Chevy Traverse LTZ or Buick Enclave?

ats0316ats0316 Member Posts: 2
edited December 2014 in Chevrolet
My kids are getting bigger and we need a bigger car than my old Mazda5. I also really need leather seats and AWD, neither of which my mini-minivan has. I looked at a ton of SUVs with 3rd row seats, and think I've settled on either the 2013/4 Chevy Traverse LTZ or the 2013/4 Buick Enclave Leather. I haven't test driven yet - next step - and then I plan to see if I can rent one to really get a feel for it.

The prices though surprise me. The Buick ranges from $30k-$36; the Chevy from $35k-38k. Also it seems that there's a cash-back deal on new Chevys which would lower the price of existing stock from $42k to about $40.

I hope to get the car for around $32-34, with about $4-5k for my '08 Mazda. Three questions:
1. Why is it nearly impossible to find a 2013 Traverse?
2. Which would you choose? I commute 100mi a day, 3d/week plus running around, and I live on a small mountain that gets a lot of snow and ice. I do a lot of highway miles and want something comfortable that can haul stuff & kids & dog.
3. Is it worth it to go with the 2013/4s? Part of the reason I chose the Chevy & Buick is that they were redesigned 2 years ago, so I thought I could get the redesigned used [vs. Toyota Highlander which was redesigned last year]. I could do much cheaper if I dropped to a 2011 or 12.

Thanks very much

Comments

  • PF_FlyerPF_Flyer Member Posts: 9,372
    I think your next step is a good one. Get into each and really see if it's going to work for you. Mechanically, I'm guessing both will work for your needs. But now your down to the very personal properties. How it feels to you, how it looks... both of course weighed against price.

    If I was seriously down to two choices, I think I'd lean towards a short rental of a couple of days for each to give me a little longer than a test drive to evaluate things. After all, you're going to be spending a fair amount of money and you need a good test of what you're getting into.

    Buying a new car around Christmas. Nice gift! B)
  • ats0316ats0316 Member Posts: 2
    Thanks for the advice. We rented a 2014 Ford Explorer for a recent trip, and that ruled it out for me. Guess it's time to see if I can rent the Buick. That tight in pricing, I'd rather go for a little more lux. Thanks!
  • PF_FlyerPF_Flyer Member Posts: 9,372
    ats0316 said:

    Thanks for the advice. We rented a 2014 Ford Explorer for a recent trip, and that ruled it out for me. Guess it's time to see if I can rent the Buick. That tight in pricing, I'd rather go for a little more lux. Thanks!

    Be sure to keep us updated on how things progress. Don't waste a chance to create a little new car envy ;)
Sign In or Register to comment.