You Want to Talk About Depreciation-Based Ownership? Let's Talk Buick

"No, I don't thank you for the fish at all" (notindetroit) 03/08/2014 at 11:34 • Filed to: Second Ownership Cars, Buick Regal

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You really want a cool car but can't afford one, right? So you're waiting for some Toyobaru Twins to show up on the used lots. The only problem is !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . And, oh yeah, even an Accord "would bend this thing over the sink and take what it wanted without pity" (Baruth's words, not mine). But what if I told you that you can get a Cadillac ATS with practically the same engine complete with turbo power, proven European refinement and it actually manages to be lighter than either the ATS or the Lexus IS and BMW 3-series competition, all for potentially less than $15 grand? The only catch is you have to put up with fail-wheel-drive ( maybe).

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The Buick Regal originally came with a naturally aspirated 2.4 liter four-banger with the CXL Turbo and later GS trims offering a 2.0 turbo, an engine that would later be found on the ATS and putting out around 240 HP. As it currently stands, new Regals are now only capable of the higher output numbers with most of the GS-differentiation being concentrated on handling and stopping. Depending on the model and model year, AWD and even a manual stick were options. Of course, AWD does cut into the Regal's weight advantage over the ATS - and when stepping up to the GS with all the performance goodies the cost advantage over the base ATS pretty much vanishes as well. But what do you care about new MSRP, you're a used car shopper!

On top of that, the Regal manages to be a rather nice and upscale-looking car, which is probably the first time someone's ever said that about a Buick since the brand's exterior lines were last penned by Harley Earl. If one happens to be stuck in traffic next to an Accord or Fusion, it won't exactly stick out but the flowing lines and particularly the chrome accents will help set it apart. The inside is more than just an upgraded Malibu, too. The rear seats are a bit cramped but still functional, and it will make a decent family hauler especially for starting families - if you really need more backspace room you're probably better off with a van anyway. Or a wagon, which the Opel Insignia is available in and one day may even be brought over as a Regal five-door...but that's another issue entirely. Up front, the interior is, how shall I say, distinctly American and it's not up to what the Swedish or Japanese put in their FWD luxo-barges but it's still appreciably nice with better luxury flair than what you'd find in most FWD mainstreamers (and for the record, yes, I've test-driven Regals before).

Above image from Motor Trend

But you've heard enough about the Regal before, even !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . You probably want to know what used prices are like, right? !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! and as you can see there are several with decent mileage listed for the price of a well-equipped Focus SE (or less). Naturally the CXL Turbos and GS's will bump the price up, but compared to a brand new ATS it's the deal of the century.

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Can you find even better used bargains? Almost certainly. There are cars with better HP-to-weight ratios, lower used market values or both. Including the Dodge Avenger. But really, would you rather be seen driving a Dodge Avenger while you're waiting for a used FR-S to show up at your local Toyota/Scion dealer, or would you rather cruise now in the Buick?

You want to cruise right now in the Buick! Yes, you do. After a while if you just keep repeating that to yourself out loud it will stop sounding weird, trust me.

offroadkarter > No, I don't thank you for the fish at all 03/08/2014 at 11:37

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Your for sale link takes us back to the FP article

I am not shocked on the resale though. When my dad and I went to look at a regal GS back in 2011 you could tell by the rates on the loan that they expected this thing to drop like a rock....

Still a nice ass car though

deekster_caddy > No, I don't thank you for the fish at all 03/08/2014 at 11:47

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I bought my '98 Riviera from a small local used car dealer who got most of his cars from the local Cadillac dealer - trade ins that were nicer than auction cars but not nice enough to stay on the Cadillac lot. At about 1/3 it's original price with 50K on it and basically an immaculate vehicle, I think I got a very good deal. My brother is still driving it with the modded supercharged 3800 and drivetrain and it's now over 250K miles. Still drives and performs like it should, although the undercarriage and interior are showing their age. I was very happy to see the GS platform come back. But - they have to sell enough of them to new car buyers to supply the used car demand!

PatBateman > No, I don't thank you for the fish at all 03/08/2014 at 11:48

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A lot of people have overlooked the Buicks since Cadillac stepped up their game. Both the Regal and the Lacrosse are quality cars with great interiors and punchy available engines to boot. They aren't as exciting as a BMW or Caddy, but they're very drivable and fun in their own right.

If you're buying for a long term (5+ years) ride, buy one slightly used or new. Otherwise, the two and three year old versions are viable options.

SaabLife, because Gripen > No, I don't thank you for the fish at all 03/08/2014 at 11:56

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I actually really like the Regal, but there are a few modifications that I'd make to mine if I ever bought one.

Full Opel Insignia OPC conversion.

NinetyQ > No, I don't thank you for the fish at all 03/08/2014 at 12:01

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Whoa whoa whoa, did you just suggest that the ATS has "practically the same engine" as the GT86 cars? No. NO. NO NO NO NO NO!

But uh... admittedly, the bore and the stroke are the same. Carry on.

Gloff > No, I don't thank you for the fish at all 03/11/2014 at 04:48

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I've driven the GS 2.0L Turbo with the Stick. It was fun, albeit FWD fun. Quick little car, great shifter and clutch feel.