Reply To: Equinox 2.4 Ecotec engine

I own a 2012 Equinox with the 2.4L Ecotec engine that I like a lot. I have 41,000 miles on the vehicle (low mileage; 6150 miles per year). It doesn’t use oil or make bad noises. I get my oil changed at the Chevy dealer I bought it from on an average of every 6 months which equals to about 3,000 miles per oil change. The dealership uses DEXOS spec’d oil. I also have other recommended services performed as per the recommended maintenance schedule. I have had no problems with this vehicle other than washing the key fob in the washer (don’t do that!). I also use BP or Exxon or shell gasoline. Using a good quality gasoline with the proper additives will ensure you minimize carbon buildup on the piston heads. Don’t use “no-name” gasoline.
The mechanic I use for my vintage GM vehicle (1969 Oldsmobile Cutlass convertible) tells me the 2.4L Ecotec IS a good engine but it must be filled with DEXOS and the oil change intervals MUST be no longer than every 6 months. In today’s society the general public does NOT perform maintenance on their vehicles as they should. They don’t check the engine oil frequently and don’t use DEXOS oil. Unfortunately GM is partly to blame. My Equinox manuals says oil change intervals should run no longer than 12 months (!) or no more than 10,000 miles showning and to follow the oil percentage monitor. This is B.S. Change the oil every six months or with no more than 5,000 miles on the odometer with DEXOS oil.
If you follow these guildelines, the Equinox will be fine.
Now here’s the problem with what you’re considering. This is 2017 and you’re looking at a used Equinox. How do you know how the car had been maintained? Did the previous owner(s) change the oil with DEXOS or at 6 month/5,000 mile intervals? Personally I doubt it. If the vehicle you’re considering is a “lease” or “rental” vehicle, stay away from it. Rarely do “rental” cars get their oil changed. The same is often applicable to “lease” cars.
Consider this: buy a new 2017 Equinox with the 2.4L engine. Do not buy the 2018 Equinox with the 1.8L turbo engine. The turbo engine is new for the Equinox. Wait a couple of years for that engine in the Equinox to prove itself. Perhaps a Chevy dealer near you has a “demo” 2017 or a “shop” vehicle that you can buy with savings.
Good luck!