23rd Dec 2006, 01:08

Read 21:35 you must have missed it somehow... I am really not into mergers and the latest stock prices when I am out test driving for yet another new vehicle purchase. I even do the same job I've held except more of it since my own employer has merged. I do however expect/demand more than basic transportation. Its refreshing to see new body designs, aluminum V8's etc. to choose from. I personally would rather read this years latest new vehicle option lists than about global economy and worldwide mergers.

23rd Dec 2006, 10:49

Well, I think you had better bone up on mergers because if, say, GM were acquired by a competitor it is 100% conceivable that your local dealer would fold and that after market support for your car would be limited.

And this goes double if you plan on keeping your vehicle for more than four years as parts will become scarce.

23rd Dec 2006, 15:03

Give us a break! You actually believe there will be no GM Silverado parts, aftermarket network for parts or that the earth will suddenly stop and no one that can ever service a GM vehicle again? One could almost open a phone book close their eyes and find someone in the yellow pages for any part or service needed. My 2004 vehicle is out of warranty and I am not locked into a dealership. I'll take it a step further. I literally restored a first generation 1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS almost exclusively from mail order catalogs. I started a complete restoration in 1986...17 years after it was made. There are parts exclusive to that one year that differ from 67-68 and I still had absolutely no problem. I could have easily ordered a new crate motor, but preferred to go the harder route and remain stock with matching #'s. Either way my car will be on the road on nice days only appreciating in value every day. And that's even it did not remain stock! My worry would be buying a brand new model with mediocre performance and lack of options from the factory not about mergers. I have had my Silverado only a couple of years and it has literally paid for itself already. I saved a lot of money picking up all my materials. I have renovated my home and a rental utilizing this vehicle. When one looks at resale also look at the successful applications the truck accomplished during its ownership.

24th Dec 2006, 10:24

My comment stands.

Wish you people would do some research on DEMOGRAPHICS for once. People who buy these type of cars (or any mass market cars) do NOT shop the aftermarket and generally want the dealer to do everything. They don't even know how to change their own oil.

And what if their Buick dealer closes down and there are no other dealerships that will handle warranty claims nearby? Do you know how many electronics are in these cars, things that, if they go wrong, will be expensive to fix if you can't find a dealership to accept your warranty.

24th Dec 2006, 14:49

That's why there are quick lubes and basic services that have sprung up everywhere. There is even a mobile service that I have seen in my city that actually can do it in a company parking lot. I like Auto Zone a lot... I needed an 02 sensor... the parts guy walked out plugged in my harness and I went in and bought a sensor and a socket and changed it myself at home. What if the dealer is far away? When your vehicles warranty expires there are mechanics that have been to schools and can certainly work on a GM, Ford or Dodge. Don'y worry they won't be parked.

24th Dec 2006, 21:09

The law requires that any vehicle manufacturer has to make provisions for honoring the warranty of any discontinued vehicle. GM still honors the warranties on Oldsmobiles (which, incidentally were, along with Buick, one of the most reliable makes on the road). I'd never worry about buying a discontinued car. When I was in school I drove an old Studebaker and I never had trouble getting parts or service for it. One of my good friends drove an old International Scout for many years after it was discontinued and he also had no problems with parts or service. I doubt seriously, however, that Buick will be discontinued, especially with the great sales of the luxurious new Lucerne and the much more appealing LaCrosse.

If the rumored takeover of Toyota by GM takes place, I'm sure much of the appealing styling, advanced technology and safety features, and greater reliability of GM will greatly enhance the ugly and boring Toyota lines. At the moment the mid-size car segemnts of all manufacturers other than Buick and Ford (with the awesome Fusion) could use a little excitement.

25th Dec 2006, 09:40

Sorry, but most mass market buyers do not think like you do and will not buy a product that may or may not be supported. The "law" only goes so far, and if there is no GM dealer in your area after your Buick dealer closes down then what do you do.

As to your comment that you doubt Buick will go away, why did GM announce it was cutting back funding on the line? And this was a month ago they said this.

Personally I think Buick is the only quality GM product, but like all GM products that "got good" (Fiero, Oldsmobile, etc.) GM will axe it.

25th Dec 2006, 13:30

I'm not wild about the idea of having to go back to Ford to get a reliable vehicle, but now that their reliability far exceeds that of Toyota and Honda (not to mention the horribly problem plagued Nissan or Mitsubishi) I guess that would be OK. I prefer GM's styling, but Ford is making a few more exciting vehicles these days. The new Mustang is the only sporty car any manufacturer is now making, and the Fusion is not bad at all.

25th Dec 2006, 20:44

The remedy is simple here... my dealer 5 minutes away carries new Buicks and Chrysler. I would sell or trade in the Buick and just buy a brand new Chrysler. I agree having good service is important and a dealer that cares.

26th Dec 2006, 08:35

And you're remedy applies to everyone owning a Buick in the US? Doubtful.

And I wouldn't' own a Chrysler product if you paid me.

26th Dec 2006, 11:06

It's kind of hard to see how any one GM brand (such as Buick) could be "better" than any other, considering they all use precisely the same drive trains. The luxurious Lucerne is basically an Impala with $10,000 and a larger ego tacked on. The LaCrosse is basically a much nicer looking Malibu. We've owned Buicks, Pontiacs, GMC's and Chevys. They are ALL very well built and solid vehicles. In recent decades GM has made tremendous strides in building world class cars, and long ago surpassed the imports in achieving that goal.