PontiacBonnevilleClub.com

Hey guys...my GP is finally time to be retired. NO, I am not getting rid of my Bonneville...are you guys crazy?

So, what is the opinion on the 2012+ Regal GS? I have a line on one with very low mileage, this one is the pearl color, and it is a 6spd manual GS model. Does anyone here have one, or have any thoughts before I buy? It seems nice, and I am just looking for a spunky DD car that gets good mileage for the long drives to and from work. It had a hella lotta pull when I pinned it out in second-third gear on my test drive, that is for sure...

Appreciate any input...this is what it looks like for your reference...255hp and 295tq, and with a DP and alternate tune, I am told it gets closer to 300hp and 360tq. My thought would be a mild BBV that makes a little noise, and a cutout for those days that I might want to play. I am not sure about the Insignia package update or not...but that is also an option, since this really is just an imported Insignia.

You might wanna ask myfirstbonnie he just got a 2013 GS
http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... ilit=buick

I really hope Buick decides to add these to the line up for 2015.

http://www.caranddriver.com/features/20 ... uture-cars

I like it! Boost + manual trans is always good in my book.

These cars are very nice and have amazing handling for a FWD car.

Most gripes I've noticed concern its weight and how its gas mileage is low for a four cylinder. In stock form it has more power than 97-04 GS's but it's 1/4 mile is about the same. I'd imagine with a tune it would do a lot better though.

If FWD is what you're looking for then I'd say go for it!

I like the car in general, but it would not be on my shopping list if I were in the market.

We love ours. We have the automatic since it was an end of the model clearance and we got a decent deal to get the last one off the lot. Wasn't even a week later and they had the 2014's sitting out.

They are an Opel design, but since 2012 they have been built north 'o the border in Canada.

The only thing I do not like is the lag they have tuned in them to protect the transmission. The fun thing is to put it in GS mode and then hold in the TC button and it turns off stabillitrack and TC. Still not full performance from the turbo, but it does make for a lot of fun.

In GS mode, the suspension is quite stiff and makes the car handle really well. Sport mode is a little softer, but still better than normal mode.

You will not get a typical Buick ride from this car. Even in normal mode it is still quite firm. The 20" wheels do cause a little more road noise in the cabin, but it is tolerable.

There are a lot of buttons which has been the major complaint and they did clean it up for the 2014 model. There are 5 ways to do somethings, but when you find what you like, it works as needed. The 5 ways are:

1. the touch screen
2. the buttons
3. steering wheel controls
4. console knob
5. voice commands

Overall, we love this car. I have been looking at mods, but they won't happen for awhile if at all. We have a nice long warranty and will not be voiding that.

For gas mileage, this will not get what a normal 4 cyl does. We are getting around 25-26 on all highway driving and around 20 in town. The problem is the same thing with the 3800 SC, the fun pedal is just that, FUN. The first thing I always do when getting in is turn on the GS mode. It is a fun car to drive which leads to a diminished MPG. If you want gas mileage, give up the performance and handling and get the NA 4 cyl.

I haven't driven the manual, but I am sure it adds to the fun.

I've driven both an auto and a manual and love them both. Very very fun car and well built inside as well. I love how they look too. As mentioned above though, this isn't a car you buy to hyper mile.

Something else to consider is that with the 2014 model AWD is now an option but it limits you to the automatic transmission. The AWD version also adds ~300 pounds, but the AWD versions are faster to 60, and have better 1/4 mile times.

Thanks for the feedback. The stick was fun, and if I can get decent mileage and have a button or two to push to smoke someone, then it sounds right.


I drove a 2014 auto yesterday, and although I love the digital cluster, I preferred the slam gear baby. The auto will always have an edge to 60mph in this car over the stick, due to the long stroke shifter I think, but its way more fun. AWD just says to me, more to break and need to fix.

I am almost sold...

Can't you get the same engine in the Verano? It doesn't have the same swagger, but it is lighter.

Verano also has more HP then the regal iirc

Looking at the specs, the Verano seems a little detuned relative to the Regal. But not a whole lot.

The Verano kinda looks like a dung bounce...the Regal is pretty sharp. I doubt the Verano can handle like a GS on 20's

I love the GS. I'd hit it in a second.

The Verano is much smaller, than an already small Regal. I've driven an NA Verano and it was actually surprisingly decent, but given a choice I'd still take a Regal. And a manual version of it at that.

I really love the GS. I think they are sharp looking cars, interior is pretty nice as well. I drove a 2014 with an auto at a car show back in January and was very impressed with the way it drove. Granted I haven't driven many cars in my short driving career, but I loved it. Very peppy and responsive in GS mode, and sounds pretty good for a 4 cylinder

Drove a Verano today just to see...its a tinbox in comparison. Parked up at the local Tims, and walking out to it, was tempted to pretend I owned the Kia SUV beside it. It would need lots of upgrades and even then...

Gonna work on a deal tomorrow, and see what transpires.

Where are you buying from? My G8 came from just up the road from you at the GM dealer in Orangeville.

FasGP wrote:The Verano kinda looks like a dung bounce...the Regal is pretty sharp. I doubt the Verano can handle like a GS on 20's

Ooh. So you're planning on throwing 20s under the Regal?

That outta be nice!

20's are optional stock