The 2009 Buick Enclave won’t last as long as a Honda Pilot or a Toyota Highlander, but it costs about three or four thousand dollars less, starting in the low $6,000 range, and it’s one of the most comfortable vehicles in its class.
Is the 2009 Buick Enclave a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – A very, very good SUV that might just be an excellent SUV if you can find one with fewer than 100,000 miles on the odometer.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 9/10 – For a mid-size SUV in this price range, the Buick Enclave is hard to beat for interior space and comfort.
- Reliability 7/10 – It’s not a lemon, but maintenance is expensive, and life expectancy is shorter than you’ll get with a Toyota or a Honda.
- Safety 9/10 – The SUV holds a Top Safety Pick award with the IIHS, and it packs a rearview camera as a standard feature, which is uncommon for a 2009 vehicle.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – It averages 16/22 miles to the gallon, city/highway, which is pretty mediocre, even by 2009 SUV standards.
- Value 7/10 – The 2009 Enclave is a fine SUV to get you where you’re going for the next year or two. If you get it with 150,000 miles on the odometer, you might get another 100,000 out of it if you’re lucky, but bet on the first major breakdown occurring well before 250,000.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the 2009 Buick Enclave?
Consumer Reports were impressed with the Enclave’s surprisingly car-like handling for its large frame. They liked the smooth ride and the spacious third row, but they found the control layout awkward, the fuel economy unimpressive, and the rear visibility poor.
Kelley Blue Book liked the Enclave’s blend of luxury vibes and crossover convenience, all at a fair price. They note that it might not be what you’re after if you’re excited by the SUV’s all wheel drive, as it’s suited more to rough weather than rough roads.
Edmunds liked the attractive design of the Enclave, both inside and out, they found the ride smooth and the spacious seating, and they found the SUV surprisingly easy to drive for its size. They note hesitant downshifts and tacky, shiny interior chrome trim as downsides.
What Common Problems Does the 2009 Buick Enclave Have?
The 2009 Enclave has generated 216 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with steering complaints making up about half of the total. Drivers report the steering column going out completely while in traffic. One driver reports this resulting in a three car accident.
33 powertrain complaints point to issues with overheating and, in at least one instance, an exploding wave plate at just 52,000 miles.
A handful of structure complaints see lift gates malfunctioning, failing to close as intended, or even slamming shut without warning at mileages as low as 31,500.
The 2009 Enclave has been recalled 8 times in total, which is high for a 2009 SUV.
How Long Will the 2009 Buick Enclave Last?
Buick Enclave drivers generally report a minimum lifespan of around 200,000 miles, or 250,000 with excellent maintenance. So, if you buy one in good condition with 150,000 miles on the odometer, you should have no issue getting several more years out of the SUV before it becomes too expensive to bother fixing.
Repairpal estimate an annual maintenance cost of around $808, which is a bit high in this size class, but on par for a luxury SUV. New engine oil pans are the most expensive common repair, costing up to $1,818.
It is very reliable. We've had a few issues, the catalytic converter had to be changed, but overall it’s a great car.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology in the 2009 Enclave is pretty good for 2009, including CD/MP3 players, Bluetooth, and XM Radio.
Safety features are generous in the 2009 Enclave. Anti-lock brakes and traction control come standard, as does StabiliTrak, and even rearview cameras, which were still fairly new in 2009.
Is the 2009 Buick Enclave a Good Value?
The 2009 Buick Enclave is priced fairly. An entry-level CD usually goes for around $6,137, while a high-end CXL might list for $7,142. At these prices, you could do a lot worse.
Your only major concern here is going to be repair costs. The Enclave has proven to be fairly reliable for the first 200,000 miles, but after that you’re basically counting down to a major engine repair. These models list with around 150,000 miles, so $6,000 isn’t a bad price for 50,000 miles of road, but basic maintenance can be pricey in a Buick Enclave.
What are the Different Models of the 2009 Buick Enclave?
The 2009 Buick Enclave is offered in just two trim levels, being the base CX and the high-end CXL.
Standard features in the CX include:
- CD/MP3 player with Bluetooth
- Tri-zone automatic air conditioning
- Cloth seating
- 6-way power adjust driver seat
- Leather and mahogany steering wheel with mounted audio and cruise controls
- Anti-lock brakes, StabiliTrak, and traction control
The top-of-the-line CXL adds:
- Heated front seats
- Leather seating
What Engines Come In the 2009 Buick Enclave?
- The 2009 Enclave packs a 3.6L V6 engine delivering 288 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission in front or all wheel drive, and it averages 16/22 miles to the gallon. Towing capacity maxes out at just 2,000, so don’t expect the Enclave to stand in for a Jeep or an Escalade.
What Colors Does the 2009 Buick Enclave Come In?
How Comfortable Is the 2009 Buick Enclave?
The 2009 Buick Enclave is one of the more comfortable three-row SUVs on the used market, with 57 inches of hip room and plenty of space for legs and heads, so you can easily pack seven or eight adults without any issue.
How Much Storage Space Does the 2009 Buick Enclave Have?
The back end of the 2009 Buick Enclave holds 23 cubic feet of cargo on its own, about on par with a full-size sedan’s trunk, holding four or five large suitcases. Fold the seats down and you’ve got 115 cubic feet, which puts it in the same league as some minivans.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
2009 was the second model year for the Buick Enclave’s 1st Generation, which ran until 2017.
2008: The Enclave debuted with seating for seven and a 3.6L V6 engine for 2008.
2009: Bluetooth connectivity and rearview cameras were new for 2009.
2010: Audio got an upgrade in 2010 with a new USB port.
2011: Some minor cosmetic changes include nine-spoke wheels and some new paint colors.
How Does the 2009 Buick Enclave Compare to the Competition?
The Enclave has been marketed as “mid-size plus,” putting it squarely between the mid and full-size market. This puts it in close competition to the 2009 Toyota Highlander and the 2009 Honda Pilot.
Breaking it down point by point, the Highlander is easily the longest lasting of the three, regularly hitting 300,000 miles and beyond. The Honda Pilot is the most well-rounded, delivering solid performance and a long-lasting powertrain at a fair price, and the Enclave is the most affordable, by a margin of around $3,500.
With regular use, the 2009 Buick Enclave isn’t likely to last you another five years. But, if you don’t need it to, you could do a lot worse for around $6,000.
Do Owners Recommend the 2009 Buick Enclave?
Yes! We love it! We are a family of 5, a 7 year old and infant twins. It is perfect for our on the go family. We can all fit in and also have all of our sports equipment for soccer and school.
