2018 Buick Regal TourX - The mini review

"Future next gen S2000 owner" (future-next-gen-s2000-owner) 01/04/2019 at 11:15 • Filed to: Oppo Mini Review, Review, buicklopnik, Buick, Cars

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I bought a B uick Regal TourX. The registration says station wagon. I’m pretty sure Huzer test drove this exact car but the acquisition of the 4Runner. Phone pics follow, deal with it.

Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, here is a mini review and my initial impressions. Keep in mind, I haven’t even had the car a full week.

Exterior - It looks better in person than in the photos. I’m looking for confi rm ation that all the plastic cladding can come off the side. I think it will look better when it is gone. It’s not nearly as high riding as the car mags make it seem. It is longer though. This pays dividends on the.....

Interior - Leg room for days. I’m 5'11". I have a fully comfortable seating position and two rear facing cars seats behind me WITH INCHES TO SPARE AND IT IS GLORIOUS!!!!! There is a solid 4-5 inches between my seats and the car seats. There is a cavern behind the 2nd row that fits a dog and a battle wagon twin str oller. Materials could be better, but I’ve got leather, heated seats, and dual-zone climate control so I don’t care. Is it a luxury car? No. It is slightly nicer than most mainstream interiors, yes.

Ride/Handling - Rides well. Haven’t pushed it to find the limits but I’m sure it isn’t a great handling car. It is a commuter car that handles kid duty and road trips. Ride is way more important.

Engine/Trans - It’s decently quick. Relatively high peak torque for a small turbo car. 250 hp and almost 300 lb ft. It will get you up to highway speed quick enough, you don’t have to fear for you life when merging. Brakes are solid. Trans upshifts a ton. It loves 7th gear. It will lug between 40-60 in 7th until it kicks down. I almost think the lugging is hindering it’s mileage. Speaking of mileage , it’s not great. I’m mid-20's right now and the tank is quite small gauging from the distance to empty readout.

TL:DR - All those other reviews you read were spot on. It’s a wagon meant for appliance duty, n ot a racecar. Adjust your expectations and it’s solid. Transmission loves 7th gear and lugs a bit between 40-55 on light throttle application. Interior is nice but it’s not luxury - which is where Buick has traditionally always been.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Future next gen S2000 owner 01/04/2019 at 11:22

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Still looks pretty great though

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > Future next gen S2000 owner 01/04/2019 at 11:25

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Looks good in white and I don’t mind the cladding that much, like you said there is more than enough space for a family. This is a good family car and an alternative to an Outback 3.6R if you don’t want CVT and ride height is not that important.

Would seriously consider it if the engine and trans were at least 15% quicker from the factory , sportier suspension and the interior was better in materials quality. Not sure how much longer it’s going to be on the market though.

What trim level is this?

Future next gen S2000 owner > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 01/04/2019 at 11:26

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It’s definitely much better than some cars on the market. It’s by no  means ugly.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Future next gen S2000 owner 01/04/2019 at 11:29

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top 10%? Maybe 15%?

There are a ton of horrible cars out there.

Future next gen S2000 owner > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 01/04/2019 at 11:29

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Essence. Top trim if I’m not mistaken. I don’t have all the options but I got the ones I wanted.

I own dead car brands only > Future next gen S2000 owner 01/04/2019 at 11:33

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I’ve done some reading, the trim around the wheels will come off  and there's no weird imprint or anything behind it. However the bumpers and lower rockers will not. I read about one guy who's ordering front and rear bumper from Europe to replace them

TysMagic > Future next gen S2000 owner 01/04/2019 at 11:33

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THAT TRIM CAN COME OFF?!
That’s my biggest dislike for these. I’ve seen a couple in person and they look incredible honestly. I would love to see it without the plastics. 

Future next gen S2000 owner > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 01/04/2019 at 11:34

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I would definitely put it in the top 15 %, probably closer to top 10 % of all cars . I don’t like SUVs/CUVs so I would buy it before all of those - obviously. But if we narrow it down to mainstream cars/hatches - top 15%. It’s a looker but I think the Opel version without the plastic looks cleaner.

TysMagic > TysMagic 01/04/2019 at 11:34

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we deserve to have this option

Future next gen S2000 owner > TysMagic 01/04/2019 at 11:35

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I’m doing some research but it seems the plastic around the wheel wells and between the wheels is just stuck on. The plastic is molded into the bumpers.

Haven’t confirmed that yet though.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > I own dead car brands only 01/04/2019 at 11:35

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Black blends it in

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > TysMagic 01/04/2019 at 11:36

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...with the GS’s V6

Future next gen S2000 owner > I own dead car brands only 01/04/2019 at 11:37

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I could deal with the bumpers. The way it is molded, it wouldn’t look too bad if I could take off the clad ding around the wheels and between the wheels.

shop-teacher > Future next gen S2000 owner 01/04/2019 at 11:38

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“There is a solid 4-5 inches between my seats and the car seats.”

That is very impressive!

Nothing > Future next gen S2000 owner 01/04/2019 at 11:38

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Is that from Johnson? If so, I can say I have driven another Oppo’s car! Ha.

In my research, the cladding can be removed, but to make it look right, you’ll need new bumpers and possibly side skirts . I believe the flares are attached differently to the front bumper than it is the fenders, so the only option is to replace the entire bumper, or you’ll have a fender flare around the front third of the wheel opening.

Had the final new purchase factor not required a third row (per my wife), I most likely would’ve picked up one of these. Once I reset my expectation from near luxury sport wagon to utility vehicle, it became much more reasonable.

Future next gen S2000 owner > Nothing 01/04/2019 at 11:41

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It is from Johnson. Up in Brighton. They came down on the price after you drove it and after I walked out the first day. Came out to a reasonable 26K then taxes/fees.....Think it was 27,700 OTD or something. Ironically, it is technically a clean carfax despite the repaired hail. So that’s a bit of a win.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

That is my fear.

Future next gen S2000 owner > shop-teacher 01/04/2019 at 11:44

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That was a huge selling point honestly.

TysMagic > Future next gen S2000 owner 01/04/2019 at 11:44

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Assuming you’re researching opel forums to see if it’s been done? I’m willing to bet there are quite a few guide holes that would be exposed if were pulled off.

Nothing > Future next gen S2000 owner 01/04/2019 at 11:44

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Nice, I believe they were somewhere around $31k when I drove it, but the salesman told me they were willing to deal. Since I wasn’t smitten with the car after I drove it the first time, I didn’t want to waste his time working on imaginary numbers.

Congrats on the new ride, they’re quite the looker and the interior room on them is awesome!

Future next gen S2000 owner > TysMagic 01/04/2019 at 11:47

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Buick forums mostly. I don’t know if Opel has the cladded version.

Danimalk - Drives a Slow Car Fast > Future next gen S2000 owner 01/04/2019 at 11:55

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Awesome dude. Trying to get my wife to like the wagon, but she wants a higher driving position. She hasn’t driven a Tour X yet though.

Did you get one of those crazy deals I see sometimes? Some are advertised for nearly $ 8 k off if yo u qualify for their discounts. It’s too expensive for us at msrp , but with the big sales I’ve seen, it might fall into our price range...

How can I convince the wife she doesn’t need to sit so high?!

Kiltedpadre > Future next gen S2000 owner 01/04/2019 at 11:55

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I’m seriously considering looking at one on Monday. My wife doesn’t like her current car, and I’m hoping maybe I can convince her to take my Volt and let me get a car.  She has a longer commute and could charge it at work so we’d save money that way.

Future next gen S2000 owner > Danimalk - Drives a Slow Car Fast 01/04/2019 at 12:04

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The car was a repaired hail car, it was the only one in my area at it’s price in addition to having the options I wanted. It was 26K plus taxes/fees, MSPR was 36K. But yeah, I wouldn’t pay MSRP. The rebates help but you should be able to negotiate below the rebate.

Anything lower was used. I’m pretty sure I got the cheapest new one around.

Get a new wife? I kid, but seriously, just let her drive it. She may like it. my wife grew up with wagons and doesn’t like big cars, so this was right up her ally.

Danimalk - Drives a Slow Car Fast > Future next gen S2000 owner 01/04/2019 at 12:10

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Awesome! That’s just the deal I’m looking for.

Yeah, my wife openly admits she suffers from “Na poleo n Syndrome” and needs to be higher than everyone else, haha.  She’s in an older Equinox now, so I’m hoping the nicer/quieter/smooth/faster Buick will overshadow how low her POV is. 

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Future next gen S2000 owner 01/04/2019 at 12:10

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Congrats!

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Future next gen S2000 owner 01/04/2019 at 12:11

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Wow, nice job putting your money where us Jalops’ mouth is (ok…weird imagery ensues).

Wife wants an Outback for our next car, I’ve been very curious about this as an alternative instead. Seems much more powerful/nimble too. From what I’ve researched the side cladding does come off but the portions on the bumper don’t…so it ends up looking a bit odd, there are pictures online in the forums if you dig.

What does being a hail damaged car mean? Still comes with a clean title? Prices on these things are so tempting, and absolutely so much car for the money. It’s like getting more car than the Outback for the price of a Crosstrek (with maybe slightly less capable AWD system - but plenty for most folks) .

random001 > Future next gen S2000 owner 01/04/2019 at 12:19

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Nah, it’s only like 4 or 5 inches.  Not huge.  =0P

TysMagic > Future next gen S2000 owner 01/04/2019 at 12:29

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In my short googling, yes they do. Might be worth venturing in to

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Future next gen S2000 owner 01/04/2019 at 12:30

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I’d be willing to bet money this car with the 3.6L would net better mileage than the turbo 4.

That being said, great to hear a legit review, sounds like you really enjoy it so far!

Future next gen S2000 owner > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 01/04/2019 at 12:43

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I think better shift logic would help as well. So far so good. I hold onto cars long term. I can easily see this car handling all necessary family duties for the next decade.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Future next gen S2000 owner 01/04/2019 at 12:46

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I hope it works well for you. It’s definitely something I would consider in the future.

BahamaTodd > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 01/04/2019 at 13:30

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I’ve had my GS about 3 weeks now. I’m averaging about 25 mpg mostly highway. Its rated for 27 hwy so its pretty close to its rating. I also have the 9 speed instead of the 8 speed in the TourX. Its also nice that the V6 uses regular while premium is recommended for the 2.0T. The tank is only 16 gallons.

BahamaTodd > Danimalk - Drives a Slow Car Fast 01/04/2019 at 13:41

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The 17% off discount was only for last month and now they’re running 0% for 72 months with $1250. So not much of a discount for this month.

I got my GS for about $9,0 00 off which included GM, dealer, and a Costco discount. Much better deal for me considering I want to pay it off in about 3 years.

BahamaTodd > Future next gen S2000 owner 01/04/2019 at 13:50

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This is what it looks like with the cladding removed. You still have to do something with t he bumpers.

https://buickforums.com/forums/threads/i-removed-the-plastic-cladding-trim-on-the-tourx.49336/#post-283369

dogisbadob > Future next gen S2000 owner 01/04/2019 at 14:16

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Cool car! Nice writeup

Gary > Future next gen S2000 owner 01/04/2019 at 15:00

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I bought one too, also in white and also essence trim.  I did get all the options minus the sunroof.  The manager of the dealership I bought from is demoing one with sunroof, said it clunks when really cold - which would drive me nuts.  Found it drives really well on snow & ice.  Am really happy with it so far.  The cladding is growing on me.  I paid 31 for mine, not a hail car + options tells me we both got a decent deal!

Future next gen S2000 owner > BahamaTodd 01/04/2019 at 15:04

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I’ve seen that. I really want to get rid of the strip between the doors as well.

Killing Time > I own dead car brands only 01/04/2019 at 15:10

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Yeah, the front and rear bumpers are drilled into and have indentions to accept the cladding. After talking to another guy on here, I think it’d be cheaper to remove the cladding from the bumpers and then take it to a body shop to get the holes/ridges filled, the extra bumps sanded down, and then resprayed. Finding these bumpers from a place and then internationally shipping them will probably cost way more.

Future next gen S2000 owner > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 01/04/2019 at 15:11

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The car was in a hail storm and PDR as a fix. Never claimed on the dealerships insurance, so never reported to Carfax. So it technically has a clean Carfax. The moral of this story, don’t trust Carfax. Title is clean. Damage wasn’t so extensive as to write- off the car.

It hails a lot here is Denver. My Taco had about 13K in damage a year and a half ago. Odds are the car will get hail damage again during my ownership. I figure, if I’m okay driving a hail repair truck whats the big deal about a car with the same repair.

cobalt_mcg > Future next gen S2000 owner 01/04/2019 at 16:49

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Be sure to watch out for noise from the front end under medium to heavy braking. My wife’s developed this after about 1k miles and GM gas a service bulletin out for it to replace the lower control arms on both sides.

Take it to the dealer quick so they can get the parts order in as they’re usually backordered. Mine took about 3 weeks to arrive and then another couple days because the bolts for the control arms also have to be replaced and my dealer hadn’t included that in the parts order.

Other than that, I love the car. Ride is excellent, it's unique, comfortable, spacious, and with the incentives a pretty incredible deal. Hopefully this suspension problem is not indicative of the overall vehicle reliability because we plan to keep it for a while.

philipilihp > Future next gen S2000 owner 01/04/2019 at 19:31

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I’ve had mine for about 6 months and it’s definitely been a very competent car. I agree with all of your points!

The guy on the forum who removed the cladding and said he was ordering a bumper from Europe sadly never came back to tell us how he actually removed the stuff, but I'm thinking when the weather turns nicer I'll investigate myself. Can't be too hard! I think it can look pretty clean with leaving just the cladding under the front and rear bumpers. I would like to adjust the suspension a little bit to lower the car about an inch. I think it would look amazing.

Spencer Knight > Danimalk - Drives a Slow Car Fast 01/04/2019 at 21:06

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I just bought a brand new, no hail damage car, for $27,200. Updated infotainment and gauges, blue with shale leather, essence trim.  Arrives TOMORROW!

Gary > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 01/04/2019 at 23:17

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Not factory, but check out trifecta performance.  They told me they'll likely support this car this spring or summer.  The main reason I'm considering is to disable the auto stop, which is maddening. 

BadMotorScooter > Future next gen S2000 owner 01/05/2019 at 10:00

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Congrats! Looks good and I don’t mind the cladding. My dealer has one like this in stock and I like the looks. Buick has a great warranty too - this should provide a long life.

Jon > Danimalk - Drives a Slow Car Fast 01/05/2019 at 10:19

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I sell at a Buick dealership. We got three of these delivered when they came out. One was traded off to another dealer. The other two took forever to sell. I don’t get it because it’s quite nice in every trim level. But people just aren’t interested, so they have to put huge discounts on them before they move.

The 2.0L turbo 4 is a great engine. Try it in the Terrain or Envision. It's the transmission that is holding back the TourX. And it's still fun to drive, relative to most anything else with this much interior space. 

2Fast2Furious: Rotary Powered > Future next gen S2000 owner 01/05/2019 at 12:52

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What if you painted the cladding body colored? That would be the direction I would take

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > Future next gen S2000 owner 01/05/2019 at 17:24

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Sweet. Looks like a great highway cruiser.

shop-teacher > Future next gen S2000 owner 01/05/2019 at 22:43

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I don't doubt it. If it was available when we had rear facing car seats, I probably would have bought one.

Road_Dog > Future next gen S2000 owner 01/06/2019 at 10:30

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Ccongrats. Had my Essence in sport red (no sunroof) since March 2018, almost 12,000 miles on it and I enjoy it more every day. City/suburban mpg is around 25 but highway cruising is consistently over 30 with a high of 34.5. Hauls my two boys in boosters, does awesome in Wisconsin winter weather, and looks good too.