Buick has launched its new model SUV for 2008. This is the Buick Enclave that was launched last May 2007. The Buick Enclave shares the new GM Lambda platform as with other SUVs like GMC Acadia, Chevrolet Traverse and Saturn Outlook. This new model is based on the Buick Centieme. It replaced past Buick SUV model like the minivan-based Rendezvous, the truck-based Rainer, as well as the Terraza minivan. Buick Enclave is a full-size luxury crossover SUV.

Buick Enclave shares the same platform and mechanical underpinning with the Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse. It comes with a standard front-wheel drive with an option of all wheel drive. The Enclave has a seating capacity for at least seven passengers, with an optional second row bench seat instead of the standard chairs which increases the seating capacity to eight.

In it’s initial year of production, Enclave also shares similar power trains with its Lambda siblings and was powered by a 275 hp (205 kW) 3.6 L High Feature V6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. According to United States Environmental Protection Agency this direct-injection engine is praised for offering a broader torque curve, bringing fuel efficiency to 17 mpg-us (14 L/100 km; 20 mpg-imp)/24 mpg-US (9.8 L/100 km; 29 mpg-imp) for FWD models and 16 mpg-US (15 L/100 km; 19 mpg-imp)/22 mpg-US (11 L/100 km; 26 mpg-imp) for AWD models. The 2009 model, 3.6L V6 SIDI (direct injected) VVT with 286 hp (213kW) and 225ft. lbf (346 N.m) has a torque standard similar to the 2009 Lambda.

Lambda vehicles are built at GM’s new Delta Township Assembly plant near Lansing Michigan, and production of the Enclave commenced on 11 April 2007, with its first vehicles reaching certain dealers by the end of the month. It’s first model debuted with a starting price of $32,790. GM also stepped up the warranty, with 5-year/100,000-mile power train coverage compared to Buick’s normal 4-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper basic warranty.

Enclave was considered the largest unibody vehicle because it is 1 inch (25mm) longer than its Lambda siblings. It is also praised because it manages to maintain its dynamic nature of unibody construction without changing its conventional body-on-frame. It is also one of the quietest vehicles available in the United States, and is also praised for the quality of its interior design. This maybe the best vehicle GM ever made. Many love this SUV because of its good looks.

Weighing almost 5,000 pounds (2,300 kg) with all-wheel-drive it has been considered too heavy. And it is also often criticized for its 6-speed transmission, which results to its uncertain downshift. But on 2009 the power train was even more competent and with more abundant torque.

There is something about the auto transportation industry that attracts scams. Because the industry is complicated, it pays to get educated as to avoid getting ripped off.

Follow these tips and you will increase your odds of having a “worry free” transport and a lot less headaches as well.

1. Do not “Bargain Shop” when choosing an auto transport company. This will ensure that your car will not be loaded on any carrier without a salesman calling you the day your supposed to have your car scheduled only to raise your quote price.

Don’t forget there are certain minimum costs to shipping a vehicle, such as gas. A company that comes in far cheaper than other companies, isn’t doing the shipping under costs. They have generally has found some unethical or abusive way to make their money.

2. Both liability and cargo insurance, are required by law to ship a vehicle. Make sure that the company you are dealing with actually has them, the first mark of a scam is an uninsured vehicle.

3. Do not pay a deposit up front to anyone. It’s ok to provide your credit card information at the moment you place your order because you are making a reservation similar to booking a hotel room. Ask when they will charge the credit card.

You should not be charged unless you have been given pickup and delivery dates, the information for the actual truck who will have your vehicle in its possession, and everything has been confirmed.

4. Plan Ahead. Shipping takes time (usually around 3-5 for scheduling and 5-9 days for shipping), forgetting that will drastically increase your costs. Save yourself some money by understanding the shipping time frames.

If you follow these steps you will experience a painless auto transport. Happy Travels.

To date, we have probably heard a lot of wonderful things that comes with driving the 2004 Buick Rendezvous. But is this vehicle really worthy of your money? All cars, no matter how expensive or affordable the selling price is will always have its own downsides.

If you are planning of buying your own 2004 Buick Rendezvous, take a look at what some owners have to say on about the Con’s of owning one.

Owner 1 – I was driving fine when at around 32k miles, I noticed that the transmission started to slip. At 34k miles, I heard groaning noises from the differential every time I made a slow turn. I had no other choice but to have it replaced. Maintenance can be quite expensive. I paid $185 to get a fluid flush of the differential. At around 40k miles, the computer suddenly died. I could no longer start the car. The option I got was to have it towed and get the computer reprogrammed.

Owner 2 – I think that the side mirrors are way too big. This makes me unable to see of cars turning towards me or of people walking in the sidewalks. The brakes can also be inconvenient at times.

Owner 3 – I think the cons about having the 2004 Rendezvous revolve around three things – the back hatch, the lights and the cargo area. First, the lights. I am truly happy that the light has its own auto feature. But then again, let’s admit the fact that there are times when we just want to drive with the lights off. Drivers only have two options – “on” and “auto” buttons. Had there been the “off” button, things would have been a lot easier. Second, the back hatch. There are times when I hear squeaking from the back hatch. The noise is even clearer when the radio is switched off and when you’re driving bumpy roads. Third, the cargo area. I think the seats fold down too much eating up all of my cargo space. The seats just do not seam to fold flat.

Owner 4 – The large side mirrors seem to be quite a problem to me. So far, the Buick’s mirrors are the largest that I’ve ever seen in my entire life. I use the big mirrors when I back up. Backing up is a bit difficult since because of the car’s rear windows. Since I cannot fully see what’s behind me, I rely on the side mirrors instead.

Every vehicle will have its own set of positive and negative reviews. Be sure to check out online reviews before finally making a purchase. A lot of vehicle reviews can be found online. These reviews will help you decide whether or not buying the 2004 Buick Rendezvous will be a wise decision or not.