From the casual suburban sedan to the turbocharged SUV, Buick offers a wide selection of vehicles. This is a well-established brand that produces affordable vehicles that look anything but budget.

So before heading to the Buick dealership, what do you need to know? This guide covers Buick pricing, maintenance costs, unique features, reliability assessment, model comparisons, and a helpful section on how to determine whether a new Buick or used Buick is better for you.

But first, take a breath! Car shopping is stressful, but we’re here to help—and that includes with

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Now, let’s dive into everything you need to know about buying a Buick.

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How much does a Buick cost?

The Buick line includes not only sedans and SUVs, but also hatchbacks and wagons. The Regal GS has a powerful V6 engine in a streamlined hatchback body, for example. They’re a lot more impressive than your grandparents’ Buicks, that’s for sure!

The most affordable new Buicks cost about $25,000, while the higher-end models cost about $43,000. It’s worth pointing out that these prices are relatively cheap compared to Buick’s luxury competitors.

But cost is more than the price tag alone—the true cost of owning a Buick includes maintenance fees, insurance premiums, and lease payments (if you’re leasing).

Let’s compare three models to understand the true cost of owning a Buick.

Buick Encore

First up, the entry-level Buick Encore. At $25,795 new, this is a reliable luxury vehicle and the smallest SUV in the lineup. It’s a four-cylinder with a standard six-speed automatic, but all-wheel drive is available for an extra $600. The Encore offers reasonable cargo capacity for a compact SUV and the 7" infotainment screen comes with onboard Wi-Fi.

Ongoing Buick maintenance costs for this model are below the national annual average spending on car repairs—about $440 compared to $600 on things like oil changes, tire inspections, and other regular servicing.

Buick insurance also tends to be cheaper than that of other subcompact SUVs due to Buick’s excellent safety ratings.

Buick Envision

Next is the Buick Envision, priced around $33,000 new. This is a proper SUV with a larger body and maintenance costs on par with the national average for SUVs.

It’s a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a 228 horsepower turbocharged engine, and the front-wheel-drive version gets 31 mpg on the highway. Insurance prices are generally affordable thanks to great safety features.

Buick Enclave

Finally, the new top-of-the-line Buick Enclave costs about $44,000 new. It includes a 3.6-liter V6 with 310 horsepower and can tow up to 5,000 pounds with seamless suspension. This model offers the most storage of the lineup. With all its seats folded down, the Enclave can carry 38 carry-ons.

The Enclave is a luxury SUV comparable to Mercedes-Benz—but at a much lower price point. Large luxury vehicles are more expensive to maintain and insure but the Enclave is typically affordable with an average monthly premium of $120.

Finally, if you’re leasing, you will need to budget for your monthly payment amount. This is usually a few hundred dollars depending on the term of your agreement.

Key Takeaway Buick offers luxury vehicles at a less-than-luxury price—and they are known for reliability and safety features.

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What makes Buick better than its competitors?

Generally speaking, all vehicles in the Buick brand are known for:

Long history—Buick was one of the first U.S. automobile manufacturers

Good reliability

Affordable luxury

Great safety ratings

Buicks tend to be more efficient than their competitors and their warranties are more generous.

So, what unique features does Buick have? Its suite of driver-assistance technology truly stands out from its competitors. Blind-spot monitoring, teen driver assistance, and the innovative available Safety Alert Seat system are all best-in-class offerings.

Otherwise, there is nothing quintessentially Buick except perhaps their eponymous infotainment system and Marketplace, which allows you to reserve tables and locate services.

How reliable is Buick?

Pros

Buicks are generally known for reliability and great safety features. This makes Buick a very good choice for drivers who want a safe, long-lasting vehicle with a bit of class.

Cons

Any Buick car buying guide will tell you that these aren’t performance vehicles, nor are they the most luxurious options on the market. The acceleration won’t make your heart sing and the finish level, while labeled luxury, is a bit sparse compared to BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

If you want opulence, you’ll have to invest in something like the Buick Envision with the Avenir trim. This upgrades the interior to an acceptable luxury level with wireless smartphone charging and leather upholstery.

What problems does Buick have?

Buick Enclave owners have reported some transmission problems, frequently around the 90,000-mile mark. However, this appears to be primarily limited to the 2008 models.

Early models of the Enclave had some power steering issues, but they seem to be resolved in new models. If you’re buying a used vehicle, be sure to avoid the 2008 models or ask the owner about its maintenance history.

What area does Buick rarely fail?

Safety. Did you know that Buick was the first to introduce turn signals back in the day? This company has been at the vanguard of innovation in the automobile industry.

Today, most Buick models continue to earn 5 stars from the NHTSA safety organization.

Driver-assistance features come standard in many Buicks, including automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection and lane-keeping assist.

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What is an NHTSA safety rating?

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What is the best Buick?

The highest-rated Buick model is the 2018 Buick Enclave Avenir.

People love this model and trim level for its overall comfort and reliability. Avenir is a top trim level and Enclave is the largest SUV in the line, so the luxury touches—wood inlay, leather upholstery, massaging seats—don’t hurt either.

One customer had this to say about their Avenir: "Buick used to be known as grandpa’s car, but the new generation Buicks are sleek, techy, and luxurious."

At $55,000, the Enclave Avenir will cost you a chunk of change. But your investment will get you 310 horsepower, a nine-speed transmission, 26 mpg on the highway, and seating for seven.

What is the worst Buick?

The worst-rated Buick model is the 2008 Buick Enclave.

This is largely due to transmission problems, engine issues, and power steering challenges. One customer said, "I love the layout of this car but I swear it is in the shop more than my driveway."

The number of complaints about this model decreased after 2009, so it appears that Buick has rectified these issues. Originally priced at $33,000 new, today you can buy a used 2008 Buick Enclave for between $5,000 and $10,000.

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Should I buy Buick new or used?

Buick SUVs are one of the highest-rated used vehicles to own or buy—so buying a used Buick could be a smart investment if you want to save some cash! Of course, you’ll need to find someone willing to sell.

As long as you avoid the troublesome 2008 Buick Enclave, a used Buick could be right for you. Used vehicles are often cheaper, meaning that you can afford a better make and model for your money. Plus, sellers of used cars are often more open to negotiation.

And whereas new cars lose about 40% of their value within the first three years of ownership, value depreciates more slowly with used vehicles.

Key Takeaway Buying a used vehicle doesn’t necessarily mean lower quality. If you can find a well-maintained used car, seize the opportunity to own your preferred brand at a lower cost.

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How do I decide what car to buy?

The "right car" for you depends on who you are and what you need from your vehicle.

For some people, it’s important to have a car that’s a status symbol with a roaring engine and chrome trim. Others need a more practical vehicle with good fuel economy and room for grocery bags. Most people want something in between that balances functionality and luxury.

Does Buick meet my needs?

Start by asking yourself about the kind of driving you do, how many passengers you need to carry, and what must-have features you require.

For instance, do you like to go off-roading with your five best friends? Do you need a backup camera? Do you need an automatic liftgate for grocery shopping and support for teen drivers?

The Buick offers great safety features, good gas mileage for commuters, and a reputation for reliability with plenty of seating. There are also lots of optional add-ons if you want more safety features or improved luxury trim. Start by determining your non-negotiable features and work from there.

Overall, if you can fit it in your garage and it meets your needs, then a Buick could be a great car for you.

Cheap car insurance for Buick

If you want to save money on your Buick’s insurance,

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And to ensure you always get the lowest rate, Jerry sends you new quotes every time your policy comes up for renewal, so your Buick is always getting the coverage you want at the best price. This level of service is why Jerry earned a 4.6/5 rating on the App Store and made it the top insurance app in the country.

Did we mention that the average user saves $879 per year on car insurance with Jerry?