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I am inheriting a 2013 Buick LaCrosse; the car has been well maintained and has 70k miles. The car drives beautifully. My main concern is the timing chain issue, since I drive my cars into the ground.
I heard that they revised the engine in 2012, yet some are saying that the problem was rectified in 2014. Can anyone shed some light on this please?
Also, i've looked online and have come up short: what's the best way to remove the onstar module on the vehicle?
Finally, what kind of real world highway mileage can I expect with the 3.6L/six speed auto?
I can only speak to the chain.. From my understanding, it wasn't an engine problem, it was a set of bad chains. They'd start showing the problems pretty early on, around 40k miles on the outside.
So, I can't imagine that vehicle doesn't have that many miles being 8 years old. So I'd say you're safe.
I know you can unplug the onstar device (usually in the trunk) but I believe that will set a code.. Which could be annoying. Though I doubt it will trigger a MIL.. Or.. Well.. You could take some of that tin foil from your hat and wrap it in that.. Kidding.. Mostly.
I can only speak to the chain.. From my understanding, it wasn't an engine problem, it was a set of bad chains. They'd start showing the problems pretty early on, around 40k miles on the outside.
So, I can't imagine that vehicle doesn't have that many miles being 8 years old. So I'd say you're safe.
I know you can unplug the onstar device (usually in the trunk) but I believe that will set a code.. Which could be annoying. Though I doubt it will trigger a MIL.. Or.. Well.. You could take some of that tin foil from your hat and wrap it in that.. Kidding.. Mostly.
I recall the Buick La Crosse was promoted as the "Lexus Killer". Guess that prediction didn't work out so well.
They've stopped production in the US although it is still built and sold in China.
Not sure about the timing chain issue. A free car is a bonus though.
I don't recall the LaCrosse being advertised as a "Lexus Killer". Two different markets price wise.
Most U.S. sedans have met the same fate as the LaCrosse, as the manufacturers shift to SUV's and trucks. Most were good cars, just not enough people buy them anymore.
I have a '13 LaCrosse with almost 90k miles and no timing chain issues so far. It has the 3.6 LFX engine like the Camaro. I think the Enclave has the 3.6 LLT, which is the one that had timing chain problems. Either way, just have to ensure the oil is changed and can't get it low. Mine does burn some oil. Oh, also, I had to have my transmission rebuilt at 70k miles.
the timing chain issue has been shown to be an issue with those that jangle the hell out of them by driving a race at every light and or a little more casual with the oil changes.
I have this motor, the DI version in a 09 CTS and its not an issue and since all CTS' are track ready, they tend to get beat on more (mine at least was at least a late middle aged lady whom I doubt beat on it)
mileage can be an issue..I have an extensive write up on the caddilac owners forums about the 'swiss cheese' effect and mileage in the CTS (everyones whipping dog) and the 3.6 in general. GM took some shortcuts and it results in often running rich, but inside the envelope to not trigger MIL. The base problem is the combination of ACT and MAF, giving the ECM a false impression of the air actually sucked in - especially in the winter.
change oil. use synthetic. drive in peace.
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A free car is a bonus though.
