Enclave for daily driver

My brother has a 2011 Chevy Traverse that sees very rough service, and it has been an excellent vehicle. The Buick version is just much nicer inside and out.

They are nice vehicles, for sure, but I don't think the fuel economy "improvement" warrants the change. My BIL traded in a Suburban on a '11 Acadia AWD, and hasn't noticed much of an increase of fuel economy (he reports about 2 mpg better). At least, not enough to outgain the more useful Suburban. Just his anecdotal info that I'm passing along!

covetsthesun wrote:
Test drove an Enclave the other day and was pretty impressed with it's handling and all around comfort. Also considering Traverse etc. Looking for a larger SUV that gets better gas mileage than my truck. Truck averages 18mpg both city/hwy. The Enclave I test drove averaged 23mpg.

Pros and cons...I'm interested in experiences and suggestions.

Thanks
cts

I have been on vacation. Just saw this.

I have driven the AWD version (Acadia and Traverse)of these for 3 of the last 5 winters. They were each new. The first one did not shift smoothly. I also struggled to get 20 mpg. The 2014 shifted smoothly, and I was able to easily average 21 mpg. For winters, there has been nothing better than the AWD. These vehicles were point and go through any snow or weather (and we did have record snow last year).

I also used mine to tow my livestock trailer. It did a great job, and had plenty of power. I really liked the ability to manuever the trailer with these vehicles.

As for the Buick, I do believe that they use a different glass for quieter ride, as well as other different sound prevention to make the Enclave quieter.

Also, these GM CUVs have a air-bag between the driver and passenger seat, to prevent the driver and passenger from colliding during a side-impact.

If there is not a surviving spouse to obtain the discount as noted, please send me a private message. I will see what can be done to provide you the Family discount.

MARK VANDERBENT wrote:
As for the trailblazer, yes I do think you will see a new mini suburban line up again on the new Colorado and canyon platform. Which gets me excited to hope for a new blazer with the 2.8 duramax that can tow a decent amount and get near 30 highway when solo.

I never thought of that, ie; GM bringing out a new mini suburban based on the new Colorado platform.

That vehcile idea really appeals to me. Think it would be a good seller.

Yes have heard the Tahoe is choice for resale and durability. Bit off topic I guess.

PAThwacker wrote:
I never see a lambda as a fleet police vehicle. The new ford explorers are used and will be my selection as the next kid transport wagon for the thackers.

The Explorers or Expoloders as nicknamed have by far the highest costs per mile than any other police duty vehicle, even higher than a Charger if you can believe that. It fills a need however that no other OEM bothers to try and fill. The Tahoes are much more durable and have great resale at the end of their service life, they cost more on the front side, more thirsty than an Explorer (but about the same as a V8 Charger) and they struggle with a perception problem (they look extravagant) but they are by far the best investment in a police vehicle.

Almost every time we buy a vehicle we like, GM kills it (seems like) right before we decide to buy another one. We liked the S-10, Gone, we liked the Safari / Astro, gone, we liked the Trialblazer / Jimmy, Gone ... We loved the "Wing/Doors Ext/cab GMC 2500, Gone ...

Now, we bought a Encore, which means it will be gone soon. Hurry up and buy one if you like them ... :) :) :)

So just because the police have it, you want one ???? So you drive a crown vic too ?? As for the trailblazer, yes I do think you will see a new mini suburban line up again on the new Colorado and canyon platform. Which gets me excited to hope for a new blazer with the 2.8 duramax that can tow a decent amount and get near 30 highway when solo.

PAThwacker wrote:
I never see a lambda as a fleet police vehicle. The new ford explorers are used and will be my selection as the next kid transport wagon for the thackers.

Some explanation regarding the process used in selecting fleet vehicles.

Government fleet orders are typically a question of which automotive manufacturer can meet certain specified, specifications, at the lowest cost. In the case of police vehicle the required package is generally referred to as the police package option. The police package option can include heavy duty cooling (transmission, power steering, engine oil), suspension/wheel/brake/tires, can include beefed up frame/sub frame, electrical, etc.....items like this.

The police package option is generally not available to anyone other than police departments. I would be surprised if a private citizen would be able to order the police package.

Ford offers a police package option, for the Ford Explorer, while to my knowledge GM does not offer a police package option for the Lambda vehicles.

However, GM does offer the police package option for the Chevy Tahoe. It is my understanding that the Tahoe is quite popular among police departments.

I never see a lambda as a fleet police vehicle. The new ford explorers are used and will be my selection as the next kid transport wagon for the thackers.