Buick Enclave 2014 Rental

[MolaKule]

I rented a Buick Enclave, GM Lambda platform 3.6L V6, (starting mileage 16,570 miles) for an 800 mile round trip.

Here are my impressions for those who might be interested.

Advantages:
1. Ample room for 7 passengers
2. engine power just about right; does rev up high for highway entrance
3. side detection for vehicles coming into your blind spot. It is needed for this vehicle with the body contours.
4. Backup video system and radar warning good.
5. HVAC is good and very controllable.

Disadvantages:
1. Parking brake is placed in the dumbest position.You have to be a gymnist to actuate the parking brake as it is up high and too far forward.
2. Headrest very uncomfortable.
3. Transmission seems to surge or "hunt" at low speeds.


Opinion: The engine was tight so it probably has better acceleration as it ages.

 

[yonyon]

You're looking at this all wrong. It's a Buick Enclave. It's meant to be as much like a living room with nice comfy-chairs as possible.

Advantages: #1 is good. #2 is bad because a living room shouldn't feel like it's moving. #3 is irrelevant. #4 is only good if it's easy to repurpose for watching television. #5 is also good.

Disadvantages: #1 is irrelevant. #2 bad -> uncomfortable is obvious. #3. low speeds are good, but you shouldn't be noticing the hunting.

 

[MolaKule]

BTW, highway mileage was so-so at about 28mpg.

Another disadvantage I should mention is the suspension system noise. Every small bump or rise in the pavement could audibly be detected.

I saw the original invoice and it was 47k+.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

28MPG is pretty good for something of that size!

 

[Corvette Owner]

There are two buttons that adjust the headrest, you missed one.

 

[Benzadmiral]

Is that the larger Buick SUV, or the small one? If it's the big one, 28 highway is great. But audible bumps from the suspension are not.

Whenever I've peered into the big Buick SUV, whatever its name, I've liked the look of the interior. Buick really put some nice trim and details into it.

 

[Hokiefyd]

The Enclave is the big one. And yes, 28 mpg is fantastic.

 

[cptbarkey]

way too expensive for a glorified minivan.

 

[Old Mustang Guy]

OurAcadia has never gotten anything close to 28 mpg, more like 22-23 on the highway.

 

[strat81]

Originally Posted By: cptbarkey
way too expensive for a glorified minivan.


You haven't priced premium minivans lately. But $40k+ for any vehicle not designed to haul a 5th wheel or race is a tough pill for me to swallow, but that's the trend.



I know three people with Enclaves. All complain about the transmission. Hunts and "never in the right gear" are common complaints. Too bad, as it's nice looking vehicle that's comfortable on the highway.