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Which Years of Used Buick Regals Are Most Reliable?

in Reliability
White Buick Regal parked on a street

Buick Regal by AJM STUDIOS - CC-BY-SA-4.0

The Buick Regal was one of the first upscale mid-sized cars of the 1970s. Both sedan and coupe versions were released in 1973, but it became a sedan-only line in 1997. These days, you can get Buick Regals made with modern design sensibilities and looks. If you’re looking for a decent and reliable commuter car, you might wonder what is the most reliable Buick Regal year?

The truth can be a bit complicated. That’s because some Buick Regal years are more reliable than others, and those years often switch off instead of ascending linearly. Today, let’s take a look at the best and worst Buick Regal years.

Most Reliable Years for the Buick Regal

The Buick Regal first hit the market in 1973, but it has since been refined, improved, and reissued multiple times. There are lots of great model years for the Buick Regal, including:

THE BUICK REGAL YEARS TO AVOID

We highlight some of the worst Buick Regal years to avoid and offer insights into why they’re not worth your time and money. Let’s get to it.

  • 2015 Buick Regal
  • 1987 Buick Regal
  • 2020 Buick Regal
  • 2017 Buick Regal

If you pick up a used Buick Regal from one of the most reliable Buick Regal years, the odds are much better that you’ll get a consistent, reliable vehicle you can drive and enjoy for years to come. 

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Are Buick Regals Generally Reliable?

With several years of Buick Regals available for purchase, you’ll want to know whether these vehicles are generally reliable or if you should stay away from the model line entirely. According to carparts.com, the Buick Regal is generally reliable, like many midsize sedans. Out of 34 rated sedans, the Buick Regal is ranked 13th for reliability. In other words, it’s about as reliable on average as many other sedans of its type.

However, withclutch.com gives the Buick Regal an even more favorable rating: 60.95. According to this source, the Buick Regal is very reliable compared to other cars, with an average overall rating of 57. Some vehicles, like the Acura ILX, are more reliable than the Buick Regal, but most are not. 

Which Buick Regals Are the Least Reliable?

While Buick Regal is known for its better years, some years also produced substandard cars. Some of the least reliable years and types of Buick Regals include:

  • 2001 Buick Regal
  • 2002 Buick Regal
  • 2011 Buick Regal
  • 2012 Buick Regal
  • 2018 Buick Regal TourX

These model years saw problems with window regulation, decreased gas mileage, and even brake failures. These complaints caused Buick to redesign future models for better safety, better fuel efficiency, and other improvements.

Are Buick Regals Expensive to Maintain?

According to repairpal.com, a Buick Regal will cost about $563 per year for annual maintenance and ownership costs. Compared to the average of $526 for midsized cars and $652 for all vehicle models, this is a bit on the affordable side.

That said, you might discover that a Buick Regal runs you much more in terms of maintenance issues, particularly if you purchase a used 2012 Buick Regal. This model of vehicle can have major parts wrong with it, such as crankshaft position sensor failures.

These could result in expensive repairs and repeated maintenance requirements. Taking your Buick Regal in for maintenance regularly will help you avoid more costly repairs in the future.

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Which Buick Regal is Most Reliable?

If you want to maximize your chances of getting a stellar used Buick Regal, you’ll want to stick with the 2015 and up model years since they have the least number of complaints and known issues.

However, there are other good years to look for as you search for a used Buick Regal. The other most reliable Buick Regals include:

  • 1987 Buick Regal Sedan
  • 2015 Buick Regal
  • 2020 Buick Regal
  • 2017 Buick Regal
  • 2018 Buick Regal Sportback

What Are the Most Common Buick Regal Problems?

Even if you try to purchase one of the most reliable Buick Regal year models, you may encounter some problems from time to time. These problems can be minor or quite severe, and even dangerous, if they are not addressed promptly.

According to cashcarsbuyer.com, the most common and most dangerous Buick Regal issue is engine stalling and shutting off while driving. This common engine issue is most frequently observed with Buick Regals from bad years. This repair may crop up at around 72,000 miles driven. Other common Buick Regal problems can include:

  • The car loses power while driving - Experiencing a sudden loss of power mid-journey is not only disconcerting but poses a significant safety risk. Drivers may find their Buick Regal unexpectedly reducing speed or becoming unresponsive to the throttle.
  • The timing chain is having issues - The timing chain, crucial for synchronizing the engine’s operations, can manifest problems that severely affect the vehicle’s performance. Symptoms might include unusual noises from the engine bay or a general lack of engine efficiency. 
  • The engine knocks during cold startup - A knocking sound from the engine upon starting the car in colder conditions is a worrisome sign. This noise, often indicative of inadequate lubrication or premature wear of engine components
  • The ignition key gets stuck - Issues with the ignition system, such as the key getting stuck or refusing to turn, can be particularly frustrating, leaving drivers unable to start their vehicles. The problem could stem from the ignition lock cylinder or be a symptom of a larger electrical system issue. 
  • Power windows failing - The failure of power windows to open or close is not just a matter of convenience but can also be a security concern. This failure typically arises from faulty window motors, deteriorated regulators, or electrical issues within the door’s wiring. 

Keep an eye out for issues in a used Buick Regal before buying. That’s why it’s always a good idea to take a used car on a test drive before purchasing it!

WHAT TO DO IF A DEALER REFUSES TO CANCEL EXTENDED WARRANTY

Car buying can occasionally be frustrating, especially if you’re purchasing your vehicle through a dealership. We’re here to tell you how to navigate a situation in which a dealer refuses to cancel your extended warranty.

Is the Buick Regal Worth It?

In general, a used Buick Regal could very much be worth your time and money. These vehicles are not overly expensive, particularly if you pick up a car that is 20 years old. They could serve you well as a commuter sedan or small family vehicle that gets decent gas mileage and gets the job done without being fancy.

However, the bad model years for the Buick Regal are cause for some concern. Before purchasing a used Buick Regal, make sure it doesn’t have any of the potential big problems, like brake failures. This is why it’s a good idea to ask for a vehicle’s maintenance and history report before buying it, no matter which make and model you decide to go with. 

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Buick Regal has had a handful of stellar model years and some substandard years as well. Given this information, you can seek out a Buick Regal if you need a commuting vehicle or a basic used car. But don’t expect a 20012 Buick Regal, for instance, to be the most reliable car you’ve ever owned.

In any case, now you are well-equipped and ready to seek out the best used Buick Regal for your needs. We hope this guide has been helpful and the information ensures you pick up the best car possible.

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