Buick Regal Tour X

[SCadaddle]

I'm a station wagon kind of guy, having owned many Subaru Legacy wagons in the past. I had no clue this offering from Buick even existed until I noticed the "Holiday TV ad" with the fellow sitting next to it. Looking around for one on a Buick lot, they don't seem to be too popular. Either a dealership doesn't carry them or they have a bunch of them that seems like they can't give them away.

Anybody with real world experience with a Tour X on the forum?

[LEAKYSEALS951]

I've been test driving them. I noticed the same thing too about the dealerships. I like the looks and space in the back. I can't get over the "auto-cut off" feature though. It cannot be disabled, however, I think you can bypass it by shifting out of auto into manual mode if needed. I also can't get features I want- leather heated seats, without all sorts of other premium gimmicks that I don't want to pay for. Also- no spare tire, and at least the last time I checked, no 2 inch receiver available yet (that may have changed though).

I'm also more of a used/new used car guy, and I'm sure it's value is going to take a dive just driving it off the lot.

I took these pics to show my uncle recently. He's a buick fan, and has an enclave, but was moaning about the loss in value he's suffered since he got it. I really like the buick though- not trying to be a grinch.

[2.7RS]

Looks like the brand new Volvo V90

[SCadaddle]

I found one review that suggested that the "auto off" engine deal could as you said be defeated by putting the transmission in manual mode or putting the A/C on full blast.

It's really an odd beast. Supposedly built in Germany by Opel using a French outfit that used to build Peugots. That last part worries me. Can't find any documents on the engine that is a small 2.0 liter turbo 4 that makes a lot of power and torque, perhaps direct injection (don't like that) but the engine is made in the USA. Transmission is 8 speed made by Aisin. I do like that compared to say a CVT in a Subaru Outback, however I haven't driven one of those.

Poorly marketed in my opinion, who knows if the local Buick dealer that doesn't carry them would give me grief over warranty and service work, and I can see it as a huge dud on the resale market. And I've yet to find out if the panoramic moon roof is a standard feature or not. A whole lot of bells and whistles missing as compared to the Outback as well.......well, other than the "ballistic charges below the hood hinges" that raise the rear of the hood a couple or few inches should you impact a pedestrian. How odd is THAT?

[LEAKYSEALS951]

That's the thing about it. It seems squarely between an outback and a Volvo v90.
The running gear seems pretty stout.

I was also not so happy about the 50,000 mile warranty/ I want 100,000 mile and will blast through even that in short order with anything I buy.

Seems like about 1/2 of the ones I see have the moonroof/ 1/2 no moonroof. I like the idea of the moonroof, but I also could see myself dropping my bike forks right on it if I used a bike rack.

[Chocaholic]

Saw one on the road a few weeks ago. Really sharp looking. Why not lease one for three years. Very little out of pocket down, smaller payments and probably no worse than depreciation curve. Not sure I’d want to be on the hook for 45k for a first-year oddball Buick.

[tcar]

Originally Posted by 2.7RS

Looks like the brand new Volvo V90

Ummm, looks EXACTLY like the brand new Opel Insignia.

Because that's EXACTLY what it is...

[NutmegCarrera]

I’ve been pretty intrigued by them, too. Would like to try one out, but have been happy with my Outbacks in the past. There have been a few at my local dealer, but have had no reason to do more than walk around one.
I have been pretty happy with my 3.6R (Outback). Have had a few 4 cylinders in the past.
The CVT coupled with the 6 cylinder does not act like a CVT. More features than I need (but like most of them....)

[onewhippedpuppy]

I've had Regals and Encores as "premium" rentals and been very unimpressed, so definitely give one a close look. They have struck me as a cheap Chevy with a premium veneer, in this case some fake wood and leather. Very much the old school GM badge engineering school of thought.

[chapo]

Bought my mom a Subaru Crosstrek with the CVT. She thinks most cars are way too big. She liked the lifted suspension so she could see better. The CVT is fine. In CA with the freeway stop and go who cares. Its been one of the best cars we have owned and they are cheap. 28k fully loaded. I love the look of the Buick and am a wagon guy but GM scares me.

[lendaddy]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

I've had Regals and Encores as "premium" rentals and been very unimpressed, so definitely give one a close look. They have struck me as a cheap Chevy with a premium veneer, in this case some fake wood and leather. Very much the old school GM badge engineering school of thought.

This rings true because it is true. These are the vehicles that GM makes as cheaply as is humanly possible (then tarts them up for lot appeal).

[petrolhead611]

Opel and Vauxhall are nongwr part of GM.Peugeot bought these brands last year. The second generation Vauxhall/Opel Insignia was designed in GM days ,and is a great looking vehicle but I don't know how reliable they sre as they are quite new on the market

[LakeCleElum]

Rented a Opel Mokka in Europe last year. Put a lot of miles (K's) on in over two weeks and really liked it. Turbo-Diesel/6-speed.

Got home and researched if available in the US.....Turns out here it's a Buick Encore and only availed with small 4 cylinder/Auto..........No thanks.....

[tcar]

Originally Posted by petrolhead611

Opel and Vauxhall are nongwr part of GM.Peugeot bought these brands last year. The second generation Vauxhall/Opel Insignia was designed in GM days ,and is a great looking vehicle but I don't know how reliable they sre as they are quite new on the market

Peugeot has agreed to keep making the 'Buick Regal' as a part of the sale agreement.
At least for the short term... maybe only for the short term.