MM 30-Month Owner’s Update….2021 Buick Encore GX.
#46
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#47
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OK...back to thread-topic.
Ordinarily I'm not a big fan of black, appliance-white, or many of the more dull-looking gray/silver colors.....there are some exceptions to the gray/silvers like the Lexus Atomic Silver and GM Pepperdust, which are both excellent. But, oddly, I think the new 2024 Encore GX (not so much the old one) does look good in black...with a white pinstripe on the side. It would look even better with the off-white/Ivory interior option.
See if you agree.
Here is a You Tube video of a 2024 base-trim version with black paint and and the white pinstripe....but without the white interior. It is not a particularly good review, but I was struck by how good the package looks in black...and with the amber turn-signals in back. It is the base-trim model, with silver-finished wheels.
(the 360-camera I like, BTW, is available in the base-trim version with an optional tech-package)
Originally Posted by SW17LS
I think you also need to accept you have very unusual taste in vehicle colors, which is why manufacturers always drop colors you like...because they don't sell.
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Here is a You Tube video of a 2024 base-trim version with black paint and and the white pinstripe....but without the white interior. It is not a particularly good review, but I was struck by how good the package looks in black...and with the amber turn-signals in back. It is the base-trim model, with silver-finished wheels.
(the 360-camera I like, BTW, is available in the base-trim version with an optional tech-package)
Last edited by mmarshall; 07-06-23 at 05:12 PM.
#48
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No, he does not totally disagree. And what he said about option-packages/trims and larger wheels is mostly correct. I'm willing to compromise some if the argument makes sense.
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Last edited by mmarshall; 07-06-23 at 06:02 PM.
#49
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No, he does not totally disagree. And what he said about option-packages/trims and larger wheels is mostly correct. I'm willing to compromise some if the argument makes sense.
The only time I stick to my guns is if and when I actually experience something for myself, and know from experience that it its correct. And, with colors, I know that much of that is subjective. I am (usually, but not always) adamant about low-profiles, because I know from experience and test-drives that they (usually, but not always) stiffen up the ride. But there are some exceptions. And some arguments that people have about my comments (and your comments) have made sense....I give them credit when they do.
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I would never fault you for not liking the harsher ride of larger wheels. But your opinion is just that - yours. It is not gospel.
Last edited by tex2670; 07-07-23 at 05:11 AM.
#50
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Wrong. I totally disagree with your premise that larger wheels are inherently bad. You are free to not like them; that is a personal preference. Your personal taste doesn't make that option bad. The only thing you are "correct" about is that YOU don't like larger wheels. Period - full stop.
#51
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I prefer a nice ride, but I also like larger wheels from a looks standpoint. I would much rather have the 20s on my S560 but they make the ride too hard so I compromised with the 19s. But any car I will buy the largest wheels I like the ride of the car on. Pacifica is on 20s and they make the van look dramatically better and it rides largely the same.
They don’t ride that differently either, it’s a subtle difference.
They don’t ride that differently either, it’s a subtle difference.
#53
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I prefer a nice ride, but I also like larger wheels from a looks standpoint. I would much rather have the 20s on my S560 but they make the ride too hard so I compromised with the 19s. But any car I will buy the largest wheels I like the ride of the car on. Pacifica is on 20s and they make the van look dramatically better and it rides largely the same.
They don’t ride that differently either, it’s a subtle difference.
They don’t ride that differently either, it’s a subtle difference.
#54
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Enjoy your baby Buick, some would say it shouldn't even be called a Buick.
#55
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Totally, and the smaller wheels really look weird...
#56
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Consumer Reports rates the Encore GX higher overall than the XT4......the GX gets an overall score 65 out of 100, and the XT4, 58.
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars...2023/overview/
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars...2023/overview/
Enjoy your baby Buick, some would say it shouldn't even be called a Buick.
Despite its few faults, you better believe I enjoy it....every day. It is a pleasure to drive.
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It's also (now) the best-selling American-market Buick.
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#57
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I think it is ignorant to call people uneducated for their liking of larger wheels.
Buick Encore and Chevy TrailBlazer are the same.
New cars would look really weird with smaller tires.
I like the Cadillac XT4. A nice size and nice interior. I think the XT4 was a better package compared to the NX at the time. Looked better that's for sure.
New cars would look really weird with smaller tires.
I was actually enjoying your report until you decided to trash the whole Cadillac Division. I think you are living in the past. When was the last time you owned a Cadillac? There may be some models that don't meet your expectations but that is true of Buicks also. I leased a Cadillac XT4 for 3 1/2 years and it was delightful with NO issues at all. I don't think it was necessary to bring your biased opinions into your Buick report.
#58
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Buick Encore and Chevy TrailBlazer are the same.
They share the same basic platform and drivetrain (the platform is respected by a number of reviewers), but otherwise have a lot of differences. The Chevy is more utilitarian, has a longer wheelbase, a greater choice of colors/trim-packages, and, IMO, a slightly better instrument panel. The Buick is more refined, has better sound insulation, a softer suspension, a better-trimmed interior, and, IMO, is more pleasant to drive.
New cars would look really weird with smaller tires.
Also, keep in mind that when you have large wheels/tires and little space in the fender cutouts (a look which a lot of people here seem to like) it can be difficult, either with a hose or at a car wash, to clean inside the cutouts where mud, dirt, ice/snow in the winter, and other debris accumulates.
Last edited by mmarshall; 07-07-23 at 02:39 PM.
#59
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The overall size of wheels and tires doesn’t change when you get smaller wheels on the same vehicle. You just have smaller diameter wheels and thicker tires, so there is no additional room in the wheel wells.
The bottom line is, there’s just really not much difference, yes they can sharpen the ride some, but it’s not dramatic and they also sharpen handling. You say people are uneducated because they don’t understand that the wheels hurt the ride, I think what you fail to understand is people just don’t care. They like the way the car they chose rides and they really don’t care if the same car on slightly smaller wheels would ride slightly softer.
You give this way more thought than most buyers do. And before you say they should give it thought because I know you will, they are happy with their car so why should they?
I drive one of the best riding cars money can buy, and you say some cars ride poorly on 45 series tires and having driven the same cars I just absolutely do not understand where you are coming from. I have 45 series tires…anybody who would say my car rides poorly would be insane.
The bottom line is, there’s just really not much difference, yes they can sharpen the ride some, but it’s not dramatic and they also sharpen handling. You say people are uneducated because they don’t understand that the wheels hurt the ride, I think what you fail to understand is people just don’t care. They like the way the car they chose rides and they really don’t care if the same car on slightly smaller wheels would ride slightly softer.
You give this way more thought than most buyers do. And before you say they should give it thought because I know you will, they are happy with their car so why should they?
I drive one of the best riding cars money can buy, and you say some cars ride poorly on 45 series tires and having driven the same cars I just absolutely do not understand where you are coming from. I have 45 series tires…anybody who would say my car rides poorly would be insane.
#60
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You give this way more thought than most buyers do. And before you say they should give it thought because I know you will, they are happy with their car so why should they?
I drive one of the best riding cars money can buy, and you say some cars ride poorly on 45 series tires and having driven the same cars I just absolutely do not understand where you are coming from. I have 45 series tires…anybody who would say my car rides poorly would be insane.
The long wheelbase and advanced suspension-design of the S-class helps counter some of the stiffness of the 45s. What works on full-size sedans doesn't necessarily do so on compacts.
You give this way more thought than most buyers do. And before you say they should give it thought because I know you will, they are happy with their car so why should they?
One of those cases was a neighbor who bought a new Altima SE (with the sport-oriented tires and firmer suspension). He told me that after he had it a few days, it seemed to ride stiffer than he wanted, and he wasn't totally satisfied with it. (I had not shopped with him). I asked him why he bought the SE version instead of one with more-compliaint tires and suspension, when he could have saved both money and ride-comfort by getting a base version instead. He said well, he didn't really know...the dealer offered him what he thought was a good deal on the SE, and he took it.
Last edited by mmarshall; 07-07-23 at 07:27 PM.