Considering 2011 Regal... Need input

[hntr51]

Hello group. I'm considering buying a 2011 regal cxl with roughly 55k miles on it. I was wondering if there is anything that I should be looking for before I get there to see the car. I know each car has their own quirks but I'm not sure what the Regals are. I use to own a 2007 Buick Lucerne, but I got out of that car about two years ago (I'm a realtor and showing people homes in that gas guzzler was killing my pocket book) . I miss that Buick feel though so I want to get back into another one. I was hoping that some of the current owners out there could shed some light on the enjoyment they've had with their purchase, or nighmares. I see that it's about average reliability and so far I haven't heard many horror stories so I'm hoping that if I buy this car it will be at least as reliable as my Lucerne which gave me many years of mostly trouble free service. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Benzadmiral]

Welcome, hntr51,

In early 2014 I purchased a CPO 44K-mile Buick Regal CXL, a 2011 non-turbo, dark gray over cashmere leather, no sunroof -- in fact it's the dead base model w/ 182 hp. And it has been excellent.

My first 4 oil changes/tire rotations were covered by GM. The only issue to go wrong was the seat heater unit failed one cool night and was replaced swiftly under warranty. I've had the transmission fluid changed at 50K miles, rear brake pads recently, changed my own air filter and cabin filter (don't do that job yourself when it's hot and humid outside!), added floor and trunk mats and the GS-style pedal covers, and have just enjoyed driving the car. I get around 22-23 mpg on regular, 70% city driving with a lot of A/C use, and have been changing oil when the OLM hits about 25%, which for me is 5 months/4500 miles or so.

It rides a bit more firmly than my previous car, a Buick Park Avenue (the predecessor to your Lucerne), and in a dump of a city with the finest of Third World cart-track roads, that's not always a good thing. But on the open road to Amarillo, TX, in May of '14, the car truly shone, keeping me cool even in Texas/Loozyana heat and zooming easily from 60 to 80 without fuss, while returning ~30 mpg.

The Regal is truly GM's unsung gem. They don't advertise it enough, so there is little demand -- and so you may be able to grab one at a good price. Now if you need a larger car for work, the LaCrosse might do well for you (but it won't get the kind of gas mileage the Regal does). I considered a LaCrosse before I bought this one . . . but I'm pleased with my choice.

Are you looking at the turbo model, or the normally-aspirated one?

 

[thedant]

Mt first Regal was an '11 CXL non-turbo, laoded otherwise. In 90% city driving I would average 18mpg. I'm 5'10 and wouldn't wish a back seat ride on any one the same height if you are shuffling people around. For a mid size car the back is not what I would expect. That being said if I had test driven a GS before I bought my CXL, I never would have bought my CXL. It was reliable for the time I had it and had a softer ride than the GS. Same or better mileage in the GS especially after a tune.

 

[NHRATA01]

I do have to say if you're routinely using the back seat for customers, it's probably not an ideal car - as stated rather tight back there for the size and a pair of large adults may find it cramped. Also IMHO the 2.4 is painfully sloooow, I know you're not looking to win stoplight drags but its definitely slower than an average sedan and doesn't return the gas mileage (the car is rather heavy for its class) expected for the lack of power.

 

[stoopid]

I do have to say if you're routinely using the back seat for customers, it's probably not an ideal car - as stated rather tight back there for the size and a pair of large adults may find it cramped. Also IMHO the 2.4 is painfully sloooow, I know you're not looking to win stoplight drags but its definitely slower than an average sedan and doesn't return the gas mileage (the car is rather heavy for its class) expected for the lack of power.

The front is very spacious, so moving the front seats forward leaves room for everyone. It's a sporty sedan so the back seat room is/was an engineering afterthought. If you want roomy all around then the Lacrosse would be Buick's answer in a sedan.

Unfortunately NHRA is right about the engine. The 2.0T is a better fit for this vehicle IMHO.

 

[tytotheler92]

HNTR51, you might be better off with a 2011 Lacrosse 2.4. It will give your clients a bit more room but with better gas mileage then your Lucerne. If you can afford it, a 2012 Lacrosse with the 2.4+Eassist Mild Hybrid might be better for you. It will deliver better MPG then a normal 2.4 in either car in town, and similar ratings on the highway. Neither is fast, but the eassist does help in town acceleration too.

 

[hntr51]

Welcome, hntr51,

In early 2014 I purchased a CPO 44K-mile Buick Regal CXL, a 2011 non-turbo, dark gray over cashmere leather, no sunroof -- in fact it's the dead base model w/ 182 hp. And it has been excellent.

My first 4 oil changes/tire rotations were covered by GM. The only issue to go wrong was the seat heater unit failed one cool night and was replaced swiftly under warranty. I've had the transmission fluid changed at 50K miles, rear brake pads recently, changed my own air filter and cabin filter (don't do that job yourself when it's hot and humid outside!), added floor and trunk mats and the GS-style pedal covers, and have just enjoyed driving the car. I get around 22-23 mpg on regular, 70% city driving with a lot of A/C use, and have been changing oil when the OLM hits about 25%, which for me is 5 months/4500 miles or so.

It rides a bit more firmly than my previous car, a Buick Park Avenue (the predecessor to your Lucerne), and in a dump of a city with the finest of Third World cart-track roads, that's not always a good thing. But on the open road to Amarillo, TX, in May of '14, the car truly shone, keeping me cool even in Texas/Loozyana heat and zooming easily from 60 to 80 without fuss, while returning ~30 mpg.

The Regal is truly GM's unsung gem. They don't advertise it enough, so there is little demand -- and so you may be able to grab one at a good price. Now if you need a larger car for work, the LaCrosse might do well for you (but it won't get the kind of gas mileage the Regal does). I considered a LaCrosse before I bought this one . . . but I'm pleased with my choice.

Are you looking at the turbo model, or the normally-aspirated one?

I was originally looking for the normally aspirated version, but based on the feedback that I received here I think that I'm going to look more closely at the Lacrosse. I'm 6'0 and that back seat is a bit of a squeeze. I don't think that my clients would be all too happy to hand out back there for hours on end. Thanks a million for the feedback.

- - - Updated - - -

Fully agreed. That back seat was tight. I had a pretty good year slinging homes, so once taxes are done I think I'm going to make a move to the Lacrosse. Thanks.

 

[NHRATA01]

I was originally looking for the normally aspirated version, but based on the feedback that I received here I think that I'm going to look more closely at the Lacrosse. I'm 6'0 and that back seat is a bit of a squeeze. I don't think that my clients would be all too happy to hand out back there for hours on end. Thanks a million for the feedback.

- - - Updated - - -

Fully agreed. That back seat was tight. I had a pretty good year slinging homes, so once taxes are done I think I'm going to make a move to the Lacrosse. Thanks.

Find a leftover '16 Lacrosse and jump on the 20% off GM is running for November. Will be a hell of a bargain.