The Buick Encore compact crossover has been named one of the best vehicles for teens by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
The IIHS recently compiled a list of all the best used vehicles for teenage drivers based on a variety of factors including safety rating, reliability and performance in emergency braking and emergency evasive maneuver testing. To be included on the list, the car also has to have received a rating of ‘Good’ in the IIHS’ moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests, as well as a good or acceptable rating in the driver-side small overlap front test. All vehicles also had to come equipped with electronic stability control and have a curb weight above 2,750 pounds.
Additionally, the IIHS separated its ranking into two categories: ‘Best’ and ‘Good’, with the ‘Good’ vehicles being slightly less suitable for teenage drivers than the ‘Best’ ones. The Buick Encore found itself on the ‘Best’ list thanks to its strong IIHS crash test ratings, good reliability and good emergency braking/evasive maneuver performance.
The Buick Encore starts at $24,195 including a $995 destination fee. Standard equipment includes an eight-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android auto, keyless entry and start, a six-way power driver’s seat, OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, a 4.2-inch driver’s information screen and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, among more. All Encore models are powered by a turbocharged 1.4L LUV four-cylinder engine rated at 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission, though all-wheel drive is available as an option.
Other vehicles included on the IIHS’ list of ideal vehicles for teens include the GMC Terrain, Chevrolet Equinox and Buick Regal.
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Comments
That little LUV motor is really just that good. Combined sales of all its applications must be close to 2 million units by now. It’s starting to show its age a little, lacking direct injection, but it’s just kind of bulletproof.
I’m swelling with pride that I made a good choice in my little Buick. I’m beyond teenage years but if it’s safe for them, it works for me.
I’ve run premium fuel and synthetic oil in my 1.4t LUV and it has had minimal issues. Out of pocket I have spent well under 2k on maintenance over the course of 140k miles, which is pretty dang good. If your vehicle ever idles rough, it’s probably a PCV valve, which is a relatively easy and inexpensive fix taking no more than a few hours to repair. Around 120k miles I started to run into some coolant line leaks which can be a little more costly than the PCV valve. Plastic parts like the coolant reservoir and coolant outlet slowly started to decay and leak and were relatively easy repairs as well. I also had to replace the exhaust flex pipe which is another cheap easy fix.
TL;DR the code p0299 may arise and suggest you need a new turbo. Do not fret because it’s usually not the turbo, but instead relatively easy fix. Keep an eye out for puddles under your car. My GM has never left me stranded, I hope you are as fortunate.
Just one more feather in the Encore’s cap! Good job. The sad thing is just how many people out there will spend more on other “import” brands just because they have been conditioned to buy them or have been told over and again (wrongly) just how much better they are. Sadly, these people will spend about the same on a used Toyota or Honda or Mazda where they could actually buy a brand new Encore for about the same price after incentives. I’ve owned a 2018 Encore until about 3 weeks ago, and absolutely loved it. I can attest to just how good that vehicle was for me.
The Buick Encore is a good pick for teenagers because of it’s turbocharged 1.4L LUV four-cylinder engine rated at 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque; just enough power to get from Point A to Point B, nothing to make their parents stay awake at night.
Built in China junk
You are clearly not educated on this subject, so I’ll educate you. The Encore for the North American market is built is South Korea, which, if you look at a map, is not in China. Also, South Korea is a free market that many Americans and Koreans paid the ultimate sacrifice to ensure, so please don’t make close-minded comments.
thank you!!