Back again...GS style this time

[caddycruiser]

Still working for and loving Acura in the Philly area, and driving my 2nd or 3rd new TSX demo. Great car. Never something I had considered before, but just the right mix of size, power, refinement, fun and economy. Tech is the best in the biz, too.

I don't need a second car of my own, but I WANT one, and if the dollars work, why not. Never hurts to own your own car.

Went on vacation in Florida & Georgia mid September, and for a week had a brand new 2012 SRX Performance and was intrigued by GM again. My friend and I loved it and wanted to buy one. I started looking at lease deals, and then cars too, and narrowed down to the SRX, Lacrosse Touring and Regal. SRX awesome but too big and pricey for a 2nd car. Lacrosse Touring a dead tie with Regal, and the V6 & panoramic roof were what I liked from the SRX, but too big and awkward inside seating position for me. Low and behold...Regal GS. Didn't want stick (not for my driving), and auto's are rare. Must have nav & roof.

Emailed around, made a deal Thursday, and this morning signed papers for a new 2012 Regal GS White Diamond with Sunroof, Navigation, WDT paint, and the standard 19" wheels (come with AS Goodyears and I like the brushed style). Such a COOL car. Reminds me of my G8 but with a massively better and tailored interior and the lighter weight/4-cyl perkiness of my TSX demo but more refined.

The drive is so tight, refined, and the 2.0T silent and torquey. GS mode ride & steering is even better. The flat bottom steering wheel is incredible. Add in White Diamond I've missed since my lemon G6 GT coupe. That the fellow sales guy was on his 2nd Turbo Regal himself, and told me about custom tuning them before we even got in, I was sold.

Great lease deal. I won't do many miles...unless I change careers or just like driving too much. Dealer owner was driving it for 700 miles, so partly demo but not really, and it was spotless. Ally leasing seems a lot more flexible now too, without fees at the end.

Waiting on display for me this morning. Won't pick up until tomorrow morning when I take a cab ride over to the dealer.

Vroom. Clearly, those I work with will not see this car for a while, if ever. Buick fun

39-month lease. This time I will actually try to stay the term, and not buy anything but gas, floor mats and maybe tint.

Edited October 2, 2012 by caddycruiser

[caddycruiser]

^^P.S., with me, there's always a story.

[ocnblu]

!!! Good luck with your new adopted baby!

[Drew Dowdell]

I think you'll have many happy miles... but the way you turn over cars, I can't figure out why you picked a 39 month lease! That is way too long!

[caddycruiser]

It has arrived. Picked up this morning, it started raining right away.

Rainy view stopping at the bank & post office on the way home. Amazing car.

Complaint? From before, the lack of backup camera. Come on GM, nav screen and even front end parking sensors, but no camera. Bizarre for me to get used to, $38k sticker car or otherwise.

Then made it home.

Off to work, Buick safely parked at home!

Edited October 3, 2012 by caddycruiser

[caddycruiser]

I think you'll have many happy miles... but the way you turn over cars, I can't figure out why you picked a 39 month lease! That is way too long!

Understandable. The Buick 24 month "Experience Buick" leases were most attractive on terms for length, maintenance included, etc.

But not for $150 more per month, which was what it worked out to.

[G. David Felt]

Sweet looking ride, way to go, I think the only thing I would want done on this car is Tinted windows. Just seems they should be black out and then the look is perfect.

[Robert Hall]

Sharp car.. I don't think I've seen a Regal GS in person yet...seen a few Regals up close and I really like the rear 3/4 view...

[caddycruiser]

Sweet looking ride, way to go, I think the only thing I would want done on this car is Tinted windows. Just seems they should be black out and then the look is perfect.

Considering getting that done. I had just the rears done on my G8 to stick to DE law, and with the black interior there too, you could barely tell the fronts weren't done.

LOVE driving this thing. So refined, it's nuts. And comfortable. Won't say it puts my TSX to shame, but refined in a way it isn't.

[Justin Bimmer]

Welcome to the regal family.

[caddycruiser]

I'm going to sleep in this thing tonight. Buick has come far. In the end, glad I didn't do Lacrosse. Or splurge even more on a Caddy.

I wish they'd sell more, or just enough to get numbers up and not enough I still avoid seeing myself on every corner.

New pro's:

-Onstar app coolness. Now I know why my mother uses it so often.

-Keyless access & go, my favorite.

-Harmon Kardon audio sounds strong, just played with it a little more

Not sure:

-Tire pressure low. Says 35 on the sticker, they're all 30 or 31, setting an Onstar alert. Oops, dealer. It happens.

-Backup camera, again. So strange. Why not, GM? Still not for 2013 either.

-I asked "and the foglights?" and we had a few second silence...right, GS doesn't have them. Forgot that somehow. HID ringed lights are fine.

Good night all.

[G. David Felt]

I'm going to sleep in this thing tonight. Buick has come far. In the end, glad I didn't do Lacrosse. Or splurge even more on a Caddy.

I wish they'd sell more, or just enough to get numbers up and not enough I still avoid seeing myself on every corner.

New pro's:

-Onstar app coolness. Now I know why my mother uses it so often.

-Keyless access & go, my favorite.

-Harmon Kardon audio sounds strong, just played with it a little more

Not sure:

-Tire pressure low. Says 35 on the sticker, they're all 30 or 31, setting an Onstar alert. Oops, dealer. It happens.

-Backup camera, again. So strange. Why not, GM? Still not for 2013 either.

-I asked "and the foglights?" and we had a few second silence...right, GS doesn't have them. Forgot that somehow. HID ringed lights are fine.

Good night all.

Very Cool update, the backup camera thing while nice does not have the demand by the public and even the gov has asked for a delay. The Cameron Gulbransen Kids Transportation Safety Act would have required 10 percent of all cars to have backup cameras by 2012 and all cars to have them by September 2014. This is now delayed a year to allow the gov to review public comments and company comments. The public is not liking that this will add about $1000 to the cost of auto's.

Regardless of the safety it is supposed to supply, people need to raise their kids to not play behind a auto. Not to play under an auto and to walk the perimeter of the auto before getting in and driving off. Take self responsibility and not expect someone else to be the adult.

[Robert Hall]

Very Cool update, the backup camera thing while nice does not have the demand by the public and even the gov has asked for a delay. The Cameron Gulbransen Kids Transportation Safety Act would have required 10 percent of all cars to have backup cameras by 2012 and all cars to have them by September 2014. This is now delayed a year to allow the gov to review public comments and company comments. The public is not liking that this will add about $1000 to the cost of auto's.

I've driven a couple of rentals w/ back up cameras recently...CTS and Yukon. I like how GM integrates the screen into the rear view mirror..they work pretty well, but sometimes are not useful because of shadows (esp. at night). It's probably not a feature I'd specifically order on a car, but if it's there I'm not going to complain.

[caddycruiser]

Good point on the camera. Not a necessity, but in this price bracket of luxury sedan, especially with a nav screen, there's just no reason it shouldn't be there.

I've gotten used to it, since my Avalanche. Makes you a bit duller of a parker because you can see in detail your back bumper, but easier overall.

GS is sitting nicely outside. As a lease, I said no more than floor mats and detailing. Floor liners still on there way, but I also scheduled tinting for tomorrow morning.

Not usually a tint fan, but I had the rear windows done legally on my G8 GT and with the black interior the fronts barely looked any different. That tint was perfect and hopefully this turns out the same. It was a place recommended by the Buick sales guy, as on his own Regal. Bright & early tomorrow.

Also, living in Philly and with my parking, I need to get a deal with a mobile detailer to keep it touched up and waxed/sealed/washed for me, without spending too much. We'll see.

[caddycruiser]

Tinted this morning. Did 20% on the rear windows only. Also odd, I know, but I like to be legal and the same setup looked great on my Pacific Slate G8 GT a couple years back with the black interior.

Waiting for it to cure and dry, but otherwise looks good. Hard to see here with the bad lighting.

[G. David Felt]

Tinted this morning. Did 20% on the rear windows only. Also odd, I know, but I like to be legal and the same setup looked great on my Pacific Slate G8 GT a couple years back with the black interior.

Waiting for it to cure and dry, but otherwise looks good. Hard to see here with the bad lighting.

Nice Job, far superior looking with the tint. Very happy for you.

[caddycruiser]

More notes on this car, driving a little further today (and because I'm off).

On road reactions to it? Definitely noticed. A guy in a truck beside me this morning was staring and I lip read "Brembos, wow". Others pointed at it, near my condo. Great looks.

Power is very nice. I never really have pushed it much as all, the 2.0T in GS tuned form is so quiet and silky, doesn't really have that 4-cyl high pitched "twang". When accelerating, a nice burble of sorts instead. You do feel the turbo surge when you need more power, but not an on/off/on/off like my last turbo comparison, Acura RDX.

Ride and quiet superb. Firm in all modes, but normal very comfortable. GS stiff legged mode takes bumps somewhat like my TSX does in its one mode. You definitely feel GS kick on, from a response perspective. Seats are excellent, and I wasn't sure at first with the bolstering and padding, but fit me well. Mirrors are a bit small & triangular, have to adjust.

Getting better without the backup camera, and having front park sensors still is unique. Beep beep beep. Onstar app is awesome, although sending a command does take some time and is not instantaneous. I've always liked the twist & toggle knob for navigation, radio, etc. in my TSX and our other Acura models, and am glad the Regal has a similar knob on the console along with command buttons around it. Just trying to get used to where it is vs. on the dash.

So far so good. Hopefully can do some more highway driving soon, and figure out what kind of mileage it gets.

Edited October 4, 2012 by caddycruiser

[G. David Felt]

Very nice update, I look forward to hearing how a road trip is in the car and what the real world mileage you get.

[caddycruiser]

And a few more with better views of the tint, on an increasingly dirtier (it keeps raining) car.

Edited October 4, 2012 by caddycruiser

[caddycruiser]

WeatherTech mats are in, and a fresh wash necessary aside, took the GS through center city Philly late last night with the roof open and then on the highway, and LOVE the quiet burble and surge of power from the GS tuned 2.0T. It doesn't have an annoying 4-cyl sound or high pitched like my TSX, but effortlessly woosh and up to speed. GS is the stiffest but it is such a fun car in that mode, and the ride even nice.

Glad I picked the 19" wheels with Goodyear Eagles even more. Great recommendation and awesome ride. Now if I could just sort out my seat/steering wheel position.

[G. David Felt]

Would love to see pictures with the Weather Tech mats in as I am interested in them for my own car.

Thanks for the update.

[caddycruiser]

Would love to see pictures with the Weather Tech mats in as I am interested in them for my own car.

Thanks for the update.

Will do so. Only been home at night lately. Will try to snap a few.

They are still by far the best and my favorite, trays with the right texture and fit. Wish they had a better one for the trunk too. Buick makes one but not sure about it.

[caddycruiser]

Would love to see pictures with the Weather Tech mats in as I am interested in them for my own car.

Thanks for the update.

WeatherTech's in, and finally a day at home after washing to see them:

Edited October 14, 2012 by caddycruiser

[Robert Hall]

Looking good..Weather Tech mats are great, I've had a set for over 10 years for my Jeep incl. the cargo area liner mat. They hold up really well.

Edited October 14, 2012 by Cubical-aka-Moltar

[caddycruiser]

Finally got to wash the Regal today, after 2 weeks of rain and caked on goo.

So much better. And wow do the Brembo's up front make a lot of black dust, in addition to a squeak I expected. Need to get someone to seal/wax it for me, and help with the washing.

Very pleased with the legal tint, rears only, and still the drive of the car.

My fuel mileage is not great having only driven around Philly and once or twice spirited on the highway for a couple of miles home, but we'll see how it does on a trip to Delaware this weekend.

The 2.0T and Aisin 6-speed in combination with the rest of the package do nothing but impress me.

[ocnblu]

Sweet car, Homes.

[G. David Felt]

Awesome pictures, will have to show the wife so I can convince her to let me put a set into the trailblazer. Those are much nicer than I have seen in the ads, just seems to be better to see it in someones auto.

Love the look of the ride. You have a sweet ride as Ocnblu has stated.

Thanks again, look forward to hearing about the trip this weekend on how it handled and the gas mileage.

[GMTruckGuy74]

Late to the game, but wanted to say that you bought one awesome car!! Congrats on the Buick GS, it sure is a sweet lookin' ride. Checked one out briefly on Saturday at a dealer in the Lebanon, PA area. Those cars sure are a looker.

My neighbor swears by WeatherTech floor mats, has a set in his '09 Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel. I've been iffy with them, as I like factory accessories, but will admit after seeing how yours fit the floor (front AND rear) perfectly, I may just have to look into sets for our next rides (both the G6 and Envoy have the GM Accessories rubber all-weather floor mats). Of course that won't be any time soon (well, maybe next spring once the Encores hit the lots).

Keep us updated on the Buick, you lucky ba$tard

Edited October 15, 2012 by GMTruckGuy74

[A Horse With No Name]

I think you'll have many happy miles... but the way you turn over cars, I can't figure out why you picked a 39 month lease! That is way too long!

Agred, but congrats....

Love Buicks new styling...

[caddycruiser]

Late to the game, but wanted to say that you bought one awesome car!! Congrats on the Buick GS, it sure is a sweet lookin' ride. Checked one out briefly on Saturday at a dealer in the Lebanon, PA area. Those cars sure are a looker.

My neighbor swears by WeatherTech floor mats, has a set in his '09 Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel. I've been iffy with them, as I like factory accessories, but will admit after seeing how yours fit the floor (front AND rear) perfectly, I may just have to look into sets for our next rides (both the G6 and Envoy have the GM Accessories rubber all-weather floor mats). Of course that won't be any time soon (well, maybe next spring once the Encores hit the lots).

Keep us updated on the Buick, you lucky ba$tard

Thanks Roger!

WeatherTechs are an immediate purchase with any new vehicle, myself and now our family too. Nothing else is made to the level of quality they are or fit as perfectly. Last forever, easy to clean, and all season but attractive.

The GS is incredible. More and more I drive it, the more and more it makes my current TSX demo feel brash and unrefined, particularly in ride and handling.

Oh, BTW, White Diamond continues to stun me. Amazing color. I want the front 3M wrapped like my other cars, but am trying to avoid the expense because it is a lease and my history.

Costs $4 more per month to insure with full coverage than the '96 Subaru. Weird.

[A Horse With No Name]

GM definitely is getting all of the details right on their latest cars, and may be winning me back as a loyal buyer.

Motor sounds/exhaust note is indeed one area the GS outshines the Acura...

And BTW, the Verano is selling very well but the ILX is slow....I think people are starting to see what GM is doing....

[caddycruiser]

I still don't see the Verano as doing THAT well, but it is a great car and very refined. I like the interior more than our ILX, and both that interior and the driving dynamics ARE the Buick brand. The ILX needs to catch more momentum and the pricepoint needs more acceptance, as right now it hits the $30k mark too quickly. I see them daily and the ILX is a more entertaining to drive car, and in Philly I see a lot more of them than the occasional Verano. Interesting to watch as they all catch traction.

The GS exhaust is great. Actually seems loud at cold idle, but in a cool way. Under acceleration, it doesn't sound like a 4, but a deep and rich something. It's unique.

Oh, and that GS button remains a blast. That it rides stiff like my stock TSX in GS mode but handles much smoother is interesting.

Now, can Buick just sell more...

If only they hadn't built mostly 6-speed stick GS's (great for enthusiasts, too bad there's only 3 of them a month out there) because that's what's left out there and the GS is the sweetest Regal. I looked at a Lacrosse again and though the style, size and panoramic roof are great, it just isn't as alluring. And I'm glad the GS only comes in 4-cyl. It feels right in the car, and no matter what anyone says about V6, like the stick, real world buyers don't buy them. Not to say this car with a properly tuned V6, transmission and AWD wouldn't be fun but the added weight and extra fuel sucking wouldn't be.

[G. David Felt]

I still don't see the Verano as doing THAT well, but it is a great car and very refined. I like the interior more than our ILX, and both that interior and the driving dynamics ARE the Buick brand. The ILX needs to catch more momentum and the pricepoint needs more acceptance, as right now it hits the $30k mark too quickly. I see them daily and the ILX is a more entertaining to drive car, and in Philly I see a lot more of them than the occasional Verano. Interesting to watch as they all catch traction.

The GS exhaust is great. Actually seems loud at cold idle, but in a cool way. Under acceleration, it doesn't sound like a 4, but a deep and rich something. It's unique.

Oh, and that GS button remains a blast. That it rides stiff like my stock TSX in GS mode but handles much smoother is interesting.

Now, can Buick just sell more...

If only they hadn't built mostly 6-speed stick GS's (great for enthusiasts, too bad there's only 3 of them a month out there) because that's what's left out there and the GS is the sweetest Regal. I looked at a Lacrosse again and though the style, size and panoramic roof are great, it just isn't as alluring. And I'm glad the GS only comes in 4-cyl. It feels right in the car, and no matter what anyone says about V6, like the stick, real world buyers don't buy them. Not to say this car with a properly tuned V6, transmission and AWD wouldn't be fun but the added weight and extra fuel sucking wouldn't be.

It would be cool for a twin turbo V6 AWD in this as an upgrade in performance. I think many would love it even more. Just make sure to have an 8 or 9 speed Auto on it.

[Drew Dowdell]

I looked at a Lacrosse again and though the style, size and panoramic roof are great, it just isn't as alluring.

[caddycruiser]

First longer trip in the Regal, heading 2 hours south to Lewes, DE last Saturday night for a wedding post reception and then my parents the Sunday after.

Verdict. Love this car. SMOOTH is the word. Also, with the packaging and especially the deeply bolstered sport seats, it feels "small" in a good way, and in a way that makes my TSX demo (not a larger car) feel larger every time I get in it.

The Turbo 2.0 isn't as strong off the line unless punched, which I haven't done much of, even though it is broken in. But it has power everywhere and is smoother than the Honda 2.4L/5-spd I've gotten used to in my Acura. More importantly it feels torquey, it runs quiet and when needing to pass or merge onto the highway, the turbo boost is incredible. Late night merging onto 95 last Sunday night was a thriller. 55-92 inadvertently like nothing.

For the most part I continue to drive it easier, enjoying the ride and steering, and smooth 2.0T power. The Brembo's make black dust quickly and squeak a bit, which I'm getting used to.

Seats are very comfortable, but definitely unique after a "normal" car because of the deep bolstering. The tech & nav is great, although I wish I could control it by voice or use it in motion more, a-la Acura. Otherwise, the graphics are great and the iPod, etc. all integrated nicely.

Only complaint of sorts is fuel mileage, as on my highway trip I managed 24 or so in the end, not bad. It is a boosted and then some turbo and stomping it will use more, but I also expected just a hair more on the highway. My non turbo TSX can be pushed along at 80 and still return 32+, easily. Getting used to the turbo and I think it will do better as I learn to drive it. Better than any of my past car choices, so it's a good combo regardless.

The Goodyear Eagle RS-A's perform well and are quiet and smooth. Hope they last the life I have it, and feel fine to me.

Parked behind my brothers '86 Regal Limited, currently getting the rear suspension and interior updated.

Mom liked it. Dad said "it's German, right? It looks like it". My classic Regal driving brother also liked. All asked what does GS mean on this car and why did I need GS...well, just because.

Up to about 1250 miles, or I've put 500 on it. Great car. Used to not having a backup camera and the sensors work well. It just drives so nicely.

Next step. Get someone to clean it for me, regularly. Those wheels, especially.

[A Horse With No Name]

Sounds like your enjoying it...congrats...wish I could be in a position to own a New buick right now...

[caddycruiser]

Something else that happened last weekend, I forgot about.

Stopped at a grocery store near my parent's house in DE on my way back to Philly. Parked in front of a new 2012 Malibu LT with temp tags, fresh from the dealer. When I was coming out I saw a guy circling my Regal then back into the Malibu. I pulled out & over to their gas pumps, and he appeared again. "I was admiring your car. How do you like it? Can you tell me more about it?" He was a little older and said he had just purchased the Malibu "got a great deal and I drive a lot so the fuel economy is important", but had never seen a Regal like mine until that night. Turned into a 15 minute gas pump demo of the inside & out, what kind of engine did it have, what was the white diamond color called, when did I get it, and how much did it cost. Told him he could get a "base" Regal with a very similar look and similar powertrain to his Malibu for under $30k, which he didn't realize, and then "maybe next time. I just love your car. I'm a car guy like you, take good care of that Regal, and have fun driving it."

Fun experience. The lack of recognition this car exists is still interesting, including my mother who said Lacrosse twice until corrected.

[Robert Hall]

Saw a Regal in dark brown w/ window tint the other day, very sharp....not sure which trim level, had the flat multi-spoke wheels.

[vonVeezelsnider]

^ I miss that dark brown color on the Regal, they offer it on the LaX, Verano, and Enclave too so what gives?

[caddycruiser]

^ I miss that dark brown color on the Regal, they offer it on the LaX, Verano, and Enclave too so what gives?

Ah, yes...last year after I drove a Regal and started looking at them, the Espresso color (unique to the Regal) was a rarity and then a few 2011 leftovers were in that color. I really liked it.

I think if I hadn't gotten White Diamond, of all things, Crystal Red would have been #2. I really like it on the GS. Black Diamond with the huge flakes for 2013 is another looker.

[A Horse With No Name]

Lets face it, there are no bad colors for the Regal!

[G. David Felt]

Lets face it, there are no bad colors for the Regal!

I would disagree, not all colors look good on all cars and of course it is subjective as I do not think everything looks that great.

[caddycruiser]

Mission accomplished.

I called a detailer we used to use when our dealership was located in the city until last month, and he was always the best. Came right over today and on the spot power sprayed & hand washed the once again dirty Regal, and then cleaned and sealed the paint and treated the interior top to bottom. Great work, and all I had to do was pay and proceed about my day. Oh to those days where I would spend an entire Sunday doing it myself, before I became a city inhabitant.

Gray day aside, back to looking as it should. Now if I could just find a way to keep the front wheels from "instant black" as the Brembo's cause.

Gray day outside.

I was still debating a 3M clear bra wrap for the front, as on my last 3 cars. Seemed dumb as I never keep any long enough to see the full benefit, but it makes the front so much easier to clean and 100% chip and nick free. If only it were free.

[G. David Felt]

Mission accomplished.

I called a detailer we used to use when our dealership was located in the city until last month, and he was always the best. Came right over today and on the spot power sprayed & hand washed the once again dirty Regal, and then cleaned and sealed the paint and treated the interior top to bottom. Great work, and all I had to do was pay and proceed about my day. Oh to those days where I would spend an entire Sunday doing it myself, before I became a city inhabitant.

Gray day aside, back to looking as it should. Now if I could just find a way to keep the front wheels from "instant black" as the Brembo's cause.

Gray day outside.

I was still debating a 3M clear bra wrap for the front, as on my last 3 cars. Seemed dumb as I never keep any long enough to see the full benefit, but it makes the front so much easier to clean and 100% chip and nick free. If only it were free.

Awesome job, that is a HOT LOOKING car.

While I understand the cost, I have to say that every car I have owned I have put on the 3M clear front end protection and I highly recommend it as it just makes the auto's stay that much cleaner and nicer. The worst thing I can imagine is having a lovely auto like yours having the road nicks and mess on the front end. Lets at least agree that our nations roads are a mess and with the aerodynamics today, auto's do seem to get their lovely paint jobs messed up with out better protection.

[frogger]

Wax the rims to make the dust come off easier... Or clean them with turtle wax rim cleaner once every two to three weeks at the local "clean your own" car wash.

I've had to use the rim cleaner ever since I installed EBC yellowstuff pads.

[Drew Dowdell]

Apparently there are some nice chips you can get to up the performance, have you looked at any of those?

[A Horse With No Name]

Info on chips, please!

[G. David Felt]

Jet makes some great performance upgrade chips. Just have to supply what upgrades you have done to the engine. If not, they have a superior no limit chip you can buy and install.

[Drew Dowdell]

Info on chips, please!

This company - http://www.trifectaperformance.com/dynos.aspx

They claim to also have put an additional 36hp and 54 lb-ft of torque at the wheels in a Cruze turbo.

[ocnblu]

ooo... Sonic RS combo meal, comes with chip?