Buick’s reputation in the automotive industry is one of sophistication and luxury, both of which help Buick target older, more established drivers with deep pockets. After all, a young driver isn’t exactly looking for a refined SUV with leather seats and lumbar support. Or are they? Fortunately, Buick’s reputation is evolving as younger drivers discover the reliability, sophistication, and luxury that Buick has to offer doesn’t come with the high price tags that many expect. This is especially true when you browse the inventory at your used Buick dealership, where you’ll discover that Buick is one of the best affordable luxury brands in the automotive industry.
The crossroads of luxury and affordability, the Buick lineup has evolved over the last century from classics like the Skylark to sedans like the Century, Lucerne, and Park Avenue. SUVs like the Rainier and minivans like the Terraza attracted consumers looking for spacious interiors to haul passengers and cargo, while modern sedans like the Regal and LaCrosse delivered exquisite luxury and efficiency. These models paved the way for Buick’s current SUV-exclusive lineup, where top-performers like the Encore, Envision, and Enclave are ready to meet the demands of the road. But which models are the best to shop for on the used lot? Here are three Buicks you won’t want to miss!
Buick Enclave
The Enclave made its debut in 2008 and marked a significant shift in the Buick lineup by replacing the Rendezvous crossover, the Terraza minivan, and the Rainier SUV. Designed to offer seating for eight, the Enclave embodies sophistication and capability with its larger size, improved fuel economy, and host of comfort and convenience features that reflect the Buick brand. This made the all-new premium crossover a hot commodity among drivers looking for affordable luxury in a capable yet efficient SUV and is exactly why the Enclave makes the top of our list of used Buicks.
Since Buick gave the Enclave a significant facelift in 2013 and added the industry’s first-ever front center airbag to the 2014 model, you’ll want to keep an eye out for 2013 models or newer. The 2013 redesign gave the Enclave a sophisticated new look with LED headlights and taillights, ambient interior lighting, and an all-new waterfall grille. The interior also boasts a new dashboard complete with an entertainment system and standard rear camera that gives drivers a clear view behind the midsize luxury SUV.
If you’re interested in a newer model, the 2017 Enclave earned a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. You’ll find that newer models from 2018 and 2019 offer even more in terms of safety and driver-assist tools as well as an array of connectivity and comfort features. Of course, these upgrades and newer features often mean a higher price tag, but the beauty of shopping for a used Buick is that you’ll often find that you can afford a better-equipped model at a great price.
Buick Encore
The next Buick to make the list is the Encore, which Buick debuted in 2013. The smaller, subcompact SUV is ideal if you’re looking for an SUV that offers front-wheel or all-wheel drive and exceptional gas mileage without sacrificing overall performance, capability, and comfort. With the front-wheel and all-wheel drive options, the Encore gives you everything you need in a small crossover, whether you’re navigating your daily commute and errands around town or trekking cross-country on a family vacation. The Encore is designed to handle it all with ease.
Buick pulled out all the stops with the 2013 Encore and equipped the SUV with its QuiteTuning technology along with Bose Active Noise Cancellation to deliver one of the quietest rides you’ll find in the industry. Like the 2013 Enclave, the Encore is also equipped with ambient lighting, an infotainment system, and a rearview camera, as well as new safety and driver-assist features like Side Blind Zone Alert. If you’re looking for even more innovative tech, you’ll want to look at the 2014 Enclave, which is one of the first vehicles to offer Siri from Apple.
Like the Enclave, Encore’s newer models like the 2017 earned high praise for their safety features. For example, the 2017 Encore earned a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Enclave’s safety score and its many features add to its value, which is part of the reason why Kelley Blue Book honored the 2018 compact luxury SUV with the 5-Year Cost to Own Award. Keep these honors in mind as you’re scouring the used lot for one of Buick’s best-selling models!
Buick LaCrosse
Although Buick’s lineup is filled with SUVs, when you’re shopping for a used Buick, you have even more options thanks to the brand’s rich history in building exceptional sedans like the LaCrosse. The midsize luxury sedan made its debut in 2005 and was designed to target younger drivers looking for power, luxury, and affordability. The LaCrosse delivered tenfold with models like the CXS that are equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine under the hood to deliver a jaw-dropping 240 horsepower.
The LaCrosse saw even more power added to its lineup in 2008 with the introduction of the Super trim that boasts a 300 horsepower V8 engine. While the Super’s power was exceptional, it wasn’t enough to keep it in the lineup as Buick discontinued the model in 2009. A year later, Buick revamped the LaCrosse with a complete bumper-to-bumper redesign that offered a new interior and exterior aesthetic as well as a new all-wheel-drive system to give the LaCrosse better capability.
With Buick dropping the LaCrosse from its American lineup in 2019, it’s easy to find a LaCrosse on the used lot. Since the 2010 redesign, the models earned high praise for their safety and premium materials that add to their overall value. This translates to a great value sedan that’s ideal as a daily commuter if you’re looking for remarkable luxury and sophistication along with a great fuel economy that will lead to even more savings and money in your wallet!
Finding Your Used Buick
Finding the right used Buick depends on your driving needs. While sedans like the LaCrosse are great commuter vehicles because of their efficiency, they aren’t capable of hauling as many passengers or cargo as larger models like the Encore and Enclave. This is when knowing your expectations for the vehicle will help you determine the best fit. Once you figure this out, shopping for a used Buick is easy!
As you start your search at your used Buick dealership, you’ll discover why Buick is the crossroads of luxury and affordability. Every Buick reflects the brand’s commitment to quality and innovation, which extends from the premium interior and tech features to the safety tools and beyond. This is what makes Buick one of the best-kept secrets in the automotive industry.
Once you find the perfect Buick, be sure to ask the dealership for the CarFax vehicle history report. This will give you a better idea of the vehicle’s owner, maintenance, and repair history. If you’re happy with the report, then it’s time to take a test drive so you can experience the luxury of the Buick brand for yourself. One test drive, and you’re sure to fall in love with everything Buick has to offer.
