Why are used 2017 Buick Regals so cheap?

[MacNicole]

Relevant explanations regarding the reasons for the low prices of used 2017 Buick Regals are as follows: 1. Poor resale value: Basically, the car loses half of its original value in three years. Currently, the resale value of the Buick Regal in the used car market is 15.91%, with prices ranging approximately between 55,000 to 105,000 RMB, depending on the actual condition of the car, model, and other factors. 2. High costs: Compared to other models, the Buick Regal has relatively higher fuel consumption and maintenance costs, which naturally leads to lower prices for used Regals. 3. Frequent faults: Complaints about faults in the Buick Regal include issues such as transmission jerking, inability to shift gears, computer module failures, oil leaks, vibrations, and abnormal engine noises. These indicate a certain failure rate in the transmission and engine. Additionally, influenced by the terminal discounts on new cars, the wear and tear on the engine and major components are also nearing their limits.

[BrooklynLynn]

I previously owned a Buick, the 2017 Regal was cheaper mainly due to depreciation issues. Buick doesn't perform well in the domestic used car market, Japanese cars from the same year like the Camry can be 20,000-30,000 RMB more expensive. This car's fuel consumption is higher than its peers, typically over 11L/100km in city driving. With fuel prices rising sharply now, buyers naturally have concerns. Additionally, 2017 was the last batch before the model refresh, when new cars had significant discounts, so used car prices couldn't rise. In terms of features, the base model's halogen headlights and small wheels seem outdated now, while the high-end electronic components are prone to failures - many users reported issues with the OnStar system. Regarding condition, since it's positioned as a sporty model for younger drivers, previous owners might have driven it hard, leading to more severe chassis wear and higher maintenance costs later on. But honestly, it handles well, the 1.5T engine is adequate, and if you can find one with full dealership service records, it still offers good value.

[Sousa]

My neighbor bought a used 2017 Regal last year, and he told me why the price was so low. First, the market was flooded with them because the new cars were sold cheaply back then, leading to a surplus of used ones and dealers offering low trade-in prices. Second, the Buick brand has been hit hard by the rise of new energy vehicles in recent years, and even among traditional fuel cars, it can't compete with models like the Accord and Magotan. Third, the maintenance costs are high—the 6AT transmission's notorious jerking issue costs around 7,000 to 8,000 RMB to fix, and replacing all four tires (which have a special size) runs about 3,000 to 4,000 RMB. Working-class buyers have all crunched these numbers. He got the high-end 2.0T version with heated and ventilated seats, which are indeed comfortable, but the remote control feature is basically useless now and a hassle to repair. Lastly, the exterior color affects the price—red and blue were the popular choices back then, but now less common colors depreciate even more in the used market. He doesn’t mind, though, since the 30,000 to 40,000 RMB he saved is enough for two years of gas.

[CharlotteRose]

Having repaired Buicks for ten years, the most common issues with the 2017 Regal coming into the shop are dead batteries and engine oil leaks. GM vehicles generally experience rubber component aging after five years—replacing a set of engine mounts and valve cover gaskets costs over 2,000 yuan. Poor resale value directly reflects in maintenance costs, with many owners rushing to sell rather than spend on repairs. The chassis is solid, but squeaking over speed bumps usually means stabilizer bar bushings need replacement. The key point is the used car market is shrewd—spotting the LGV engine code reveals it's an older-tech model, far less desirable than newer variable-cylinder versions. We appraise these at compact car prices, as even same-year Jettas fetch more. Exception: well-maintained one-owner female-driven units with pristine interiors can command 5,000 yuan extra—finding an unused ashtray is rare.

[MacSavannah]

A friend who works in used car appraisal mentioned that the price collapse of the 2017 Buick Regal mainly occurred at three key moments: first, after the implementation of China's National VI emission standards in 2019, which led to a collective depreciation of National V vehicles; second, after the 2020 pandemic, when American-brand cars were hit the hardest; and third, last year's new energy vehicle subsidies caused another drop in used fuel car prices. The actual transaction price of this car varies greatly depending on the configuration—low-spec models with 150,000 km typically sell for just over 60,000 yuan, while high-spec models with BOSE audio and massage seats can fetch up to 80,000 yuan. The main pitfalls to watch for are water damage and odometer tampering, with special attention needed for rust on the subframe and exhaust pipe brackets. A little-known fact is that used car dealers are most reluctant to buy white models of this generation Regal, as the paint from GM during that period tends to yellow noticeably after five years, especially if it's been repainted, making them sell for at least 5,000 yuan less than black models when resold.

[VonViolet]

Owners of the old Regal should know this well—the low price isn't entirely the brand's fault. The LFV engine used in the 2017 models was outdated, with fuel consumption about 15% higher than the new Regal, making it a hard sell in today's high-gas-price era. The body materials, however, are solid—aluminum hoods are rare even in $30k cars today, but repair costs are steep, with a single headlight replacement costing over 4,000 yuan. The used car market follows a harsh logic: if a model has high ownership numbers and frequent issues in the same year, its price will plummet. Just look at the Camry Hybrid, which commands a 50% premium over the gas version in the used market, while the Regal Hybrid is unwanted. Color also plays a role—the once-trendy Royal Blue now looks dated, far less sellable than black or silver. That said, spending 60k–70k yuan on this car for highway driving is a steal—it's rock-solid and offers noticeably better sound insulation than Japanese cars in the same price range.