For years, I often wondered when Ford and General Motors would see the light and realize that some of their European offerings would work well here in the US market. Not only would a strategy such as this save development costs but it would be a boon for enthusiasts not enamored by the usual condominium-sized SUVs and rental fleet mid-sized sedans which are the bread and butter of US manufacturers. With the restructuring of GM and demise of Saturn, Buick was the de facto brand to foist Opels on the North American scene, albeit rebadged as Buicks. The first example of this was the resurrection of the Regal nameplate, a rebadged Opel Insignia. I’ve driven the 2.4 liter version with a 6 speed automatic and have to say, I came away impressed. It drove a bit like a slightly more refined Volkswagen Passat. It was by no means underpowered and you can tell this wasn’t your typical American car, as its German heritage shined through in both fit and finish and ride quality. Now Buick has introduced a hot version of the Regal for 2012, the GS. After laying eyes on this car at the Washington, DC Auto Show, I was impressed. While we are not getting the turbocharged, all-wheel drive V6 version of the Opel Insignia OPC, the GS packs a 2.0 liter turbocharged engine good for 270 horsepower, albeit without all-wheel drive. Also included in the package is an available 6 speed manual transmission, Brembo brake calipers and a tuned suspension package.
2012 Buick Regal GS on eBay
This 2012 Buick Regal GS is in absolutely perfect condition and nearly new, showing less than 500 miles on the odometer (It will be driven between now and the end of the auction). There is no body damage and no mechanical faults that we are aware of. The original owners manual, window sticker, and all other documents from the original sale will be included in the sale. Original MSRP – $38,490.00
Below is a list of factory equipment followed by options
Factory Equipment:
5 YR / 100,000 Mile Powertrain Warranty
4 YR / 50,000 Mile Bumper to Bumper Warranty
2.0L HO Turbo Ecotech DOHC 4-Cylinder w/ VVT
6-Speed Manual Transmission
Interactive Drive Control System w/ Sport & GS Modes
Hiper Strut Front Suspension
Antilock Brake System, 4 Wheel Disc
Brembo Front Brakes
Stabilitrack-Stability Control System w/ Traction Control
Airbags
Daytime Running Lamps
Rear Child Seat Anchors
Rear DR Locks, Child Security
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Regal GS Bodywork
Wheels 19†Alloy
Power Dual Heated Mirrors
HID Headlamps
Regal GS Interior
Power Outlets (2) 12V
8-Way Adj. Driver Seat; 4 Way Lumbar
8-Way Adj. Passenger Seat; 4 Way Lumbar
Dual Climate A/C
Air Filtration System
Bluetooth
Cruise Control
Front Heated Seats
Carpeted Mats
Driver Information Center
Leather Wrap Steering Wheel
Passive Entry; Push Start
Power Windows & Locks
Rear Park Assist
Remote Keyless Entry
Steering Column; Tilt & Telescopic
Steering Wheel Controls
Universal Garage Door Opener
AM/FM/XM Stereo CD Player
USB Port
Premium 9-Speaker System
Front Parking AssistOptions
AM/FM/Stereo w/ CD & MP3 Playback + NAVIGATION w/7†Color Touch Screen
Power Sunroof
20†Polished Alloy Wheels
Carbon Black Metallic
All Weather Mats (Front & Rear)Modifications:
Tinted Glass (5% sides and rear; 35% on windshield)
I’m glad to see this seller isn’t price gouging like some people do with recently introduced models. I think black works well and gives the GS a more sinister look when combined with the polished 19†wheels. While it may be front wheel drive, if I was in the market for an entry level luxury sedan, I would choose this over a C class, 3 series or Acura TL, simply because you don’t see as many of these on the road and frankly, the styling is more cohesive than any of the aforementioned choices. There is one problem with the Buick Regal GS, other than the lack of rear or all-wheel drive. The Cadillac ATS will be on sale this summer and available with the same 270 horsepower four cylinder engine and choice of 6 speed manual or automatic driving the rear wheels or all four wheels. Plus the styling is even better in my opinion than the Regal. Still, I can’t help but applaud Buick for offering such a cool car. Ten years ago, I would have never guessed their product lineup would have been transformed this much.
-Paul
Definitely light years ahead of what Buick has offered over the last few decades!
The nearly $40K MSRP is a bit strong – not because the car won’t perform or doesn’t look good. Mostly because something with a Buick (or an Opel) badge will have difficulty selling at a price parity to the usual BMW, Audi, Mercedes, etc. models. Just ask VW about that problem…
Considering that it’s a used car, not CPO, and the same model (as presented) could be had new for very little more, I’d say the price is on the high-end. The seller’s 80% feedback rating might not help either.
Just a little note. Though both the Cadillac ATS and Buick Regal GS use a 2.0t engine with 270hp. They are infact different engines. The ATS version is engineered and constructed of different components in order to have a smoother operation.
Thanks for pointing this out, David. I was fairly certain that GM wouldn’t bother making two entirely different 270 hp turbo four cylinder engines, but it makes sense they would be different in the parts makeup, along with being mounted north/south (versus transverse like the Insignia/Regal).
My pleasure. I am a salesperson at a Buick/Cadillac/GMC dealership. I am anticipating that I will be pointing this engine factoid out for the foreseeable future……
David, out of curiosity, have you heard anything regarding the 6 speed manual being available in the upcoming ATS with the 3.6 V6? As far as I know, only the 2.0T will be available with a 6 speed manual, leaving the 2.5 and 3.6 auto only. Just curious, as my parents are eyeing an ATS to replace their 2000 C280. If I had to guess, they’ll probably buy an automatic, as they don’t want two manual cars.
I completely agree that the strategy of bringing European offerings to the U.S. is a brilliant move. But you nullify that effort completely when you badge a good car under a car brand that consumers identify with “Ugly, Unreliable Piece of S***T that I never want to be seen in,” be that badge Buick or the last iteration of Saturn. GM would have more success with these cars if it badged them as Opels here in the U.S. If you have tun commercials explaining that “This the Caddy that zigs” or that this is really an Opel (as you do in your description of the car), you have to ask yourself why that explanation is needed and why not take the explanation out of the equation.
Apologies for the typos!! “to run commercials” “This IS the Caddy that zigs” Sorry
I agree 100%, Boris.
Unfortunately, badging them as Opels involves tremendous additional cost from a branding and advertising perspective, and the dealers will complain loudly (and possibly even refuse to carry them).
Another consideration: despite Opel being the best Euro-branded choice GM has readily available, the Opel brand (Vauxhall in the UK) doesn’t carry a lot of panache with European buyers.
@ Paul, as far as I know the 3.6 will only be available with the automatic. Which is a shame as a manual version would be great and my preference. Actually, we just got a GS in today and I can tell you that it is a blast and given a choice between it and an A4 front-track, well I’d take it all day!!!!
@Boris, I am not sure when Buicks were considered”Ugly, Unreliable Piece of S***T”, but I can assure you that that is not the case now. Do a little research and you will find that they are very attractive, quite popular(especially the Lacrosse and Enclave at least here in the Southeast) and rated highly by Consumer Reports, JD Powers and Wards.
@David
Exactly. There is a disconnect between the actual quality of he cars and the perception of the brand.
@Larry
Agreed. It would be a significant investment, but like a profitable one in the long run. US consumers don’t known that Opel is not on the same level as Audi, but they know that Opel is a German brand.
They also know that no matter how many commercials say otherwise, a Buick is not a competitor of Lexus. Opel would hAve a better shot at that.
Buick has another brand-associated problem it seems. Although it’s cheaper than let’s say a comparable Lexus, it deppreciates faster, so the total cost of ownership for a Biock may be same as or higher than a comparable Lexus.
@Boris: Car buyers aren’t as set in their ways as you may think. Consider the ascendency of Hyundai and Kia.