Buick Enclave Ownership Cost Calculator 2026
Pre-filled with real Buick Enclave specs. Estimate your Buick Enclave 5-year cost of ownership — depreciation, fuel, insurance, maintenance, loan, and residual value — then compare against same-class rivals side by side.
Year-by-Year Cost Breakdown — Buick Enclave
| Year | Start Value | Depreciation | Fuel | Insurance | Maint. | Reg | Loan Pmt | Yr Out-of-Pkt | Cumulative | End Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $48,000 | −$6,720 | $2,320 | $1,900 | $950 | $150 | $9,779 | $15,099 | $24,699 | $41,280 |
| 2 | $41,280 | −$5,280 | $2,320 | $1,900 | $950 | $150 | $9,779 | $15,099 | $39,798 | $36,000 |
| 3 | $36,000 | −$4,800 | $2,320 | $1,900 | $950 | $150 | $9,779 | $15,099 | $54,898 | $31,200 |
| 4 | $31,200 | −$3,840 | $2,320 | $1,900 | $950 | $150 | $9,779 | $15,099 | $69,997 | $27,360 |
| 5 | $27,360 | −$3,360 | $2,320 | $1,900 | $950 | $150 | $9,779 | $15,099 | $85,096 | $24,000 |
| 5-yr total | — | −$24,000 | $11,600 | $9,500 | $4,750 | $750 | $48,896 | $85,096 | — | $24,000 |
Combined 21 MPG (EPA). Depreciation uses a midsize-suv segment-average retention curve (editable). Figures are estimates for planning, not a quote.
Buick Enclave — Base Parameters
Powertrain
- Engine3.6L V6 (LFX/LGW)
- DrivetrainAWD
- Fuelgas
- Market years2018-2024
EPA Efficiency
- City18 MPG
- Highway26 MPG
- Combined21 MPG
- Source year2021
Trims & MSRP
- Base (entry trim)$41,000
- Popular (mid trim)$48,000
- Top (fully loaded)$55,000
Same-Segment Cost Comparison
Every model below is modeled with identical assumptions (Popular trim, 20% down, 5-year loan at the national average new-car APR, 12,000 miles/year, national average tax & insurance). This apples-to-apples view is exclusive to VehCalc — manufacturer sites and KBB do not show it side by side.
| Model | Popular MSRP | 5-Yr Cost to Own | Avg / Year | Residual (5 yr) | Cost / Mile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buick Enclave (this car) | $48,000 | $61,096 | $12,219 | $24,000 | $1.02 |
| Ford Transit | $47,500 | $60,209 | $12,042 | $23,750 | $1.00 |
| Ford Explorer Hybrid | $48,500 | $60,005 | $12,001 | $24,250 | $1.00 |
| Toyota Grand Highlander | $49,000 | $60,365 | $12,073 | $24,500 | $1.01 |
| Toyota 4Runner | $46,500 | $62,747 | $12,549 | $23,250 | $1.05 |
Buick Enclave Reliability, Fault Codes & Maintenance Specs
Model-specific diagnostic data for the Buick Enclave (2018-2024 (2nd Gen), 2018-2024): known OBD-II trouble codes, symptom-to-fix mapping, model-year issues, and the factory maintenance specification sheet. Print it and hand it to your technician.
OBD-II fault codes
6 codes logged for this platform, with the cause most often seen on the 3.6L V6 (LFX/LGW).
| Code | Description | Common cause here | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|
| P0011 | Camshaft Position A - Timing Over-Advanced (Bank 1) | Timing chain tensioner wear (3.6L LFX/LGW) | Medium |
| P0008 | Engine Position System Performance (Bank 1) | Stretched timing chain | High |
| P0300 | Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire | Carbon-fouled valves, worn coil | High |
| P0741 | Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance | 9T65 converter clutch wear | Medium |
| P0420 | Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold | Catalyst aging | Low |
| P0171 | System Too Lean (Bank 1) | Dirty MAF, vacuum leak | Medium |
Symptoms, causes & fixes
What owners actually report, what it turns out to be, and what the repair involves.
| Symptom | Root cause | Fix | Model years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9-speed transmission shudder | 9T65 fluid degradation | Fluid flush | 2018-2021 |
| 3.6L timing chain rattle | Timing chain tensioner wear | Timing chain replacement | 2018-2020 |
| Rattle at cold start 2-3 seconds from front of engine | 3.6L timing chain tensioner wear allowing chain slap | Timing chain, tensioner, and guides replacement. Catch before chain jumps to avoid valve damage. | 2018-2024 |
| Check engine P0008/P0009 (timing chain codes) | Stretched timing chain beyond learned adjustment | Timing chain replacement mandatory. Do not delay — chain failure destroys engine. | 2018-2024 |
| 9T65/9T50 transmission harsh 1-2 and 2-1 shifts | Valve body wear and TCM calibration drift | TCM software update; valve body replacement if hardware confirmed. | 2018-2024 |
| Misfire with wet intake valves (borescope) | Direct injection carbon buildup | Walnut blast at 60k miles. Top-tier fuel slows recurrence. | 2018-2024 |
Model-year issues
Problems tied to a specific production window rather than the whole generation.
| Years | Issue | Fix | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012-2017 | 3.6L timing chain stretch | Timing chain replacement | Resolved in later build |
Common problems owners report
Recurring complaints for this model, summarized from owner-reported fault patterns.
- 9-speed transmission shudder
- 3.6L timing chain wear
- AC compressor failure
- Power liftgate failure
Factory maintenance specification sheet
Spec-grade values for the Buick Enclave. Verify against your owner's manual before service.
| Engine oil grade | 5W-30 |
| Oil capacity (with filter) | 6 qt |
| Oil change interval | 7,500 mi |
| Spark plug interval | 100,000 mi |
| Tire size | 255/60R18 |
| Tire pressure (cold) | 35 psi |
| Tire rotation interval | 5,000 mi |
| Air filter interval | 30,000 mi |
| Coolant service interval | 60,000 mi |
| Brake fluid interval | 30,000 mi |
| 12V battery group | Group H6 |
| Battery cold-cranking amps | 700 CCA |
Powertrain & drivetrain identity
Confirm your exact configuration before ordering parts or booking service.
| Engine / motor | 3.6L V6 (LFX/LGW) |
| Drivetrain | AWD |
| Body style | SUV |
| Generation | 2018-2024 (2nd Gen) |
| Market years | 2018-2024 |
| Original MSRP range | $41,000-$55,000 |
| Market | US/CA |
Data sources & methodology
- OBD-II code definitionsSAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6 standardized powertrain diagnostic trouble codes, with platform-specific causes matched against the model in this dataset. Retrieved August 29, 2026.
- Fuel economy & MPGeU.S. Environmental Protection Agency fuel-economy data (fueleconomy.gov), model-year matched where available. Retrieved August 29, 2026.
- Maintenance specificationsFactory scheduled-maintenance intervals, fluid grades, tire sizes, and battery group sizes compiled per model. Retrieved August 29, 2026.
- Defects, recalls & technical service bulletinsNational Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defect and recall records. Retrieved August 29, 2026.
Methodology and citations are maintained by the VehCalc editorial team. Where an official schedule is not yet loaded, results are shown as model estimates and the source is stated as a reference.
Buick Enclave — Common Ownership Questions
What is the Buick Enclave 5-year cost of ownership in 2026?
Based on a Popular-trim purchase at $48,000 with a 20% down payment, a 5-year loan at the national average new-car APR, 12,000 miles per year, and national average tax and insurance, the estimated 5-year cost of ownership is $61,096 — about $12,219 per year — with an estimated $24,000 residual value after 5 years. Use the calculator above to tailor it to your state, down payment, and mileage.
How much does a Buick Enclave depreciate each year?
The Enclave sits in the midsize-suv segment. Applying a segment-average retention curve, it is estimated to keep roughly 86% of its value after the first year and 50% after five years. Depreciation is typically the single largest ownership cost, which is why our calculator shows it year by year alongside every other expense.
What is the Buick Enclave MSRP and which trims are available?
The Enclave ranges from $41,000 (Base (entry trim)) to $55,000 (Top (fully loaded)). Trims shown: Base (entry trim) ($41,000); Popular (mid trim) ($48,000); Top (fully loaded) ($55,000). Select a trim in the calculator to recompute costs instantly.
What are the Buick Enclave real-world fuel costs?
EPA combined rating is 21 MPG (city 18 / highway 26). At the 2026 national average of $4.06/gal and 12,000 miles per year, fuel runs about $2,320 per year, or $11,600 over 5 years.
Does the Buick Enclave qualify for any tax credits?
The Enclave is a gas vehicle, so federal EV credits do not apply. State-level incentives, if any, are listed on each state's page — select your state in the calculator to see local tax and fee impact.
How do Buick Enclave ownership costs compare with rivals?
See the side-by-side comparison table on this page. We model the Enclave against Ford Transit, Ford Explorer Hybrid, Toyota Grand Highlander, Toyota 4Runner using identical assumptions — same annual miles, down payment, and loan terms — so the difference is truly apples-to-apples. That is data the manufacturer's site and KBB do not show side by side.
What are the most common Buick Enclave problems?
Owners of the Buick Enclave (2018-2024) most often report: 9-speed transmission shudder; 3.6L timing chain wear; AC compressor failure; Power liftgate failure. Each is broken down with its root cause and the repair path in the reliability section above.
Which OBD-II codes does the Buick Enclave throw most often?
The codes logged most frequently for this platform are P0011 (Camshaft Position A - Timing Over-Advanced (Bank 1)), P0008 (Engine Position System Performance (Bank 1)), P0300 (Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire). The full list with the cause usually found on the 3.6L V6 (LFX/LGW) and a low/medium/high severity rating is in the fault-code table above.
Why does my Buick Enclave 9-speed transmission shudder?
On this model the usual cause is 9T65 fluid degradation. The typical repair is fluid flush (reported on 2018-2021 cars). The symptoms table above lists every reported fault for this platform.
Are there model-year-specific Buick Enclave issues I should check before buying used?
Yes — 2012-2017 cars are associated with 3.6L timing chain stretch. Recommended action: timing chain replacement Later builds were corrected. The model-year table above lists all known production-window issues.
What are the Buick Enclave service intervals and fluid specs?
Factory spec is 5W-30 oil (6 qt) changed every 7,500 miles, 255/60R18 tires at 35 psi cold rotated every 5,000 miles, air filter every 30,000 miles, coolant every 60,000 miles, spark plugs every 100,000 miles, and a group H6 battery at 700 CCA. The full spec sheet is above and printable.