2009 Buick Official Changes

[1G6]

My car has the variable heated/cooled seats. Rear recliners would be nice, I agree.

I'd also like foglamps.

[OLDSCHOOLGMFAN]

I agree that GM has no business with 4 speed autos in 2009. I will be sad to see the 3.8 go though. My Regal was a GS with that engine. Somehow I doubt the replacements will be as good as that motor.

[OLDSCHOOLGMFAN]

Originally Posted by Old Dood

I agree that Buick needs to 'modernize' to a point.
They need to put as many of the newer gadgets into their cars as possible.
As for the platforms if I am understand you correctly I think are very 'sell-able'.
I think it was foolish to get rid of the LeSabre. They should have brought that car up to speed with the more modern gadgets.
Make it the only line that is more Ala-Cart fashion when ordering options.
Do not mix everything with packages.
Why?
Because it is not unknown that older people will buy these cars and older people are more frugel.
They do not want to be dazzeled with packages and such. They want to know bottom line and be done with it.

They also like their vehicles big and comfortable like a Buick should always be. These customers do not care about 0-60 times.
They simply want enough power to get around a Semi or a RV.
They do not want to feel a tight suspension. They want a soft one.

The 3.8L was and still is a good engine for this crowd. Sure some of the older set want a V8. That is availible too.

You cannot make Buick a Cadillac. Buick has been a dumbed down Caddy for years now and it cannot play that role anymore.
Now that Cadillac is going for the more upwardly mobile crowd then GM needs a car line for the Old Schoolers.
People forget that their values WILL CHANGE and a Buick that they would have hated at 20-30 years of age they just might look forward to when they reach 40 and up.
WHY?
Because our bodies change. They hurt more. What people thought was important once is not a value to them when they get older.
Sitting in a LeSabre, Park Ave, Lucerne even, is a nice ..."Ahhhh..."
Buick needs to simply allow people what options they want without making it ridiculosly expensive.
Other words make it available to get ANY option you want with ANY engine you want.
I see just as many V6s on the road (Lucernes) as I do V8s.
What about the person that wants Magna-ride and does not want a damn V8?

The older crowd is not 'so old' as they use to be either. They are more savvy when it comes to 'gadgets'.
They want Blue-Tooth, AUX Jacks, NAV Screens, etc too now.
Make is AVAILABLE!

Why do you think the Toyota Avalon is pretty popular?
It has all of the above now. Except a V8 which people do not mind with Toyota's 3.5 V6.
I could blind fold people and put them in the passenger's seat then drive them around in an Avalon and I am willing to bet they would LOVE the RIDE.

Buick is an Odd Duck that Iwill agree but, it could be so much more.
Keep the larger bodies on these cars. HyBrid some.
Make gadgets available.
They could even 'try' to Saturnize Buick. Lock the price.

Many things can be done. Buick is a valuable line.
The younger crowd does not see it....yet!

You make a lot of sense here partner! I think Buick should listen to you.

[member12]

I guess I just don't care about the Lucerne or LaCrosse.

It's still strange than the Malibu and Aura get the 3.6L/six speed combo before the Buick models.

[Hitman1970]

Originally Posted by member12

I guess I just don't care about the Lucerne or LaCrosse.

It's still strange than the Malibu and Aura get the 3.6L/six speed combo before the Buick models.

Do any W-body or G-body cars have a six speed? If LaCrosse was already on an Epsilon chassis that would be another story, but it isn't. I am not thrilled that Buick got rid of the CXS trim for LaCrosse, but I am happy to have mine.

2 more gears and bluetooth will not get me out of my car until it is remotely not financial suicide. The car will be paid off and driven for one year before I go through the process again.

[philr]

Originally Posted by wescoent

My grandparents proudly drove Buicks in the 1960's, back when the Riviera was envisioned as an American combination of Ferrari and Rolls Royce. I will happily drive a modern Buick with half the style and passion that car radiated when it drove down the street.

Maybe you should just buy a few old ones instead of waiting for a decent new one! With the money you'd save, you could repair them and fill the tank as needed (or almost!). That's what I do!

Originally Posted by 1G6

GM has made it clear what they're doing. Cadillac will be for people who like the drive, and Buick will be for those more interested in the ride.

I see from your profile that you prefer cars that ride. Would't you rather have a new Cadillac that rides like your old ones instead of a Buick? I'd rather have a new Buick that drives like my old ones!