It’s time to rethink Buick. Yes, it’s still an “entry-level” luxury brand. The primary feel of every Buick is still rather soft and domesticated. There’s still no Buick you cannot imagine your grandma driving. But think about it. Unless you drive a Hellcat or a Rubicon, you’re not really driving anything your grandma wouldn’t drive anyway. And Buick has made huge strides to update its brand. The commercials may or may not be convincing but hear us out. The Buick Regal is top-notch even when compared to the Hyundai Accord, Hyundai Sonata and Jaguar XE. Here’s why.

Engine and Transmission

AWD Regal models come equipped with 8-speed transmissions whereas 9-speed transmission comes with front-wheel-drive variants. Both are twin clutch. By the way, the all-wheel drive we’re talking about is the real deal. None of that assistive braking stuff. This is actual torque vectoring all-wheel drive. The most basic Regal has 250 horsepower, as does the top-of-the-line model. There’s a lack of engine options here but 250 horsepower should work for most of us. We’ll explain how this power compares to the Buick Regal’s competitors later.

Tech

The most basic Regal comes with 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, keyless entry, a seven-speaker audio system, LED daytime running lights, and a 7-inch touchscreen, says Motor Trend. You won’t have the typical luxury (now becoming standard across the board) safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist unless you purchase a driver confidence package that can be added onto the GS trim. The Regal’s exceptionalism isn’t due to technology, but it’s not behind the times.

Styles and Options

One of the most exciting new developments in the Buick repertoire are the new Sportback and TourX (wagon) styles. These designs are refreshing and attractive. They’re also practical and roomy, making both variants great family cars.

Options become available at the Preferred trim ($27K) and include Bose speakers, premium infotainment system, rear park assist, power moonroof, remote start, lane change alert, wireless charging, and a line of safety features such as lane keep assist.

Why Is it Worth the Price?

It may be true that manufacturers like Hyundai offer better warranties than Buick’s 4-year, 50,000 mile policy. And yes, the Buick starts at about $4,000 higher than the Hyundai Sonata. But does the base Sonata come with a standard leather-wrapped steering wheel and a 250-hp turbocharged engine? Is the cabin as quiet as the Buick? Is it so efficient it can get 21 mph in the city and 29 on the highway? The answer to those questions is no. In fact, the Hyundai maxes out at 245 horsepower, with the 2.0T trim. As for the Jaguar XE, you have to pay just under $40,000 to get 247 horsepower. The next lowest option is only 180. Accord? $30,000 for their 2.0T, 252-horsepower trim. The Regal clearly has a power advantage and does not fall short in other categories. All things considered, the $26,000 starting price of the Regal is low and the more luxurious trims are also priced low. But that doesn’t mean you have to pay the MSRP. What you want to do is get quotes from all of your local dealers to ensure you take the lowest possible price, which could be a few thousand dollars less than the advertised price. Buicks still don’t sell as well as other brands. That means you might be able to get a discount just for being interested in one. Compare local quotes and choose where to do business. Click here to get free, no-obligation local quotes sent directly to your inbox. 

Not much is new as far as the new MX-5, also known as the Miata, goes. It’s mostly a replica of last year’s model, and that’s a good thing. The MX-5 remains one of the best sports cars that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Simplicity is always the best policy, as far as sports cars are concerned. Although, the 2018 Miata isn’t obsolete. Far from it. It’s up-to-date with LED headlights, keyless entry and ignition, bluetooth connectivity and a six-speaker audio system. That’s a lot for a $27,000 car. The 2018 Miata has a generous range of options and trims, but here’s the basic spec setup.

Power and Transmission

• 2.0 L
• Four cylinder
• 155 horsepower
• 148 pound-feet of torque.
• six-speed manual or six-speed auto

Safety

• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Lane-departure warning

There are several compact sports cars in the Miata’s price range. The Toyota 86 and the Fiat 124 Spider are a couple of examples. However, the Mazda is probably the only one that will have the luxury features you want, such as lane departure warning and automatic climate control. On the other hand, it is underpowered compared to the Toyota 86. The MX-5 is still the only car on the road that looks like itself. Even the 124 Spider looks different enough to claim a different niche in the market. We think the Mazda looks sleeker and a little more refined than the 86, the Spider and most other small sports cars. It’s beautiful, like all Mazdas. There’s no reason we would recommend anything else to you. The MX-5 is a proven sports car brand by an extremely reliable manufacturer. Go for it. But make sure you’ve looked around for the best pricing. Here at Car Leasing Secrets, we offer free quotes from local dealers. When you compare multiple quotes, you’re likely to uncover extra incentives somewhere. Then, if you want, you can negotiate and save even more. Click here to get your free, no-obligation 2018 Miata (MX-5) quotes.

Take a look at these Fall and Winter 2017 Mazda lease deals before you visit the dealership. Find out which local dealer will add extra incentives to your offer. Drive a new Mazda for less than you thought possible!

$750 Loyalty Offer

If you already lease a Mazda, get $750 off the purchase price of your next lease. $750 off the retail price could mean enough monthly savings for a movie every weekend. Maybe even a short vacation. Definitely worth a look! You can apply most other incentives to your deal along with this offer.

$500 Military (+ Spouses and Children) Appreciation Cash

Active military and those who left their branch of service less than 2 years ago are eligible for this wad of cash. Their wives husbands and children are, too. If you’re Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines, National Guard or Coast Guard, take advantage of this generous discount off your monthly payments. Combine it with most other incentives, as well.

Mobility Cash

Handicapped and disabled drivers, this one’s for you. Mazda will reimburse $1,000 of your adaptive driving and mobility assistance expenses, including installation. This reimbursement applies to all new vehicles of model years 2016 to 2018 and will likely be extended to 2019 models.

$250 Towards Mazda 3

Want to drive a new, 4-door Mazda 3? Take advantage of this $250 incentive while it lasts. Everyone qualifies for it!

Mazda 3 for $169/month

That’s not a bad rate for a brand new, $19,000 Mazda 3 with no security deposit requirement. This is a standard 36-month lease, which means you’ll have time to decide if you want to keep the car but you won’t be agreeing to a longer-than average lease. It’s the sweet spot.

0.9% APR for Mazda 3

With sedans remaining on lots for longer than dealers would like, everyone’s looking for ways to move them out. Mazda’s offering their 3 with this low APR for up to 60 months, for lessees who meet the credit requirements. If you have good credit, you should definitely ask your local dealers about this. Speaking of local dealers, why don’t you get quotes from them all while you’re online. It’s free and there’s no obligation involved. Any particular dealer might offer you an extra incentive just to make the offer more enticing than the dealer down the street. Find out what the locals are offering by requesting free quotes here.

Leasing is a popular way to drive a car because of the low monthly cost and the convenience of a brand new vehicle. Lease payments are almost always lower than loan payments. Something else drivers enjoy is the constant supply of lease deals on offer. No matter where you live, lease specials can help you get an even lower rate. Read through to the bottom to find out the easiest way to compare lease deals in your region.

Fiat 124 Spider Lease Deal

The Fiat Spider takes its inspiration from the legendary Mazda Miata. In fact, they share the same platform. Both vehicles are available for around $200 right now. The coolest thing about the Fiat is that most of your down payment will be refunded in the form of a rebate. That means only about $1,000 is due at signing; a below-average sum. If you’re looking for an efficient vehicle that nonetheless qualifies as a real sports car, this deal’s for you.

Kia Forte Lease Deal

The compact Kia Forte is inexpensive to begin with. It’s no surprise that you can get low lease rates for it. Although, this summer’s incentive rate is exceptionally low. In many areas across the country, you can drive a Forte for $109 per month. That’s good, reliable transportation for 5 for the low rate of $109 per month!

Chevy Equinox Lease Deal

You can lease the Chevy Equinox for two years at $139 per month. That’s a short lease at a low rate for a very nice, spacious SUV. Only $1,249 is due at signing with a strong credit score. Lease from a dealership in your state of residence for a $750 discount on the sale price, which will reduce the lease rate. This is a good one!

Acura ILX Lease Deal

The Acura ILX is the most affordable luxury vehicle on the market and now you can lease it for $199 per month with good credit. That’s lower than a Honda Civic! (which is also a great car, by the way). The base ILX has a 201 HP engine and loads of features including dual zone A/C, heated driver seat, brake assist, traction control, and a hands-free communication infotainment system.

Ford Focus Electric Lease Deal

You can now lease a Focus Electric for less than a petroleum-powered Focus. Rates under $200 may be possible for lessees with good credit. This is probably going to be your most affordable option among electric vehicle leases. It’s a stylish elongated hatchback with 143 horsepower and a 100-mile battery-only range, which extends greatly when fuel is topped up. Many engine options are available. You’ll find the one that works. Fully charging the vehicle takes as little as 3.5 hours. Get behind the wheel today! If your primary concern is low monthly payments and you can benefit from driving a brand new vehicle, leasing is probably the best choice. Once you know which vehicle you want, get quotes from all of your local dealers. You can do that for free, with no obligations involved, from the comfort of home, right here.

The holiday season is a great time for finding lease deals in your area. Often, insiders point to the day after Christmas and New Year’s Day as the best deal-making days of the year. But you don’t necessarily need to cut a deal on a particular day when lease incentives are this good. Without further ado…

Continue reading ‘The Best Lease Deals for the End of 2016’ »

All AWD systems are not created equal. That’s a commonly understood fact nowadays. Before you buy an AWD vehicle you should learn a little bit about the many different types of systems. We’ve created an introduction for you. Continue reading ‘Understanding All-Wheel Drive: Types of AWD’ »