junney103

I am considering buying a used 2005 Equinox LT FWD with 176,000 Miles on the odometer.


1. How dependable is this particular SUV?


2. How expensive is it to own? (as far as maintenance is concerned)


3. Is it a good purchase with such high mileage?


4. Does anyone own a 2005 Equinox LT FWD with as many as 176,000 Miles?


Thank you for your input, all!!!

ruley73

I would not buy a 2005 Equinox with that many miles. With that many miles you'll probably be buying a money pit because many parts will need to be replaced soon if they haven't already been replaced. I don't mean the obvious things like the battery, brakes, and tires. I mean less obvious and less predictable things like the thermostat, water pump, struts, wheel bearings, stabilizer bar end links, tie rod ends, and ball joints. If it was well maintained and the seller has documentation, it might be alright. The Aisin 5-speed transmission is very reliable with regular fluid changes. If the fluid has never been changed, then the transmission might last another 50K miles or so.

I feel that 2005 was arguably the worst year for the Equinox. I would buy a 2007 or newer with higher mileage if the price were right. There were minor changes for 2007 that seem to have made them more reliable than the 2005-2006 models.

We usually get around 17-18 MPG city and 22-24 MPG highway depending on the conditions. The best we've gotten was 26.5 MPG on a long trip. I calculate all of the MPG figures. The reading on the dash is usually off by +/-1.5 MPG (2005-2006 models don't have this feature).

Ours only has 105K miles on it and I've replaced all four wheel bearings/hubs, front & rear brake pads & rotors once, battery once, rear wiper motor, EGR valve, plugs & wires, and the fuel pump module which was covered by special coverage from GM (similar to a recall, but not mandatory - only covered if vehicle exhibits symptoms). I plan to replace the serpentine belt and all three idler pulleys as preventative maintenance this spring. The struts still seem ok and it drives like new. I have done all of this work myself except the fuel pump module replacement.

I'd say general maintenance is fairly inexpensive. The only thing that is kinda expensive is the battery for 2007-2009 models. They use a top-post group 47 battery that is now much more common to find and cost between $100-$150. When I replaced ours in 2010 the only suitable replacement was the OEM battery which I got for $120. The 2005-2006 models use the very common side-terminal group 75 battery used in most GM vehicles since the early 1970s.