Finally test drove a Regal GS

I finally had a moment to test drive a Regal GS. Local dealer had 2, a 2014 and a 2015, both FWD automatics with 19" wheels. I drove the 2014 (mostly unchanged for '15). I have to say I was really impressed. The salesman drove it first and really hauled ass, like 70+ in a 35, much faster than I drove it. Its not a "fast" car per see but its fast enough for me and it felt great to drive. The salesman says he thinks its one of the most underrated available right now, which I tend to believe. The seats were incredibly comfortable and supportive without being restrictive or too form fitting, kind of like my '07 Jetta with a little more bolstering. Interior was simple but well put together, everything felt good to the touch. Some reviews criticize a confused transmission, but I didn't notice any of that while either the salesperson or I were driving. In fact, it felt very confident and the dshifting was well timed and unobtrusive.

I was considering this along with a Cross Trek as a newer car next year, but I don't think I'm as interested in the Subaru anymore. Test drove the Subaru, and its very cool and will likely hold value better, but I would just rather drive the GS every day. I was looking for a 2012-13 FWD with 20"s, but I think now I will look for a used 2014 AWD. Anyway, I don't spend every day in a BMW or Audi but I was really impressed with the car. I should also say that being impressed with the car also means buying one used/certified with a nice depreciation hit right off the bat as these are expensive cars new. The 2014 I test drove had been sitting for quite a while according to the salesman, they are not exactly flying off Buick lots like the Lacrosse seems to.

I think that the new Buicks are really good looking, with the exception of the big chromed plastic grill. It just cheapens the whole look of the car.

The new GS is one of those cars that I feel falls under the radar. When it comes time to replace my DD, I'm going to look long and hard at one of these. I know they make cheap tunes for these that put them up around 300whp.

In reply to Woody:

Thankfully it's a easy fix

I forgot Buick still existed. I thought GM killed them off but I guess I'm thinking of Pontiac.

The Buick Verano is a sharp looking vehicle (not much of a sedan guy but it looks good).

92dxman wrote: The Buick Verano is a sharp looking vehicle (not much of a sedan guy but it looks good).

I can't get over the angry chrome eyebrows on the rear of the car.

Funny, couldn't sleep the other night and I was thinking about Buicks.

I was hoping they'd get popular again and be a driving force. They've been in the backseat for a long time and I don't expect them I be the "new thing" but there's real promise there.

Now if only they made an awd or rwd version!

I had one. Six speed manual. I got rid of it to get my Focus ST. I found the ergonomics of the Buick wore on me after a while and that the power was very on/off and laggy, though mine was a 2012 and I think they changed things up a little bit in terms of engine and turbo to alleviate some of that.

All around the Focus I find is actually easier to drive and more fun, maybe lacking in comfort though compared to the Buick.

Prepare to have the Buick crater in value as soon as you drive it away too. I got a smoking deal on the car, put money down and still had barely any equity when I went to sell it.

I worked on one a few months ago. I didn't get to test drive it but I did move it around the lot. I was very impressed with the interior quality, I couldn't even hear or feel the engine running at idle and the steering was effortless.

ebonyandivory wrote: Funny, couldn't sleep the other night and I was thinking about Buicks.

Only on GRM lol!

The_Jed wrote:

ebonyandivory wrote: Funny, couldn't sleep the other night and I was thinking about Buicks.

Only on GRM lol!

I've never driven a Buick. I've never even been in a Buick. But there I was at 2:30 am sincerely hoping Buick will make a comeback!

You guys did this to me!

I like them until I see those grills. I can't figure out who on the design team, leadership, management etc. thinks they're selling the nostalgia to?!? Doesn't mean I haven't thought about driving one and having the grill corrected with some custom hood solution.

i own a Buick.. it's 30 years old, but it's a Buick.. it has a turbo, sequential efi, and distributorless ignition on the engine and an overdrive transmission behind that...

Ford Fusion 2.0 Ecoboost makes around 270 HP stock.

I'm sorry, I forgot what you were saying about Buicks...

In reply to DWNSHFT:

Leave the damned pos fords out of this thread will ya

I rented a LaCross this summer in California. Didn't like the ergonomics at all (the headrest was intrusive, and the outward visibility was pretty bad IMO). Of course I only had it for one night and about 50 miles before a fender bender brought me an Impala. Much less "polished" but much better driving.

My Regal GS was far more laggy than my Ford even after a tune. Like I said though, I think they moved to a different engine turbo setup.

I nearly bought a Regal GS. In the end, I stayed away from the depreciation, but loved the way it drove. The center stack is a little busy, IMO, but a great looking car overall. And fast. Did I mention fast?

Harvey wrote: My Regal GS was far more laggy than my Ford even after a tune. Like I said though, I think they moved to a different engine turbo setup.

I worry about the depreciation too, the 12's and 13's have already dropped to mid 20's retail and the demand is not high. I intend to buy used unless I can get a crazy deal on new, which is possible, and I keep cars for long term, 10 + years, so I'm hoping it won't matter so much by then.

mattmacklind wrote:

Harvey wrote: My Regal GS was far more laggy than my Ford even after a tune. Like I said though, I think they moved to a different engine turbo setup.

I worry about the depreciation too, the 12's and 13's have already dropped to mid 20's retail and the demand is not high. I intend to buy used unless I can get a crazy deal on new, which is possible, and I keep cars for long term, 10 + years, so I'm hoping it won't matter so much by then.

I would buy used for sure and if you buy new make sure to get the car for well under invoice. They started off at invoice and just went down from there when I bought mine.