Buick Rendezvous

[96 century]

Buick Rendezvous
So the time is coming when I will need a bigger vehicle I am thinking of replacing our Jeep Liberty. My wife really opposed to a traditional wagon or minivan. What do you guys think about Buick Rendezvous. I found this: http://www.edmunds.com/buick/rendezvous/ but i need some more real life opinions.

1. Anyone had any experience with the dohc 3.6L recommend in the article. I'm more concerned about reliability. The 3400 in my step moms Montana seems to have enough pickup for a minivan. I know 3400 was plagued with intake/head gasket problems, (correct me if I'm wrong) but if thats changed with the right parts is a one time fix. Dose the 3500 have similar problems?

2.Is the AWD going to cause more trouble than its worth? Again the Montana was not too bad in the snow. Am I going to have reduced gas mileage and increased wear and the other drive line parts for AWD drive which is only a convenience a couple months of the year?

Thanks

[bszopi]

As an owner of a AWD 3400 Rendezvous, I can tell you a few things. First, get the 3rd row of seats if you have any kids. Second, the AWD is only active when needed (ie, the front tires start to slip), so I wouldn't say its more trouble than its worth. I works well for me in snow. As far as the 3400 goes, it just doesn't seem powerful enough, especially if you plan on hauling even a small trailer (I regularly haul a 5x10 open trailer). Even when not hauling, it likes to downshift on any kind of incline. I would much rather have had the 3.6L in it. We've had ours for about 2 years, and have taken 2 long summer vacations (about 3500 miles each), and really haven't had any issues other than normal wear and tear.