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Buick Regal

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Comments

  • fastdriverfastdriver Member Posts: 2,273
    Thanks for your input into the GTP vs GS. I think my mind is pretty well made up. Now if I can just get myself motivated and moving here, I can make Christine HISTORY and get that GS!

    pat- The "old" pat22 or whatever it was? One and the same? ;-)) I haven't come across ANY "GetTopics" here! How boring! LOL..... Still not quite sure HOW this message center thing works, but I found the 3 topics there that I subscribed to so I guess this is the bookmark thing! Maybe some day I'll read the directions.

    yurakm- Yep, SNET for sure. I don't think it's their DSL that's the problem because it loads the same way at work and that's a T-1 connection that's faster then DSL- right? Every other site works great and FAST. It's just here and iwon.com that are slow. Then again, it could be that they are just slow on my MAC. If that was the case, then every other site would be slow too. My DSL works great. I have never had a problem with it since it was installed last June 19th! Wish I could say the same about Christine! LOL.... Glad that GMAC FINALLY straightened out that mess for you. They don't move too quickly. Must have been former Chrysler employees handling this for you! There will be plenty of them on the loose now that Chrysler is cutting back on help.

    fastdriver
  • etharmonetharmon Member Posts: 399
    My father's 95 Aurora has a shift mode button. I've played with it a bit and all I've noticed is that in performance shift mode, it delays upshifts a bit and lets that wonderful DOHC V8 rev a little more. With an engine like that, it's not a bad feature although I can't really detect an increase in performance. On a high torque lower revving engine like the 3800, I don't know that it would really be effective.
  • 93saturnsl193saturnsl1 Member Posts: 27
    I hope someone can help me with this. My friend just got a '91 Regal GS with the 3800 V6. Some old lady had it, and it's in great shape, mechanically and bodywise. It runs good, but it's getting about 14.5mpg in the city, and I managed to get 18mpg on a road trip. What gives?? I put new spark plugs/wires, air filter, ran some intake cleaner through the throttle body, and put a can of injector cleaner in the gas. Regular oil changes, correct tire pressure... what could be wrong? It has a little over 100k on the odo. I know other people with the 3800... like one in a Bonneville, and they get about 20 city, 28 highway, which is the norm for that engine. Thanks for any info...
  • jashoujashou Member Posts: 18
    Good luck in your search for a Regal GS, it is a great car! I too am an ex 300m owner (maybe you have seen problems post there). Have you looked at the Bonne SSEi? I drove a GS and was going to buy it until I came across a Black 2000 SSEi that I fell in love with. Don't get me wrong the GS is a mean SOB and a very underappreciated vehicle and I think you will be very pleased if you purchase one, but there are alot of nice options that come in handy with the Bonne. One thing that I do not understand why they don't have in the GS is driver seat lumbar support.
  • yurakmyurakm Member Posts: 1,345
    1. I checked the seat where you told. Yes, there is a plastic cover at the left side of back, near the left shoulder. The same gray color as the seat itself. I simply did not recognize it as air bag cover before.

    2. Told my wife about the sheepskin. Of course, for us it is heresy to sit on fur in summer; but it makes sense.

    Thank you so much for your input!
  • yurakmyurakm Member Posts: 1,345
    1. I had no problems with GMAC. Just opposite: it is said clearly in the GMAC papers, that such an insurance is not a condition for loan.

    This was a financial specialist at dealership who told us we need the insurance to get the subsidized 0% loan from GMAC. And later said that he did not told such things, i.e. both I and my wife misunderstood him.

    Though, he canceled the insurance without objecting, the very first time I contacted him on this matter. But it took 4 month to do the paperwork right, not from the first attempt, and to receive the money from insurer back to dealer. Getting it from dealer to GMAC took at most a week - very fast.

    The policy was written not by GMAC, but by a Florida company I never hear about. Probably a small captive insurer: they even have no Internet site.

    By the way, the dealership sent me a copy of the check they sent to GMAC. According to the stub, the payment consists of two parts: $572.82 and $468.68, written from different accounts. Total $1041.50. Is it possible that one of the two numbers is the dealership commission?

    I just did not devote time to read the papers when signed. Thought that everything was discussed and read already, and dropped at dealership for 20 minutes by the way to work. Then the insurance matter arose unexpected. Mea culpa, and a good lesson for future.

    2. Checked again from home: it takes about two seconds to load a page from Edmunds board. Very fast.

    I am using PC, Win-98, DSL connection. The time was same with Naviscope and without. 20 seconds for the first connection to site (sometimes longer), 2 seconds for reloading or navigation to another page.
  • L8_ApexL8_Apex Member Posts: 187
    I mentioned this in the 300M forum but wasn't sure if you saw it. Have you tried a tracert to see where the delay might be?

    I too considered pretty openly either the GTP or the GS, depending on which one I could find the better buy/best condition car since I was buying used. Had I found a nicer GTP for less money, I wouldn't have thought twice about buying it but... All else being equal between the GTP and GS, I rather have the somewhat understyled GS than the clearly overstyled GTP. The outside looks nice these days but the inside is still overdone. One more thing that made my decision for me: most of the GTP's I found were coupes; I wanted a sedan. The GS elimated the guesswork when calling dealers about their limited-info advertisements.

    jashou: Though I find the seats comfy, they could use a little more lateral support. I find myself bracing my knee against the door or the console during sprited driving.
  • peufanpeufan Member Posts: 53
    A couple of things....

    If you are thinking of a New GS, go to

    www.carsdirect.com

    build the GS that you want.

    The reason is, their price is a pretty good guideline as to what you should pay for the car. As you "build" the car you want, the site
    shows the MSRP, Invoice, and the Carsdirect
    price. I had two dealers tell me the Carsdirect
    price was "less than what we pay for the car..."

    Since you mentioned iwon.com, in the last
    week, I've started getting pop-up windows
    when using (returning to) iwon.

    Have you had this experience?
  • fastdriverfastdriver Member Posts: 2,273
    L8_Apex-

    Thanks. However, I have NO clue how to do a tracert. Besides, I have a PowerMac if that makes any difference.

    peufan-

    I went to carsdirect.com and was all set to request my "free" lease price quote, but came across that last page where they want my credit card number to charge my card $200.00. If I buy the car, they will put that toward the downpayment. However, I don't want that. I have money from my GM Mastercard to put down. I did call them twice, but still not sure about this step. Also, I was not wild about that $595.00 acquisition fee in the SMALL print on the customize your payment page. Sounds very high to me. He says it's the bank that charges that, not carsdirect.com. Did you use them for your car?

    Thanks.

    fastdriver
  • peufanpeufan Member Posts: 53
    Yes, I did use them, but I purchased my Regal. Based on your experience, leasing is a whole 'nuther ball game with them.

    If you are just configuring the car to buy,
    it shows the price(s) as you build it, without
    putting in a credit card number.

    Since I didn't lease, I guess I'm not much help.

    I'll tell you this though, I was able to use my
    GM dollars going thru them; I would assume
    you could do the same; just not towards the
    $200 deposit.

    They will refund that though, they just make you do the deposit because once you do, they start looking in your neck of the woods for the car you built.

    They don't want to spin their wheels if it's just some kid playing, and the credit card deposit weeds alot of that out.

    Since I know so little about leasing, excuse what may be an ignorant question, but if
    it's "the bank that's charging the acquisition fee" then can't you use your own bank or CU to finance the lease?

    You could if it was a purchase.

    Now what about iwon.com?

    Have you recently started getting pop up windows when going to their site???
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    yep, I'm the same ole pat (pardon a small, age-sensitive objection to the word OLD!), slightly different TH id, and different job.

    I do not know if tracert works on mac s/w, but if you can translate windows to mac, what you would do on a windows pc is go to a dos prompt and key in "tracert townhall-talk2.edmunds.com" - what you will see is the path that your ISP takes to get you here, and how long it takes to get to each "hop" or point of forwarding. The larger numbers would tell you where the problem is. Then you can ask your ISP to help you get it fixed. Even if you cannot do a tracert, you can still ask your ISP to help you figure out what is the deal.

    It's not Town Hall itself. I am on a 56k connection and this site absolutely flies (most times) in comparison to Well Engaged.

    No "GetTopics" here, that's a promise. And in response to a post you made in 300M, we no longer have to stop and restart discussions after ~500 posts. I'm sure you'll figure out the subscriptions, and I think you will like them. The concept is very similar to placemarks - not identical, so don't expect that, but certainly very functional.

    Feel free to email me if I can help you with any of this, since obviously I am way off-topic! But I am glad that you are back.

    Good luck in your pursuit of a replacement for Christine.

    Pat
    Host
    Sedans and Women's Auto Center Message Boards
  • fastdriverfastdriver Member Posts: 2,273
    peufan-

    Thanks. Yes, they did say that I could use my GM card credits with them. I did see the figures change as I added options and did the customize thing. However, they said that this was just an "estimate" and that I would not know the real figures until they got my info. I just don't need the hassle of fighting with them to get back the $200.00 if I decide not to use them.

    As for the iwon thing, I have been getting pop-up windows too. I just close them out.

    pat-

    I didn't mean OLD, OLD! LOL... Thanks for the help. If anything unusual occurs, I will ask you since we were like the "dynamic duo" of GetTopics in the OLD WE!! ;-))

    fastdriver
  • 1nice95gs1nice95gs Member Posts: 7
    Does anyone know of a remedy for this problem? In the morning after my car has sat outside all night the heater doesn't put out any heat at all on the drivers side but there is a small amount coming out of the passenger side. Then if I start it up in the afternoon and night it works like a brand new car! If you have any suggestions please let me know! Post or E-mail me at nathankampwerth@netscape.net

    Thanks!
  • jackjtjackjt Member Posts: 178
    Just a guess, but possibly the thermostat is stuck when you first start the car and then finally opens later in the day. Maybe you need new thermostat. Check with a mechanic, I am NOT one!
  • verdi942verdi942 Member Posts: 304
    It may be a thermostat problem, as jackjt says; my first thought is that the little [vacuuum actuated or maybe electrically driven?] air doors that direct the flow of heated/cooled air are hanging up when they sit long enough in the cold night. Temperature can also affect the circuit boards in the auto temp controls, partcularly if they develop hairline cracks; try manual mode when first starting [put the system in "OFF" when starting, then run the temp control all the way up with airflow directed to the floor as soon as the temp gage gets well up]. Hope this helps as troubleshooting this at the dealer could be a bear.
  • 14151415 Member Posts: 249
    yurakm::::::Your Buick dealer is full of it for $40.00 blade inserts!!!Owned a few Buicks and they are ok cars except Flint USA has never understood suspensions.

    Tell me! Why does the GTP have speed-rated tires and Buick GS gives you a touring tire?

    All you 3800 powered Regals and the GS owners can help relieve the std Buick exhaust system by installing the SLP pipe.. I just installed the Regal SLP system on my 99 Intrigue 3.5 V-6 215Hp screamer and probably now hitting 225hp. This was made for the 3.8 Regals and Inrigues however I took a chance that it would fit the 3.5 w/o modifying.. It's only 349.95+frt from New Jersey and it sounds great flowing through a 2.5 dia pipe from the converter to the rear muffler. It eliminates the resonator and the result is amazing.

    Buy one and add some zest to your AARP car..My Buick exposure consists of a new 87 Electra T-Type 4dr for my wife and kept the car for 35k miles, a 92 Regal GS-90k+miles and a 94 LeSabre-113k miles. The Regal and the LeSabre were bought with less than 5k miles.. The 3800 engine in all three cars was trouble-free except a waterpump in the Regal. Due to my high speed driving the suspensions/tires were a massive problem because the tires were never worn out; but cupped/flat-spotted and ruined by odd wearing patterns. The long travel designed into the Buick suspension does a lousy job of holding the tire to the road..
  • BushwackBushwack Member Posts: 258
    The reason the GTP has performance tires (designed for handling and not hwy cruising), an throaty exhaust system (for the performance ego-driven driver), a heads-up display (so aggressive GTP drivers are reminded how much that speeding ticket will cost) is because Pontiac is the performance division of GM. As you know, Buick belongs to us card carrying AARP members...which I hope to become in another 25+ years.

    BTW, I'm not dissing the Gran Prix. Just stating the marketing purpose of each vehicle and the target demographic(s).
  • yurakmyurakm Member Posts: 1,345
    I would like to have a set of good performance tires with my GS, though. The OEM tires, when their time will come, most probably will be replaced by Firestone SH-30.

    Would not object also to borrow the Pontiac HUD, and would like to have the Olds PCS. I believe that PCS is a safety item, especially useful in rain and in winter. Much more useful than, for example, OnStar.
  • 14151415 Member Posts: 249
    Been an AARPer for 17 yrs and your explanation would make Buick City happy. Since 90% of my driving is interstate; the firm suspension keeps the tire planted to the road whereas the cushy/floaty/soft stuff in constant interstate 75+ conditions is ready for replacement by 30k miles. Poking around town one would never know the difference except lots of body shifting under braking and cornering.

    The Regal GS floats; my 92 did the rocking bit and the back tires would flat spot. The LeSabre is really a noodle and after about 40k interstate miles, the struts are junk, tires are a mess, and the only salavation is 4 new Monroes which are much stiffer than Buick's touring suspension. When the Lesabre was dumped at 113k the front tires were starting to cup; but then again the second tire set had 73k miles of abuse. Trade-in time.

    The exhaust system in the first interstate run of 198 miles from Holland, Mi to Grosse Pointe, Mi in 24 degree weather at 80+mph on I-96 netted 29.22mpg; a good 4/5mpg incr.. The last fillup covered 263 miles of stop/go/little interstate over 5 days of driving in winter conditions netted 22.28mpg.. Using 87 octane gas.

    The throaty exhaust is muted, so we are not rednecking; and it could shock the Buick crowd. I would have had a GTP in 98 but when there is only one available; the deal slants toward the dealer.

    I ended up with a 98 3.8 Intrigue which after 26k miles was repurchased by its maker. I took the refund check and bought a 99 3.5 Intrigue GLS which is a great highway car; firm suspension, noisy as hell, rotten brakes; but fun to drive. My other car is Northstar powered; std exhaust-people would frown at the country club!!!
  • jackjtjackjt Member Posts: 178
    That SLP pipe you mention sounds like a good addition? The price you quoted 349??, does that include installation? Did the addition of the SLP void your warranty? The exhaust sound, you said is muted, which I would prefer. I would like some more exhaust notes, but since I am an AARPer, I would hate to appear and sound like "Boy-racer":-)

    Have you visited the LS site here on Edmunds? It'as a great site with and interesting bunch of drivers! The reason I got interested in them is my like for the LS. My son owns a V8 sport which I have enjoyed driving and I considered getting an LS. But decided to save about 10K while happily settling for an 01 GS.
  • 14151415 Member Posts: 249
    My Olds dealer removed the old system and installed the new for $35.00.. I haven't figured out what to do with the old system for the dealer still has it..I have an extended warranty on the Intrigue to 75k, "0" ded GM Master Plan for $1025 to defray costs if the 3.5L blows up listening to those exhaust notes!!

    I live in the Detroit area and SLP shipped the system via Fed-X from their factory in New Jersey. The system is priced @$349.95 plus frt was $42.00. There tel#is 732-349-2109 and the catalog/part# is 31026.

    The exhaust note is not raspy nor loud; and it certainly is probably the only modification for HP increase that I could cheaply do for the 3.5L; its a no brainer. Trust me; it will not wake the neighbors up--SLP means "street legal performance". Easy 10hp increase..

    I like the V-8LS and waiting for them to debug the 5 speed automatic..I was raised on flathead V-8 Fords, stick shift w/overdrive and dual exhausts. Dual stromberg carbs and little iginition tweaking. Favorite year was a 1950 Ford Crestliner, brown and bronze equipped as mentioned. What a mover for that era and trouble-free..to boot. Also had a 51,52,and 53 V-8s w/overdrive; but the 50 2dr sedan was my favorite.

    In scanning the LS forum a couple months ago I noticed that several owners were into modified exhausts. The Lincoln is a neat sized car and with the performance suspension pkg it has to be real solid on the road; in your face type of a car and it's American made!!!!
  • L8_ApexL8_Apex Member Posts: 187
    Thanks, 1415, for the feedback on the exhaust. While there are several options available for the GTP in the exhaust department, this appears to be the only one for the Regal. I've been considering this for the wife's GS. Another key component to making the most use of the exhaust is the replacement of the U-Bend, present on both the GP and Regal; I'm not sure about the Intrigue.

    Simple replacement of the exhaust should not effect your warranty. I've done this on several vehicles prior to warranty expiration and never encountered a problem. Replacing the U-Bend and relocating the secondary oxygen sensor may have emissions warranty implications.

    I think that across the W-body platforms, suspension travel is consistent. It's the swaybar, spring rates, strut valving, etc., that give each vehicle it's somewhat unique handling characteristics. The Buick is a little soft but that can be rectified easily. In my case, both my wife and I preferred the understated looks of the Regal to the overstated looks (especially the interior) of the Grand Prix.

    Just yesterday, I replaced the cruddy dealer supplied tires after 2,000 miles. A set of Dunlop SP Sport 5000's took up residence. Frankly, I don't think I've ever got more than 30K out of any set of decent performance tires on any car and I don't expect to from these. Between my driving habits and the comprises made to get performance vs. longetivity, I'm happy with 30K from the tires. My road is *very* twisty and on the way back from getting the tires mounted and balanced, I could already feel a difference in understeer. The previous set just felt like they were scrubbing away... Obviously, the factory chooses the OEM tires for their comfort qualities.
  • yurakmyurakm Member Posts: 1,345
    1415:


    Thank you so much for the info!


    Saw before a SLP exhaust on this site:


    http://www.grandprixstore.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=GPS&Product_Code=227&Category_Code=006


    Costs $750 instead of your $350. But they need two (different) pipes and two mufflers for Grand Prix. Regal needs only one. The part numbers are 31015 for GP, and you said 31026 for Regal. But probably otherwise the exhausts are looking similar.


    Personally, I am not interested so much in the extra 10 hp, nor in exhaust sound. But the 4-5 mph economy looks very interesting.


    According to trip computer, never reset from factory, my GS made about 19.5 mph in average in the first 5,000 miles. Most of times it is driven in city: 5.5 miles to work and back, 2-3 times a week driving son to school (alternating with other car), and a lot of after school activities. But with the low commuting mileage, even a short 250 mile (both way) trip every second weekend in average provides the roughly 50/50 city/highway balance.


    With freight and installation the exhausts costs as 250 gallons of premium gas (about $1.75 in CT), i.e. will pay-off after providing extra 5000 miles on the same gas. With 4-5 mph economy (if real), and with my mileage, it would happen in about 2.5-3 years. And the extra 10 hp would be a free bonus.


    Though, I am afraid, that my low mileage depends mostly on my driving style. I am burning probably a gallon of gas every time when merging on highway: partially for safety, but mostly for the simple joy of acceleration. To the lesser extent, but about the same with turning, and with starting from stops and traffic lights.


    L8_Apex HOST:


    What is U-Bend? The Exhaust Headers, as on the following link, or something else?


    http://www.grandprixstore.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=GPS&Product_Code=450&Category_Code=006

  • yurakmyurakm Member Posts: 1,345
    Addition:

    Just found the SLP site. The exhaust pipe/muffler currently are on sale, $300 instead of $350:
  • 14151415 Member Posts: 249
    Thanks for the input and wish you safe and trouble free motoring with your GS. My comments on the 92 Regal GS were based on actual experience for due to my self-employment role as a manufacturers rep. during the last 13 yrs I burned up road quickly.. Used to be, had the oil changed every month and tires rotated every 2nd month. Proir to being self-employed, in my sales and marketing roles normally I lived 60-100 miles away from the plant.. So every year was at least 50k miles.

    I have found that the engines/transmissions are no problem; but the biggest pain is suspension and tires.. The FWD with all of weight on the front end with the backend just kinda flopping along acting like an unloaded trailer axle starts to due funny things to tires.

    The softer sprung short wheelbase cars on long high speed runs will actually rock front to back just enough to start a slight lifting motion of the rear tires if there is not enough strut force to keep the tire in firm road contact,if not, this lifting action starts to cup or flat spot the tire. Constant rotation every 3000 miles helps to alleviate this condition; so just order the firmest setup and rotate every 6/8k miles.

    My Intrigue the 99er has 38k miles on the original LS factory tires. They are wearing perfectly, no cups/flat spots or varying tread pattern from side to side. Original factory balance and alignment; sure hate to buy another set of 4 and go through the hit/miss balance scenario.. As you know I had a 98 Intrigue GLS and it 20k miles and six balance excerises before the Olds dealer found the two squirrely tires and replaced. By the time the car went back to its maker it was smooth at 26k..

    When the lights start flashing on the dash we will know that the emission is screwed up; this will be neat because the Olds dealer installed the system.. The 3.5L is lots of fun to hammer around on the open road. The 0-60 in my world is important; but overall I go for low rpm high speed cruise. At 2250/2500 the 3.5 is real happy and digests 87 octane without complaint..

    Before I bought the 98 Intrigue I drove a loaded GTP and an LS Regal w/touring suspension; the Regal was rock-a-bye and the GTP was rock steady. I would have bought the GTP but the dealer was $3000 light on my 113k mile trade-in and was charging sticker to boot. On the Intrigue
    I got 10% off sticker and picked another $3000 on the trade-in vehicle..Little did I know the 98 Intrigue was a screwed-up mess; but it had a happy ending.

    You had an Intrigue at one time or is my mind doing those old age moments again????
  • L8_ApexL8_Apex Member Posts: 187
    1415: Thanks again. I too drove the GTP and found the ride and handling competent but unnecessarily harsh. Like Pontiacs styling, it's seems that Pontiac's idea of good handling is that if a little stiffness is good, a lot is better. While the GS may be a little on the soft side, I thought the GTP's suspension setup could be equally grippy and assured without being so non-compliant. We also considered an Intrigue as I've driven probably a half-dozen on business trips and they are my rental of preference (full-size) from National. (I always pop the hood to make sure I'm getting the 3.5) The fact that it doesn't require premium would have been nice too but my wife and I car pool (we work across the street from each other) and work is only six miles away so the incremental cost difference isn't a major consideration.


    I like the interior of the Intrigue better than either the GP or the Regal. I also like the fairly mature aftermarket for the 3800 and Oldmobile's demise doesn't help them in my buying decision either. Springs and swaybars are cheap; I'll have them installed when I replace the struts and the handling issues should be resolved.


    The 3800 has great torque down low but one of the problems (and minor at that) is that it runs out of steam at high RPM. Given that allowing the engine to breath via induction and exhaust modifications usually frees up high-end HP at the expense of low-end torque, I'd hope that the SLP exhaust would add a little more balance to the equation. Is the sound raspy or just more... well... robust? My dad had installed a Borla exhaust on his SHO and it definitely added HP but the sound was... well... not impressive. My Gibson on my truck just hints at the slightly modified V8 under the hood and I like that.


    yurakm: Here's the U-Bend and it's replacement from Ram Air Technology:


    http://www.ramairtech.com/cgi-bin/pg-product_live.cgi?Pro=29&Pur=


    Crawl under your car and it's apparent why this crimp in the exhaust is a less-than-optimal arrangement. Thanks for the update on the price of the SLP system! I'm $50 closer to convincing the wife that she needs it!

  • etharmonetharmon Member Posts: 399
    I don't think you have to worry about the Intrigue's 3.5 liter V6 blowing up while you enjoy revving it up. Those engines were made to rev. Just like Northstars.
  • yurakmyurakm Member Posts: 1,345
    Thank you!
  • fastdriverfastdriver Member Posts: 2,273
    Has anyone read the April issue of Car and Driver? They're telling me in the 300M topic that I'm NUTS if I buy a Regal GS or ANY GM car! Even someone who had TWO 300M's and got rid of both of them, tells me that I should get another 300M! HELP! I have to get my hands on this magazine even though I'm sure it won't change my mind!

    fastdriver
  • jackjtjackjt Member Posts: 178
    Don't forget, Chyrsler doesn't know the meaning of quality! Also, it is a foreign car company, full on unhappy workers! I'll take a GS anytime.
  • 14151415 Member Posts: 249
    I think the Borla system has been referred to as the "fart pipe", the SLP doesn't come close to that description; its mellow and pleasing.

    L8 Apex HOST::::::The Regal GS is a good choice, and the mods. you have in mind will only make it better. It sounds like a long term relationship. One thing about Buick is its excellent value in the used car marketplace.

    Got to get some work done and pump up my AARP fund.
  • frankkfrankk Member Posts: 35
    The choice for me was difficult. On one hand I prefer the GTP's suspension, but I dislike the boy racer look. Also at the time Buick had better incentives.

    I think that its unfair to label the GS as a "grandpa" car. In its price range there are only a few mid size sedans that are sportier (such as Maxima, GTP, Intrigue). The Goodyear LS tires stink, but that can easily be remedied. It probably wouldn't be too hard to stiffen up the suspension, some new struts would probably do the trick.
  • pacinpelopacinpelo Member Posts: 142
    Hey buddy, Welcome back.

    I looked at both GS and GTP and found the GS to be more conservative. Plus from the cosmetic standpoint the GTP sunroofs open out (Hate it), the GS opens in the roof of the body (claerly out of sight and cosmetically nice). The GTP has full time DRLs when the GS merely uses parking lights. The GS has a Monsoon CD/Cassette option an on the GTP you get a rather mundane stereo package with your choice of one (CD or Cassette) at least models in my area. The one drawback for the GS is the touring tires, but those change at first chance to get new rubber for the car. Plus how long before the GTP style looks tired and you surprise the HELL out of people who do not think a Buick can MOVE !! All the way GS!!
  • pacinpelopacinpelo Member Posts: 142
    I notice a difference under heavy acceleration. Harder, quicker 1,2 and 2,3 shifts in addition to the shift points being different (higher in the band).
  • etharmonetharmon Member Posts: 399
    I've found alot of the Chrylser folks are very partisan toward their cars and do not like it when cheaper and less powerful GM cars are quicker than their 300Ms. I've got the April issue of C&D. Nothing special in it although they did give the new Oldsmobile Bravada a pretty good review.

    1415, fart pipes are what you see on Asian 4 bangers with the exhaust openings the size of coffe cans. Borlas are pretty good exhaust systems.
  • jackjtjackjt Member Posts: 178
    An older article, but a fun read.


    http://popularmechanics.com/popmech/auto3/0012AUNCBM.html

  • yurakmyurakm Member Posts: 1,345
    You wrote: you surprise the HELL out of people who do not think a Buick can MOVE !!

    Not expecting Buick to move, police does not check its speed? Would be nice :-).

    But, in reality - not pipe dreams - I was surprised how easy is to pass Camaro. Of course, the base one, not V-8.
  • fastdriverfastdriver Member Posts: 2,273
    Thanks for the input on the GTP vs the GS.

    fastdriver
  • 14151415 Member Posts: 249
    Enjoyed the Mag article on the so-called sport sedans. Good old American Iron; massed produced and still ripping good vibes!!!!!

    They should put speed rated tires on all models and let it rip. Then you would have some good low-priced autobahn cruisers..

    Don't tell the liberals, though..They can keep the Escorts.
  • tlswhiztlswhiz Member Posts: 19
    On your Regal GS's and GSE's .. I'm curious to know what numbers any of you may have recorded .. any quarter-mile times? Any interesting drag-racing stories?

    Thanks!

    TLSWhiz
  • pinettedpinetted Member Posts: 104
    I just visited these sites and there is sure a lot more complaining going on than there is positive remarks. I'm glade I went with the Regal and its "old" 3800 engine.
  • jackjtjackjt Member Posts: 178
    Here's some info posted here awhile back:

    #94 of 95: 0 to 60 Times 01 GS (jackjt) Tue 05 Dec '00 (08:39 PM)

    Do any of you have any actual, real world times?
    From what I have read they seem to vary from 6.5 to
    7.3sec?? What's the norm?

    Thanks

    -----------------------------------------------------------------
    From Turbo Buick Site----Supercharger discussion:

    1998 Buick RegalGS....no performance mods....Front and Rear Strut Tower Braces, tinted windows, '00 Regal Cup holders....14.278@95.92MPH



    #95 of 95: 0 to 60 times (pinetted) Wed 06 Dec '00 (05:57 AM)

    Car and Driver uses very accurate timing equipment
    and as a previous owner of a very fast 5.0
    Mustang I can tell you 6.5 seconds to 60 is very
    possible. Is every Regal made going to be that
    quick, probably not, but some may even be faster.
  • tlswhiztlswhiz Member Posts: 19
    Jackjt -- thanks for the info.

    I'm about to go up against a GSE in my new Acura TL Type S in a "semiofficial" 1/4 race .. I'm trying to do some homework and figure out what the odds are .. have any of you raced Acura CL Type S models?

    Thanks again
  • 14151415 Member Posts: 249
    When a 260 horsed-up $31k Asian creation is worried about $24k 240hp AARPer; it doesn't get any better!!!!!!

    Domestics all the way!!!!!!
  • tlswhiztlswhiz Member Posts: 19
    ...after punching it a couple times on the way home -- I shouldn't have ANY problem.
  • 14151415 Member Posts: 249
    What brand did you trade in??? I wish you luck with your Acura for it's heritage is deep in our history.

    While I am not 100% happy with the Big 3 products; I feel the alternate choices result in changes to the landscape of our American Industry..

    Good to see you hear the Buick's footsteps.

    Have a nice day!!!!
  • tlswhiztlswhiz Member Posts: 19
    At least you're not "bitter,"

    At any rate, I don't put much credence into what you are implying, are you aware of how many AMERICAN corporations have "sold out" and taken their employment opportunities either overseas or across the border (and i'm not talkin' about job openings at Taco Bell either..).

    "...result in changes to the landscape of our American Industry..."

    I'm not trying to offend you here at all, but I feel you've offended me in my choice of vehicles. While I do not think that your comment was on-topic, I will respond to it in a very civil, mature fashion:

    Your proverbial landscape of the American Industry has been tarnished and defiled by the very top corporations that inherited the "landscape" (to use your metaphore) when they decided to save some bucks and take their business elsewhere. It's the political pivot of many top democratic and republican candidates to KEEP business in the USA, despite these adamant corporations continuous flight to cheaper labor overseas or across the border. Um, last I checked, the Marysville, Ohio Acura plant, and the Honda plant, and the Toyota plant, and the Daimler-Chysler plant (somewhere in the US producing the ML320/430) have brought jobs TO the US .. is THAT the legacy you wish to retain -- or the continuing layoffs at US corps as they flee elsewhere for cheap labor?

    Just a thought, and again, I welcomed your opinion, and I mean you absolutey NO offense. I actually think, after having driven a friend's GSE, that the Buick is the BEST bang for the buck when it comes to sport sedans. However, if it wasn't plagued with the small creaks and rattles that he is noticing now (at 11K miles), I seriously would have considered it, and probably bought it. The warranty is solid, as is the service at his Buick dealership. It's a great looking car (especially the black/gray double-tone) and fast as heck! I never miss an opportunity to drive it.

    I traded in a '94 ES300
  • tlswhiztlswhiz Member Posts: 19
    I'm sorry, I don't feel offended -- I misread your post. I am sorry.
  • 14151415 Member Posts: 249
    tlswhiz:::::::I am impressed by your explanation of the vast employment opportunities available due to Asian and European invasion.

    Having owned 41 domestic cars in my many years+two Porsches 58/59; my dough will stay in this country..

    Haven't got the time to discuss the quality hype or the dumping of product reality..

    I do not own a Buick at this time but had a few over the years.. Still reside most of the year in the Motor City and peddle a few OEM auto parts. I understand where attitudes develop having spent a few years in the auto scenario. The Hondas along with Toyotas do very little business with American owned suppliers and about 90% of the car is built from products supplied by American-based
    Asian owned companies.. A great deception; but at my age it ain't going to affect me..
  • L8_ApexL8_Apex Member Posts: 187
    Let's keep the discussion Regal-centric, OK?

    Thanks,

    L8_Apex
    Host
    Sedans Message Board
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