it. I couldn't drive it, but I spent approx 45 or 50 minutes inside that one Vehicle. Then I checked out the others. ;D