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Good news this time rental is a white Lucerne CX with buckets AND HOPEFULLY it will be 28 days before the Pont is fixed!!! I told them to take their time on the repair.
Could I live with a V6? Got some time to find out.. The plan was a CXL V8 in a year. Gotta go hustle this bad boy over Angeles Crest hwy (for those of you in Southern Cal) this weekend.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Recall the Volvo thing from long ago, Strong, Safe, Quiet. They showed it hold up a full-sized Oldsmobile. THEN the word got out the roof had been reinforced!!!! HOOT HOOT.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Well, in that particular case, Jag has yet to send any money back to Ford world HQ - though Ford has sent Billions to invest in the UK. With negative return, so far.
My GM (Grand Prix) was assembled in Canada.
But where were the components made \ assembled? Like the transaxle that needed replacement at less than 6,000 miles?
Dunno.
But none of this will likely be an overriding influence on the brand or model of my next car . . . The degree of fit to my requirements and desires - and actual transaction price will be far more important.
And a Buick Lucerne GNX (or such) made most anywhere could interest me.
- Ray
Just 1 data point.
I think they could lower the price on V6 models, or at least offer one with more HP. I have seen some with $33K and the 197HP engine. Hummm? Maybe the V8 would be better at that price. Maybe I read the sticker wrong, and it was the V8, but I am pretty sure the model type matched.
-Loren
Loren,
I agree, been looking everytime I see a Buick dealer. Where is this "mythical $29.9K" V8 CXL? Havent seen one yet.
Kevin
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
To order one under $30K would be the way to go!
Or wait a year and get it for say $23K. Problem with that would be most are sold fully loaded. And side stickers is the American way.
-Loren
In looking at a "base" CXL it is very nicely equipped. The options I would add are the XM/HK stereo system and the heated seats/power passenger seat/memory package which would add about $1400. About $29,400 total
So, a V8 will probably run about $32,000 to $35,000 for the CXL model. Most dealers will order them with the options that will make the cars sell. If you want one for under $30,000, the V6 will probably be the best choice, although one could order. I would think that a dealer would take about $30,000 for a CXL that is not loaded with too many options.
Volvo markets their cars as the safest in the world but I have read crash tests that showed many other cars far as well. Their 40 model, whatever they call it, performed poorly in last years crash test and will likely be discontinued because of lack of sales.
Mercedes is still recognized world wide as the leader in safety/crash worthiness, and Mercedes doesn't market their cars for this.
People respond to advertising. Ford has even made their Fusion group of three cars look Volvo like to make that connection with the Ford Volvo for safety.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
It is a World economy. GM builds and sells in other countries.
The so called American GM may be built in Canada or Mexico, or several other countries. Parts is parts.
I can just see them in Germany thinking, gee that Opel is a foreign car, no matter where it is produced. Better not by that. I think they have for decades. GM is a foreign company to many.
So?
-Loren
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
And the Accord is good for 300K miles. Handles great - less filling
-Loren
Now that you mention it though I do not believe this forum has had any owner complaints except for the front seat being too small for one person.
Again what I was saying is that no matter what foreign company comes into the U.S.A. and builds cars, etc., they are still considered a foreign company no matter what materials are used to make them. A Japanese company is a Japanese company no matter where its made.
hint, hint
Specs: White 3 Porte, bucket seats w/console shifter. Cloth seats and base radio I presume. Tires, Bridgstone Insignia 16's. Rental car co Enterprise, Location So. Cal. 6181 on the ODO. Rattle free.
Ups: Wow can I really get all this for $26K? Ride= NICE supple yet responsive. Very Quiet. Turn the key and the engine barks to life instantly. Very roomy. Radio NO distortion at full volume. Engine, surprisingly throaty mellow growl. Power= acceptable. Better then I expected actually. Shift points seem to be about 4500rpm and then again at 5700rpm. Can usually get a quick crisp downshift if you drop the hammer from cruising speed. Sometimes for example uphill start from red light, if you floor it there will not be a gear change. Handiling, VERY GOOD, taut and planted in sweepers. Interior very roomy and comforatable.
Downs: WILL get out of shape on a tight 90 degree right or left hander. Front end push/understeer tires squeal like little school girls. Still feel in control though. Sweepers,planted UNTIL you apply the brakes or hit a small bump. Was doing about 75 in a big sweeper hit a dip, suspension unloaded. Drove same corner again, with out hitting the bump and applied the brakes and the back end lifts and wants to come around. NOBODY WANTS TO RACE ME
Styling: Something needs to happen below the front licesne plate holder, slab sided and drab with slats only. Any chance we could have foglights? Could we have a hood ornament or does that ruin the lines/sport characteristics?
Summary: I had a thing for it now I'm in love. I have of course driven both this and a V8 on test rides only. Could I live with a V6? Yes. do I want the V8? Probably, will have to do a back to back test drive while I have this car. Can turn traction control off, but indifferent to me as I cannot chirp it off the line either way on dry pavement. Very minimal torque steer only in a tight corner on the gas. Very impressed so far.
Current daily driver: 95 Jaguar XJ6 with 135K on the ODO that WILL NOT DIE and unfortantely just passed smog for another two years.
It is a GM brand.
-Loren
I have owned some V6 GM cars, and they generally, on the highway, got up to 10% over the government gas mileage figures. I think it is the nature of the beast. It happened too many time to be luck. Well the last GM V6 got at the figure - something like 30 MPG. One of the best features of GM is the V6 gas mileage, though it could also be in the taller top gear.
It seemed a little high.
-Loren
Looks like I have it for one more week. Fuel economy on the V6 per the trip computer states 21.6, and we are both driving the hell out of this thing. Plan to go see my dealer tomorrow if he has a CXL V8 on the lot to compare motor wheel combo.
Now I just went and bought a 2006 Lucerne CXL V8. I will tell you what I will take on your Maxima anyday of the week in quality or performance. My sister had a 1988 Maxima and went through 3 transmissions in the course of 150 thousand miles. She finally got sick of them and her and her husband swear by Audi now. I am now 39 years old and I love my Lucerne and my Lesabre and I am not 65. Get your head out of the sand and you just might be surprised.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
I told myself I was going to keep the '02 for several more years, but, everytime I go past the dealership my will power gets weaker. Damn you Buick! Waiting till the year end close outs. Hope I can still get the CXL in Opal White.
I think you read into my post wrong. I am aware that Buick is probably the most dependable Domestic make you can buy and it's JD power surveys top even Toyota. I was referring to the image a Maxima projects where I live ( L. Island, NY) as compared to Buick. Maxima is a sporty, performance sedan with aggressive looks that a younger crowd buys. Buicks around here a driven by 65 year olds. Not ironically I just read a review in which it stated that the average Buick buyer is 65 years old. There is nothing wrong with that, my grandparents have a heck of lot more money to spend than most 33 years olds like myself. Maxima vs a Lucerne doesn't make much sense to me because the demographics are totally different. I do remember in High School (87-91) some kids driving Buicks but that was when they had the Regal/Grand National.
That being said I will be going to a GM dealer soon to check out the Lucerne in person. My wife loves the Avalon ( and all Toyotas)but to be honest I haven't seen anyone under 60 driving an Avalon either :shades: Plus I've heard the Avalon has a marshmallow ride.
I've owned a Mercury before ( Mountaineer) and had no problems but I i'm not loving the Montego. The Buick interests me because of the reputation of quality they have. The 3800 V-6 and the Northstar are two of the most reliable tried and true powerplants on the market today. Plus, the reviews I've read were very very good on Lucerne. I'll report back my impressions.
That is why Buick quit designing cars for old folks. Rendezvous average age is around 52. Do not know the age of LaCrosse but probably around 60 or so. Once all the old LeSabres and Parks and Centurys are gone ( in last years data) and with the new Lucerne I think we will see the 2006 average age dropping significantly. With the Enclave it will probably go below 55 in 2007. (Remember average age of all buyers in US is about 45, Camry is 52)
Buick (2 in three days) or any American car. I kid you not. I saw whole parking lots with foreign made cars. The further North I went the more American cars I saw. So I guess if I was living in Williamsburg or even L. Island I wouldn't buy a Buick either.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Wonder what people actually get in the way of gas mileage with the V8 Lucerne. Gas is now $3.50 for premium in CA, and the regular gas should be up to that level in a couple weeks. The actual difference between the car which gets say 30 Hwy, and one which gets 24 MPG is about $750 per yr. if you drive 15K miles. So if one values the power vs. the gas savings on the smaller V6 or i4 engine at the couple bucks or so a day as worth it, then the car continues to sell in V8. The car is seen as a premium model, so thus those buying may not care too much; having the bucks to pay. That said, there is this panic which usually sets in, like it did in the 70's where big cars sold on the cheap. Used Olds and Cadillacs got really cheap. Actually great deals at the time. Well, unless you drove a lot and paid those horrible - real money- prices back when. And the 55 MPH speed limit - horrible; simply a nightmare.
Would a V6 really be that much better gas wise than the V8? I bet in real world driving, they are pretty close.
-Loren
But, according to the Feds, there's only a 2 mpg difference between the Buick V6 and V8 engines. So, the real-world extra cost is about one-third the above numbers.
IF the person is a "more exuberant driver" from signs and lights than I am that V6 mileage might drop a couple more for the luCerne and get closer to the V8.
If the driving involves longer commutes and lots of trips on open road those averages will be more like M1's comparison. But my point is the V6 is great on highway mileage and does closer to the 20 or 19 rating for city/suburban. My suburban driving is 26 roughly from the DIC; my wife's short trips tend to clock in at 23-22. Guess who drives gently?
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Good luck with your search hope you find what fits you. Buick drivers are getting younger and younger and this Lucerne sure is going to help!!! Took a Mercedes down the highway with my wife's car the other night. He was riding my butt so I stepped on it and left him in the dust.
If I decide in a year or two to get a luxo car instead of a sporty fun car, then this one may indeed be on the list to buy - used.
It looks pretty tight and the interior is classy enough. And V8 power again after all these years without it, would be cool. Last V8 I owned was the Mustang 289 V8, sold in 1973.
-Loren
When I was living in town, driving to and from work (about 6 miles each way) resulted in about 20 MPG from various cars. The 3800's in my Buicks (86 Electra, 90 Riviera, 91 Reatta, 95 Riviera) got about that as did the 98 Aurora. The Seville was getting that until I moved out of town. Winter was worse and summer better. The Aurora on a long trip with cruising at or below 70 MPH also averaged around 29 MPG.