Brief Update on my Buick LaCrosse order
#1
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Just a brief update (not a big long write-up) on my upcoming new car, since the original thread was closed. (Finally) got a confirmed GM order-number....production at the Fairfax, KS Assembly plant (which builds the Buick LaCrosse and Chevolet Malibu) on or about July 31, with delivery probably in mid-August. Hope it's not built on July 31 per se, on a Monday...you know what they say about Monday and Friday cars LOL.![Big Grin](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
They had to re-order it three times before the order finally went through...at first, the 2017 orders got cut off, then after a re-order, Buick's brilliant marketers, at the last minute, changed the base-level drivetrain to a 4-cylinder hybrid (making the V6 I wanted an option)....and dropping the base price some $1500. Still have no idea what the sticker-price (MSRP) will end up being
, with all of the equipment/marketing/rebate changes....some things on it will drop, others will increase. I went over the final papers myself (again), to make sure it was the color (Pepperdust) that I wanted, Neutral-color/brown woodtone interior, the V6 option, the new GM/Ford co-designed 9-speed transmission that goes with the V6 (with 60 patents...arguably the most advanced FWD transmission on the planet), a spare tire instead of a compressed-air bottle (fortunately), a compact spare is standard), and the optional rubber all-weather mats (yeah, I know aftermarket mats are cheaper at auto-parts stores, but the factory ones, and the ones from WeatherTech, are both a nice custom fit). GM is (now) treating this order as a priority/VIP, partly because I'm a repeat customer, and partly for the inconvenience and problems both me and the dealership went through with the first two attempts at the order.
Here's what it will look like, color-wise.
![](https://imganuncios.mitula.net/buick_lacrosse_2017_2017_buick_lacrosse_essence_pepperdust_met_in_crest_hill_illinois_5500005491854677724.jpg)
![Big Grin](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
They had to re-order it three times before the order finally went through...at first, the 2017 orders got cut off, then after a re-order, Buick's brilliant marketers, at the last minute, changed the base-level drivetrain to a 4-cylinder hybrid (making the V6 I wanted an option)....and dropping the base price some $1500. Still have no idea what the sticker-price (MSRP) will end up being
![Uhh...](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/1387914497.gif)
Here's what it will look like, color-wise.
![](https://imganuncios.mitula.net/buick_lacrosse_2017_2017_buick_lacrosse_essence_pepperdust_met_in_crest_hill_illinois_5500005491854677724.jpg)
![](http://www.negociosmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Buick_Lacrosse_Sedan_Interior_2017_2.jpg)
Last edited by mmarshall; 07-13-17 at 05:26 PM.
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#7
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Thanks.
That's one of GM's feature-colors...they use it in a fair amount of their recent advertising.
I DO wish, however, that Buick would have offered Amythist (purplish-gray), teal (blue-green), or a Sunset (Burnt-metallic orange) on the Lacrosse...I would have strongly considered one of those, as Amythist is my all-time favorite car color. But I also like the Pepperdust.....it subtly reminds me of the silver big Buick I had in college (which I've never forgotten), though with a more sophisticated light bronze-tone mixed in with it. Another color I would have strongly considered (thanks to you Lexus fans)
is the (Titanium-looking) Atomic Silver, though GM doesn't offer it. The Atomic Silver is stunning when looked at from certain angles, in sunlight.
Well, it's no Subaru Forester on the visibility front, and has the typically large A and C-pillars found on Buick sedans....but the windows are larger than those on the Verano, and back-up cameras are now standard on virtually all new cars. I'm tall enough, though, and sit up high enough in the seat, that I had no problems even with the (2012) Verano and its lack of a back-up camera.
Well, on the Preferred trim-model I ordered, besides the usual dozen airbags all over the interior, the ABS/Traction/Stability systems, and the aforementioned back-up-camera, it comes standard with Brake-Assist (which senses panic stops), Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Grade-Retard for the transmission, integrated turn-signals for the side-mirrors, HID/Xenon/LED headlight-clusters, LED taillights, and OnStar monitoring. The other things you mentioned come only on the top-level Premium-trim version....I passed on them, for two reasons. First, I saw no need to pay a lot more (at least 5K more) to get them...I not only felt I didn't need them, but also didn't need some of the other frills that come on the top-line Premium version with them. Besides (as I've posted, many times, before) I'm a firm believer in driving and paying attention....not having electronics lull you to sleep.
![Smilie](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
I DO wish, however, that Buick would have offered Amythist (purplish-gray), teal (blue-green), or a Sunset (Burnt-metallic orange) on the Lacrosse...I would have strongly considered one of those, as Amythist is my all-time favorite car color. But I also like the Pepperdust.....it subtly reminds me of the silver big Buick I had in college (which I've never forgotten), though with a more sophisticated light bronze-tone mixed in with it. Another color I would have strongly considered (thanks to you Lexus fans)
![Smilie](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
How's the visibility compared to your Verano inside looking out?
What safety tech comes with your LaCrosse? (ex. Blind spot monitor? pre-collision? Lane keep assist?)
Last edited by mmarshall; 07-13-17 at 06:50 PM.
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#10
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Thanks.
The last thread I had generated so much posting (that's why the mods closed it) that I wouldn't have done a new one unless I had some significant update news.
I'll say one thing, Jill......you often come up with some good questions.
That one I don't know, even with research...although it would not surprise me. GM and Ford (jointly) have some 60 different patent-applications for this gearbox...yes, sixty.
The ZF-built FWD 9-speed that is used in some Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep, Fiat, Acura, and Land Rover vehicles, at least in early versions, has been problematic.....that is no secret in the industry. GM and Ford both claim that the durability, shifting, and noise problems of the ZF unit were carefully analyzed when they set to work developing this new gearbox, so that the mistakes wouldn't be repeated. We'll see.
(GM and Ford also jointly co-developed a new 10-speed RWD transmission, mostly for the bigger SUVs/trucks and sports cars....but that, of course is another subject for another thread)
![Smilie](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Curious to know. Does this transmission have a GPS built into the unit like a Rolls-Royce?
![Smilie](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
The ZF-built FWD 9-speed that is used in some Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep, Fiat, Acura, and Land Rover vehicles, at least in early versions, has been problematic.....that is no secret in the industry. GM and Ford both claim that the durability, shifting, and noise problems of the ZF unit were carefully analyzed when they set to work developing this new gearbox, so that the mistakes wouldn't be repeated. We'll see.
(GM and Ford also jointly co-developed a new 10-speed RWD transmission, mostly for the bigger SUVs/trucks and sports cars....but that, of course is another subject for another thread)
Last edited by mmarshall; 07-13-17 at 07:23 PM.
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#11
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Just curious Mike, why did you go for the V6 over the hybrid? GM hybrid drivetrains are pretty good, at least as good as Toyota's stuff. You could probably get 45-50 mpg on the hybrid with some gentle driving. I'm just trying to be a friendly hybrid evangelist ![Wink](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif)
Congratulations on the order and good color choice too. I'm seeing a lot more new LaCrosses over in the Middle Kingdom. I saw an Opel Insignia Turbo wagon the other day, man it sure looked good.
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Congratulations on the order and good color choice too. I'm seeing a lot more new LaCrosses over in the Middle Kingdom. I saw an Opel Insignia Turbo wagon the other day, man it sure looked good.
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#13
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Congratulations on the order and good color choice too.
![Smilie](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Buick, BTW, dropped several colors on the Lacrosse for 2018...the dark blue, dark green, crimson red, and graphite gray, and added dark slate, black cherry, satin steel, and red quartz. The Pepperdust remains unchanged.
I'm seeing a lot more new LaCrosses over in the Middle Kingdom. I saw an Opel Insignia Turbo wagon the other day, man it sure looked good.
Last edited by mmarshall; 07-13-17 at 08:29 PM.
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#14
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Guess I was wrong, the US market gets the 2.4 eAssist mild hybrid as the base powertrain, not the 1.8 full hybrid like on the Volt. Now I understand why Mike went for the V6, it would be smoother and more powerful without a big increase in fuel consumption.
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