3.4 vs 3.5/3.6

[Poorboyownsabuick]

Good evening my fellow Buick enthusiast! I currently have a 2001 park Ave that is nearing the end of its life. My wife would prefer a suv this next time around and I’ve persuaded her to give the rendezvous a try.
We relocated to Florida recently and this where my dilemma comes in. I see a lot of early year rendezvous’ with the 3.4 in good shape for decent prices. I also see sone newer with the 3.5 or 3.6.
I know the 3.4 can have some head gasket issues but is there any problems with the 3.5 or 3.6?
Just looking for some insight. Thanks!

 

[TollKeeper]

Get the 3.5L.. The 3.6HF is a good engine.. Until its not. Than its a really, REALLY, expensive boat anchor!

I like the 3.4L, but the 3.5 is just a better engine. Its the 3.4 engine, but refined to get out all the gremlins that engine had.

They all still do suffer from the BCM problem thou.

 

[texan01]

the 3.4 and 3.5 aren't exactly rockets in these cars, mostly due to the transmission gearing. if they came with 6 speeds, the 185/195hp would be plenty, but the 4 speed 4t65 is just overmatched in these heavy cars.
The engines will absolutely go the distance (save for the 3.6), but the transmissions need frequent service and maybe an aux transmission cooler.