My wife and I are searching for a GMC Acadia, it's near the top of our list for a new vehicle, but there's a few others we're considering. A very brief bit of research online has revealed a serious flaw in the transmission in the model years we're looking at-- a wave plate which fails. The models in our price range happen to be 07-09 which is the only years that problem exists. There is mention of the timing chain stretching being common also. I've done a lot of digging online about the trans issue, and nearly *all* of the transmission failures seem to occur well before 100k, most covered under the 5yr/100k powertrain warranty offered when new; but then again powertrain warranty doesn't transfer to subsequent owners. The ones in our price range meeting our mileage requirements typically have 90-130k miles. Does anyone know with any near certainty if this issue can stay hidden until those miles? I don't want to buy a loaded grenade-- but if the vehicle has been repaired properly (the new design wave plate doesn't break) should I still hesitate? I suppose asking for a maintenance history would be #1 priority if considering this vehicle. I'm not as familiar with the timing chain stretch, if anyone knows about that malady with these vehicles > 100k miles, I'd love to hear about it. I can tell if a timing chain is stretched on a test drive for sure, but the transmission issue I think I'd need clear proof it was serviced right.
