The Ultimate Buick Regal Is Discontinued Discussion

[PrincipalDan]

So, now that this car is dead... let's talk about all of the options for a nicely appointed sub-$40k full size car based wagon.

There's the .... the... ? It doesn't exist.

One could argue the Golf wagon, but it's significantly smaller and ...eww
Outback is SUV
Volvo, Merc, and Audi are $50k+

Because I'm "that guy" I'm already thinking about what I might want in say 2025 or 2026 when I'm looking for another car. I'm of course making a BIG assumption that any of these vehicles will still exist.

No particular order and not exhaustive...

Hyundai Sonata N-line (in previews, Hyundai is basically teasing journalists with it)
Pro

• roughly 300 hp/300 lb ft
• Hyundai went to great pains to lower the dash and the hood so you don't feel like you're sitting in a bunker.
• Wolf in sheep's clothing

Con

• DCT transmission, just give me an honest manual or if it has to be automatic I prefer planetary automatics
• FWD ONLY - too much torque and too much hp to be only FWD

Genesis G70
Pro

• Upfront purchase price vs a 3 series BMW
• long warranty
• currently offers a manual trans in the 4 cyl turbo
• RWD or AWD

Con

• tiny (10 cu. ft.) trunk
• probably won't offer a manual for long

Kia Stinger
Pro

• Looks great on paper
• Positive reviews
• Hatchback versatility
• value
• RWD or AWD

Con

• Lots of owner complaints about build quality

Honda Accord 2.0T Sport
Pro

• Likely good resale value
• Available 6 speed manual

Con

• Available 6 speed manual (but for how long?)
• Some issues popping up with Honda Turbo engines

Camry V6 TRD
Pro

• It's a TRD - Camry
• Good reviews
• STRONG naturally aspirated V6
• Lots of passenger cargo space

Con

• It's a TRD - Camry?
• Most reviewers feel that the "nannies" clamp down on the fun whenever you try to drive frisky
• Silly looking wing

Volvo V60 - been told that dealers are not going to stock it unless they have special ordered one and equipped anywhere near like our Buick's it is AT LEAST $10K more.

 

[D2R]

Because I'm "that guy" I'm already thinking about what I might want in say 2025 or 2026 when I'm looking for another car. I'm of course making a BIG assumption that any of these vehicles will still exist.

No particular order and not exhaustive...

Hyundai Sonata N-line (in previews, Hyundai is basically teasing journalists with it)
Pro

• roughly 300 hp/300 lb ft
• Hyundai went to great pains to lower the dash and the hood so you don't feel like you're sitting in a bunker.
• Wolf in sheep's clothing

Con

• DCT transmission, just give me an honest manual or if it has to be automatic I prefer planetary automatics
• FWD ONLY - too much torque and too much hp to be only FWD

Genesis G70
Pro

• Upfront purchase price vs a 3 series BMW
• long warranty
• currently offers a manual trans in the 4 cyl turbo
• RWD or AWD

Con

• tiny (10 cu. ft.) trunk
• probably won't offer a manual for long

Kia Stinger
Pro

• Looks great on paper
• Positive reviews
• Hatchback versatility
• value
• RWD or AWD

Con

• Lots of owner complaints about build quality

Honda Accord 2.0T Sport
Pro

• Likely good resale value
• Available 6 speed manual

Con

• Available 6 speed manual (but for how long?)
• Some issues popping up with Honda Turbo engines

Camry V6 TRD
Pro

• It's a TRD - Camry
• Good reviews
• STRONG naturally aspirated V6
• Lots of passenger cargo space

Con

• It's a TRD - Camry?
• Most reviewers feel that the "nannies" clamp down on the fun whenever you try to drive frisky
• Silly looking wing

Volvo V60 - been told that dealers are not going to stock it unless they have special ordered one and equipped anywhere near like our Buick's it is AT LEAST $10K more.

Volvo regular wagons are special orders only. That includes V60 and V90.
Meanwhile, the lifted wagons can be found in dealers.
Keep in mind that the Volvo lifted wagons has a little more then our lifted wagons.

 

[Zaxer]

Well given the inevitable news, Peugeot could always make a run at the US again...I mean what could go wrong? Right, Fiat?

 

[greenne]

Because I'm "that guy" I'm already thinking about what I might want in say 2025 or 2026 when I'm looking for another car. I'm of course making a BIG assumption that any of these vehicles will still exist.

No particular order and not exhaustive...

Hyundai Sonata N-line (in previews, Hyundai is basically teasing journalists with it)
Pro

• roughly 300 hp/300 lb ft
• Hyundai went to great pains to lower the dash and the hood so you don't feel like you're sitting in a bunker.
• Wolf in sheep's clothing

Con

• DCT transmission, just give me an honest manual or if it has to be automatic I prefer planetary automatics
• FWD ONLY - too much torque and too much hp to be only FWD

Genesis G70
Pro

• Upfront purchase price vs a 3 series BMW
• long warranty
• currently offers a manual trans in the 4 cyl turbo
• RWD or AWD

Con

• tiny (10 cu. ft.) trunk
• probably won't offer a manual for long

Kia Stinger
Pro

• Looks great on paper
• Positive reviews
• Hatchback versatility
• value
• RWD or AWD

Con

• Lots of owner complaints about build quality

Honda Accord 2.0T Sport
Pro

• Likely good resale value
• Available 6 speed manual

Con

• Available 6 speed manual (but for how long?)
• Some issues popping up with Honda Turbo engines

Camry V6 TRD
Pro

• It's a TRD - Camry
• Good reviews
• STRONG naturally aspirated V6
• Lots of passenger cargo space

Con

• It's a TRD - Camry?
• Most reviewers feel that the "nannies" clamp down on the fun whenever you try to drive frisky
• Silly looking wing

Volvo V60 - been told that dealers are not going to stock it unless they have special ordered one and equipped anywhere near like our Buick's it is AT LEAST $10K more.

I'm hoping VW makes good on the ID Space Vizzion "wagon" posted above. They have it on their website and talk as if they are serious about it. Of course VW is hyping it as a sleek crossover...but it looks very much like a wagon(I.e. tourX) vs a crossover(Outback).

The Volkswagen ID. SPACE VIZZION concept previews a sleek electric crossover for America

 

[-Regal-]

Mind if I ask what's the matter with that? Apart from the fact that it is a Chinese company not China.

Everything. Companies in China are by default in cahoots with their own government. On top of that, sending our money to China equates to the continued building up of a ideological enemy nation.

 

[riojawagonmaster]

Because I'm "that guy" I'm already thinking about what I might want in say 2025 or 2026 when I'm looking for another car. I'm of course making a BIG assumption that any of these vehicles will still exist.

No particular order and not exhaustive...

Hyundai Sonata N-line (in previews, Hyundai is basically teasing journalists with it)
Pro

• roughly 300 hp/300 lb ft
• Hyundai went to great pains to lower the dash and the hood so you don't feel like you're sitting in a bunker.
• Wolf in sheep's clothing

Con

• DCT transmission, just give me an honest manual or if it has to be automatic I prefer planetary automatics
• FWD ONLY - too much torque and too much hp to be only FWD

Genesis G70
Pro

• Upfront purchase price vs a 3 series BMW
• long warranty
• currently offers a manual trans in the 4 cyl turbo
• RWD or AWD

Con

• tiny (10 cu. ft.) trunk
• probably won't offer a manual for long

Kia Stinger
Pro

• Looks great on paper
• Positive reviews
• Hatchback versatility
• value
• RWD or AWD

Con

• Lots of owner complaints about build quality

Honda Accord 2.0T Sport
Pro

• Likely good resale value
• Available 6 speed manual

Con

• Available 6 speed manual (but for how long?)
• Some issues popping up with Honda Turbo engines

Camry V6 TRD
Pro

• It's a TRD - Camry
• Good reviews
• STRONG naturally aspirated V6
• Lots of passenger cargo space

Con

• It's a TRD - Camry?
• Most reviewers feel that the "nannies" clamp down on the fun whenever you try to drive frisky
• Silly looking wing

Volvo V60 - been told that dealers are not going to stock it unless they have special ordered one and equipped anywhere near like our Buick's it is AT LEAST $10K more.

Same here. I’ll be keeping the TourX past this time but our oldest car will need to be replaced.

I’m also thinking

Stinger GT (may be axed by then....)
Avalon - extra room over Camry
Accord

Most likely it will be a minivan if all goes well. Provided the Sienna is updated by 2022 so I can get one a few model years in, that’ll likely be it.

 

[Idano]

Next car I buy will be an autonomous luxury vehicle so me the the wife can canoodle in the back seat while it takes us where we want to go.

 

[landsharkmz3]

Next car I buy will be an autonomous luxury vehicle so me the the wife can canoodle in the back seat while it takes us where we want to go.

Not buying a car for the next 20 years?

 

[Idano]

Not buying a car for the next 20 years?

Johnny Cab is probably about 5-6 years at most.

 

[PrincipalDan]

Same here. I’ll be keeping the TourX past this time but our oldest car will need to be replaced.

I’m also thinking

Stinger GT (may be axed by then....)
Avalon - extra room over Camry
Accord

Most likely it will be a minivan if all goes well. Provided the Sienna is updated by 2022 so I can get one a few model years in, that’ll likely be it.

My issue with the Avalon (when comparing TRD to TRD) is that the Avalon TRD is $11K more than the Camry TRD.

 

[BahamaTodd]

Holden is going all trucks and SUVs. The Commodore is also done after 2020.

Holden announces exclusive SUV and Ute line-up

Holden is today announcing a modified portfolio dedicated exclusively to SUVs and light commercial vehicles.

Holden Interim Chairman and Managing Director, Kristian Aquilina, said the focus of the portfolio was consistent with customer preferences, with the Acadia, Trailblazer, Equinox and Trax rounding out a comprehensive SUV portfolio; and the Colorado tackling rivals in the light commercial vehicle (LCV) segment.

“Holden is taking this decisive action to ensure a sharp focus on the largest and most buoyant market segments.

“So far this year SUVs and Utes have increased to 76 percent of Holden sales, a trend we only see continuing,” he said.

The company has elected to retire the ZB Commodore and the BK Astra in 2020.

 

[L J]

I am not up on Toyota TRD models, but they are probably alot like a 60's Chevy SS with a standard stovebolt 6.
Looked at Car and Driver road test of a Camry TRD compared to C&D road test of a TourX. Camry was few tenths quicker 0 to 60 and thru the 1/4 mile. But was a red needled TourX, because top speed much higher then the TRD.
PS Since TourX is now irreplaceable, I may put it in storage with 4500 miles and make the GP GXP my daily driver.

 

[D2R]

Mind if I ask what's the matter with that? Apart from the fact that it is a Chinese company not China.

Oh dear. What have I done?? 😱
Where shall I begin on this topic?
On second thought, maybe I shall not. Given it is going to get political and I have no intention to violate the forum rules on that.

 

[D2R]

Holden is going all trucks and SUVs. The Commodore is also done after 2020.

Holden announces exclusive SUV and Ute line-up

Well, that is some sad news. 😭
Considering that Holden gets the better wagons than we do already, I thought they were doing better down south. 😢

 

[GranSport2019]

Let’s not rip my head off if I am wrong about this or if you disagree, but I’m just going to give my opinion as a causal car enthusiast. From what it seems like I get the impression that many feels that the end of the Regal and Lacrosse is GM pulling out of the sedan market and only offering SUV/Cross-over with no real fun options elsewhere in their brands. Now many feel after the regal they must go elsewhere for performance and fun. I don’t think this is GM’s plan at all. I don’t think the SUV/Cross-over market killed the Regal and Lacrosse. Personally, I think this was of a greater plan by GM to be competitive in the sedan market without much overlap. Buick’s main issue like many in GM offered cars was the pecking order and the lack of desire to have GM brands and cars to compete with each other. It was very obvious GM did not want the Regal to compete or distract sales away from the V6 Camaro or ATS. We only really got this generation regal for two reasons. The first and much more importantly was that GM wanted to the sell the regal as a premium car in China and now that is doing well in China there is no need for it in the USA. The second was to offer an option (who was going to spend nearly 40k on an optioned out FWD Impala?) in the market until the CT4 came out which it is in early 2020. (and third possibly they had a contract/agreement with Opel where they had to produce cars for a number of years). So, what I believe was the two biggest reasons that killed the regal was GM wanting to take competitive shot in the sedan market (I believe someone posted an article about this) and the CT4/5/6. Basically, the plan to make an impact in the sedan market was to widen the value range of each car(nameplate) based on options (and not by the number of different car models) and remove over lapping cars that just wouldn’t be marketable (because let’s be honest GM doesn’t know how to market anything the isn’t the Corvette). The ATS and CTS were broken into three cars and the Cruze, Impala, Regal, and Lacrosse were removed and I believe the Malibu will be refocus in the sedan line up.
I may be forgetting something but this is my take on the future of GM and its competitive sedan plan.
The Chevrolet Cavalier (if the sedan market grows for GM. GM did refile for the trademark in the US and its not selling in China and Mexico). probably at the price range and options of the Cruze.
The Malibu Starting at 23k and ending at 35k. (Not sure if this car will last, very possible will be replaced with something more appealing if the sedan market grows for GM)
GM’s last hope for sedan performance and main attack plan.
The CT4 is starting MSRP at 32k with the CT4-V estimated around 46k+ (from what I read online). This is basically most of your optioned Regal and Regal GS. Although I believe this car will be smaller.
The CT5 starting at $36,895, CT5-V $48,690+
The CT6 starting at 58,095, CT6-V $94,895+ (maybe if the sedan market grows, they will offer the CT8/V and lower the cost and packing of the CT6/V to fill that price gap between the CT5 and CT6)
I would comment more on this, but I feel like it lengthy already.
Oh, I forgot about the wagon enthusiast… good luck. My suggestion would be a CTS-V wagon when they are cheaper.

 

[D2R]

Let’s not rip my head off if I am wrong about this or if you disagree, but I’m just going to give my opinion as a causal car enthusiast. From what it seems like I get the impression that many feels that the end of the Regal and Lacrosse is GM pulling out of the sedan market and only offering SUV/Cross-over with no real fun options elsewhere in their brands. Now many feel after the regal they must go elsewhere for performance and fun. I don’t think this is GM’s plan at all. I don’t think the SUV/Cross-over market killed the Regal and Lacrosse. Personally, I think this was of a greater plan by GM to be competitive in the sedan market without much overlap. Buick’s main issue like many in GM offered cars was the pecking order and the lack of desire to have GM brands and cars to compete with each other. It was very obvious GM did not want the Regal to compete or distract sales away from the V6 Camaro or ATS. We only really got this generation regal for two reasons. The first and much more importantly was that GM wanted to the sell the regal as a premium car in China and now that is doing well in China there is no need for it in the USA. The second was to offer an option (who was going to spend nearly 40k on an optioned out FWD Impala?) in the market until the CT4 came out which it is in early 2020. (and third possibly they had a contract/agreement with Opel where they had to produce cars for a number of years). So, what I believe was the two biggest reasons that killed the regal was GM wanting to take competitive shot in the sedan market (I believe someone posted an article about this) and the CT4/5/6. Basically, the plan to make an impact in the sedan market was to widen the value range of each car(nameplate) based on options (and not by the number of different car models) and remove over lapping cars that just wouldn’t be marketable (because let’s be honest GM doesn’t know how to market anything the isn’t the Corvette). The ATS and CTS were broken into three cars and the Cruze, Impala, Regal, and Lacrosse were removed and I believe the Malibu will be refocus in the sedan line up.
I may be forgetting something but this is my take on the future of GM and its competitive sedan plan.
The Chevrolet Cavalier (if the sedan market grows for GM. GM did refile for the trademark in the US and its not selling in China and Mexico). probably at the price range and options of the Cruze.
The Malibu Starting at 23k and ending at 35k. (Not sure if this car will last, very possible will be replaced with something more appealing if the sedan market grows for GM)
GM’s last hope for sedan performance and main attack plan.
The CT4 is starting MSRP at 32k with the CT4-V estimated around 46k+ (from what I read online). This is basically most of your optioned Regal and Regal GS. Although I believe this car will be smaller.
The CT5 starting at $36,895, CT5-V $48,690+
The CT6 starting at 58,095, CT6-V $94,895+ (maybe if the sedan market grows, they will offer the CT8/V and lower the cost and packing of the CT6/V to fill that price gap between the CT5 and CT6)
I would comment more on this, but I feel like it lengthy already.
Oh, I forgot about the wagon enthusiast… good luck. My suggestion would be a CTS-V wagon when they are cheaper.

Only problem with that sedan plan is, some customers do not want a Cadillac. (I am slowly raising my hand there)
There was also an old saying that doctors and lawyers prefer Buick instead of Cadillac.

BUICK, AN AMERICAN CENTURY: Looking to the past to capture the next century

As Buick turns 100, General Motors executives say they plan to push the division upscale, out of the stodgy territory in which it has languished for at least a decade.

www.autonews.com

In addition, the CT5 appears to be smaller than the TourX while costing a whole lot more. (Not very scientific, but I have parked my TourX next to a CT5 at a shop before since they are everywhere around here.)
Meanwhile, the styling of Cadillac in general is definitely not growing on me at all. 😓
I do not want to mention the CT5's ugly C-pillar, but......

On the other hand, GM could have given the Malibu a better chance by offering the 2.0 turbo on LT trim like they did for 2016. But, nope, they neutered the car immediately from 2017 and beyond by limiting the 2.0 turbo to Premier trim only.
Additionally, Toyota Camry, the mid-size sedan sales king is going to add AWD as an option going forward.
Now, the Malibu and the Regal are on the same platform, so is the Malibu going to gain AWD since the Regal is dead now? I doubt that is going to happen when looking at GM's pattern of decisions lately.

Then there is the story of the Cruze. Just updated for 2019, but got killed off immediately. GM is currently offering absolutely nothing in the entry level compact car market. (Sonic is a subcompact and not a compact.)

Is GM really trying in the sedan market at all? 😢

 

[GranSport2019]

Only problem with that sedan plan is, some customers do not want a Cadillac. (I am slowly raising my hand there)
There was also an old saying that doctors and lawyers prefer Buick instead of Cadillac.

http://[URL]https://www.autonews.co...oking-to-the-past-to-capture-the-next-century

[/URL]

In addition, the CT5 appears to be smaller than the TourX while costing a whole lot more. (Not very scientific, but I have parked my TourX next to a CT5 at a shop before since they are everywhere around here.)
Meanwhile, the styling of Cadillac in general is definitely not growing on me at all. 😓
I do not want to mention the CT5's ugly C-pillar, but......

On the other hand, GM could have given the Malibu a better chance by offering the 2.0 turbo on LT trim like they did for 2016. But, nope, they neutered the car immediately from 2017 and beyond by limiting the 2.0 turbo to Premier trim only.
Additionally, Toyota Camry, the mid-size sedan sales king is going to add AWD as an option going forward.
Now, the Malibu and the Regal are on the same platform, so is the Malibu going to gain AWD since the Regal is dead now? I doubt that is going to happen when looking at GM's pattern of decisions lately.

Then there is the story of the Cruze. Just updated for 2019, but got killed off immediately. GM is currently offering absolutely nothing in the entry level compact car market. (Sonic is a subcompact and not a compact.)

Is GM really trying in the sedan market at all? 😢

Seems like they are mostly trying to reinvent themselves with the Cadillac, which can be frustrating. If there big three don't work out then you probably won't see anything exciting from GM. My personal experience with the Cadillac wasn't much. In 2016 I was looking for a AWD sedan. It was between the regal premium II and the ATS. The pricing difference between the models differ greatly, but the options available for the ATS was much wider which i liked, but what really ruined it for me was the car insurance. Four times as much! and that wasn't for a car with much different in options. I would try out a CT4, but not with higher premiums and cost of repair.

 

[BennoB66]

GM have announced the end for sales of the Holden ZB Commodore in Australia at the end Of 2020. This is the rebadged RHD version of the Opel Insignia so same idea as the Regal. To support sales GM will offer 7 years warranty on the final batch of cars but it’s possible GM will just deplete existing stocks rather than take a 2020 model. Looks like GM will end up being without a decent sedan anywhere except China.

 

[HotZ28]

GM's top management has gone brain dead once again!! They should all be fired before the company goes bankrupt once again!! If GM want's to surive, they should "Clean House" of all the upper management, parasites sucking up what is left of the $$$$$$$ off the bottom of the barrel!

 

[BennoB66]

GM have some great cars but have no idea on how to market. They were so use to people just dropping in and buying the car without the dealer even trying. Look at a company like Hyundai who once upon a time we’re almost an unheard of brand For passenger cars but are now a household name. I wish GM would wake up to the fact that they need to promote their cars. The Buick Regal for the price they are selling it for now is a bargain for what you are getting. But they that is GM fail to exploit this. Their answer is to just pull the plug. The way it’s going the whole of GM will be pulling the plug as the last man walks out the door the way it’s going.