To get a Buick with a manual transmission, you’ll have to look for an older model Regal GS manufactured from 2011-2016. It’s unlikely that Buick will reenter manual manufacturing any time soon, but you’re likely to find a used Regal GS equipped with a stick for under $10,000.

Much to the chagrin of auto enthusiasts across the country, the manual transmission is on a downward trend towards extinction. Only 1% of new cars sold in the United States in 2019 were fitted with the trusty stick shift.

If you love Buicks and you love manual transmission, the top-rated

car insurance

app

Jerry

has the answers you need to find the best of both worlds—as well as the best way to save on your

Buick Regal GS insurance costs

! Keep reading to learn more about the Buick’s lone wolf in the world of clutch—the Regal GS.

Make safe driving pay

Get rewarded for safe driving. Earn points and unlock benefits. Totally free.

Start earning now

Does Buick still make a manual?

Buick

has historically avoided manual transmission manufacturing. The launch of the Regal GS in 2011 marked the automaker’s first manual option since the Skyhawk left production in 1989.

Even when the Regal GS was in production, the manual transmission was limited to front-wheel-drive models, and it was the only manual option in the Buick’s entire lineup. This seemed to mimic other luxury car brands at the time who also limited their manual options, including

Mercedes-Benz

Infiniti

, and

Cadillac

MORE:

What to look for when buying a used car

2011-15 Regal GS

Fair Purchase price: $9,300 to $16,423

The Regal GS has always been a no-frills vehicle, but it made for an excellent midline option in the luxury sedan market. Today, you’ll want to look for a used fifth-generation Regal GS with front-wheel drive to find the Buick with a manual transmission.

Based on the European Opel Insignia, the Regal GS comes with a nice upgrade from Buick—GM’s Ecotec 2.0L four-cylinder engine packed with 259-horsepower. Although it lacks impressive acceleration, the engine makes up for it in power, fuel economy, and a nice, quiet drive.

The Regal GS was a bit of a sleeper when it was on the market, but that’s good news for current used buyers. The value of these cars has significantly depreciated, to the point where you can find earlier models for less than $10,000. If you have the budget for it, though, it’s worth going for the 2015 model—you’ll enjoy the customer-preferred interior with tech upgrades that feel more akin to 2022 infotainment.

MORE:

Buick car-buying guide

Benefits and drawbacks of a manual transmission

Today, the debate for manual vs. automatic transmission usually boils down to whether you know how to drive a stick shift or not. However, if you’re interested in learning how to drive stick or manual cars, take a look at these benefits of manual transmission:

Pro: They’re typically cheaper than automatic transmissions

Pro: They naturally deter thieves who don’t know how to drive them

Pro: Repairs generally are cheaper than on automatic transmissions

Pro: They’re way more fun if you know what you’re doing!

Naturally, every high gear has its low. Consider these following drawbacks before committing to a purchase:

Con: Three-pedal driving can be tedious in bad traffic

Con: Learning how to drive manual transmission takes more practice with fewer manual cars available to test drive

Con: In recent years, automatic transmissions took the lead on fuel economy

With only 27 new manual models available on the US market in 2021, the biggest setback you’re likely to run into on manual transmission is the sheer lack of availability.

Key Takeaway If you can find one and learn how to drive one, manual transmission cars are typically cheaper in the lot and easier to maintain than automatics.

MORE:

Which should you buy: automatic or manual?

How to find affordable Buick insurance

We know used is cheap, and manual is cheap, but how about your Regal GS

car insurance

? Look no further—

Jerry

makes it easier than ever to find the lowest rates no matter what you’re driving.

After providing you with a comprehensive cross-analysis of the best policies across providers, Jerry will handle the phone calls, paperwork, and renewals for your top pick so that you don’t have to. They even help cancel your old policy! So why do all that extra work when Jerry can do it better?

Download the app and see for yourself how users save an average of $887 a year on car insurance. Or, just check out what this satisfied user had to say!

“When we added a new car to our family, we were shocked at how high our current insurer was going to hike our rates. We used
Jerry
for some comparison shopping and are now saving around $1000 a year. Thank you, Jerry!” —Darius P.

"I’m earning

awesome rewards

every week, just for driving safe!”

FAQs

Is a manual or an automatic better?

Automatic is easier for the average driver, but the only way to know which is better is to give both a try yourself! Manual cars tend to cost less to buy and repair, and you never know—you may really enjoy using that clutch pedal.

Is a manual transmission Buick more reliable?

A manual transmission is less likely to fail than an automatic transmission. Since the mechanical gearbox has a lot less going on, any problems you do encounter are typically cheaper and easier to repair.

Are you overpaying for car insurance?

Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.

Try Jerry