Buick Car Regal: Why This Mid-Size Remains a Used Market Gem
The first time you slide behind the wheel of a used Buick Regal and the turbo spools up while the chassis—engineered in Germany—hugs an off-ramp, you realize this isn’t just a budget car; it’s a European sports sedan wearing an American bowtie, quietly waiting to be discovered by smart shoppers.
TL;DR
The Buick Regal is the used market’s best-kept secret. Built on the same platform as the Opel Insignia and engineered in Rüsselsheim, Germany, the Regal drives like a BMW but costs used-Honda money. Yes, early models had reliability gremlins. Yes, the interior feels a generation old. But here is the truth: later models (2017–2020) fixed the major bugs, the 2.0L turbo runs on regular gas, and depreciation has already done the heavy lifting. You get German handling, American comfort, and wagon versatility for thousands less than a Camry .
Key Takeaways
- European DNA: The Regal is a rebadged Opel Insignia. It was engineered in Germany and built alongside Audis and BMWs in the public’s eye—but at a fraction of the price .
- Reliability Reality: Early years (2012–2014) had electrical and mechanical issues. The 2017–2020 models are significantly improved and considered dependable .
- Depreciation is Your Friend: Poor resale value (20% annual depreciation) means you snag a $37,000 car for under $15,000 a few years later .
- TourX is the Treasure: The Regal TourX wagon offers Audi Allroad space with Subaru Outback pricing. Owners consistently rate it 4.7/5 for comfort and fun .
- Fuel Reality: Expect 24–30 MPG. It drinks regular 87 octane, not premium. A comparable German wagon requires 91 .
The European Secret You Never Knew Buick Kept
Here is a fact that surprises almost everyone.
The Buick Regal is not American.
Well, the badge is. But the bones? Pure German. Starting with the 2011 model, Buick partnered with Opel, GM’s German subsidiary, to bring the Opel Insignia across the Atlantic. They slapped a Buick grille on it, softened the suspension slightly, and called it the Regal .
This is where Buick’s smooth ride technology gets a German accent.
While the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord were designed in Tokyo and Ohio, the Regal was tuned on the autobahn. The chassis uses a full-frame subframe with hydraulic bushings. The front crash bar is aluminum. The steering has actual feedback .
One owner put it simply: “It was like buying a loaded Audi or BMW at a stripped Kia price.”
And yet, the market ignored it.
Why? Because Buick has an image problem. Grandparents. Le Sabres. Soft suspensions that feel like floating on a waterbed. The Regal—especially the TourX wagon and the GS trim—broke that mold. But nobody noticed.
That is your opportunity.
The Reliability Question: Let’s Be Honest
Here is where I have to pause and give you the full picture—not just the hype.
Early Regals (2012–2014) had issues.
Consumer Reports data shows that 2014 models suffered from steering separation recalls and transmission shift cable failures. The electrical system was temperamental. Suspension components wore early. Canadian publication RPM notes that “the worst of them all is probably the Regal, given its European leanings and the complexity that comes with it.”
But here is what the used market does not advertise: Buick fixed most of it.
By 2017, the kinks were worked out. The 2.0L turbo engine—shared across multiple GM vehicles—proved robust. The Aisin 8-speed transmission (yes, the same unit Toyota uses) replaced earlier problematic GM transmissions. Owners in the Cars.com reviews report hitting 60,000, 80,000, even 100,000 miles with zero expenses beyond oil changes .
One 80-year-old owner wrote: “As of December 2020, my only expenses have been gasoline. The dealer gave me lifetime oil changes. Everything works well.”
The iSeeCars data backs this up. The Regal has an average lifespan of 133,283 miles, with a 10.7% chance of hitting 200,000 miles. That is not Toyota territory—but it is solidly average, and for the price you pay, it is exceptional .
The rule: Avoid 2012–2014. Target 2017–2020. Your wallet will thank you.
Why Resale Value Stinks (And Why You Should Celebrate)
Let’s address the elephant in the used car lot.
The Buick Regal has terrible resale value.
We are talking roughly 20% annual depreciation . A Passat or Camry holds value like a savings account. A Regal? It tanks.
Why?
- Brand perception: American cars are viewed as less reliable, fair or not .
- Marketing misfire: Buick barely advertised the Regal, especially the TourX. Dealers didn’t stock them .
- SUV obsession: Wagons and sedans lost the popularity contest years ago .
- Minor electronic quirks: Used buyers fear the unknown .
But here is the twist.
That 20% depreciation is your discount.
A 2018 Regal TourX Essence stickered new at nearly $40,000. Today, clean examples trade hands for $19,000–$23,000. A 2019 Regal Sportback with 40,000 miles? Often under $20,000 .
You are letting the previous owner eat the depreciation. You just show up and drive.
Which Regal Should You Buy? A Breakdown
Not all Regals are created equal. Here is the field guide.
🏆 The Crown Jewel: Regal TourX (2018–2020)
This is the one. A lifted wagon with standard all-wheel drive, a 2.0L turbo, and enough cargo space to swallow IKEA hauls. Owners rave about the looks—strangers mistake it for a BMW or Audi .
Watch for: The driver’s seat can feel narrow for larger frames. No spare tire from the factory (but you can add one from a salvage yard) .
Ideal for: Families who need space but hate the handling of tall SUVs.
🚗 The Everyday Hero: Regal Sportback (2018–2020)
Think of this as a four-door coupe with a hatchback. It has the sloping roofline of an Audi A7 but the price of a Civic. Available in front-wheel drive or AWD .
Watch for: Rear seat headroom is tight for tall passengers. Trunk opening is wide, but liftover height is higher than a sedan .
Ideal for: Commuters who want style without sacrificing practicality.
⚡ The Sleeper: Regal GS (2018–2020)
The GS gets the same 2.0L engine (250 hp in later years), sport seats, adaptive suspension, and aggressive styling. It handles. Reviewers loved it. Buyers ignored it .
Watch for: Fuel economy suffers if you drive it like it begs to be driven. Back seat is cramped .
Ideal for: Enthusiasts on a budget who want a Q50/3 Series alternative.
📀 The Vintage Pick: Regal Sedan (2012–2016)
These are cheap—often under $10,000. But you are rolling the dice on early electrical issues and transmission hesitation .
Ideal for: Cash buyers willing to research specific VINs and avoid problem years.
Chart: The Depreciation Advantage – Regal vs. Rivals
This chart visualizes why the Regal is such a compelling used buy. While rivals hold value, the Regal drops—and settles into a sweet spot where value peaks.
Based on industry depreciation data. Regal figures reflect real-world used pricing trends .
Real Owners, Real Verdicts: What The Reviews Actually Say
I read dozens of owner reviews so you don’t have to. Here is the consensus.
The Good:
- “It is quick, has been extremely reliable and carefree. The sure-footedness of AWD has been great in the rain and snow.”
- “The best quiet, comfortable and luxurious ride ever. Great German build quality and looks.”
- “Many people assume it’s a BMW from the side. Inside was knocked as too plain—to me it looks clean and classy.”
The Bad:
- “The 1.5T engine has a sluggish start and harshness at low speeds.” (Avoid the base engine; get the 2.0T) .
- “Driver’s door hits the frozen snow bank on the curb when I park on the street. It is very low to the ground.”
- “No ability to open trunk with key fob or inside car is just odd.”
The Verdict from Owners:
95% of drivers on Cars.com recommend the Regal TourX. That is higher than most luxury sedans .
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Buick Regal reliable enough for daily driving?
Yes—if you stick to 2017 or newer. Early models had gremlins, but later years are solid. Expect 130,000+ miles with routine care .
Why is the Regal so cheap used?
Depreciation hit it hard. Blame weak marketing, the SUV boom, and lingering reputation from older American cars. Your gain .
Does the Regal require premium fuel?
No. The 2.0L turbo runs happily on regular 87 octane. That is $500/year saved versus a BMW or Audi .
What is the difference between Regal Sportback and TourX?
Sportback is a hatchback sedan. TourX is a lifted wagon with standard AWD and significantly more cargo space .
Are parts hard to find?
No. The engine and transmission are shared with many GM vehicles (Chevy Malibu, Cadillac XT4). Body parts are unique, but mechanical bits are plentiful .
Is the Regal GS worth the premium?
If you value sport seats and adaptive suspension, yes. But the regular 2.0T has the same engine and most of the fun for less money .
What should I inspect before buying a used Regal?
Check for proper maintenance records. On 2018+ models, verify the transmission software is updated. Test all electronics. Bring a smartphone to check for open recalls via VIN .
The Bottom Line: Should You Buy a Used Buick Regal?
Yes. But be smart about it.
This is not a car you buy new. That would be financial suicide. This is a car you buy third, after the first owner took the depreciation bullet and the second owner got spooked by a check-engine light that turned out to be a loose gas cap.
You want:
- 2018 or newer
- 2.0L turbo engine (avoid the base 1.5T)
- AWD if you live in snow country
- TourX if you need cargo capacity
- Sportback if you want style and efficiency
- GS if your heart wants a sleeper sports sedan
You avoid:
- 2012–2014 model years
- Cars with spotty service history
- 1.5L base engine (underpowered, buzzy)
Buick focused on bringing European driving dynamics to American roads, then forgot to tell anyone. Their loss is your savings.
The Regal is proof that you do not need to spend $50,000 to get a car that feels special. It has character. It has quirks. It has a backstory that involves German engineers and American pragmatism.
And right now, it is one of the best used car deals in America.
Have you driven a Buick Regal or TourX? Found a deal worth bragging about? Drop your story in the comments—I read every single one.
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