'08 Equinox Sport w/3.6L engine
Colt Hero
01-29-2009, 08:33 PM
Anybody own one of these? Got anything good or bad to say about it? Some questions:
1.) The 3.6L is a new engine. What kind of track record does it have?
2.) With 250HP, how's the gas mileage? Much different than the 3.4L base engine (17/24)?
3.) The cargo area with the back seats UP is listed as 35 cu. ft. Isn't that smoke and mirrors because half of that space is above the tops of the rear seats (space you really can't use). Is there any way to "cage in" that rear area so that you can safely stack stuff back there?
4.) Aren't these things overpriced? I'm seeing sticker prices for these "SPORT" models around $30k! I know there's a $4250 rebate on right now (plus a $1000 loyalty rebate) for a total rebate of $5250, but isn't something like a Dodge Magnum (wagon) really a better value?
1.) The 3.6L is a new engine. What kind of track record does it have?
2.) With 250HP, how's the gas mileage? Much different than the 3.4L base engine (17/24)?
3.) The cargo area with the back seats UP is listed as 35 cu. ft. Isn't that smoke and mirrors because half of that space is above the tops of the rear seats (space you really can't use). Is there any way to "cage in" that rear area so that you can safely stack stuff back there?
4.) Aren't these things overpriced? I'm seeing sticker prices for these "SPORT" models around $30k! I know there's a $4250 rebate on right now (plus a $1000 loyalty rebate) for a total rebate of $5250, but isn't something like a Dodge Magnum (wagon) really a better value?
Colt Hero
01-31-2009, 10:57 PM
Took a look at an '09 today with the 3.4. This engine looked different than my 3.4 in my '02 Impala. I didn't see the infamous "V" seal on the side of the block that leaks like a sieve. Is this a new (redesigned) version of the 3.4l engine?
Vats
02-13-2009, 08:18 PM
I have a Torrent GXP which has the 3.6 engine. The engine is the LY7 unit which is totally different from the 3.4.
It is essentially right out the Cadillac CTS, its rated at 264hp and when you hit the gas it revvs free up to the 7000 rpm redline. It also has the new 6 speed transmission.
Also the Sport equinox gets different suspension, 18 in wheels and a nice interior.
Basically what you have is a crossover that is faster than a Porsche Cayenne for under 30k. There is nothing on the market that can compare, the RAV 4 sport is not even close. The only regret I have is not getting AWD as the torque steer on the front drive is wicked under hard acceleration.
It is ok on gas as it has the 6 speed and is very relaxed on the highway. These vehicles seem to have a small gas tank, as its not much to fill.
It is essentially right out the Cadillac CTS, its rated at 264hp and when you hit the gas it revvs free up to the 7000 rpm redline. It also has the new 6 speed transmission.
Also the Sport equinox gets different suspension, 18 in wheels and a nice interior.
Basically what you have is a crossover that is faster than a Porsche Cayenne for under 30k. There is nothing on the market that can compare, the RAV 4 sport is not even close. The only regret I have is not getting AWD as the torque steer on the front drive is wicked under hard acceleration.
It is ok on gas as it has the 6 speed and is very relaxed on the highway. These vehicles seem to have a small gas tank, as its not much to fill.
Ruley73
03-05-2009, 10:59 PM
Took a look at an '09 today with the 3.4. This engine looked different than my 3.4 in my '02 Impala. I didn't see the infamous "V" seal on the side of the block that leaks like a sieve. Is this a new (redesigned) version of the 3.4l engine?
As far as I know the heads and bottom end are the same. The intake manifold and throttlebody are different. They were redesigned to implement throttle-by-wire (no accelerator cable). The ignition system has been changed a little too - it does not use the same twin-tower coils and ignition module.
As far as I know the heads and bottom end are the same. The intake manifold and throttlebody are different. They were redesigned to implement throttle-by-wire (no accelerator cable). The ignition system has been changed a little too - it does not use the same twin-tower coils and ignition module.
Colt Hero
03-10-2009, 10:58 PM
Well, I drove a 3.4 model (LT1) and then subsequently test-drove the 3.6 "Sport" (both 2008 models).
Here's what I came away with:
The 3.4 (Chinese-made engine) drove well enough. Seemed nimble and responsive. But when I got back to the dealership and let it idle (after driving it about 7 miles or so), the engine sounded "clinky-clanky" to me (like there was something amiss). So I passed on that unit. As expected, the vehicle was on the loud side with roadnoise (seemed to be coming from the rear), felt a bit unrefined. But for $17,200, what do you want, right?
Next I test-drove the Sport to see how much of a difference this step up would make. Well, I have to say, I wasn't exactly WOWed by the extra 100 hp. As I pressed the accelerator firmly and gradually, I could feel the extra power, but I could also feel what seemed to be the tranny slipping! Is this normal? I DID like the interior better - all black and none of that plastic wood-grain stuff on the center console. As far as price, this unit had a $28k sticker, but I used my 3.4 LT1 price as a "baseline" and just added what I thought the upgraded engine/tranny combo might be worth ($2k). Keep in mind that this unit is VERY leftover (built in Fall 2007 and already 1.5 years old). My guess is the dealer would've taken $20k-$21k for this unit, but I made no attempt to close the $1k-$2k window ...
Here's what I came away with:
The 3.4 (Chinese-made engine) drove well enough. Seemed nimble and responsive. But when I got back to the dealership and let it idle (after driving it about 7 miles or so), the engine sounded "clinky-clanky" to me (like there was something amiss). So I passed on that unit. As expected, the vehicle was on the loud side with roadnoise (seemed to be coming from the rear), felt a bit unrefined. But for $17,200, what do you want, right?
Next I test-drove the Sport to see how much of a difference this step up would make. Well, I have to say, I wasn't exactly WOWed by the extra 100 hp. As I pressed the accelerator firmly and gradually, I could feel the extra power, but I could also feel what seemed to be the tranny slipping! Is this normal? I DID like the interior better - all black and none of that plastic wood-grain stuff on the center console. As far as price, this unit had a $28k sticker, but I used my 3.4 LT1 price as a "baseline" and just added what I thought the upgraded engine/tranny combo might be worth ($2k). Keep in mind that this unit is VERY leftover (built in Fall 2007 and already 1.5 years old). My guess is the dealer would've taken $20k-$21k for this unit, but I made no attempt to close the $1k-$2k window ...
Vats
03-12-2009, 08:45 PM
It may feel that way but bear in mind it is the 6 speed clutch to clutch transmission. Unless you are hard on the gas it will rarely shift if the RPMs are above 2600.
If you floor it you will really notice the extra power. there is more to it than the engine and trans as it gets different suspension, anti roll bars front and rear and 18 in wheels. Also it has hydraulic power steering vs. the electric on the standard equinox.
May be there is a difference between the Equinox sport and the Torrent GXP that I have.
Bottom line is for me I got the GXP for $4000 Cdn above a standard torrent. Too hard to pass up.
If you floor it you will really notice the extra power. there is more to it than the engine and trans as it gets different suspension, anti roll bars front and rear and 18 in wheels. Also it has hydraulic power steering vs. the electric on the standard equinox.
May be there is a difference between the Equinox sport and the Torrent GXP that I have.
Bottom line is for me I got the GXP for $4000 Cdn above a standard torrent. Too hard to pass up.
Colt Hero
03-16-2009, 11:48 PM
Yeah, I realize that the suspension is upgraded on the Sport - maybe a little too harsh for me. This would be the new "primary family vehicle" and it felt like I could feel every bump on the road!
So you're saying that you paid around $3000 (US) more for the Sport over the standard vehicle. That would mean I'd have to pay around $20k for a Sport (over a standard Chinese Equinox). I'm going to wait 'em out and see if they'll drop the price to $19k. This car is almost two years old (leftover). They ought to be thinking about dropping the price pretty soon to get rid of it!
As much as I like the vehicle overall - the sporty exterior and interior, the ride DID seem a bit harsh and that tranny really felt like it was slipping to me. Maybe a 2nd test drive would be a good idea. For $19k (US) I'd probably buy it...
So you're saying that you paid around $3000 (US) more for the Sport over the standard vehicle. That would mean I'd have to pay around $20k for a Sport (over a standard Chinese Equinox). I'm going to wait 'em out and see if they'll drop the price to $19k. This car is almost two years old (leftover). They ought to be thinking about dropping the price pretty soon to get rid of it!
As much as I like the vehicle overall - the sporty exterior and interior, the ride DID seem a bit harsh and that tranny really felt like it was slipping to me. Maybe a 2nd test drive would be a good idea. For $19k (US) I'd probably buy it...
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