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Used 2008 Buick Enclave Consumer Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
275 reviews

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2.13 out of 5 stars

Don't Walk Away... RUN

dblanchf, 02/26/2014
2008 Buick Enclave CXL 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful

Bought this vehicle brand new in 2008. Thank God it came with a 5 year 100,000 mile warranty because we used it. Tires wore quickly even with Michellins and averaged about $1300.00 to replace. Brakes and rotors needed to be replaced and that was just under $1000. I thought that was outrageous until I've heard of people paying more than that for brakes! To top it all off, transmission failed on the freeway at 73,000 going up north with NO warning. Luckily it was covered by warranty, but even the technician said to get rid of it as soon as the warranty expires. I am a believer in the saying "you get what you pay for." Not with this car. Save yourself the hassle, stress, and money.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Nice Car, But One BIG Issue People Need To Know About

falconeddy, 07/28/2012
2008 Buick Enclave CXL 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful

There is a part in the transmission known as the 3-5-R clutch wave plate, or just the 'wave plate'. It has been discussed in depth on many forums for those of us that own an earlier GM, Lambda-designed based vehicle. Outlook, Acadia, Enclave, Traverse; not all model years are affected. The wave plate has an exceptionally high rate of failure, and we've speculated the possibly of reverse installation (it's a large toothed ring). They're covered under warranty up until 100,000 miles or 5 years. After that, you get to pay the $3000.00 (or more) bill yourself. So far, GM has refused to acknowledge the problem, but we're still trying to get them to do something about it. BEWARE OF THIS ISSUE!!!

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1 out of 5 stars

Lomon

Wayne, 10/25/2018
2008 Buick Enclave CXL 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
10 of 12 people found this review helpful

Replace transmission @ 120,000 miles, cost $4,000. Engine timing chain needs to be replaced. Why doesn’t GM warranty this when they know that the timing chain are defective???

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
1 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
1 out of 5 stars
Value
1 out of 5 stars
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2.88 out of 5 stars

Never Buy GM Again

mgarner1234, 09/05/2014
2008 Buick Enclave CXL 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
12 of 15 people found this review helpful

I bought this 2008 Enclave less than a month ago. Brought it in for a slight humming noise at low speed. After "evaluation" they wanted over $2000.00 to "fix" everything. Owned a Toyota that had over 216000 miles and never had to put $2000 in to "fix" it. The Buick has less than 60000 miles. Called and spoke to the service manager at McKinney Buick as they wanted 50% more than a standard repair shop and they will not budge on their over priced repairs. Then they wanted us to pay for a loaner car for the week it took them to diagnose the problems. Any other shop could diagnose and fix in 1-2 days. I have always owned Toyota's and know I remember why. If you value $$$ stay away from GM/Buick.

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1 out of 5 stars

this car is crap

Steven Shannon, 10/07/2016
2008 Buick Enclave CXL 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
9 of 11 people found this review helpful

Several problems with this car and the cost to fix them is high. GM needs to recall this car

Safety
1 out of 5 stars
Technology
1 out of 5 stars
Performance
2 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
1 out of 5 stars
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3.13 out of 5 stars

Buyer Beware, Extremely Unhappy Customer…

smithe2, 04/10/2013
2008 Buick Enclave CXL 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

I am joining this discussion, as we are also having an issue with our 2008 Buick Enclave. We need a new transmission. We have a 3/5/R wave plate fracture. It appears that this is a very common issue with the 2008 Buick Enclave, yet GM does not see a need to do a recall. I see unsatisfied Enclave consumers, on these forums, that are having issues with their transmission. We brought it to the service department, expecting it was still under warranty. To our surprise it was not, due to the in service date of the vehicle. Due to this date, we had missed the warranty coverage by six months. The service department quoted us $4900 to replace the transmission. We had a friend recommend calling GM direct and see if they had any cost assistance they could offer, let our frustration continue. I would like to cover the pain in detail, but there is not enough time. Basically after countless phone calls and two and half weeks later, I was told that they would not offer any help and per our case rep 70,000 miles for a vehicle, was a lot of miles. Imagine my shock that you could by a $50,000 vehicle and only expect to get 70,000 miles out of it. The woman who handled my case was rude and even suggested that maybe I should have bought a different brand vehicle. I did not expect GM to absorb the full cost, but I was hoping they would split the cost of the repair. I have owned GM vehicles for over ten years and after this experience, I am not sure I will ever buy or recommend another GM product. Any thoughts or help out there, I am open to suggestions.

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2 out of 5 stars

Transmission failure

DougD, 05/23/2019
2008 Buick Enclave CX 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Am original owner. Never before have I seen transmission failure in a car with only 56,000 miles on it. Forget that 100,000 power train warranty on Buick. It expires by date or miles, whichever comes first. So if you're looking to purchase a used Enclave, make sure the trans has been replaced before you buy.

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3 out of 5 stars

Transmission Problems, Timing Problem

Frank Arvonio, 09/01/2018
updated 03/11/2019
2008 Buick Enclave CXL 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

This model (2008 Buick Enclave CXL AWD) has had constant trouble with the transmission's , it is evident on the internet through reviews! Have had transmission replaced in November 2018 @146,000 miles, no more problem w/trans. Now, March 2019, having an issue with timing and camshaft codes, coming up wit "camshaft position timing over-advanced or system error", also "performance bank 1 error". Have cleared codes and will see if it happens again.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
2 out of 5 stars
Value
3 out of 5 stars
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2.75 out of 5 stars

Liked The Enclave Until Transmission Failed

meycro, 11/29/2013
2008 Buick Enclave CX 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful

My 2008 Enclave recently required a new transmission. This after only 70,000 miles and several other expensive repairs. Until recently when people would ask me how I liked it I responded, 'I like the way it drives but it's expensive to keep running. Now that the transmission failed, costing over $5,000 installed, I tell everyone this will be that last GM vehicle I will own. I will probably go back to a foreign made brand. It's a shame.

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2.63 out of 5 stars

2008 enclave worth a sac of potatos

100334665, 01/20/2014
2008 Buick Enclave CXL 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
7 of 9 people found this review helpful

My husband bought this car for far more than it is worth, the sunroof leaks water directly into the fuse box which corrodes the relays causing the gages and all the electrical system to shut down. On a 200 mile trip smoke was coming out from the interior and smelled like burnt wires. Took it to the dealership several times only to have them say it is not covered by the warranty or that they cant find a problem. Now at 74000+ miles the transmission has given out. Thank God for the extended warranty. Service engine light comes on and off as it pleases. Had it serviced and the Service Stabilitrak and the Traction Control lights came on. Not worth the money being spent. Save yourself the stress

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