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VERDICT · A SOLID FAMILY SUV WITH ONE CHECK TO MAKE

Chevrolet Traverse 3.6L
is it a safe used buy?

A genuinely practical three-row family SUV where the V6's timing chain history is the one thing worth real scrutiny before buying.

GENERATION1st gen (2009–2017)
ENGINE3.6L LFX
POWER281–288 hp
USED PRICE$9,000–18,000

How the engine fits this car

The Traverse's substantial three-row body asks a reasonable amount of this V6, which handles the weight comfortably without feeling strained in everyday use.

Given this is a family-oriented SUV rather than a performance application, the typical used example has a more predictable, less varied usage history than something like the Camaro covered elsewhere — generally a point in a buyer's favour.

Chevrolet Traverse-specific pros and cons

This is about the car itself — for engine-specific failure points, see the dedicated engine page below.

WHAT HOLDS UP WELL

  • Spacious, genuinely practical three-row layout well suited to family use
  • V6 delivers smooth, adequate power for the vehicle's size and weight
  • Reasonable towing capacity for light-duty needs within the class
  • Good specialist knowledge given how widely the LFX is used across GM's lineup

WHAT TO WATCH

  • Timing chain and valve lifter wear, covered on the engine page, is the main item to screen for
  • Fuel economy is modest for the class, typical of a naturally aspirated V6 three-row SUV
  • Interior material quality trails some rivals, more noticeable on base trims
  • Power-sliding third-row mechanisms (where fitted) can develop faults with age

Pricing on the used market

Mileage band
Typical price
What to expect
Under 80,000 mi
$14,000–18,000
Lower-mileage, well-kept examples
80,000–130,000 mi
$11,000–14,000
Sweet spot, verify timing chain history
130,000+ mi
$9,000–11,000
Inspect for chain rattle before buying

The engine itself

This generation of Traverse is a defining application of the 3.6L LFX. Full detail on the timing chain and valve lifter concerns lives on the dedicated engine page.

FULL ENGINE BREAKDOWNChevrolet 3.6L V6 (LFX) — Reliable or Not →

Pre-purchase checklist for this generation

Listen for a rattle on cold start or a persistent ticking at idle, the clearest signs of timing chain or valve lifter wear described on the engine page.

Test any power-folding or sliding third-row seat mechanisms during a viewing, a common light wear item on family-used examples.

Ask about towing history if applicable, and check transmission behaviour under load during the test drive.