Reminder:  These Are Like, $20,000 Now

"Party-vi" (party-vi) 01/08/2016 at 09:48 • Filed to: Buick, Cars for Old People, The Practical Tavarish

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2012 Buick Regal GS. Essentially a neutered Opel Insignia OPC, but it’s a very nice neutered Opel Insignia OPC. Jalopnik just did a review the the newer AWD model and they’re lukewarm on it, mostly because with all that power it doesn’t really go anywhere quickly (0-60 at the high 6-second mark) and it doesn’t have the manny tranny any more, BUT FEAR NOT because there are quite a few of the earlier models (2012) with manual transmissions, and they can be had with as few as 20k miles and for as little as $18,000. !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , they pitted the Regal GS against a Legacy 2.5 GT and stated the GS was a good alternative, the FWD with HiPer Strut suspension almost keeping up with the Subaru’s AWD system in the twisties, but the brakes on the GS worked better than the Subie brakes. Now, for lovely pictures.

Party-vi > Party-vi 01/08/2016 at 09:51

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Great little article you’ve got here, Party-vi.

Party-vi > Party-vi 01/08/2016 at 09:51

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Thanks, Party-vi! Just thought some people on here might be interested.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Party-vi 01/08/2016 at 09:52

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I always find these interesting.

At some angles I’m like “that’s the best looking sedan I’ve seen in forever” then I see it at another angle and go “what the hell happened there”

I’m not sure how it can get such drastically different reactions from me.

Party-vi > Party-vi 01/08/2016 at 09:52

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Well, I can see why - a used Regal GS seems like a competent performer that can also pull daily driver duties.

Party-vi > Party-vi 01/08/2016 at 09:52

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Indeed, and if you think the older Regal GS is a hot car, you should check out the new Regal GS, with optional AWD!

Party-vi > Party-vi 01/08/2016 at 09:54

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*patiently waits for that sweet, sweet Buick ad money*

PilotMan > Party-vi 01/08/2016 at 09:54

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Went up on Carmax yesterday and was also pleasantly surprised.

Party-vi > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 01/08/2016 at 09:54

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The front and back look great, but the sides leave something to be desired.

Rainbow > Party-vi 01/08/2016 at 09:55

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If I had the money for a new-ish car, this would be way up on my list. I’d buy Opel badges for it, though.

BringBackTheCommodore > Party-vi 01/08/2016 at 09:55

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If these figures are accurate , then it’s a fairly competent car. Maybe not as friendly as the Grand National where tuning purposes are concerned, but pretty respectable performance as it stands.

Party-vi > PilotMan 01/08/2016 at 09:56

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There are 3 near me with manual transmissions, 37k miles to 56k miles from $18k to $22k. I’m pleasantly surprised they don’t hold value too well.

Party-vi > Rainbow 01/08/2016 at 09:57

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I thought the same thing, but then we’d be those guys . The guys that put Skyline badging on Infiniti G Coupes and Holden badging on late model GTOs. Ick.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > Party-vi 01/08/2016 at 09:57

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My neighbor has a stick shift Regal Turbo (not as GS though). Just thought I'd share since it seems like a pretty cool car.

Party-vi > BringBackTheCommodore 01/08/2016 at 10:00

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Trifecta offers a $399 tune (IIRC) that’ll boost peak power by something like 40hp or so at the wheels.

PilotMan > Party-vi 01/08/2016 at 10:01

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I had a Soltice GXP with the same motor, I spent $455 for an ECU reflash for 340 horsepower. The extra power was great but getting rid of torque management in between shifts was even better. With the OEM tune, the computer would close the throttle between shifts which does not help much to keep boost up.

Party-vi > Van Man, rocks the Man Van 01/08/2016 at 10:02

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Jalopnik suggested that with tuning available, it would make more sense to buy a new Regal Turbo and used the money saved not buying a GS for tuning purposes.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > Party-vi 01/08/2016 at 10:03

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Being that my neighbors is in his 50s, I’m guessing engine tuning is not in that car’s future.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Party-vi 01/08/2016 at 10:04

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That’s probably it.

Weird.

Tales of Seinfeld - The Mutant.

Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney > Party-vi 01/08/2016 at 10:04

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I play tennis with an older dude who has a GS in the pearl white, I’m always intrigued by that thing. Even has the tiniest hint of a pleasant exhaust note.

Party-vi > Van Man, rocks the Man Van 01/08/2016 at 10:05

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Stranger things have happened.

Ash78, voting early and often > Party-vi 01/08/2016 at 10:05

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0-60 at the high 6-second mark

Screw the world, that is quick. And I don’t just mean “quick by 1990s standards.”

I mean quick in terms of putting your foot down and having your wife, kids, and/or grandma curse at you for driving like an idiot, even in a straight line.

Rainbow > Party-vi 01/08/2016 at 10:06

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Very true.... Damn. I’d still probably do it, though. Most of “those guys” don’t drive Buicks, so I think I’d be distanced enough. Maybe.

Party-vi > Ash78, voting early and often 01/08/2016 at 10:07

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By that definition, every car I drive with my wife as a passenger is quick. Even our 4,400lb Pilot.

pauljones > Party-vi 01/08/2016 at 10:08

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SHHH!!!! The more you talk about it, the higher its resale value will go! There are some cars that we just don’t talk about; cars like the GTO, Solstice GXP, and G8. Rather, we keep them firmly in our hearts and minds, awaiting the day when the resale value on a good example hits just the right sweetspot.

Ash78, voting early and often > Party-vi 01/08/2016 at 10:19

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We have a 4500# Odyssey. I know the feeling.

Justin Hughes > Party-vi 01/08/2016 at 10:21

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Right Foot Down reviewed a new Regal GS and generally liked it. Will wasn’t overwhelmed with joy for it, but it’s a decent car, and a far more interesting midsize sedan than your average Camry or Accord. It seems a good choice for someone looking for something different, and more cushy and sporty at the same time.

Party-vi > Justin Hughes 01/08/2016 at 10:22

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Yeah but who reads RFD?

:3

Justin Hughes > Party-vi 01/08/2016 at 10:25

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Oooh, snap!

koawaft1 > Party-vi 01/08/2016 at 10:34

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Im totally in the market for a G37. Seems like this might be a good alternative. Maybe not as much fun as a G37. What am I missing? Is the interior in the Regal that much better. Cost about the same

Textured Soy Protein > Party-vi 01/08/2016 at 10:38

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I had a Regal T (I think?) for a rental a couple months ago. It had the 2.0T that’s not the full-on GS. Overall I was pretty OK with the ride, handling and braking, and it has more power than your usual rental car. The steering didn’t have much weight to it but hey this is a Buick.

The interior was quiet but some of the materials were unexpectedly shitty. Like the fake wood trim was REALLY fake and the leather on the seats was decently comfortable but looked super crappy and hard and cheap. Maybe it was fake?

The MyLink or whatever GM brands it in Bucks was OK but the bluetooth Pandora app was sorta wonky. I also have a pet peeve of big LCD screens in the dash that don’t have navigation so you end up having that PLUS your phone glaring away in your face.

Party-vi > koawaft1 01/08/2016 at 10:39

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I have not had the chance to drive a Regal GS, but I have had a bit of experience with an ‘09 G37x sedan. It’s quick as hell, and the AWD will tear your face off going through corners. That being said, you better have a big wallet or good independent mechanic for servicing it (catalytic converters are a thing that go), and the interior leaves a bit to be desired (pretty much a Nissan Altima interior). The engine in the G37 isn’t refined at all, and the ride is harsh. Also, the back seats are a joke for any adult. But again, the car is stupid quick. 0-60 is almost 5 seconds, and it has a good stereo.

Your manual options are also going to be more scarce in the Infiniti (Carmax shows 1 with a manual trans within 250 miles of me), but it looks like regardless of mileage they hover around the $20k mark.

For Sweden > Party-vi 01/08/2016 at 11:24

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THAT’S NOT A BUICK

Quadradeuce > pauljones 01/08/2016 at 11:25

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Solstice COUPE gxp, you mean. I didn’t even know it existed until I went to a car show. So much better looking, IMHO.

Party-vi > For Sweden 01/08/2016 at 11:27

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IT’S A BUICK BECAUSE PAPA GM SAYS IT’S A BUICK.

*sweeps Opel badges into dustpan*

Quadradeuce > Party-vi 01/08/2016 at 11:27

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We test drove the Regal and really liked it. Lots of room for our 2 kids, so we might be able to avoid another SUV. AND, I have my wife convinced that the GS is the best choice. Fully loaded and more modern look. Bonus: she has no problem with a manual.

For Sweden > Party-vi 01/08/2016 at 11:28

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THAT’S GENERAL GM TO YOU YOU UNGRATEFUL LEACH

DO YOU WANT TO GO BACK TO JROTC?

Party-vi > For Sweden 01/08/2016 at 11:43

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General General Motors?

For Sweden > Party-vi 01/08/2016 at 11:45

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DID I STUTTER

Party-vi > For Sweden 01/08/2016 at 11:45

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>.>

I think, yes?

BringBackTheCommodore > Party-vi 01/08/2016 at 12:16

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That would boost straight line performance for sure, the tests already show the new GS handles better than the GN.

jkm7680 > Party-vi 01/08/2016 at 16:05

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I’ve always wanted one.

But that 0-60 is staggering.

jdrgoat - Ponticrack? > Party-vi 01/08/2016 at 23:16

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I have such an unexplainable boner for these things. I have been “so done with” fwd for a long time... but the Regal GS is just different and hits the right buttons for me. And I recently sat in one at a CarMax and realized that the seats/steering wheel combo (an underrated part of the overall vehicle) is so ... perfect.