I'm happy to see a more affordable option. Most ppl aren't enthusiasts. Just look what's in the Walmart parking lot before you argue with me. A car to get to work, pick up groceries, get to a dentist appointment etc without costing $45,000 or more is a welcome addition to the car market. And I don't hate the look of it.
You say that but at my Walmart I see lots of muscle cars, Japanese sports cars, lifted trucks (an enthusiast segment of trucks) and even an occasional Lamborghini Aventador (not kidding, there's one random guy who drives an orange Aventador who occasionally pops up at my Walmart regularly and it's a rural country town area at that). I'd say at least half of Walmart visitors here are enthusiasts.
I work at one of the biggest car rental agencies in North America every one of these SUVs are literal plastic trash that grenade within 50,000 MI every one of the Transmissions from every manufacturer is failing nothing you buy new is worth it
My wife and I have owned the Envista Avenir since this spring and have 13K miles on it now. So far it has been a great car with no reliability issues at this point. We have averaged 34mpg since the last oil change which I do myself every 3K to 4K miles. It also comes with rain sensing wipers and if you get a 2025 model it is E85 capable. It has wider tires then the Trax. It is not an SUV it is a light weight front wheel drive car with a real transmission. It is a very simple car with lots of features for 28K. We have not noticed any power issues with the 3 cylinder turbo engine and drive primarily on flat land with some low rolling hills. With commen sense maintenance practices and driving it like intended It should be a reliable vehicle in my opinion. Im glad it doesn't look like all the other vehicles on the road and has some character to it which makes it unique and fun to own.
WATCH THAT WET BELT system!! IF you don't know about it. UA-cam 'Wet Belt Failures'... Rubber and oil/old, contaminated oil DO NOT MIX (the rubber delaminates causing snaps = DESTROYED engine!) Ford HAVE refused MANY warrantee jobs on Transit vans, Fiesta & Focus cars WITH LESS than 100,000 miles (that HAVE HAD dealer services (small businesses that own a fleet of Transits have had to pay WAY EXTRA to have their engines REBUILT because Ford REFUSED to accept responsibility!)). Rubber and oil in a hot dirty environment IS a problem that manufacturers KNOW ABOUT. Not only with snapped belts, but, rubber debris BLOCKING oil channels and oil pickup filter in the sump meaning... Suddenly your engine could be running at highway speed with NO OIL... Plus, it's COSTLIER to replace the wet belt compared to a standard dry cam belt... 😎🇬🇧
This is great! This is actually a review that includes the build quality and not just how it feels and drives. Saved me an hour at the dealership, thanks.
Back in 1995 I bought a new 1995 Geo Metro with a 3 cylinder engine and manual transmission. Fun little car. Everyone called it an egg on wheels but I was getting near 40 mpg in that lil box. Owned it for just over 4 years and traded it in with 86,000 miles on it. It was my first and only brand new car, it cost just over $10,000 and my payments were $200 a month. We'll never see those days again.
Morning Sarah. Glad to see you reviewing a Buick. My daily is a bright white Buick Regal TourX… a wagon… that is essentially a rebadged Opel Insignia made in Germany. It’s AWD with a 2.0L turbo putting out about 250hp. It is quick and handles well, and because not many were sold I get a lot of looks and compliments. I absolutely love it. I see some brand commonality with that Envista. Great video production as always. Thank you, Sarah. 👍👍👍
Thanks for the recommendation! For some* reason I had no idea this existed. This would be perfect for my family, if we have an economy and that orange freak doesn't somehow win.
@@creamwobbly You’re welcome. It would make a great family vehicle. But if you want an economy, you better hope the “Bad Orange Man” wins. Kackling Kamala can’t spell “economy”.
For all it's good points, that wet timing belt is a deal breaker. Why do engineers still do this when it's been proven to fail? Great review as usual.🙂
I totally agree. If you are considering this car (or Trax or Fiesta) UA-cam search Wet Belt timing belts. Bueatiful car ruined by bad decisions in the motor (my opinion). I would consider a cheap Toyota Corolla hybrid. Maybe even slightly used. No turbos. No GDI without port injection. No start/stop system. No 12 Volt starter or alternator. No 11 speed torque converter automatic. No torque converter. No belts (accessory timing or Wet). Electric car goodness without the electric car drawbacks.
I grew up on Buicks, owning three LeSabres and a Skylark. What I'm really thinking about now is a Regal TourX Wagon from 2018-2019. Limited production run, but an AWD 2.0L Turbo wagon to move people and things around. I miss station wagons.
I just bought a 25 Envista... I've had it about a month and I love it so far... It's a fun car to drive it's quiet inside hardly any road noise whatsoever... Lots of technology... My insurance actually went down a little bit because of the safety features... I live in Michigan so I'm just waiting to see how it does in the snow
We need more small affordable cars, that are reliable and cheap to mantain, while you can have a blast driving them in the back roads or track. Almost all new cars feel they mare made to drag-race from stoplight to stoplight and handle like a boat in a corner
Yes, and to be a bit clearer about performance: What really matters is getting from about 35MPH to freeway speed. That is the only time where most of us put our foot into it. Also: There need to lose that wet timing belt. They are a horrid idea.
Many American car-buyers prefer a car "with a lot of pick-up" that "have a nice ride." That said, the way Sarah has been telling it, and setting aside the paucity of three-pedal arrangements, the bottom third of the market has seen an upswing in rewarding-to-drive and not-hateful-to-wrench options.
Excellent review! Your content is always great ... I have to admit I really like that pointer finger. This video was nicely shot and edited and was informative and fun to watch! More!
Of the 28 cars I've owned, MB, BMW, VW, Honda, Subaru, etc, my all-time favorite is an '88 BMW 735i 5sp. My SECOND favorite is my present dd, an '04 Buick LeSabre. I'm less concerned with image than I once was, but I LOVE my Buick! I'm very surprised by the quality, value, and thoughtful touches. It's cool to see, 20 years later, that GM still has some surprises for us, and kudos to Sarah for reviewing with an open mind. Love the channel!
I know the feeling of being supremely satisfied with a particular Buick. Mine is a '94 Roadmaster wagon. There are considerable differences between that model and this one. I'll keep mine.
The first generation Chevy Cruze (2011-2015) also had a Watts link rear suspension. All current AWD Trailblazer & Encore GX also have Watts link rear suspensions.
I liked the styling immediately. Good to know that it is affordable and reasonable. As long as maintenance isn't super-expensive, then this would be a good choice for a first car or daily commuter. I always trust, love and appreciate your reviews, Sarah! I would definitely think about this for my next daily driver!
@@creamwobbly "a donut spare [in the] boot" its just a play on words, also it's nice there's an actual spare and not some tire goop, compressor, and a number to call when that doesn't help.
Attractive, smart woman, wearing an awesome outfit, points out the specs, gives an honest and contextual review (as an affordable and non-performance car). That is why many of us keep coming back to see her YT videos.
Yeah instead GM shipped a product they make in an old daewoo plant in South Korea back to the US to sell to unsuspecting and unsavy Americans who will buy anything if the infotainment screen is big enough.
Greetings, person making car videos on an internet channel. May I just say that your wardrobe choice on this video is just, WOW. Keep up the good work.❤😊
Second. I was eating breakfast at the time. I can neither confirm nor deny what went out my nose. Just that something went where it wasn't supposed to.
Thanks. Looks like this car will be a better than average family / house car. You know that car that everybody jumps in to do everything with. Hey a new rating icon!
Very cute outfit sarah ❤ I loved the first person point of view in the road test. Also I do wish that car companies would learn that not all of us can afford 100K for a car.
👶🦈🫧 Cool to see a lower-cost Buick that is _NOT_ something I would expect my grandparents to drive. Could be a cool platform for the modding community. Surprised to see it retains its fruit and robot compatibility -- one of the big things Mary Barra (GM CEO) wanted was to bring the entertainment system back in-house. 🤷♂ Thanks Sarah! 👍
It’s lower cost…….Because GM built these in Korea with the intention of selling them in China. When the Chinese didn’t warm to them, they began shipping them to the US as a desperate money grab (considering how much less it cost GM to produce them in South Korea). What does it say about GM when their only strategy for making profit outside of trucks and corvettes is to sell its US customers crap that was meant for the Chinese market…..
I once convinced my dad to get a Regal GS as his company car in 99-ish. It was a frumpy, floaty-boat version of a grand tourer, but that supercharged 3800 sure did scoot. Probably the most exciting thing Buick had done since the Grand National.
Thanks for the review! Love the interior and your insights are awesome! Outfit was on point too! "Shark Bubble" is exactly what I would call it, super cute!
I also like your car reviews, in addition to the mechanics videos, because we can see cars that we'll never have in France. If one day there are super-fast flying cars, it will be easier to come to America.
Love watching your reviews, no matter the vehicle. Informative and funny. I also admire the work of your wardrobe department/hair and makeup this week.
This vehicle actually caught my attention when I first saw it on the street from Behind. It looked like BMW X5 (hatchback or whatever BMW calls it) with a Buick logo. Glad you provided a good information on this particular car. Very nice as all your reviews are. Thank You.
The Wildcat was actually made in the great year of 1985!!! - My favorite Buick of all time! Also - you could easilly have made fun of this car for being cheap and therefore supposedly bad - the fact that you didn't shows what kind of person you are. 👍That's what I like about you and your reviews. Thank you for what you do and Stay Awesome!
I have a 2018 Vauxhall Astra (in the UK) i.e. Opel. They use a Watts link on the rear suspension and front wheel drive. Its a GM design, designed jointly between US, Germany (Opel) and Korea (Daewoo).
By the way, as a tip. The first character of the VIN denotes country of origen. 1 for US, 2 Canada, 3 Mexico, K for Korea, 6 for Australia. The Buick, Trax and Trailblazer are K that means built by the former Daewoo factory that is now GM Korea.
Parked next to a Chevy Trax yesterday and I was surprised that it looked decent. Kudos to GM for making these two vehicles. In the sea of oversized SUVs these are something different and "affordable". Great review as always Sarah!
great technical review and entertaining ...as always! i had VERY low expectations for a Buick product, but this is very pleasantly surprising! thanks, Sarah!
No port injection and wet timing belt. Eww. Again, thank you Sarah for reviewing these cheaper cars and answering all the maintenance questions we have about them!
Why a wet timing belt? We've used dry belts every 100k miles for almost every lower end engine and most all 4-cyl for probably 70yrs or longer. What is the use of a wet belt? Aside from making a mess when it's to be replaced.
I'm just happy to see non-cookie cutter styling on an inexpensive (relatively) American car. We've suffered through what I call the "Transformer/Folded Cardboard School of Design" for too long. I miss the days when car bodies had elegant, graceful design. I like the way this looks. It doesn't meet my own needs mechanically (I live where 4WD is essential in the Winter), but at least I don't despise it... which is a nice change, of late.
The shimmying during the break test was a simultaneous bolster test (although there is no bolstering). Your vids are a riot and I could never keep up with you in real life.
Hi Sarah. I love your reviews and your restoration projects. You’re truly a very talented person that pays close attention to detail and you have such a great sense of shop humor. You do all of this and have the presence of a runway model. Your amazing and I truly sincere loyal member. Thank you for all you do for the automotive community ❤.
This is a great vehicle in so many ways, thanks for taking the time to review it or I would not have seen it. I like what Buick does with their versions of Chevy products. This fits so many needs and some of the features, like the pseudo sport shift mode, and the sunroof are nice to have at the price point. I agree, we need to keep Buick in the mix.
Buicks USED TO BE SOMETHING special, up to about 1955. They were stylish, comfortable and powerful. If you didn't want to splash out on a Cadillac, a higher-end Buick was the way to go.
@@jamesellsworth9673 James, I agree, but I’d say Buick continued to be special until about 1958 or so. By the 1960’s, GM’s cars started to share more components, and have more similar body styles.
I worked at a Buick dealer when I lived in the US in the '60's. They've changed a lot since the beautiful Riviera and Grand Sports of that era. I agree with you, slow cars can be fun. I just bought a 90 bhp Miata & it's great
I've never liked Buick but this design is smart. The interior is also acceptable. The decision for the engine is no surprise but I really wish GM didn't do the chicken with us, and also give us an option with a better engine.
Sarah, I'm an old, as in nearly 70 years old, car guy, and I am going to be on the road, full-time, RVing with my wife, in January! I know that you are around the Tucson area, and that's where I'll be staying, so I'd love to meet you sometime and talk cars!
If you think about it you will see that the cloth fabric wrap around the the exhaust mounts allows a very soft rubber compound to be used to absorb engine vibrations and noise while the fabric contains the total deflection of the mount and keeps the pipes from moving too much
You didn't play that Baby Shark song. Your self-control is wonderful. And your top combined with the color of the car looked like a pair of colors that Buick might have paired as actwo-tone
I really like your video. And some of the logic that went into this car is actually very useful and forward thinking. I always liked Buick,but I prefer cars with more squared edges.
The Buick TourX Essence trim is the best Buick on the road today. Also commonly modified with removing the adhesive cladding, and importing the Opel GS wagon clone bumpers and skirts. Nice set of wheels with proper lowering springs, and its a totally different and sporty looking wagon.
You are so right about slow cars being more fun. Having a SRT8 i totally relate. it is in fact fun but the restraint/skill needed driving a powerful car detracts from just being able to floor it and enjoy the ride!
Thanks for the detailed review. As you emphasize, agree, it is a good value. Glad Buick also makes a reasonable if not exceedingly good effort to distinguish the Envista from the Trax and also upgrade some of its features.
Try the Chevy Trailblazer. It comes with a 3cly 1.3 Turbo on the part time AWD and a 9 Speed Auto. The 1.2L FWD has a CVT. The LT and RS on AWD has the same drivetrain. The cool thing is that is FWR and also has Sport Mode button. Once is Sport Mode, a Checkered Flag shows up on the cluster. Feels like you are driving a Manual, holds the gears like a VW/Porsche Tiptronic 6 Speed. The diference is the 3cly has a Chain on 1.3L and belt on the 1.2L Weird is, the Trax does not come in AWD but the Trailblazer does.
Sarah. I have a request. Can you please provide a bit more information on Direct Injection mechanism and how to maintain it (whenever you get a chance). There is a lot of information which is confusing at best. Thanks in advance.
In the UK GM used to make our Vauxhall brand which is now part of Stellantis. I can't believe I am now missing the GM days. Cheap and cheerful as we say.
That was the reason Pontiac was axed, because of the Chinese market and the Fed Gov was handing out a check in 2008 for the bail out. Bob Lutz explained the drop of Pontiac in details on an interview.
I love your reviews, diving under the vehicles, showing the specs with actual measurements and tactile probing to see/hear the materials. Also, your outfits are 🔥. Where can I get those shoes?!
I don’t because I don’t let people work on my vehicles. I pretty much consider a warranty non existent lol. Only if it’s really stand out like a 10 year battery warranty on an EV or a 10 year corrosion warranty on a VW.
@@SarahnTuned That'd kinda be like saying "I dont review cars with 4 seats because I don't have children". I'm with the commenter, its good info for potential buyers in a car review.
@@SarahnTuned 10 year warranty on EV is actually required these days, and any warranty is almost pointless when companies do all they can to not pay out on them
My wife's car is the Kia Rio GT Line with the 1ltr 3cyl turbo and it is a terrific little hatch. Rio is obviously a lot lighter than your US cars, so the power to weight is really drivable. Lacks super low down torque but once that turbo spins up, it goes really well and handles like a go-cart. Those cheap to run small cc turbos are great.
Besides the GNX there was the Stage 1, which had an amazing engine. My Dad also had an Electra with the 430 Wildcat that was UNBELIEVABLY fast. I had the 1976 Free Spirit Indianapolis Pace Car edition. The engine there wasn't any great shakes but it had excellent an suspension, well above par handling. I'm pulling for Buick to fight it's way back into not just relevance, but INTEREST!
I've always liked Buick. Underated imo. I'd buy this. As a matter of fact I'm going to consider it if my current car decides it has had enough (it's 25 years old).
Does Buick have any market other than older retired women? That’s who I see driving every Buick I pass. Nothing wrong with that, but it seems very limiting for a manufacturer that needs to sell a lot of vehicles in order to remain in business. Also, Is America really ready for three cylinder automotive engines?
You’d be surprised of the kinds of people who drive this. Yeah, there is that “elderly” component of Buick but they’re trying to change that and their redesigns are, in theory, suppose to attract a younger audience. It’s sort of working but it’s hard to shake that geriatric image. I’m 63 and I love this vehicle because it looks “youthful”. Go figure. 🤷♂️
As someone "youthful" this design is off-putting. It's an imitation of a Lamborghini Uras, and no performance whatsoever. It's posing as something it, and Buick, isn't. You buy a Buick to have something that's comfortable and DOESN'T stand out for daily use, then have a sporty car for casual fun outings.
Ever since the Envista and Envision came out i’m seeing more and more young people driving Buicks. I love the design, the interior is modern and for the price it’s got a lot of safety features and tech to explore. I’d say they’re doing alright at making a comeback.
Impressive for the price IF it's reliable. Must check Consumer Reports for that rating but it's an attractive, sensible little car few would be ashamed to be seen in. As usual, Sarah, you KILLED it with this review and with that fetching outfit! What more could we ask for? ❤
I really like the looks of this vehicle but I don’t know there’s other things to close to price that have four-wheel-drive etc. and you’re just rocking an awesome outfit today
Sarah, Congratulations! You are the only person that could make me watch a Buick review!
Facts! 👍
Truth be told!
I was thinking the same thing! And she made me really like the car, too!
I feel your sentiment but Regular Car Reviews has some great buick videos haha.
😂
Kudos for the engineers labeling oil change access doors.
And positioning the catalytic converter to dissuade theft.
Yet I will still find a way to steal it :)
I'm happy to see a more affordable option. Most ppl aren't enthusiasts. Just look what's in the Walmart parking lot before you argue with me. A car to get to work, pick up groceries, get to a dentist appointment etc without costing $45,000 or more is a welcome addition to the car market. And I don't hate the look of it.
You say that but at my Walmart I see lots of muscle cars, Japanese sports cars, lifted trucks (an enthusiast segment of trucks) and even an occasional Lamborghini Aventador (not kidding, there's one random guy who drives an orange Aventador who occasionally pops up at my Walmart regularly and it's a rural country town area at that). I'd say at least half of Walmart visitors here are enthusiasts.
Exactly! Good, comfortable transportation that doesn't cost an arm and a leg!
I'm never buying a modern 1.2 liter turbo direct injected 3 cylinder wet belt stop/start engine. Never. Almost guaranteed not to last long.
I work at one of the biggest car rental agencies in North America every one of these SUVs are literal plastic trash that grenade within 50,000 MI every one of the Transmissions from every manufacturer is failing nothing you buy new is worth it
@@booost420 What do you recommend buying? and what do you drive?
My wife and I have owned the Envista Avenir since this spring and have 13K miles on it now. So far it has been a great car with no reliability issues at this point. We have averaged 34mpg since the last oil change which I do myself every 3K to 4K miles. It also comes with rain sensing wipers and if you get a 2025 model it is E85 capable. It has wider tires then the Trax. It is not an SUV it is a light weight front wheel drive car with a real transmission. It is a very simple car with lots of features for 28K. We have not noticed any power issues with the 3 cylinder turbo engine and drive primarily on flat land with some low rolling hills. With commen sense maintenance practices and driving it like intended It should be a reliable vehicle in my opinion. Im glad it doesn't look like all the other vehicles on the road and has some character to it which makes it unique and fun to own.
What kind of oil does it call for? I remember that Ford wanted special oil for their belts.
It does kind of give off Lamborghini Urus vibes (Based on the looks) but if any car is gonna kind of look like another one, a Lambo is a noice one👍
WATCH THAT WET BELT system!! IF you don't know about it. UA-cam 'Wet Belt Failures'... Rubber and oil/old, contaminated oil DO NOT MIX (the rubber delaminates causing snaps = DESTROYED engine!) Ford HAVE refused MANY warrantee jobs on Transit vans, Fiesta & Focus cars WITH LESS than 100,000 miles (that HAVE HAD dealer services (small businesses that own a fleet of Transits have had to pay WAY EXTRA to have their engines REBUILT because Ford REFUSED to accept responsibility!)). Rubber and oil in a hot dirty environment IS a problem that manufacturers KNOW ABOUT. Not only with snapped belts, but, rubber debris BLOCKING oil channels and oil pickup filter in the sump meaning... Suddenly your engine could be running at highway speed with NO OIL... Plus, it's COSTLIER to replace the wet belt compared to a standard dry cam belt... 😎🇬🇧
@@chrisss73841Buick Envista owner here, it calls for 5w 30 oil
E85?? freaky
This is great! This is actually a review that includes the build quality and not just how it feels and drives. Saved me an hour at the dealership, thanks.
Back in 1995 I bought a new 1995 Geo Metro with a 3 cylinder engine and manual transmission. Fun little car. Everyone called it an egg on wheels but I was getting near 40 mpg in that lil box. Owned it for just over 4 years and traded it in with 86,000 miles on it. It was my first and only brand new car, it cost just over $10,000 and my payments were $200 a month. We'll never see those days again.
People wonder why I love California SoCal.
My 1979 Z-28 Camaro was $7,190 on the road. My Dad's 1970 Monte Carlo was $3,400 my 1995 Geo Tracker 4x4 was $12,000.00 which was a rather high price
BRO!
I had it's predecessor, a new 1986 Sprint.
50 MPG, no kidding. 8 gallon tank, run 350 miles at any speed you care, 50 MPG.
And it cost $6,000
Its good you start the bolster test by going right now instead of smashing into the drivers window
Some lessons are written in blood/bumps on the noggin.
As she said, she doesn't need to have anymore concussions.
I barely managed to hold my coffee, that was … a good test
Morning Sarah. Glad to see you reviewing a Buick. My daily is a bright white Buick Regal TourX… a wagon… that is essentially a rebadged Opel Insignia made in Germany. It’s AWD with a 2.0L turbo putting out about 250hp. It is quick and handles well, and because not many were sold I get a lot of looks and compliments. I absolutely love it. I see some brand commonality with that Envista. Great video production as always. Thank you, Sarah. 👍👍👍
Thanks for the recommendation! For some* reason I had no idea this existed. This would be perfect for my family, if we have an economy and that orange freak doesn't somehow win.
@@creamwobbly You’re welcome. It would make a great family vehicle. But if you want an economy, you better hope the “Bad Orange Man” wins. Kackling Kamala can’t spell “economy”.
Hey Sarah, I drive a 2007 SAAB 9-3. 😊
And me🇬🇧
Yes, rhumbs up to the TourX 👍
For all it's good points, that wet timing belt is a deal breaker. Why do engineers still do this when it's been proven to fail? Great review as usual.🙂
I totally agree.
If you are considering this car (or Trax or Fiesta) UA-cam search Wet Belt timing belts.
Bueatiful car ruined by bad decisions in the motor (my opinion).
I would consider a cheap Toyota Corolla hybrid. Maybe even slightly used.
No turbos. No GDI without port injection. No start/stop system. No 12 Volt starter or alternator. No 11 speed torque converter automatic. No torque converter. No belts (accessory timing or Wet).
Electric car goodness without the electric car drawbacks.
They love using wet belt because: 1 - its cheap, 2 - always ends up destroying engine - so built in obsolescence.
The wet timing belt is near the top of the worst ideas of the 21st century.
Is it cheapest option ?
Yea,i think i’ll take a 200k mile Toyota anything before any new gm product.
Seeing a Buick in this channel made me spit my morning tea. Sometimes I forget Buick is still a functioning brand.
Just by name. Not by quality & style.
True, this looks like an imitation Lamborghini Uras, not a Buick.
Functioning?
Most days, even Buick doesn’t know it’s a functioning brand
I grew up on Buicks, owning three LeSabres and a Skylark. What I'm really thinking about now is a Regal TourX Wagon from 2018-2019. Limited production run, but an AWD 2.0L Turbo wagon to move people and things around. I miss station wagons.
I just bought a 25 Envista... I've had it about a month and I love it so far... It's a fun car to drive it's quiet inside hardly any road noise whatsoever... Lots of technology... My insurance actually went down a little bit because of the safety features... I live in Michigan so I'm just waiting to see how it does in the snow
So you enjoy driving a car manufactured in china and assembled in s.korea?
@@deanboyle1538 so? Do you enjoy typing this on the phone made in China?
Since I'm sortof in the market for a new car, I'm watching all the reviewers' channels. Sarah's is the best.
We need more small affordable cars, that are reliable and cheap to mantain, while you can have a blast driving them in the back roads or track. Almost all new cars feel they mare made to drag-race from stoplight to stoplight and handle like a boat in a corner
you nailed it, better handling matters so much more for me. I'm not racing anybody and can still get to highway speeds in a few more seconds anyway
Yes, and to be a bit clearer about performance: What really matters is getting from about 35MPH to freeway speed. That is the only time where most of us put our foot into it.
Also: There need to lose that wet timing belt. They are a horrid idea.
Many American car-buyers prefer a car "with a lot of pick-up" that "have a nice ride."
That said, the way Sarah has been telling it, and setting aside the paucity of three-pedal arrangements, the bottom third of the market has seen an upswing in rewarding-to-drive and not-hateful-to-wrench options.
Small? lol, that's a big car here in England.
@pillred5974 I'm talking about cars in general, not this particular one. I can't judge much from the video, and we don't get Buick in Greece so...
Excellent review! Your content is always great ... I have to admit I really like that pointer finger. This video was nicely shot and edited and was informative and fun to watch! More!
Of the 28 cars I've owned, MB, BMW, VW, Honda, Subaru, etc, my all-time favorite is an '88 BMW 735i 5sp. My SECOND favorite is my present dd, an '04 Buick LeSabre. I'm less concerned with image than I once was, but I LOVE my Buick! I'm very surprised by the quality, value, and thoughtful touches. It's cool to see, 20 years later, that GM still has some surprises for us, and kudos to Sarah for reviewing with an open mind. Love the channel!
I know the feeling of being supremely satisfied with a particular Buick. Mine is a '94 Roadmaster wagon. There are considerable differences between that model and this one. I'll keep mine.
This is not the same. This vehicle is manufactured in china and assembled in s.korea.
Never saw a watts link before………and never seen an engine smaller than the battery under the hood 😃
Thanks Sarah ! 😊🥰
Watts links are a great thing. Lots of racing versions of small cars are upgraded with a Watts link.
It was on a VW or an earlier Chrysler product.
@@tchasman I think the Alfa Romeo gtv6, with a very sophisticated suspension, had a watts link.
Opel Astra has it, well in Europe at least
PT Cruisers had a Watts link in the rear.
As always, top notch video. Thank you.
The first generation Chevy Cruze (2011-2015) also had a Watts link rear suspension. All current AWD Trailblazer & Encore GX also have Watts link rear suspensions.
I liked the styling immediately. Good to know that it is affordable and reasonable. As long as maintenance isn't super-expensive, then this would be a good choice for a first car or daily commuter. I always trust, love and appreciate your reviews, Sarah! I would definitely think about this for my next daily driver!
Eww. This is not a Buick. It's a foreign car with a Buick logo
That vehicle checks a lot of boxes, and a donut spare to boot. Has style and a real transmission, well done Buick!
The spare is in the back lol
Did you expect it on the roof? Baffling
Seems like a trend new cars have is to put a fix a flat kit instead of a tire. I think that's what he means.
Yeah, I'd never buy another GM CVT...
@@creamwobbly "a donut spare [in the] boot" its just a play on words, also it's nice there's an actual spare and not some tire goop, compressor, and a number to call when that doesn't help.
Attractive, smart woman, wearing an awesome outfit, points out the specs, gives an honest and contextual review (as an affordable and non-performance car). That is why many of us keep coming back to see her YT videos.
The first part of your reply tells on you 👎
Bravo Buick for not making a battery ev or hybrid that costs and weighs too much.
Always love your reviews x
Afraid of change, eh?
EVs only weigh too much because cars are oversized in general.
this would be better as a hybrid
For under $30,000 though……
Yeah instead GM shipped a product they make in an old daewoo plant in South Korea back to the US to sell to unsuspecting and unsavy Americans who will buy anything if the infotainment screen is big enough.
Greetings, person making car videos on an internet channel. May I just say that your wardrobe choice on this video is just, WOW. Keep up the good work.❤😊
I gifted 2 buicks in my lifetime from my grandparents. I can say there one of my favorite daily cruze around vehicles and for long trips.
“A + and - for doing math on the fly” 😂😂 Never change, Sarah.
Second.
I was eating breakfast at the time. I can neither confirm nor deny what went out my nose. Just that something went where it wasn't supposed to.
That was very cleverly Funny!
Thanks. Looks like this car will be a better than average family / house car. You know that car that everybody jumps in to do everything with. Hey a new rating icon!
Very cute outfit sarah ❤ I loved the first person point of view in the road test. Also I do wish that car companies would learn that not all of us can afford 100K for a car.
👶🦈🫧 Cool to see a lower-cost Buick that is _NOT_ something I would expect my grandparents to drive. Could be a cool platform for the modding community. Surprised to see it retains its fruit and robot compatibility -- one of the big things Mary Barra (GM CEO) wanted was to bring the entertainment system back in-house. 🤷♂ Thanks Sarah! 👍
It’s lower cost…….Because GM built these in Korea with the intention of selling them in China. When the Chinese didn’t warm to them, they began shipping them to the US as a desperate money grab (considering how much less it cost GM to produce them in South Korea). What does it say about GM when their only strategy for making profit outside of trucks and corvettes is to sell its US customers crap that was meant for the Chinese market…..
I once convinced my dad to get a Regal GS as his company car in 99-ish. It was a frumpy, floaty-boat version of a grand tourer, but that supercharged 3800 sure did scoot. Probably the most exciting thing Buick had done since the Grand National.
I had a 2014 Regal GS for a couple years. It was a very nice car, loaded with options, great looking in my opinion, and decently quick.
2020 Regal GS hatchback is amazing. Made in Germany.
My 1998 Regal GS was my favorite car I've ever owned.
The design team is onto something here. Glad you confirmed my thinking Sarah. Thx.
Love this level of content. You're unique in this kind of reviews. Thanks.
Thanks for the review!
Love the interior and your insights are awesome! Outfit was on point too!
"Shark Bubble" is exactly what I would call it, super cute!
I also like your car reviews, in addition to the mechanics videos, because we can see cars that we'll never have in France. If one day there are super-fast flying cars, it will be easier to come to America.
Great timing on this review, as I have been looking for a vehicle to haul my 50 pounds of tube socks around with. ❤
Excellent 🫡
Love watching your reviews, no matter the vehicle. Informative and funny. I also admire the work of your wardrobe department/hair and makeup this week.
This vehicle actually caught my attention when I first saw it on the street from Behind. It looked like BMW X5 (hatchback or whatever BMW calls it) with a Buick logo. Glad you provided a good information on this particular car. Very nice as all your reviews are. Thank You.
The Wildcat was actually made in the great year of 1985!!! - My favorite Buick of all time! Also - you could easilly have made fun of this car for being cheap and therefore supposedly bad - the fact that you didn't shows what kind of person you are. 👍That's what I like about you and your reviews. Thank you for what you do and Stay Awesome!
Also originally in 1966!!
Buick LeSabre with it's 3.8? was a freaking rocket back in the day =))
Why is there a "turbo 6" on the thumbnail?! That's only half a six... Somewhere, a GNX just vomited.
Hahahaha, it was supposed to invoke that exact emotion. Mission accomplished 🫡
I think that's the first time I've seen a Watts link on a torsion beam suspension. Some engineer at Buick must've had a "hold my beer" moment. 😛
Maybe it has another name in this implementation. I hope the designer who proposed that got some recognition, even if it's just within the company.
@@creamwobblySecond that 🎉
PT Cruisers had Watts links too
The Chevy Cruze had a Watts linkage with a torsion beam. Both cars are based on similar Daewoo architecture.
I have a 2018 Vauxhall Astra (in the UK) i.e. Opel. They use a Watts link on the rear suspension and front wheel drive. Its a GM design, designed jointly between US, Germany (Opel) and Korea (Daewoo).
By the way, as a tip. The first character of the VIN denotes country of origen. 1 for US, 2 Canada, 3 Mexico, K for Korea, 6 for Australia. The Buick, Trax and Trailblazer are K that means built by the former Daewoo factory that is now GM Korea.
Japanese cars start with "J" Serbian cars start with "Z", and Thai cars start with "M"
Manufactured in china and assembled in s.korea.
Parked next to a Chevy Trax yesterday and I was surprised that it looked decent. Kudos to GM for making these two vehicles. In the sea of oversized SUVs these are something different and "affordable". Great review as always Sarah!
If Buick brings back the Grand National, I will be first in line. 😎
How would they do that without ruining it? It'd have 4 doors and zero velour.
Search UA-cam for the movie Black Air. It is the history of the Grand National. It was the world's fastest production car.
This buick is manufactured in China and assembled in s.Korea.
great technical review and entertaining ...as always! i had VERY low expectations for a Buick product, but this is very pleasantly surprising!
thanks, Sarah!
Insightful statement about disappearing car brands. Buick is extremely popular in Asia, hope it catches on here (again).
No port injection and wet timing belt. Eww. Again, thank you Sarah for reviewing these cheaper cars and answering all the maintenance questions we have about them!
Why a wet timing belt? We've used dry belts every 100k miles for almost every lower end engine and most all 4-cyl for probably 70yrs or longer. What is the use of a wet belt? Aside from making a mess when it's to be replaced.
I'm just happy to see non-cookie cutter styling on an inexpensive (relatively) American car. We've suffered through what I call the "Transformer/Folded Cardboard School of Design" for too long. I miss the days when car bodies had elegant, graceful design. I like the way this looks. It doesn't meet my own needs mechanically (I live where 4WD is essential in the Winter), but at least I don't despise it... which is a nice change, of late.
Pat attention. It is a Korean car!
The shimmying during the break test was a simultaneous bolster test (although there is no bolstering). Your vids are a riot and I could never keep up with you in real life.
The video upgrade editing is amazing. Love it.
Seems like a very reasonable car for the price. Thanks for the very nice review!
Cheap because it is manufactured in China and assembled in s.Korea.
By far my favorite you tube channel.
I'm glad they haven't given up on Buick and are actually putting effort into. The other 2 SUVs they've redone lately seem good as well.
I feel like you would have enjoyed the Buick TourX. That was a rebadged Opel made in Germany.
Hi Sarah. I love your reviews and your restoration projects. You’re truly a very talented person that pays close attention to detail and you have such a great sense of shop humor. You do all of this and have the presence of a runway model. Your amazing and I truly sincere loyal member. Thank you for all you do for the automotive community ❤.
Thank you for the review! I’d love to see a 2025 Honda Passport review in the near future.
This is a great vehicle in so many ways, thanks for taking the time to review it or I would not have seen it. I like what Buick does with their versions of Chevy products. This fits so many needs and some of the features, like the pseudo sport shift mode, and the sunroof are nice to have at the price point. I agree, we need to keep Buick in the mix.
Excellent review. I still have fond memories of my parents 49 Buick that moved us from NY to CA long ago.
Buicks USED TO BE SOMETHING special, up to about 1955. They were stylish, comfortable and powerful. If you didn't want to splash out on a Cadillac, a higher-end Buick was the way to go.
@@jamesellsworth9673 James, I agree, but I’d say Buick continued to be special until about 1958 or so. By the 1960’s, GM’s cars started to share more components, and have more similar body styles.
This buick is manufactured in China and assembled in s.Korea.
I worked at a Buick dealer when I lived in the US in the '60's. They've changed a lot since the beautiful Riviera and Grand Sports of that era. I agree with you, slow cars can be fun. I just bought a 90 bhp Miata & it's great
The Rivieria style was groundbreaking
Awesome color coordination with your shirt. Both of you styling 😂 50 lb pack of tube socks 😮
I love when auto manufacturers offer "all black" interiors, including the upper half and headliner! 👍
0:48 I love it when you say " exhaowst "😊
No, it's said with a heavy country accent. (Or if that was what you were trying to say.) Sounds exactly like the muffler shop down the highway in AL.
Excellent review The buick is amongst the last of the quietly rebellious car makes.
Manufactured in china and assembled in s.korea.
I've never liked Buick but this design is smart. The interior is also acceptable. The decision for the engine is no surprise but I really wish GM didn't do the chicken with us, and also give us an option with a better engine.
This design is just an imitation of a Lamborghini Uras
It's spelt Urus, silly. And no it's not
Manufactured in china and assembled in s.korea.
Sarah, I'm an old, as in nearly 70 years old, car guy, and I am going to be on the road, full-time, RVing with my wife, in January! I know that you are around the Tucson area, and that's where I'll be staying, so I'd love to meet you sometime and talk cars!
What an adorable blouse.
If you think about it you will see that the cloth fabric wrap around the the exhaust mounts allows a very soft rubber compound to be used to absorb engine vibrations and noise while the fabric contains the total deflection of the mount and keeps the pipes from moving too much
You didn't play that Baby Shark song. Your self-control is wonderful.
And your top combined with the color of the car looked like a pair of colors that Buick might have paired as actwo-tone
back in the seventies, but without all the chrome.
Nice work.
Stay Sarah.
I really like your video. And some of the logic that went into this car is actually very useful and forward thinking. I always liked Buick,but I prefer cars with more squared edges.
Bowling gutters LOL Love the Sarahisms
The Buick TourX Essence trim is the best Buick on the road today.
Also commonly modified with removing the adhesive cladding, and importing the Opel GS wagon clone bumpers and skirts.
Nice set of wheels with proper lowering springs, and its a totally different and sporty looking wagon.
Wet timing belt will fail, I thought ford proved that
Definitely. Just crapy design. Even Volvo admitted that was a mistake.
You are so right about slow cars being more fun. Having a SRT8 i totally relate. it is in fact fun but the restraint/skill needed driving a powerful car detracts from just being able to floor it and enjoy the ride!
It’s a car with a turbo charged engine and a wet timing belt. What could possibly go wrong?
Thanks for the detailed review. As you emphasize, agree, it is a good value. Glad Buick also makes a reasonable if not exceedingly good effort to distinguish the Envista from the Trax and also upgrade some of its features.
👍😊 it’s transportation.
Try the Chevy Trailblazer. It comes with a 3cly 1.3 Turbo on the part time AWD and a 9 Speed Auto. The 1.2L FWD has a CVT.
The LT and RS on AWD has the same drivetrain. The cool thing is that is FWR and also has Sport Mode button. Once is Sport Mode, a Checkered Flag shows up on the cluster. Feels like you are driving a Manual, holds the gears like a VW/Porsche Tiptronic 6 Speed. The diference is the 3cly has a Chain on 1.3L and belt on the 1.2L
Weird is, the Trax does not come in AWD but the Trailblazer does.
Wow. They won't even give you a four cylinder. I wouldn't dare buy a new car with anything less than a four.
Call me silly or whatever but my favorite part of the video was the breaking test....😊❤
Did it "break"? Or did it have "brakes"?
@ Either way....
Back in the mid 80's I had a Buick "T" type in two tone gray that I loved!
Sarah. I have a request. Can you please provide a bit more information on Direct Injection mechanism and how to maintain it (whenever you get a chance). There is a lot of information which is confusing at best. Thanks in advance.
Most entertained I've ever been by an SUV review. Thank you :-D Looking forward to seeing more ! Glad I clicked :-)
I really love your outfit is so beautiful today Sarah including your heels❤❤❤❤❤❤
In the UK GM used to make our Vauxhall brand which is now part of Stellantis. I can't believe I am now missing the GM days. Cheap and cheerful as we say.
I have always trusted Buick build quality. I know that might seem silly, but over time they hold up better.(as far as American manufacturers)
This buick is manufactured in China and assembled in s.Korea.
like the review, thanks. I still love the look of this car, and yes it’s different and is not a regular one you will see in the streets
Manufactured in china and assembled in s.korea.
Buick sells a ton of cars in China which is probably the reason Buick survived where Pontiac, Oldsmobile, and Saturn failed.
That was the reason Pontiac was axed, because of the Chinese market and the Fed Gov was handing out a check in 2008 for the bail out.
Bob Lutz explained the drop of Pontiac in details on an interview.
@@user-gt4uu4if2j Saturn was cut to placate the unions.
This car was manufactured in china and assembled in s.korea.
I love your reviews, diving under the vehicles, showing the specs with actual measurements and tactile probing to see/hear the materials.
Also, your outfits are 🔥. Where can I get those shoes?!
19" wheels on a Korean econobox. By the time the first set of tires wears out, replacing them is probably 1/2 of its trade-in value. 😃
Maybe 20 years ago, 19” tires are not that expensive 😆
A tire with a decent sidewall would be my preference. 65 to 75 would be good.
Might need a new wet belt before tires.
Nice review - I enjoyed your sense of humor and depth of knowledge, that so few presenters have.
Sarah just a thought of interest,may you add the Warranty Time on the Cars during the review😊
I don’t because I don’t let people work on my vehicles. I pretty much consider a warranty non existent lol. Only if it’s really stand out like a 10 year battery warranty on an EV or a 10 year corrosion warranty on a VW.
@@SarahnTuned That'd kinda be like saying "I dont review cars with 4 seats because I don't have children". I'm with the commenter, its good info for potential buyers in a car review.
@@SarahnTuned 10 year warranty on EV is actually required these days, and any warranty is almost pointless when companies do all they can to not pay out on them
My wife's car is the Kia Rio GT Line with the 1ltr 3cyl turbo and it is a terrific little hatch. Rio is obviously a lot lighter than your US cars, so the power to weight is really drivable. Lacks super low down torque but once that turbo spins up, it goes really well and handles like a go-cart. Those cheap to run small cc turbos are great.
Great video-
Genuinely THE BEST vehicle review I’ve ever seen. I’m gonna subscribe just for the vibes. Wow!
Thank you Sarah 🙏 ❤
Besides the GNX there was the Stage 1, which had an amazing engine. My Dad also had an Electra with the 430 Wildcat that was UNBELIEVABLY fast. I had the 1976 Free Spirit Indianapolis Pace Car edition. The engine there wasn't any great shakes but it had excellent an suspension, well above par handling. I'm pulling for Buick to fight it's way back into not just relevance, but INTEREST!
This buick is manufactured in China and assembled in s.Korea
I've always liked Buick. Underated imo. I'd buy this. As a matter of fact I'm going to consider it if my current car decides it has had enough (it's 25 years old).
This buick is manufactured in China and assembled in s.Korea.
Always happy to see a new video from Sarah.
Does Buick have any market other than older retired women? That’s who I see driving every Buick I pass. Nothing wrong with that, but it seems very limiting for a manufacturer that needs to sell a lot of vehicles in order to remain in business. Also, Is America really ready for three cylinder automotive engines?
You’d be surprised of the kinds of people who drive this. Yeah, there is that “elderly” component of Buick but they’re trying to change that and their redesigns are, in theory, suppose to attract a younger audience. It’s sort of working but it’s hard to shake that geriatric image.
I’m 63 and I love this vehicle because it looks “youthful”. Go figure. 🤷♂️
As someone "youthful" this design is off-putting. It's an imitation of a Lamborghini Uras, and no performance whatsoever. It's posing as something it, and Buick, isn't. You buy a Buick to have something that's comfortable and DOESN'T stand out for daily use, then have a sporty car for casual fun outings.
@@tinystar3010 thank goodness this is just your opinion and that you don’t represent your “demographic”. 🙄
Ever since the Envista and Envision came out i’m seeing more and more young people driving Buicks. I love the design, the interior is modern and for the price it’s got a lot of safety features and tech to explore. I’d say they’re doing alright at making a comeback.
Impressive for the price IF it's reliable. Must check Consumer Reports for that rating but it's an attractive, sensible little car few would be ashamed to be seen in. As usual, Sarah, you KILLED it with this review and with that fetching outfit! What more could we ask for? ❤
Love you consistent enthusiasm! I have to be a typical male….those legs are, damn!!
I really like the looks of this vehicle but I don’t know there’s other things to close to price that have four-wheel-drive etc. and you’re just rocking an awesome outfit today