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How Long Do Buick Enclaves Last? The Scoop on Vehicle Lifespan

in Reliability
Silver Buick Enclave

Buick Enclave by Alexander Migl - CC-BY-SA-4.0

In America, bigger is often better in the eyes of consumers. This is especially true with utility vehicles, as car shoppers have abundant options for three-row crossovers and SUVs. Among mainstream brands, there are popular choices like the Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer. Upscale offerings include the Acura MDX and Volvo XC90. Straddling the line between mass market and luxury is the Buick Enclave. This leads to some buyers asking, “how long do Buick Enclaves last?”

First hitting the streets as a 2008 model, the Buick Enclave was General Motors’ entry into the exploding three-row crossover market. It shared a platform with the Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, and the short-lived Saturn Outlook (GM shuttered the Saturn division in 2010). To not steal customers from Chevy and GMC showrooms, the Enclave was positioned as a more affordable alternative to premium import brands like Lexus and Acura. 

For those looking for a larger upmarket vehicle, particularly a used one, the Enclave is a credible option. It can accommodate seven or eight people in relative comfort. And Buick gave the Enclave a quiet cabin for a more luxurious feel. But a car’s amenities mean little if it doesn’t run. Wondering how long do Buick Enclaves last is logical. 

Consumer Reports estimates that the average modern car is drivable for 150,000, a vast improvement over 20th-century automobiles that struggled to reach 100,000 miles. Does the Enclave fall within Consumer Reports’ forecast? We’ll explore reliability ratings for the different Buick Enclave generations to find the answers.

  • First Generation: 2008-2017
  • Second Generation: 2018-Current

With the launch of the second generation, GM switched to a completely different platform for the Buick Enclave and its stablemates (the Chevy Traverse and GMC Acadia). As a result, making a universal statement about Enclave longevity covering both generations will prove inaccurate. 

For example, the Buick Enclave is rated 3.0 out of 5.0 for reliability by RepairPal. This crossover also sits near the bottom among all mid-sized SUVs (24th out of 26), according to RepairPal. However, the rating firm lumps together all Enclave model years. The first years of this Buick (2008-2011) are well-known for engine and transmission troubles (we’ll cover this later), which unfairly casts more recent years in a bad light (when all the model years are grouped together). 

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Do Buick Enclaves Last Long?

To answer the question, “How long do Buick Enclaves last?” we examined data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Consumer Reports, RepairPal, and carcomplaints.com. 

The focus is on issues with the engine and transmission. While there can be many problem areas in a car, the powertrain (the engine and transmission) is the most critical. These components are also the most expensive to fix. Costly repairs are usually what causes a car to be pulled from the road. For most owners, repair outlays that exceed a vehicle’s value don’t make sense.  

How Many Miles Does A Buick Enclave Last? The Breakdown

2008-2017 Buick Enclave Lifespan: 150,000 miles

It’s not unusual for the first year of an all-new vehicle to have its share of problems. Think of this as “teething pains” or “gremlins.” Sometimes, these issues continue into subsequent years, which is what happened with the first-generation Buick Enclave.

Numerous owner reports submitted to NHTSA and carcomplaints.com cover engine or transmission troubles for the 2008-2011 model years. Meanwhile, Consumer Reports gives the 2011 a 1 out of 5 for reliability (it did not rate the 2008-2010 Enclaves). These are all warning signs that longevity might be affected. 

Fortunately, complaints drop substantially for the 2012-2017 model years. This may be because these editions are newer (and the problems haven’t yet started), yet the substantial fall-off in owner reports is encouraging.

Nonetheless, we cap the lifespan of the first-generation Buick Enclave at 150,000 miles. You may come across examples with more mileage, but these are few and far between. A review of online for-sale listings shows about 1,800 used 2008-2017 Buick Enclaves (as of September 29, 2023), with only 35 (or 1.9%) having 200,000 miles or more. 

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2018-Current Buick Enclave Lifespan: 150,000-200,000 miles

There’s more to be optimistic about with the second-generation Buick Enclave. Owner reports about the engine and transmission are practically non-existent. Much of this comes from the manufacturer switching to a more modern nine-speed automatic transmission, which, so far, has proved to be dependable. Buick also carried over the 3.6-liter V6 engine, which had improved reliability in the later years of the first-generation Enclave.

So, how long do Buick Enclaves last if they’ve been built since 2018? Thanks to few complaints and mostly respectable reliability ratings from Consumer Reports, we’re confident the second-generation Enclave will hold up as well as its predecessor. Using a more dependable transmission helps push longevity, leading us to expand lifespan to the 150,000-200,00-mile range. 

Tips to Help a Buick Enclave Last Longer

Vehicle longevity depends on more than just build quality. Consider these simple steps to prolong the life of a Buick Enclave or any vehicle.  

Regular Maintenance

  • Schedule routine check-ups to ensure your car is in optimal condition.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule.
  • Change the oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or as the manufacturer recommends.
  • Use the correct grade of oil for your vehicle.

Check Fluid Levels

  • Regularly check and top up essential fluids like coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid.

Tire Care

  • Rotate tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles to ensure even wear.
  • Check tire pressure monthly and maintain the recommended PSI.
  • Align wheels if you notice uneven tire wear or if the car pulls to one side.

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Unless you’re a mechanic or super-dedicated car enthusiast, you might not know much about the brakes on your car. How long do they typically last?​ How often should you replace your brakes​? We’ve got answers

Drive Responsibly

  • Avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking.
  • Let the car warm up for a minute or two during cold starts.

Cleanliness

  • Wash the car regularly to remove dirt, salt, and other corrosive materials.
  • Vacuum the interior and clean spills immediately to prevent stains and odors.

Protect from Elements

  • Park in the shade or use a car cover to protect the paint from UV rays.
  • Store the car in a garage in winter to protect it from extreme cold and snow.

Replace Worn Parts

  • Change worn-out belts, hoses, and other parts before they break.
  • Listen for unusual noises and address them promptly.

Battery Care

  • Ensure the battery terminals are clean and free from corrosion.
  • Replace the battery every 3-5 years or as needed.

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