2018 Buick Regal Sportback GS Pre-Purchase questions

[Spartan0536]

Recall 30/06/22 Regal 2018-2020

I saw someone post this recall on facebook page. I validated on my Buick app. No de rappel GM N222370090 No de rappel de Transports Canada 22347 Date d’émission : Jun 30, 2022 Titre du rappel : Increased Stopping Distance During Certain Brake Vacuum Loss Events Description du rappel ...

buickforums.com

Reply #4

I guess that is a Carmax thing, looks like Gettel Kia does not care about the recall on that car, maybe I could use that to my advantage on the price.

 

[shs92645]

I believe that was in Canada.

 

[Spartan0536]

So its come down to some minute details, but one of the most important ones... I am gonna have my wife go on a test drive with me as sometimes she will be driving the car, it's rare that she ever drives my cars but it does happen and I need to know her thoughts on it.

Her saying yay or nay does not mean that is how I will proceed, but it is a weighted factor, then comes the most important part, how much the dealership is gonna want out the door and if we can reach an agreement, and what kind of warranty I can get.

 

[ZB Commodore Owner]

Good luck. If you buy it I'm sure you'll love it. Right now if I had to replace mine I'd be looking for another one second hand. The V6, 9 speed auto and the twister AWD system is a pretty sweet set up. Add to that the other features that you get with the car and you have IMO a very nice motor car.

Here's a couple of bed time reading items. They're about the Holden Commodore VXR which is as near as damn it the same spec as the GS.

2018 Holden Commdore VXR Review | Practical Motoring

Robert Pepper's 2018 Holden Commodore VXR Review with pricing, specs, performance, ride and handling, safety, verdict and score.

practicalmotoring.com.au

2018 Holden Commodore VXR - Technical Details Explained | Practical Motoring

The all-new Holden Commodore VXR has torque vectoring, all-wheel drive, a nine-speed auto and no rear differential...we explain how it all works and what makes the set up more clever than you think...

practicalmotoring.com.au

 

[shs92645]

If you wait long enough it will end up in someone else’s driveway. They have lowered the price. Seems like a good deal.

 

[Spartan0536]

If you wait long enough it will end up in someone else’s driveway. They have lowered the price. Seems like a good deal.

I just checked after I read your comment, 24K is very attractive, now lets see if I can work a deal out with them for an extended warranty and keep it within my price range. I have my qualms about the auto start/stop (ass) system, but I was able to find the thread on here talking about OBD-II workarounds as well as the interesting "Pop the hood before start" trick.

 

[Displayhawk]

I just checked after I read your comment, 24K is very attractive, now lets see if I can work a deal out with them for an extended warranty and keep it within my price range. I have my qualms about the auto start/stop (ass) system, but I was able to find the thread on here talking about OBD-II workarounds as well as the interesting "Pop the hood before start" trick.

I got the Smart-Stop-Start system, and love it! It disables the factory (pain in the) ASS system, and is easy to install. I got it about 2 months after getting the car, so I was pulling the shift knob over into manual mode when coming to a stop light / stop sign. Definitely worth the money IMHO.

 

[Spartan0536]

I got the Smart-Stop-Start system, and love it! It disables the factory (pain in the) ASS system, and is easy to install. I got it about 2 months after getting the car, so I was pulling the shift knob over into manual mode when coming to a stop light / stop sign. Definitely worth the money IMHO.

I have another question, the Buick Regal GS uses a MacPherson Strut system and a 5-way end link, how expensive would it be to replace say bad struts or links in the car? I am comparing that to the Nissan Maxima (2018 - 2020 models) which uses a standard strut and multi-link system.

The reason this matters to me is just about every car I have ever owned has needed some kind of suspension work after a given mileage, its just the nature of the beast, the LS400 being dominant in that as its the only car I have ever owned that has never needed suspension work, which is beyond remarkable for its age. As you know suspension replacements can be rather expensive, especially if the systems in them are complex or unique that require specialized tools or parts to replace them.

 

[abizzle]

I just checked after I read your comment, 24K is very attractive, now lets see if I can work a deal out with them for an extended warranty and keep it within my price range. I have my qualms about the auto start/stop (ass) system, but I was able to find the thread on here talking about OBD-II workarounds as well as the interesting "Pop the hood before start" trick.

They’re selling a 2018 GS with 50K miles for $24K?! That’s a $30K car all day.

I can sell you an Axxess Start/Stop Override module for $75. I paid $100 and used it for 3 months. You can also pay Trifecta $150 to disable ASS in the computer.

 

[RegalMN]

I just checked after I read your comment, 24K is very attractive, now lets see if I can work a deal out with them for an extended warranty and keep it within my price range. I have my qualms about the auto start/stop (ass) system, but I was able to find the thread on here talking about OBD-II workarounds as well as the interesting "Pop the hood before start" trick.

I have ASS on all 3 of our family cars (all GM). There are a vocal few that it really bothers but I personally don't think it's a big deal. I like that its saving me gas too.

 

[Wlepse]

I have ASS on all 3 of our family cars (all GM). There are a vocal few that it really bothers but I personally don't think it's a big deal. I like that its saving me gas too.

Do you really see any savings? I think you would need to live in a major city with terrible traffic jams for it to save anything significant. I saw no change in mpg when mine was disabled. For me the biggest gripe with the system is the lack of cooling when it kicks in. On hot summer days you instantly can feel the humidity creeping back in.

 

[lLePunisherl]

Can you give us the link of the ad?

 

[RegalMN]

Do you really see any savings? I think you would need to live in a major city with terrible traffic jams for it to save anything significant. I saw no change in mpg when mine was disabled. For me the biggest gripe with the system is the lack of cooling when it kicks in. On hot summer days you instantly can feel the humidity creeping back in.

Yes, mpg is better on all 3 cars when the car is stopped at stoplights. I live in a big city.

 

[Spartan0536]

Anyone here have to replace their suspension system yet, and if so what was the cost?

 

[shs92645]

I looked at the prices of parts when my car was hit. The right front strut was replaced. I don’t remember the number but it was not unreasonable. You have to remember that this is a German built car with primarily GM parts that are used in other cars. I’m guessing that one of the more expensive items are the brakes but they are by far the best brakes I have ever experienced. The GS is very inexpensive to maintain compared to European and Asian cars (such as Subaru). This evening I came home a different route so as to drive some curvy roads. Put the car in GS mode and “Yeehaw!” Have some fun.

 

[abizzle]

Do you really see any savings? I think you would need to live in a major city with terrible traffic jams for it to save anything significant. I saw no change in mpg when mine was disabled. For me the biggest gripe with the system is the lack of cooling when it kicks in. On hot summer days you instantly can feel the humidity creeping back in.

That’s precisely why I disabled mine. This new new freon sucks! The good ole EPA really outdid themselves this time. They managed to drive up the costs ten fold for freon that doesn’t even work half as good as 134a. A typical recharge will cost you $350 if you need it.

 

[ZB Commodore Owner]

Anyone here have to replace their suspension system yet, and if so what was the cost?

What parts are you thinking of specifically?

Other than dampers/shocks and the odd ball end/steering knuckle etc other than accident damage I don't see there's anything to need to replace. For all of the cars I've ever owned none of these items have been a problem to source or replace when the time came to replacing them.

 

[Spartan0536]

What parts are you thinking of specifically?

Other than dampers/shocks and the odd ball end/steering knuckle etc other than accident damage I don't see there's anything to need to replace. For all of the cars I've ever owned none of these items have been a problem to source or replace when the time came to replacing them.

This is the info I am looking for, if people have had to replace them and if so what the costs were. My past few cars outside of my LS400 I have had to replace suspension components from an end link to a sway bar, and a few struts but that was on my POS 2002 Dodge Stratus.

I am just trying to ascertain what common costs there would be repair wise from commonly used components, suspension systems and brakes are commonly replaced from normal wear and tear.

 

[ZB Commodore Owner]

With respect I think you're over thinking this. It's not something I'd be the slightest bit worried about.

 

[Jack GS]

As others have eluded to, the Regal is built with a lot of off the shelf GM components. The GS shares the same E2XX platform with the LaCrosse and the Malibu. Apart from the body panels and interior styling bits, which will be the most unique, the mechanical underpinnings are common and readily available.

This includes the suspension and braking systems. GM has some of the best handling sedans on the road. If nothing else, GM does suspension really well. As a GS owner myself, I have no concerns with the mechanical bits. Oddball exterior body panels becoming unavailable in the event of an accident is the only thing worthy of fretting over.

Speaking of suspension... I looked up the VIN of the GS you're looking at has had the lower control arm TSB completed. (After I just got done talking up GM suspensions lol)

My $00.02, just drive it. I promise your search for a new car will be over. Good luck!