Searching for used Terraza, choose 3.5 or 3.9 L? Avoid AWD or is it trouble free?

Asked by mikedgm Dec 18, 2011 at 10:02 AM about the 2006 Buick Terraza CXL FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Looking for a CXL for family.  Thinking I want 2006 or 2007, probably 3.9, which I undersand doesn't offer AWD and that's ok.  In general if I came across a 2005 with a 3.5 or early 2006 with 3.5 is it a decent engine?  Is a FWD 3.5 likely to last longer than a 3.9 FWD in the transmission department?   Did they drop AWD with 3.9 because it couldn't handle the power of the 3.9?  Thanks

3 Answers

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either the 3.5 or the 3.9 are good engines- awd is nice but cuts back on your mileage- I believe they dropped the AWD because it was going to be subject to stricter requirements for body because it would be classified as an SUV- that is why Vibe AWD and Rendezvous AWD went away also, not because they can't handle the power. get the 3.9 if you want more power and less economy- get the 3.5 if you want more economy and a little less power.

I would avoid the 3.5 at all costs. The Van is a very heavy vehicle and with the 3.5, it is dangerously underpowered. My 9000 mile 05 Saturn Relay 3 van ( basically same as Terraza, but by Saturn) unfortunately has the 3.5 and I have dufficulty passing cars with it. In fact, I bought a low mileage 2006 year 3900 and its PCM and harness. I plan to do a swap soon as I get the PCM programmed with my Vin #, etc.

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