Looking to buy 2018-2020 Regal GS

[Crocovolpe]

Hi all, I'm new here and this is my first post.
As the title says, I'm looking to buy a 2018-2020 GS. Preferably a black or graphite colored one (I hate red but its the most common) that has every option, less than 40k miles, and less than $35k. There is only one GS with low miles for sale within 50 miles of where I live (Boston) but they are asking $38k which isn't gonna happen. I have accepted the fact that I will have to travel in order to buy one, but I still have some questions/concerns.

1. I'm skeptical about buying the first model year of anything, especially cars. That being said, were there any issues specific to the 2018 models that the 2019 and 2020 models don't have? Now that its 2023, the 2018 models would most likely have lost their factory warranty. However, I did find a listing for a 2018 black GS with everything in it, with 29k miles for $29k which is a very attractive deal. There is a similar one (but red) for sale as well.

2. I've seen a lot about people not being able to get parts for their regals, although they were older posts from covid times. Is part sourcing still a problem today? Although, this wont sway my decision to buy one of these cars (I'm already set on it) I just want to know what to expect if I ever need parts.

3. This car is going to be my daily driver in all seasons. Does anyone know how these cars hold up to road salt and how they handle in the snow? I'm assuming its going to handle a lot better than my 12 year old Sonata 😆. I'm not expecting it to go through a foot of snow, I just want to know if it's capable of maintaining traction and control on hills with a few inches on the ground.

4. Are there any good talking points or things to look for when I look at these cars that will help me in negotiating with these crooks-I mean-car salesmen?

Thanks!

 

[Chef jpd]

Don't discount either travelling to or shipping a car go get exactly what you want.
I had my Tourx shipped 2500 miles, I got a low mileage, pristine, every option car.
And yes, it was pricey at $2200

 

[bollox74]

If there is one locally go take it for a test drive. That will determine how you fit, power to the road in real dynamics, if it vibes etc.
I showed a pic to my wife and she agreed to go see one, once she saw it in person & drove it she was %100 in.

Also, Boston get yourself a set (tires+wheels) of snows for the winter, it's AWD but a set of Blizzaks will keep you glued to the road in colder temps. Also a winter set takes a winter beating on tough roads and leaves you to have a stickier summer tire.
(I was in MN with my TourX before moving south)

Don't be afraid of shipping.

 

[shs92645]

I live nearby you in RI. My 2018 GS has now been in my driveway for 3 years. It has 76000 miles on the clock and is as good as it was when I bought it almost brand new.
You need to test drive any GS you can find to see just how well these cars handle. The AWD system is excellent in all seasons, the brakes are absolutely the best anywhere and I don’t have a squeak or rattle in it.
My car was hit right after I bought it and the parts were in in 4 days. Obviously as each year passes body parts will be more of a challenge. Mechanical parts are all common GM stuff so no worries there.
I normally get uncomfortable when my cars end their warranty period. I have decided though that I’m going to keep putting the miles on the GS. One reason why is the simple fact that currently there is not one other car that comes close to this one.
I hope you find yourself one!

 

[agaric]

the simple fact that currently there is not one other car that comes close to this one

🤔 👍

 

[Crocovolpe]

I'm not really too afraid of shipping or travel charges except for one listing I've seen. There is one listing that has everything I want in a color I want, with 16k miles but it's in Alaska...
Also I read that some of the earlier 2018 models have a different UI on the touch screen. Are there any other differences between the years?

 

[shs92645]

No significant changes. If you look on this forum you will see red/white needle threads that delve into such a question. The earlier red needle 18’s had a more basic screen but the later ones had issues not prevalent on 18’s. There are a few items that seem to go bad on all of these cars but they are not significant. The basic components are very strong.

 

[Crocovolpe]

later ones had issues not prevalent on 18’s. There are a few items that seem to go bad on all of these cars but they are not significant.

Interesting, where can I find those threads?

 

[shs92645]

Interesting, where can I find those threads?

Do a search at the top of the forum page is easiest. You can go through the pages and see threads that cover almost everything possible.

 

[oneartard]

According to autotrader.com, a dealership at 331 Theater Rd, Onalaska, WI 54650, has a Sport Red. I know it's not the color you want. Looks to be loaded up and has less than 10k miles. They have it listed for $32,499.

Click here to view the dealerships Vehicles Detail Page on the GS

 

[garbageguy]

ooh that's a nice car! looks pretty fresh in those pics

 

[Crocovolpe]

According to autotrader.com, a dealership at 331 Theater Rd, Onalaska, WI 54650, has a Sport Red. I know it's not the color you want. Looks to be loaded up and has less than 10k miles. They have it listed for $32,499.

Click here to view the dealerships Vehicles Detail Page on the GS

I did see that car and it is an attractive offer. I have seen every GS in the nation for sale with less than 40k miles. I might just have to get a red one

 

[D2R]

The GS is a good car of its own class.
Just read an article on Car and Driver comparing 3 "hot hatches" that are over 300 hp and under 50k. Makes me think the GS fits that bill perfectly. (I know, I know, not the same size. But consider this is a more grown up hot hatch!)