My first Chevrolet EVER was a 2010 Equinox LT 3.6. I loved the car for the first two years and then it all went south. Rusting front quarter panels at 78k miles. Replaced two timing chains. Catalytic converter went out at 82k miles. A/c condenser went kaput. Rusting rocker panels at 90k miles. My brother owns a 2011 he purchased new with the same rust issues. When I finally got rid of that POS at 100k miles my transmission was slipping. Bought a 2015 Lexus RX350 with 35k miles. Best vehicle I’ve ever owned. I’ve owned it for four years and not one problem. NEVER EVER another Chevy. Absolute junk.
Hi there. I bought my Equinox brand new in 2014. At that time I opted for the 4 cylinder, due to gas mileage and all that. Since then, I wished I would have settled for the 6 cylinder. The 4 cylinder has some issues, let me explain. It is okay for everyday use, however it lacks power, very noticeable when trying to merge on to a highway or pass another vehicle. The biggest issue, is the problems with maintenance. They have this issue with the exhaust manifold, whereby it decides to crack, straight down the center. Very expensive fix ( had mine done about 8 month ago), almost $900, that includes replacing of the O2 sensor, by default they happen to seize in the exhaust manifold. Secondly and I shudder to think about it, is the problem with the water pump. You might as well be driving a BMW. The engineers at GM decided to place it at the back of the engine, by the fire wall and running off the timing chain! It can not be replaced by an owner that is mechanically inclined, due to the fact, that you need a special tool, to keep the timing chain in place while removing the water pump. Total cost for water pump replacement, from $1800 to $2200.
So, keep that in mind. I am a maintenance nut, change my oil and filters and all that and hope that my efforts will prolong the engine, but as stated, I would opt for the V6 engine. Lower maintenance cost and more Oomp when you need it on the highway. Also, it puzzles me, that GM is aware of the issues with the exhaust manifold and the water pump. The exhaust manifold is a very common problem. Yet, they have refused to issue a recall. Take that, for what it's worth. Reminds me of the Ford Pinto debacle in the 1970s, where a $3.50 gas tank hanger would have prevented the Pinto from turning in to an incinerator when getting rear ended (Google that}, mind boggling indeed. So, this is my 2 cents worth.
Know, that I do love my Equinox, has all wheel drive option, that has helped me in some very bad weather situations. It will track like a tank even in deep and wet snow. It is roomy and very comfortable. The large rear hatch allows the hauling of some ungainly items.