2010 Equinox 4 cylinder?

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A relative of mine leases a 2010 Equinox LT2 with the 2.4l SIDI four cylinder (ecotec). She gets great gas mileage (fwd) and hasnt had a single problem with it. I drove it and thought it was VERY peppy for a 4 cylinder crossover. I also liked all of the new techy stuff that my 2002 Envoy SLT doesnt have. Ive been thinking of selling the ol' GMT360 and getting into an Equinox.

Any feedback from BITOG on the new model of Equinox with the 4 cylinder engine (2010+)?
 
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You have to watch for fuel dilution on these direct-injected models, but other than that, I haven't heard of any problems. I rented one for a few days and I liked them also. Excellent front seat legroom, and I am 6'7". If I was in the market for a new (to me) vehicle, I would consider one. Just be aware that there's not going to be any long-drain OCI's on this vehicle, regardless of the quality of oil used. But we all like changing oil, right??
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My dad has an older one with the V6 I wouldnt reccomend it but yours is a different story I think that with the 4 cylinder it would be a great car adn hopefully by 10 they got rid of some of the issues his had like the blend doors and actuators and also ignition locking up.
 
Even if you change oil every 5-6k/6mo with quality synthetic oil, the increase cost of oil change a year is much less than the gas saving so that you will come out way ahead.
 
Overall really nice. I would avoid the ones with 19" rims (turning radius sucks, ask me how I know) and 2011s with the 4 cylinder. The pre-2012s, primarily 2011s had common issues with the camshaft
actuators and solenoids, where they wouldn't lock at shutdown, and upon start up would rattle and make the engine sound like a diesel/and or falling apart. Overall though quiet, comfortable ride.
Handling isn't the best, but then coming from an Envoy, it would
still be a big step up, imo.
 
We have the previous generation chassis, and with the foothills and mountains here, it would be unusable with a four banger. Ours has the HF 3.6 V6 (non DI) and that makes adequate power and offers reasonable economy. Ours is the GXP variant, and is a pretty nice driver for that type of vehicle.

A four banger might be OK in flat country. That's not what we have around here.
 
My daughter has a 2011 Equinox LTZ with the 6 cylinder engine. It is a great SUV.

I was surprised how peppy the 4 cylinder was also, but coming from a V6 Malibu, she wanted the V6. She also wanted 4WD.

Her OLM maxes out at 5500 miles due to fuel dilution and resultant timing chain wear.
 
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Originally Posted By: Nick R
I would avoid the ones with 19" rims (turning radius sucks, ask me how I know)

Realistically, how much difference can there be in turning radius between 19" and 17" rims?
 
Maybe wider tires cause the 19" wheel version to have much worse turning radius?

If the 2010 is the redesigned version, I'd get one if looking for a CUV. It's roomy, the interior is pretty good, and it has a lot of space for stuff.
 
Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Originally Posted By: Nick R
I would avoid the ones with 19" rims (turning radius sucks, ask me how I know)

Realistically, how much difference can there be in turning radius between 19" and 17" rims?


I'd have to look, but iirc the difference is something like 7/8 feet.
 
I like the looks of them, but don't really have any hands on experience. I would go with the smaller tires just for cheaper replacements down the road and less road noise (something I notice on most crossovers with larger wheels).

Off Topic: Nick, you already have 4000 miles on your Mazda? Wowza!
 
Originally Posted By: Nick R
Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Originally Posted By: Nick R
I would avoid the ones with 19" rims (turning radius sucks, ask me how I know)

Realistically, how much difference can there be in turning radius between 19" and 17" rims?


I'd have to look, but iirc the difference is something like 7/8 feet.

That's pretty bad if true.

Realistically, it'd be kind of retarded anyway to get the smaller engine in an effort to get better mpg (I presume), but then opt for the larger/heavier/wider 19" rims that will negatively affect mpg, acceleration, stopping, and turning radius. More expensive tire replacements, too. Alas, I'm sure people gobble it up for looks.
 
Originally Posted By: jigen
I like the looks of them, but don't really have any hands on experience. I would go with the smaller tires just for cheaper replacements down the road and less road noise (something I notice on most crossovers with larger wheels).

Off Topic: Nick, you already have 4000 miles on your Mazda? Wowza!


I'll have over 5,300 by the time I get back from Toronto on sunday night.
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My good buddy bought a brand new '11 4 cyl FWD. He loves it thus far and claims it's the best vehicle he's ever owned. I would agree as he has always owned GM and most were only OK vehicles. He has always had good success with GM as-far-as reliability but, most were not great to drive as this new gen NOX.

I have driven on several occasions, his '11 NOX and again I agree that this vehicle is very nice and quiet, smooth and very tightly constructed(great closing doors) with good/tight steering and brakes. A great vehicle to drive with good power(useable power)from the 4 cyl and MPG for a 4000lb CUV. He consistantly get ~26(or better) city and does drive for MPG as well. The suspension handles corners well while soaking up road imperfections. Nice job GM!

What impresses me the most about the Equinox is just HOW QUIET this vehicle is. It's much quieter than my wifes Lexus RX and also quieter than my other buddy's Caddy DTS. This is a very quiet vehicle.

Besides the engine being direct injection, which seems to give many folks pause due to the possible valve deposits, this Equinox should be trouble free for the most part and has quite a good resale value compared to other previous GM vehicles.

As-far-as driving this new gen NOX, the only short coming IMHO, is the outward vision especially in the rear quarters. But, it is very nice to drive, comfortable and roomy.

Again, NICE JOB GM!
 
Off topic:
I drove a friends 2012 Equinox and its pretty nice, I just don't like all the shiny silver/chrome trim on the interior.
I have to agree with Char Baby that its a very quiet ride even at highway speeds.
 
Originally Posted By: LT4 Vette
Off topic:
I drove a friends 2012 Equinox and its pretty nice, I just don't like all the shiny silver/chrome trim on the interior.
I have to agree with Char Baby that its a very quiet ride even at highway speeds.



Again, I am very impressed with the build quality of the NOX, from the time you open the doors which, have strong feeling pullback from the "pull door handles" and the very solid feeling of the doors themselves, that close with a very solid "THUNK" as nicely as any vehicle I have EVER heard/felt costing much more.
 
Thanks for all the feedback.

Ive been doing a ton of diligent research. Seems the early (2010 - the model year Im looking at!) had serious issues with the timing chains, timing actuators, and fuel pumps. It seems on the
'Nox forums, its all they talk about. I dont think it was a few "isolated incidents" either.
shocked.gif


I found a really nice 2010 'Nox by my house at a dealer, 70k miles for a song and a dance. AND it has all the options Im looking for. But Im nervous about only having 30,000 miles left on the 5/100k powertrain warranty. Im going to have to have a service history pulled to see if its had the (what seems to be) obligatory timing component work under warranty.

Let me add a little to the mix:

Would you choose a '10 Ford Escape Limited FWD or a '10 Equinox LT FWD. The better half has a '10 Escape v6 limited and its been absolutely problem free. I'd hate to have 2 Escapes though...lol They are both the same price (within $500 of each other). The Ford has no reported widespread common engine issues BUT I like the way the 'Nox looks better. What would you do?
 
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Originally Posted By: [email protected]
Would you choose a '10 Ford Escape Limited FWD or a '10 Equinox LT FWD. The better half has a '10 Escape v6 limited and its been absolutely problem free. I'd hate to have 2 Escapes though...lol They are both the same price (within $500 of each other). The Ford has no reported widespread common engine issues BUT I like the way the 'Nox looks better. What would you do?


I would buy the 'Nox.
The Equinox is a nicer vehicle in every respect.
The Escape may be tried and true and trouble free, but it is not as solid feeling, nor as good looking both inside and out, as the Equinox is. The choice for me would be incredibly easy.
 
I've owned a 2010 Nox since Dec 2009. Early build. It has 36,000 miles now and never been back to the dealer except for state inspections. Still has original brakes. The only thing I've had to replace is the windshield wipers.
It's been a good solid vehicle for me. Everything is wearing very well and no rattles. I wouldn't worry too much about what you see on the forum. It only takes a handful of whiners to make a decent vehicle appear to be a troublesome piece of junk.
 
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