<p>I like a lot about the Enclave. I love its styling. I like its size, though I’d have to compromise to get the better gas mileage. I like the elevated driver’s seating and the versatility of an SUV/crossover. But I don’t like the fuel economy or price. What models should I look into instead?</p>
<p>You’ll have to decide what ‘comps’ you view as important but - </p>
<ul>
<li><p>There’s a newly designed Jeep Grand Cherokee just released that now shares the same platform as the Mercedes ML SUV - this was designed when it was Daimler-Chrysler. - [Jeep</a> — All-New 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee - SUV, 4x4, Sports Utility Vehicle](<a href=“Jeep® SUVs & Crossovers - Official Jeep Site”>Jeep® SUVs & Crossovers - Official Jeep Site)</p></li>
<li><p>A newly designed Dodge Durango will be available within a few months that shares the new chassis of the Jeep/Mercedes. - [Dodge</a> - 2011 Durango](<a href=“Dodge Official Site – Muscle Cars & Sports Cars”>Dodge Official Site – Muscle Cars & Sports Cars)</p></li>
<li><p>A newly designed 2011 Ford Explorer is due to be out soon - it’s new throughout - [2011</a> Ford Explorer SUV | FordVehicles.com](<a href=“http://www.fordvehicles.com/suvs/explorer/2011/]2011”>http://www.fordvehicles.com/suvs/explorer/2011/)</p></li>
</ul>
<p>It’s not necessarily less expensive than the Buick but you might also want to check out the Acura MDX - <a href=“http://www.acura.com/ModelLanding.aspx?model=MDX[/url]”>http://www.acura.com/ModelLanding.aspx?model=MDX</a></p>
<p>There are Chevy and GMC equivalents of the Buick Enclave you could check for price comps. These are the same basic vehicle as the Buick but with differences in the look of the body and interior.</p>
<p>^^^ Great stuff - thanks!</p>
<p>Look for certified used cars and you will save a lot.</p>
<p>I am also looking at the Buick. My Trooper is getting worn out. The GMC maybe the best compromise. I have read that the Chevy equivalent has cheap finishes, but I am not sure if that’s true.</p>
<p>When I was in the market for a new car two years ago, I LOVED the GMC Acadia, which is the GMC version of the Enclave. But, we really didnt need an 8 passenger car, and the mileage wasnt great, and it was pretty pricey. I ended up with a Chevy Equinox, which I have loved. And the new model is even nicer. Decent mileage, nice styling, less expensive than the larger cousins (Traverse, Acadia, Enclave). But smaller. SO I guess you need to decide on sizing and go from there.</p>
<p>Hyundai Veracruz:
[Hyundai</a> Veracruz: Luxury Crossover Vehicles/CUVs - Beats Lexus RX 350 | Hyundai](<a href=“404 | Page Not Found”>404 | Page Not Found)</p>
<p>Although, I like the Buick Enclave styling better.</p>
<p>Another possibility - the Mazda CX-9.
[MazdaUSA</a> - Wireless Tour](<a href=“Mazda USA Official Site | Cars, SUVs & Crossovers | Mazda USA”>Mazda USA Official Site | Cars, SUVs & Crossovers | Mazda USA)</p>
<p>I just checked out the Veracruz on Edmunds.com. It is as expensive as the Enclave. In any case there isn’t much competition here in our small city so that may artificially inflate the prices.</p>
<p>^ Interesting…</p>
<p>L.A. Edmunds:
Veracruz = $28,145
Enclave = $35,515 - $43,995</p>
<p>Look at the Limited.</p>
<p>The “kicker” in your equation is the Saturn Outlook. Before Saturn’s demise, the Outlook shared the same underpinnings as the Buick Enclave. You may be able to find a late model Outlook for a good price in your area. There were a ton of cash back/rebates to move Saturns off the lot.</p>
<p>Excluding the Enclave/Acadia/Traverse and Outlook, the real bargains are off-lease 2007 Hummer H3s. In South-east Michigan, low mileages H3s are selling around the $20,000 mark. Enjoy the envy/scorn of your neighbors when you park your bright yellow H3 in your driveway. Gas mileage…? OK, think about all the gas you can buy with the $10,000 you’d save over a new Enclave. Enjoy sitting in your high mounted leather throne and looking down at all the “little people”!</p>