Pros: Luxurious feel for little $$$, Good gas mileage, Responsive engine
Cons: Looks like your granny's car. Almost too heavy
The Bottom Line: I would not buy this one new... However, I was looking at a Rental Sales place, and the 16999 price tag was appealing. Yeah, i'd buy it.
I went car shopping the other day. When I told the woman helping me that I was looking for a car such as a Toyota Camry or a Honda Accord, she asked me to look at the Buick Regal first. I took one look at the car and sort of snickered. I looked at her and said "You gotta be kidding". She insisted, however, that I just sit in the car. Reluctantly, I agreeed.
When she opened the door for me, I was greeted with the pleasant aroma of Leather seats. I sat in them, and Oh dear me...they were so comfortable. They weren't hard like some higher priced leather interiors...but they were soft and comfortable, yet very supportive.
As I glanced around the interior, I noticed it seemed like a very well laid out car. Volume controls on the steering wheel. Dual climate controls. The back seat seemed like it was ten feet behind me. There is plent of room in this car.
So I got out of the car, she showed me a 2003 Camry and a 2004 Altima. (I also sat in a 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix Supercharged, and even though I wouldn't own another pontiac, that car felt like a racecar). When it came down to test drives, I drove the Altima and the Regal.
I drove the Altima first. It was the 2.5 liter version, so I was afraid the 4 cylinder engine wasn't going to be any good. However, it was rather adequate. I got out of the Altima, and drove the Regal.
INITIAL DRIVING THOUGHTS:
As I backed this car out of the lot, I noticed immediately that it weighed a lot more. I have always enjoyed the heavier cars. I pulled slowly to the edge of the lot, finalized the adjustments of the mirrors and the seat, and took off into the traffic. It did not hesitate one bit. The six cylinder engine was strong, and did not gasp for air one bit. It took it like it was ripping paper in half- effortlessly.
FREEWAY DRIVING:
I got on to a smaller freeway near the lot, and gave it some gas. She leaned over to me and said "Be careful, there's a speed trap up here". I said, "That's okay, I'm not going over 55." Little did I realize that I was doing over 80!! It felt like I was going 50.
There was no hesitation at all to pass cars. I felt like I was in a luxurious race car.
OTHER IMPRESSIONS:
I started my test drive in my Regal as soon as it started sprinkling outside. As many of you know, the worst time to really be on the road is right after it starts sprinkling. The road is always a bit more slick then. I thought that I was going to have trouble manuevering the heavy beast...but no troubles at all.
As heavy as this car is, the braking seems to be rather good as well. It seemed to be rather responsive to all my little taps on the brakes. The brake pedal was heavy though.
With the car being as heavy as it is, there was a significant amount of lean in the vehicle when I would take curves.
I didn't listen to the radio, and the temperature was great outside, so I didn't fiddle with any of those things. However, they were well laid out, with volume controls on the steering wheel, which I think is extremely smart.
Even though when I got done with the drive, I preferred the Altima, I must say that if push came to shove and I needed a car that day, and the Altima was not available, I would have taken the Regal.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 16999
Condition: Used Model Year: 2004
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