LERN ME: 2011+ Buick Regal Turbo (not the GS)

So, I was thinking about cars that are well suited for daily driving on long highway stretches and are comfortable inside, but are still somewhat fun to drive. Then I thought about the current-gen Buick Regal. That sounds weird, right? I'm talking mostly about the non-GS models with turbos, purely based on cost. (Something like THIS )

I do know the GS's are pretty awesome, but they are still priced out of range right now in the mid-$20's.

Pros: -Comfortable with nice interior/creature comforts

-Not bad looking, and non GS models could be a nice sleeper

-Has a 2.0L direct-injected turbo motor and you can get it with a 6-speed manual

-You can add 50+hp with just a tune

-Depreciation hits on early ones make cars that stickered for $35k+ go for around $20k or even less

-Designed and built in Germany, tested on the 'Ring, yo

-Available HID's (I really want some real HID's in my next car, not some retrofit BS)

Cons: -The magazines say the M/T gearbox isn't engaging, and not matched well to the stock 220hp engine's power band (tune it?)

-Not much aftermarket support that I am able to find other than the Trifecta Tune stuff

-Uhh... it's a Buick...(well, kinda, it's really an Opel...)

-CXL Turbo models with all the bells and whistles have stupid huge 19" wheels with rubber band tires, and those wheels are UGLY

If I got one, it looks like a tune would pretty much be mandatory. 99% of the complaints about the car revolve around it not having enough power, so this will solve that.

Anyone here know anything about these or even driven/owned one?

A friend of mine who is notoriously fastidious about cars has just purchased one. I don't know much about them, but if he ordered it, it has to be good.

Here is a 2012 GS for 23K. 2012 Buick Regal 4dr Sdn GS

This is perhaps the perfect rep/salesman car. 'Murican, nice, but a Buick, so not ostentatiously so. Also, some secret sportiness.

How good of a CTS-V could you buy for $23k though? Maybe not quite apples/apples, but they're probably close enough demographic wise.

petegossett wrote: How good of a CTS-V could you buy for $23k though? Maybe not quite apples/apples, but they're probably close enough demographic wise.

CTS-V would be in my sights if not for the atrocious gas mileage. I drive about 27k miles a year. 17mpg on premium is not a good idea. The Regal gets 1mpg better than I do now on the highway (29mpg vs 28mpg), but I bet like my old WRX when it was tuned, I could beat that number by 2-3mpg.

I wish GM brought over the awesome wagon version.

And just because...

Just took a peek at FuelEconomy.gov's ratings on the Regal vs the 1st gen CTS-V:

The Regal gets 32mpg highway on regular vs. 23mpg on premium in the V. Also, compared to my Mazda, it will cost me $1100 more a year just in fuel costs for the V, not to mention whatever the insurance will cost. Trust me, I have wanted one since they were announced, but that's not a good idea.

Nice looking car. I'd consider it if I was in the market for that sort of car. MT FTW

I am interested to hear what people have to say about the Buicks. They've got the Cobalt SS engine in there so I'm sure there's a good amount of aftermarket.

I had forgotten about this. Might have to check it out in a couple years

singleslammer wrote: I had forgotten about this. Might have to check it out in a couple years

my thoughts exactly. just added another one to the list of potential next cars. (The GS of course)

Rusted_Busted_Spit wrote: Here is a 2012 GS for 23K. 2012 Buick Regal 4dr Sdn GS

Are these really this cheap in a GS manual.

Good lord. I've been looking for a Cobalt SS sedan for 2 years, and I've been turned off by the fact that they're still $17,000. Might as well spend a little more and get a regal!