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2012 Buick Regal Review

More about the 2012 Buick Regal
More About This Model

Trying to radically change your image isn't easy. Just ask Vanilla Ice. Or Buick.

Long known for producing plush, quiet-riding sedans with velour on their seats and portholes on their hoods, Buick is now looking to appeal to a different demographic. And that would be younger folks who'd like an involving — not isolated — driving experience along with modern styling and up-to-date features. As such, Buick's current lineup includes the recently reincarnated 2012 Buick Regal, a midsize sport sedan based on GM's German-engineered Opel Insignia.

For 2012 the Buick Regal GS joins the base Regal and Regal Turbo. As the big jock of the family, the GS is fortified with upgraded hardware that includes a sport-tuned adaptive suspension, 19-inch wheels, Brembo brakes, aggressively bolstered front sport seats and of course the obligatory visual tweaks such as a more aggressive front fascia and rear dual-exhaust finishers. The GS can also be had with optional 20-inch wheels with summer performance tires, which our test car had. Make no mistake; the Regal GS is aimed squarely at certain German brands with circular badges.

As we discovered in a long-term test of the 2011 Buick Regal CXL Turbo, the Regal handles admirably on the road. But even the Turbo lacks the kick a sport sedan should have. So the GS's more potent power plant should take care of that, right? Sadly, no. Although the Regal GS takes corners like a quarter horse, until it hits its stride at 3,000 rpm the GS feels more like a Clydesdale than a thoroughbred. Two factors are likely culprits. First, there's the somewhat hefty curb weight of 3,721 pounds, and then there are the transmission gear ratios that don't do performance any favors, as they are on the taller side for better fuel economy.

That said, the 2012 Buick Regal GS still has plenty going for it — athletic handling, a nice and quiet ride and a comfortable cabin. But we expected more from the GS, given that it's the sportiest of the Regal line. The GS deserves a more sporting powertrain — an engine with more low-end grunt and a slicker manual transmission with lower and tighter gearing would help matters considerably. But as it stands now, we'd suggest cross-shopping this Buick with the Acura TSX V6, Audi A4 and BMW 328i.

Used 2012 Buick Regal Overview

The Used 2012 Buick Regal is offered in the following submodels: Regal Sedan, Regal GS. Available styles include 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A), Premium 1 Turbo 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A), GS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M), Premium 1 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A), Premium 2 Turbo 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A), Premium 3 Turbo 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A), and Premium 2 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A). Pre-owned Buick Regal models are available with a 2.4 L-liter flex-fuel (FFV) engine or a 2.0 L-liter flex-fuel (FFV) engine or a 2.0 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 270 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 2012 Buick Regal comes with front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 6-speed shiftable automatic, 6-speed manual.

What's a good price on a Used 2012 Buick Regal?

Price comparisons for Used 2012 Buick Regal trim styles:

  • The Used 2012 Buick Regal Premium 1 is priced between $9,900 and$15,998 with odometer readings between 44715 and112620 miles.

Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.

Which used 2012 Buick Regals are available in my area?

Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2012 Buick Regal for sale near. There are currently 5 used and CPO 2012 Regals listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $9,900 and mileage as low as 44715 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 2012 Buick Regal.

Can't find a used 2012 Buick Regals you want in your area? Consider a broader search.

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Should I lease or buy a 2012 Buick Regal?

Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.

Check out Buick lease specials
Check out Buick Regal lease specials