[Amethyst]

The average age of a Buick buyer in China is 32, why is it 65 in North America?

I'm thinking that the "old man" stigma didn't hit China, so therefore there isn't the preconceived notion when deciding on a Buick (or avoiding the brand for that matter). I also think that maybe Chinese buyers have more disposable income and can afford the "luxury" brand's price tag.

 

[digger]

The average age of a Buick buyer in China is 32, why is it 65 in North America?

I'm thinking that the "old man" stigma didn't hit China, so therefore there isn't the preconceived notion when deciding on a Buick (or avoiding the brand for that matter). I also think that maybe Chinese buyers have more disposable income and can afford the "luxury" brand's price tag.

Actually, they have a far higher savings rate than we do. Most cars in China (i read somewhere) are paid for in cash.

Car financing is unusual, although I bet that will change over te next decade.

Digger

 

[Alexandria Danielle]

That's a good point, but previous whenever I heard Buick I automatically had the vision of an old person driving the car... I guess the Chinese don't have that impression, therefore the car is more appealing to them - I guess we all have different tastes.

Aside from the New Regal GS, Buicks have never been appealing to me, or affordable for that matter. Maybe that I'm a bit older now, I'll be able to afford more of a luxury car, but I still want there to be an exciting driving experience.

 

[RoadMaster]

There's a good article in the Post about what is going on over there.

Digger - Note that a 25 year old walked into a dealership there with a bag of cash to buy her Regal.

 

[digger]

Digger - Note that a 25 year old walked into a dealership there with a bag of cash to buy her Regal.

I once heard a story of an East Indian gentleman who rode his Vespa through Calcutta, carrying a bag of money between his legs. He was on his way to buy a house, for about $300K equivalent.

It was his son that relayed the story.

Digger

 

[vertical_vs]

theres a stigma in north america that buicks are for old people. thats pretty much what it boils down too. if they want to attract a younger crowd the need to improve their exterior stylings.

 

[syd]

theres a stigma in north america that buicks are for old people. thats pretty much what it boils down too. if they want to attract a younger crowd the need to improve their exterior stylings.

... and color selection, as well. "Death Pallor Gray" just isn't doing it for me.

syd

 

[blackdiamond]

I'm 42. I've owned BMW's and an Acura (hated it). This Regal has exactly what I'm looking for: value, along with up-market luxury, European styling and handling, economy and performance. The 4 cylinder turbo gets the economy/performance thing right. Stick shift is a must have (I've got a Mazda 6S sportwagon with a stick now). I'm very much hoping for a wagon version, and I would likely jump on a reasonably well performing Diesel.

For me the Buick compares to the Audi A4.