Buick Enclave C1XX

The C1XX Enclave is the second generation of Buick's big three-row SUV — more modern, lighter and more grown-up in its styling than the Lambda predecessor. This one too remains an import proposition in Germany, but in the US it's Buick's flagship in the family segment. Platform siblings are again the Chevy Traverse and GMC Acadia.

The engines: Just one unit, the LFY — the latest stage of the 3.6-liter High Feature V6 with direct injection, cylinder deactivation and stop/start, around 310 hp. The infamous timing chain problems of the early 3.6 generation are history here; the LFY runs reliably in that regard. What remains are the usual DI wear items: water pump, intake valve carbon buildup, high-pressure fuel pump failure and a faulty camshaft phaser solenoid. Nothing catastrophic, but points for the maintenance plan. An engine you can buy without much worry.

Model years: Recommendable throughout from 2018. The early model years have most of the software rework behind them; find a later build and you tend to get a smoother-shifting transmission and more stable infotainment.

Whole vehicle: The defining issue is the 9T65 nine-speed automatic — juddering, shift shocks and torque converter slip are known and widespread in this GM generation. Software updates help somewhat but don't always cure it. Then there's the classic GM electronics quirk "Shift to Park," which complains despite the car being in park. The A/C can lose cooling via a leaking rear evaporator — a labor-intensive repair. And on paint: the clearcoat peels, especially on White Diamond Tricoat. The IntelliLink infotainment tends to freeze, go black-screen and reboot.

Test drive: Test the transmission thoroughly — at low speeds watch for judder and shocks, that's the crux. Provoke a "Shift to Park" message. Check the rear A/C vents for cooling (evaporator). Look at the paint on the roof and hoods for early clearcoat lifting, especially on white cars. Cycle through the infotainment repeatedly.

Market 2026: Rare as an import in Germany, roughly 18,000 to 34,000 euros depending on year and trim, plus import costs. Insider pick: a later model year (2021 on) with the transmission updates done and a paint color other than White Diamond Tricoat.