get detailed service records and post back.....its all about maintenance. how much they want? welcome to the club......you a wrench spinner or a guy who takes it in for maintenance?

 

Yes and yes.

There are things you should look out for. Get the brake fluid flushed as soon as possible, because, if when the brake control module fails that part is no longer available. So, one should take steps to not allow it to fail.

Battery cables are quirky. The positive cable can have internal corrosion and look perfectly fine.

The sunroof drain tube must be maintained, or water will come inside the vehicle, sometimes, unbeknownst to you, and cause damage to the tailgate control module because water collects in the well where it is mounted.

Some on this board are afraid to use their sunroof for fear of failure, and it is expensive to repair and not a DIY job.

I recommend trans fluid change(s) to start off with. I don't like the way mine operates, but maybe I'm a lone wolf here. It hasn't failed on me yet, but, a few here have had trans failures.

Headlights, if you don't have the Performance or Premium model.

And yes, I would say the engine is reliable. Just keep your eye on the oil level, don't let it get low or you will start to have problems with hydraulically operated actuators inside.

...Other than that,... it's a pretty good car!

 

Engine oil must be kept clean and fresh. And the reason is that the engine oil acts as a hydraulic fluid running the actuators for the VVT cam timing system. And the oil must be kept clean to not clog up the fine screens in them. Also since the timing chains are oiled by the system also the oil is critical to long life of the chains which are 5 feet long. They are a intricate part of the whole 3.6 engine. If that owner cannot provide detailed maint of the engine I would pass. I actually did oil analysis on mine to ensure I knew that the engine was in good condition internally (low iron and aluminum counts) which I was then sure I could also sell it to someone else knowing it was good as well and I told them so. Sold our 12' SRX a couple months ago now with 97k miles for $8000. It had nothing wrong with it at time of sale.

 

Agree with everything stated above.
Service record is most important.
Look for at least 5k oil changes and a few transmission fluid changes.

If it is AWD, that adds transfer case, clutch, (Haldex) and rear diff fluids.

 

Oh, I forgot to add that the Cue Screen will have to be replaced if it hasn't been replaced by an aftermarket one yet.

Oh, and some have had to replace the wheel hub bearings.

 

I'll see your Cue screen and raise you a set of lower control arms!