Hello all,
GF's car died and now looking for a replacement. Wanted to go for a minivan but they are either impossible to get (new Toyota Sienna) or not reliable (Chrysler Pacifica). So we've driven a lot of CX-9s as it ticks many of the boxes for us - three rows, nice ride, lots of luxury options, etc (only downside is fuel economy).
However, as I do more research, I see that 2020-2022 pandemic-era models have a valve stem issue (and there is a TSB for it) but that 2020 and earlier models have the potential for cracked cylinder heads, requiring a total engine replacement. Right now we are trying to decide between a 2020 Touring Premium with 25k miles for $30k and a 2021 Carbon with 20k miles for $35k, both former leases that were presumably traded in for something at the respective dealerships (Toyota and GMC).
I don't know how common the cracked cylinder head issue is, but the repair seems extremely expensive. Is it safer to go with the 2021-2023 to avoid this issue? I can't find any 2022 CX-9s (at all) or reasonably priced 2023 CX-9s. Given that my GF's prior car died in spectacular fashion (gaskets, axle, u-joint failures), I know she is wary of unreliable cars. This forum seems like a lot of knowledgeable people so any insight is helpful. Thanks in advance.
GF's car died and now looking for a replacement. Wanted to go for a minivan but they are either impossible to get (new Toyota Sienna) or not reliable (Chrysler Pacifica). So we've driven a lot of CX-9s as it ticks many of the boxes for us - three rows, nice ride, lots of luxury options, etc (only downside is fuel economy).
However, as I do more research, I see that 2020-2022 pandemic-era models have a valve stem issue (and there is a TSB for it) but that 2020 and earlier models have the potential for cracked cylinder heads, requiring a total engine replacement. Right now we are trying to decide between a 2020 Touring Premium with 25k miles for $30k and a 2021 Carbon with 20k miles for $35k, both former leases that were presumably traded in for something at the respective dealerships (Toyota and GMC).
I don't know how common the cracked cylinder head issue is, but the repair seems extremely expensive. Is it safer to go with the 2021-2023 to avoid this issue? I can't find any 2022 CX-9s (at all) or reasonably priced 2023 CX-9s. Given that my GF's prior car died in spectacular fashion (gaskets, axle, u-joint failures), I know she is wary of unreliable cars. This forum seems like a lot of knowledgeable people so any insight is helpful. Thanks in advance.