2022 Buick Regal And Regal GS Launch

[shs92645]

Your comments are interesting to me as I have read in multiple sources that Buicks have long been considered one of the best and most reliable used cars one can buy.
In my humble opinion, the three major German brands have an aura about them which make consumers feel that they are superior in every way and therefore worth the significantly higher prices charged to buy and maintain them.
While there is no doubt that some of the German cars have incredible driving dynamics, the actual statistics show that their quality level is not that great. The Japanese have long dominated quality but at the expense of blandness and styling one either loves or hates.
Beginning in 2011, the Regal made some very good impressions with those who look at design, build quality etc. I remember the first time I saw a 2011 Regal turbo and was blown away by its looks. I bought one, replacing a 2009 A4, and in all honesty must say that the Regal was superior in every way.
I tecently read that if the 2018 Regal GS had 4 rings on the front grille it would be one of the most wanted cars in the world. But it is a Buick and In typical GM fashion they did not market the car.
My GS is a superb car. The looks, the power, the driving dynamics, the space are all far superior to most cars currently on the market. In addition I think that it might just end up being in my driveway for much longer than most.

 

[saab93driver]

Your comments are interesting to me as I have read in multiple sources that Buicks have long been considered one of the best and most reliable used cars one can buy.
In my humble opinion, the three major German brands have an aura about them which make consumers feel that they are superior in every way and therefore worth the significantly higher prices charged to buy and maintain them.
While there is no doubt that some of the German cars have incredible driving dynamics, the actual statistics show that their quality level is not that great. The Japanese have long dominated quality but at the expense of blandness and styling one either loves or hates.
Beginning in 2011, the Regal made some very good impressions with those who look at design, build quality etc. I remember the first time I saw a 2011 Regal turbo and was blown away by its looks. I bought one, replacing a 2009 A4, and in all honesty must say that the Regal was superior in every way.
I tecently read that if the 2018 Regal GS had 4 rings on the front grille it would be one of the most wanted cars in the world. But it is a Buick and In typical GM fashion they did not market the car.
My GS is a superb car. The looks, the power, the driving dynamics, the space are all far superior to most cars currently on the market. In addition I think that it might just end up being in my driveway for much longer than most.

It's not the looks, power or driving dynamics that are really questionable. It is some of the materials, workmanship and attention to detail that are and the longevity of those parts of the car (not the parts that make it move but the parts around those parts). Molded rubber/plastic fake stitches on the dashboard speaks volumes of what class of car it really is despite being branded a Buick.

 

[RegalMN]

It's not the looks, power or driving dynamics that are really questionable. It is some of the materials, workmanship and attention to detail that are and the longevity of those parts of the car (not the parts that make it move but the parts around those parts). Molded rubber/plastic fake stitches on the dashboard speaks volumes of what class of car it really is despite being branded a Buick.

If I had to choose I'd take the reliable car over the fancy looking, unreliable car.

The fact that people spend so much money on BMW, Mercedes, and Audi and deal with frequent expensive repairs is just not something I want to get into. I have lots of neighbors with Volvo, BMW, and Audi and the amount of time (multiple service appointments a year) and money they spend for repairs is crazy considering how much they paid for the car. One of my neighbors had to spend almost $14,000 for a new BMW engine and the car was maybe 4 or 5 years old (out of warranty).

 

[saab93driver]

If I had to choose I'd take the reliable car over the fancy looking, unreliable car.

The fact that people spend so much money on BMW, Mercedes, and Audi and deal with frequent expensive repairs is just not something I want to get into. I have lots of neighbors with Volvo, BMW, and Audi and the amount of time (multiple service appointments a year) and money they spend for repairs is crazy considering how much they paid for the car. One of my neighbors had to spend almost $14,000 for a new BMW engine and the car was maybe 4 or 5 years old (out of warranty).

I didn't say anything about trading fancy looking for reliable but I think it is fair to say based on what owners here and other forums say how these cars look played a role in the decision for the people who bought them. My point was that some nicer materials that would wear better and some more attention to detail aren't too much to ask for in a car that, when loaded, stickered for $40K+

Anyway, I tend to buy cars new and own them for above average amount of time so I know how cars age. Without getting long winded I'd just say compared to my other cars, 3 Saabs and 1 Honda all now 11-13 years old, the Buick, while it may still move down the road, doesn't feel like a car that will still feel put together well or wear well in say 6 or 7 years if driven daily. Hopefully I'm wrong but that is my impression after 34 months and 45K miles of ownership.

 

[shs92645]

I’m sitting in my GS right now in North Conway NH thinking what a nice place to be. I love the interior of this car and it’s simplicity. I do hope that your TourX surprises you and is doing its thing years from now!

 

[mitchflorida]

I didn't say anything about trading fancy looking for reliable but I think it is fair to say based on what owners here and other forums say how these cars look played a role in the decision for the people who bought them. My point was that some nicer materials that would wear better and some more attention to detail aren't too much to ask for in a car that, when loaded, stickered for $40K+

Anyway, I tend to buy cars new and own them for above average amount of time so I know how cars age. Without getting long winded I'd just say compared to my other cars, 3 Saabs and 1 Honda all now 11-13 years old, the Buick, while it may still move down the road, doesn't feel like a car that will still feel put together well or wear well in say 6 or 7 years if driven daily. Hopefully I'm wrong but that is my impression after 34 months and 45K miles of ownership.

With used car prices at an all-time high, you should trade in your tired Buick Regal for a brand-spanking new Honda Accord. Enjoy!

 

[saab93driver]

With used car prices at an all-time high, you should trade in your tired Buick Regal for a brand-spanking new Honda Accord. Enjoy!

Thanks for the advice but no thanks. That’s a step in the wrong direction for what I want next.

As for the TourX I like it as much as the next owner, many warts and all, but I’m past the self congratulatory phase.

 

[D2R]

Colleague's early 2010's 3 series falling apart under 40k miles while being a California car most of its life.
One off? Maybe.
They all have their fair share of quality issues.
Don't forget, there are only so many suppliers making the same components.

 

[abizzle]

With respect to the interior panels, I’ve been adding closed cell foam to the back side of each panel before I reinstall them. This is part of my soundproofing project. The interior is squeak and rattle free, and the CCF adds a bit of bulk thus making the panels fit more snugly.

Soundproofing the doors has had a tremendous effect on road noise and it makes for a much improved driver experience.

Now, if I can just figure out how to stop the noise coming from the exhaust heat shields. My subwoofers vibrate the sh*t out of them!