The Buick Verano, a compact sedan produced from 2012 to 2017, aimed to offer a touch of luxury in an affordable package. But how well did it succeed, and more importantly, is a used Verano a smart buy today? We'll delve into the Verano's strengths and weaknesses, focusing particularly on its reliability and how that impacts its resale value.
What Exactly Was the Buick Verano Trying to Be?
Buick, traditionally known for larger, more comfort-focused vehicles, wanted to attract a younger demographic with the Verano. Think of it as a slightly more sophisticated alternative to the Chevrolet Cruze, sharing a similar platform but with Buick's signature quiet tuning and more upscale features. This meant a smoother ride, a quieter cabin, and available leather seats, all at a price point that wouldn't break the bank. It was Buick's attempt to answer the question: can you have luxury without the luxury price tag?
Digging into the Pros: What the Verano Did Well
The Verano had several things going for it. Let's break down some of its key advantages:
- Comfortable Ride: Buick prioritized a comfortable ride, and the Verano delivered. Its suspension absorbed bumps effectively, making it a pleasant car for daily commutes and longer trips.
- Quiet Cabin: Buick's "QuietTuning" technology lived up to its name. The Verano's cabin was well-insulated, minimizing road and wind noise, creating a more relaxing driving experience.
- Available Features: Depending on the trim level, the Verano offered a range of desirable features, including leather seats, heated seats, a sunroof, and a premium sound system.
- Fuel Efficiency (with the base engine): The standard 2.4-liter engine offered decent fuel economy, making it a practical choice for budget-conscious buyers.
- Attractive Styling (Subjective): While styling is always subjective, many found the Verano to be a handsome and well-proportioned sedan.
The Cons: Where the Verano Fell Short
No car is perfect, and the Verano had its share of drawbacks:
- Base Engine Performance: While fuel-efficient, the base 2.4-liter engine could feel a bit underpowered, especially when fully loaded or driving uphill.
- Infotainment System: The infotainment system, particularly in older models, could feel dated and lacked the responsiveness of newer systems.
- Rear Seat Space: Rear seat legroom was somewhat limited, making it less ideal for taller passengers or families with growing children.
- Reliability Concerns (in some model years): Some model years had reported issues with the transmission and other components, which we'll delve into further.
- Resale Value: As we'll see later, the Verano's resale value hasn't always been stellar.
The Engine Options: A Tale of Two Experiences
The Verano offered two engine choices:
- 2.4-liter Four-Cylinder (Base Engine): This engine produced around 180 horsepower and was the more fuel-efficient option. However, as mentioned earlier, it could feel sluggish at times. This engine is generally considered more reliable than the turbo option.
- 2.0-liter Turbocharged Four-Cylinder (Available on certain trims): This engine bumped the horsepower up to around 250, providing significantly more power and a more engaging driving experience. However, turbocharged engines often require more maintenance and can be less reliable in the long run, although the Verano's turbo engine doesn't have a widespread reputation for unreliability.
Choosing between the two engines depends on your priorities. If fuel economy and reliability are paramount, the 2.4-liter is the better choice. If you prioritize performance and don't mind potentially higher maintenance costs, the 2.0-liter turbo is worth considering.
Reliability: The Big Question Mark
Reliability is a crucial factor when considering any used car, and the Verano's reliability record is somewhat mixed. Some model years have fared better than others.
- Model Year Variations: Generally, the 2012-2013 models have reported more issues than the later years. The 2016 and 2017 models seem to be the most reliable.
- Common Problem Areas: Potential problem areas include the transmission (particularly in earlier models), electrical issues, and some reports of engine problems.
- Importance of Maintenance Records: As with any used car, it's essential to thoroughly inspect the vehicle and review its maintenance records. A well-maintained Verano is more likely to be a reliable Verano.
Recommendation: Before purchasing a used Verano, it's highly recommended to run a vehicle history report (like Carfax or AutoCheck) to check for any reported accidents, repairs, or title issues. A pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic is also a wise investment.
Resale Value Breakdown: What to Expect
Now, let's get to the heart of the matter: the Verano's resale value. This is where things get interesting.
- Factors Affecting Resale Value: Several factors influence a car's resale value, including:
- Model Year: Newer models generally command higher prices.
- Mileage: Lower mileage cars are worth more.
- Condition: A well-maintained car in good condition will fetch a higher price.
- Trim Level: Higher trim levels with more features typically hold their value better.
- Location: Market conditions in your area can affect prices.
- Overall Market Demand: The demand for used cars in general can fluctuate.
- General Resale Value Trends: In general, the Verano's resale value is okay, but not outstanding. It depreciates at a rate similar to other compact sedans in its class. It’s not a car you buy expecting to make money on down the line.
- Specific Examples (Estimates - Always check current market values):
- 2012 Verano (Base Model): Expect to find these priced anywhere from ,000 - ,000 depending on condition and mileage.
- 2014 Verano (Leather Group): These might range from ,000 - ,000.
- 2017 Verano (Highest Trim): Potentially ,000 - ,000, depending on features and condition.
- Where to Check Current Values:
- Kelley Blue Book (KBB): KBB provides estimated trade-in and private party values.
- NADAguides: NADAguides offers similar pricing information.
- Edmunds: Edmunds provides car reviews, pricing data, and True Market Value estimates.
- Local Listings (Cars.com, Autotrader, Craigslist): Compare prices of similar Veranos in your area to get a sense of the local market.
Important Note: These are just estimates. Actual resale values can vary significantly. Always do your research and compare prices before making a purchase.
Is a Used Buick Verano a Good Buy For You?
The answer to this question depends on your individual needs and priorities.
- Consider the following:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend?
- Needs: What are you looking for in a car (e.g., fuel efficiency, comfort, performance)?
- Reliability Expectations: How important is reliability to you?
- Maintenance Costs: Are you prepared for potential maintenance costs?
- If you're looking for:
- A comfortable and quiet ride: The Verano excels in this area.
- A relatively affordable used car: Veranos can be found at reasonable prices.
- Decent fuel economy (with the base engine): The 2.4-liter engine offers acceptable fuel efficiency.
- But be aware of:
- Potential reliability issues (especially with older models): Thoroughly inspect the car and review its maintenance records.
- Limited rear seat space: If you regularly transport passengers, this might be a concern.
- Base engine performance: If you need more power, consider the turbocharged model, but be prepared for potentially higher maintenance costs.
Recommendation: Test drive the car thoroughly, have it inspected by a qualified mechanic, and compare it to other similar vehicles in its class before making a decision.
Alternatives to the Buick Verano
Before you commit to a Verano, it's worth considering some alternatives in the compact sedan segment:
- Acura ILX: Offers a more sporty driving experience and generally better reliability.
- Lexus CT 200h: A hybrid hatchback that prioritizes fuel efficiency and luxury.
- Volkswagen GTI: A sporty hatchback with excellent performance and handling.
- Mazda3: Known for its sporty handling and stylish design.
- Honda Civic: A reliable and fuel-efficient option with a strong reputation.
- Toyota Corolla: Another reliable and fuel-efficient choice with a long history of dependability.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Buick Verano expensive to maintain? Maintenance costs are generally average for its class. However, potential repairs could add to the overall cost, especially on older models.
- Which Verano model year is the most reliable? The 2016 and 2017 model years are generally considered the most reliable.
- Does the Verano have good gas mileage? The base 2.4-liter engine offers decent gas mileage, typically around 22-25 mpg city and 31-35 mpg highway.
- Is the Verano a good car for long trips? Its comfortable ride and quiet cabin make it a decent choice for longer journeys.
- Does the Verano have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto? Some later models (specifically, 2016 and 2017) offered Apple CarPlay. Android Auto was not available.
The Bottom Line
The Buick Verano offers a comfortable and relatively affordable entry into the world of near-luxury compact sedans. Its comfortable ride and quiet cabin are definite highlights. However, potential reliability issues, particularly with older models, and its less-than-stellar resale value should be carefully considered. Thorough research, a pre-purchase inspection, and a realistic understanding of its potential drawbacks are essential before making a purchase.