Brighton Drivers Should Explore the 2024 Buick Lineup

Shopping at a used car dealership like ours is a smart way to find a reliable vehicle while staying within your budget. Used vehicles depreciate more slowly, are more affordably priced, and offer a wider selection of makes and models. Fortunately, the good news doesn't stop there. With rising prices, more drivers are turning to used vehicles to save money. However, they expect the same script–an experience laden with concerns about vehicle condition and maintenance history. Traditionally, shopping for a used vehicle meant taking a great risk, but that's no longer true. At LaFontaine Buick GMC Ann Arbor, we're thrilled to be a CarBravo dealership and introduce a new, more confident, and rewarding way to shop for a used vehicle. Backed by General Motors, CarBravo gives shoppers greater confidence when purchasing a used car, truck, or SUV. Here's everything you need to know about this exciting program. more What Is CarBravo? CarBravo is General Motors' used-vehicle marketplace and certified vehicle program, designed to provide shoppers with additional confidence through inspections, warranties, and ownership benefits. Unlike traditional Certified Pre-Owned programs that are limited to a single automaker's marque, CarBravo models span the entire spectrum of world-renowned brands. You'll find GM models from Cadillac, Buick, Chevrolet, and GMC alongside non-GM vehicles. The result? A top-quality selection that provides drivers like you with a higher-quality used vehicle experience backed by inspections, warranty coverage, roadside assistance, and many other benefits. CarBravo provides the confidence you deserve on the pre-owned lot. What Makes a Vehicle "CarBravo Certified?" Not every used vehicle qualifies for CarBravo certification. Why? GM's certified used vehicle program holds models to higher standards to give customers like you the best, top-quality selection. To earn certification, eligible vehicles first qualify based on their age and mileage, which determines where they fall in the two-tiered program–CarBravo or BravoBudget. From there, the vehicles undergo a rigorous multi-point inspection performed by certified technicians. These inspections evaluate major components, ensuring every vehicle meets the program's stringent quality standards. CarBravo Certified Vehicles CarBravo vehicles are generally newer models with lower mileage that have passed a comprehensive inspection and vetting process. Vehicles in this category must meet strict requirements for age, condition, and overall quality. CarBravo vehicles meet these standards: Less than 10 model years old Have less than 100,000 miles on the odometer Pass a 126-point inspection BravoBudget Vehicles Budget-savvy shoppers looking for an older pre-owned car, truck, or SUV that offers greater confidence and peace of mind will appreciate BravoBudget models. Why? BravoBudget models recognize something that most certified used vehicle programs do not: the value of older models with higher mileage. These cars, trucks, and SUVs still have a lot to offer and plenty of miles left on the odometer, and CarBravo leverages that with this second tier. BravoBudget vehicles meet these standards: 10 to 15 model years old 100,000 to 150,000 miles on the odometer Pass a strict 62-point inspection The result? Cars, trucks, and SUVs that offer more confidence and certainty to value-conscious buyers seeking dependable transportation at a lower price point. The Inspection Process: CarBravo Standards One of the biggest reasons shoppers choose CarBravo is the inspection process. Unlike a standard used vehicle, which is cleaned inside and out before joining our lot, every used CarBravo vehicle undergoes a comprehensive inspection that verifies it's worthy of certification, a place in our inventory, and a future in your driveway. During the inspection, our certified technicians assess critical vehicle systems, such as: Engine Transmission Steering Suspension Batteries Brakes Tires and wheels Electrical components Interior and exterior condition Safety features Vehicles that do not meet the CarBravo standards are either repaired before certification or removed from the program altogether. The process, albeit highly competitive, ensures that shoppers like you have access to a selection of pre-owned cars, trucks, and SUVs that have been carefully evaluated to deliver the quality, value, and reliability you deserve. Benefits of Buying a CarBravo Vehicle CarBravo certification offers much more than an inspection alone. Drivers enjoy a variety of benefits designed to provide confidence long after they leave our lot. Warranties: Peace of Mind for Every Mile One of the most valuable CarBravo benefits is warranty protection, a benefit you won't find on traditional used vehicles that are sold as-is. These warranties vary by certification, but both CarBravo and BravoBudget warranties cover these core components: Engine Turbocharger Supercharger Driving systems Transfer case Transmission Transaxle Seals Gaskets This bumper-to-bumper limited warranty offers coverage for: 12 months or 12,000 miles on CarBravo models. 30 days or 1,000 miles on BravoBudget models. Extended Coverage with CarBravo CarBravo models less than 10 model years old with fewer than 100,000 miles on the odometer have more components covered than BravoBudget models do. The CarBravo warranty also includes: Air conditioner Brakes EV and hybrid components Electrical Front and rear suspension Regenerative braking system Steering Roadside Assistance: 24/7, 365 Days a Year Unexpected situations can happen to any driver, but GM helps you prepare for the unexpected by adding roadside assistance to every CarBravo and BravoBudget vehicle. This coverage runs the duration of your warranty and offers 24-hour roadside service, 365 days a year. It's an essential service that can assist with a dead car battery, a flat tire, an empty fuel tank, lockouts, and more. Satisfaction Guarantee, Total Transparency, & Convenience CarBravo is designed to make the used vehicle buying experience more transparent and convenient from start to finish. Every eligible CarBravo vehicle includes benefits that help shoppers confidently navigate their purchase and enjoy support long after the sale. These benefits run the entire spectrum, from satisfaction to convenience: Transparency via every CARFAX vehicle history report Vehicles with any applicable safety recalls addressed before certification Courtesy transportation for covered warranty repairs Top-quality service from expert technicians at CarBravo dealerships like ours No extra charges or hidden fees for parts, labor, or towing on covered warranty repairs A 10-day or 500-mile vehicle exchange program that ensures your satisfaction Together, these features create a more relaxed, worry-free ownership experience and reinforce CarBravo's commitment to your satisfaction at every step of the car-buying and ownership process. FAQs: Know Before You Shop Have questions? We have answers as your CarBravo dealer. #1 What is CarBravo? CarBravo is General Motors' certified used vehicle program, providing warranty coverage and additional benefits that many used vehicles don't offer. #2 Are CarBravo models only GM brands? CarBravo models can be any make and model, and are not limited to GM brands. As a result, you can shop Buick, Cadillac, GMC, and Chevrolet models alongside world-renowned brands like Ford, Ram, Jeep, Honda, Toyota, Hyundai, Kia, Subaru, Audi, BMW, and countless others. #3 Does every vehicle earn CarBravo certification? No. CarBravo vehicles are held to higher standards: every vehicle must meet specific age and mileage requirements before undergoing a thorough inspection by certified technicians. Vehicles are also certified recall-free. #4 What's the difference between CarBravo and BravoBudget? CarBravo is a tiered program that includes newer models, less than 10 model years old, with fewer than 100,000 miles on the odometer, that qualify as CarBravo models. Older models are classified as BravoBudget, which are 10 to 15 years old and have between 100,000 and 150,000 miles on the odometer. These models are also inspected, backed by BravoBudget warranties, and include many ownership perks. #5 Where can I shop for CarBravo vehicles? You can shop the entire CarBravo showroom online, a perk that adds convenience and puts an impressive selection of top-quality cars, trucks, and SUVs at your fingertips. You can also browse your options in person at LaFontaine Buick GMC Ann Arbor, where our team is excited to help you find the perfect fit for your needs. Shop with Confidence Through CarBravo Buying a used vehicle shouldn't mean compromising on quality, reliability, or peace of mind. CarBravo helps take the uncertainty out of the process by offering carefully inspected vehicles backed by warranty coverage, roadside assistance, and additional ownership benefits. Whether you're searching for a newer pre-owned model or a budget-friendly vehicle that still meets rigorous standards, CarBravo provides added confidence at every stage of ownership. At LaFontaine Buick GMC Ann Arbor, we're proud to offer CarBravo-certified vehicles and help drivers find dependable transportation that fits their needs, lifestyle, and budget.

The digital age has given drivers more options than ever before for selling goods and services, whether it's renting out your home, delivering food, or ferrying people around town as part of a rideshare service. There are many advantages to these tech-powered transactions, especially in terms of convenience, but the approach loses some of its appeal when it comes to big-ticket items like cars, trucks, and SUVs. Drivers have been peddling their unwanted automotive wares through newspaper classifieds and auto-trading publications for decades, but the advent of the internet has made private sales easier than ever. more Just type “ Sell my car” into your browser of choice, and you’ll be met with endless options, including web-based classifieds and social media marketplaces. While the convenience is tough to deny, the web-based approach does have some downsides. From lowball offers and sketchy interactions to liability-related issues, private sales often fall short of the convenience and professionalism of the dealership experience. Join us as we explore the benefits of working with a dealership and cover a few brief tips that’ll help to prep your car for a successful sale. Dealer vs Private Sale Drivers have an important decision to make when it comes time to part with their current ride. Do you sell to the dealership, or try your luck on the open market? While it’s largely a matter of personal preference, there are some important factors a seller should consider before pursuing a private sale. Convenience and Speed Statistics show that the average private sale often takes as long as two to eight weeks between the time of listing and the day of sale, which can seem like an eternity if you’re desperate to replace your current daily driver. Between taking photos, making multiple listings, and responding to every tire kicker under the sun, a private sale can often be more of a hassle than it's worth. In contrast, a dealership sale can often be completed in a single visit, putting cash in your pocket and helping to finance your search for a suitable replacement. If you find yourself in a tight spot, the speed and ease of the dealership experience is pretty tough to beat. Price If you want to get the best price for your used vehicle, a dealership might be the more profitable option. While there’s a widely held belief that a private sale will yield a better return, that’s not necessarily the case, especially when it comes to newer, low-mileage vehicles. While guidelines vary by location and current market conditions, any vehicle that’s less than five years old and has fewer than 50,000 miles on the odometer could make a good candidate for a dealership sale. Used car prices have cooled following an all-time high in 2022, but remain historically high relative to pre-pandemic levels. Then there’s the professional touch. The experienced sales team at your local auto dealership knows its way around the block when it comes to buying a used vehicle and can walk you through every step of the process. From calculating the correct taxes and checking the title to completing the bill of sale, release of liability, and other pertinent paperwork, you won’t have to worry about running afoul of sales-related rules and regulations when you work with a dealership. Safety While we all try to put our trust in our fellow man, there are always going to be some shifty characters who are looking to take advantage of others wherever they can. If a vehicle experiences a malfunction or an accident soon after the sale, the buyer might seek compensation or try to shift liability to the seller. This is easily avoided at a dealership, where pre-owned vehicles undergo an exhaustive inspection and repair process that ensures only the safest, most reliable models reach the sales floor. Speaking of safety, there’s always going to be some risks associated with selling to a random stranger you found on the internet. This can be especially nerve-wracking if the sale was conducted through a social media site, which can allow buyers to access personal information, including your location, employer, friends, and relatives. You avoid this risk when selling to a dealership. Preparation Is Key The process of selling your used vehicle starts well before you make a listing or hit your local dealership. From finding the right paperwork to giving your vehicle a deep clean and researching a fair sale price, let’s walk through the basics and address any roadblocks a seller might encounter. Gather Paperwork The first step in the pre-sale process is gathering the necessary documentation to prove you actually own your vehicle. A vehicle’s title is the most important of these documents, though additional paperwork may be required under state law. While every seller is required to disclose the odometer’s status under the federal Truth in Mileage Act, some jurisdictions may also require emissions paperwork, a report of sale, and other documentation. If you’re unsure of the relevant laws in your area, a quick visit to your local DMV’s website is sure to turn up a comprehensive list. If you want to ensure you’re getting the best price for your used vehicle, consider including additional documents such as the owner’s manual, service records, and a vehicle history report. Research the Value Next, it’s time to determine the fair market value for your pre-owned vehicle. There are plenty of well-known websites that allow drivers to properly price their vehicles, with Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds among the more popular options. There’s no such thing as too much information when it comes to leveraging these resources. The more data you can plug into a trade-in website, the more accurate the price will be. From mileage and condition to color, trim, optional equipment packages, and accessories, there are countless factors that can impact a model’s market value. These apps will typically return a wealth of information, including separate prices for private sales and trade-ins. Drivers can also gauge value based on the vehicle’s condition, with sites like Kelley Blue Book providing specific data for vehicles in Fair, Good, Very Good, and Excellent condition. These pricing websites ensure you won’t leave any money on the table when it's time to part with your ride. However, while some of these websites will also offer to buy your vehicle, they tend to offer substantially less than fair market value. Get It Showroom Ready Finally, it’s time to prepare your vehicle for sale. A thorough cleaning can significantly up a car’s curb appeal, allowing owners to enjoy a better return on their investment. A quick car wash represents the bare minimum, but if you really want to walk away from the sale with a hefty check, the interior shouldn’t be treated as an afterthought. A little elbow grease can make all the difference on the day of sale, so lug out the vacuum cleaner and buy some specialized automotive cleaning products that’ll give the dashboard, upholstery, and interior trim that showroom shine. You’ll also want to remove any personal items that might be lodged in the cabin, as well as any bumper stickers or decorations. Once you’ve got your vehicle in tip-top condition, it’s time to take clear, high-quality photos from multiple angles that showcase your vehicle’s best side. A short video can also work wonders, dispelling any concerns about noisy engines, squeaky brakes, and other malfunctions that might affect the sale price. No one expects world-class photography, but it’s hard to underestimate the importance of good lighting for achieving the best results. Experience The Dealership Difference Selling your vehicle can be intimidating, but a little preparation can make a big difference in ensuring a fair, quick, and lucrative experience. From researching current prices and gathering important documents to snapping photos and cleaning the interior, there are lots of easy ways to get the most out of your automotive investment. Trust is key when it comes to making any big-ticket purchase, and that’s where LaFontaine Buick GMC Ann Arbor shines. Whether you’re looking to sell your current ride or finance your next vehicle, we’ll work out an equitable deal that’ll leave both parties feeling safe and satisfied. We’re always on the hunt for quality used vehicles and can offer the kind of pricing and convenience that are tough to find in a private sale. If you’re tired of replying to an endless stream of “Is this still available?” messages on social media and ready for a more civilized car-selling process, make your way down to LaFontaine Buick GMC Ann Arbor.

With the 2025 model year in full swing and competition heating up, many automakers are vying for the top spot, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the subcompact SUV segment. In recent years, Buick's move to be an SUV-exclusive brand has been praised by many, as it found a way to offer drivers refined luxury for a lower price. This move has also been met with some stiff competition from other brands that are looking to make 2025 their year—most notably, Subaru. If you've been thinking about getting a 2025 Buick Encore GX for sale and want to know how it stacks up against its rivals, you've come to the right place. We're going to be looking at how the 2025 Encore GX outclasses the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek. A Signature Style No one likes driving something that's aesthetically unpleasing to the eye. We all prefer vehicles that allow us to make a memorable first impression, so for drivers who enjoy having style to match their substance, the Encore GX has plenty to offer. Buick's dedication to providing luxury can be found here both inside and out. The Encore GX has a unique front end and headlights that allow it to stand out. These features are complemented by an aerodynamic design that provides curves in all of the right places. If refinement and sophistication are the hallmarks of the Encore GX, then the opposite can be said about the Crosstrek. Subaru's subcompact is hampered by a design that resembles a wagon rather than an SUV. All trims—with the exception of the entry trim—have roof racks that might appeal to some but will be considered an eyesore by others. By implementing a refined style and retaining affordability, the Encore GX is the more attractive offering, inside and out. Power and Efficiency All drivers are different in what they look for in their vehicles. For many, though, it all begins and ends with the powertrain. Drivers want something that can produce strong power and effective handling and also save them money in between fill-ups. The Subaru Crosstrek, as is the case for the entire fleet this brand manufactures, comes with its classic Boxer engine and standard AWD across all trims. The entry-level 2025 Crosstrek Base has a 2.0L Boxer four-cylinder engine that produces 152 hp, and other trims have the advantage of a larger version that increases its performance output to 182 hp. Both engine options pair with a CVT. Having AWD as the sole drivetrain hinders fuel economy, as the Crosstrek offers no better than 27 MPG in the city. Buick takes the opposite route from Subaru. The 2025 Encore GX has two available engines, one built for performance and the other one for conservative fuel consumption. A 1.2L turbocharged I-3 pairs with a CVT on FWD models, the results of which are favorable for saving money on fuel. The EPA estimates that the 1.2L engine will be far more economical than the Crosstrek, offering drivers 30 MPG in the city. The second engine option for the Encore GX is a 1.3L turbocharged I-3. Unlike the CVT-exclusive powertrains on the Crosstrek, drivers who opt for AWD with this engine have the advantage of a nine-speed automatic transmission for optimum performance and better shifting. If you don't want an AWD vehicle, you're out of luck with Subaru. The Encore GX gives drivers a chance to choose between both drivetrains and its superior fuel economy is far more beneficial to drivers who are looking to save. The main problem with the Crosstrek is that it's designed for a niche crowd and lacks substantial versatility. Not everyone looks for an SUV that's favorable for off-roading, and the Encore GX can be outfitted for more traditional tasks than the Crosstrek can. Staying Connected Modern drivers expect more when they get behind the wheel. In this day and age, having access to the technology we use daily makes all the difference. These items are accessed via an infotainment screen, and having an intuitive and user-friendly system is imperative to enjoy your experience behind the wheel. Accessibility is paramount, and the Subaru Crosstrek Base is saddled with a seven-inch screen that provides compatibility with Apple and Android products but lacks a mobile hotspot and only has a four-speaker stereo system. In order to have a more enjoyable and informative experience behind the wheel, one has to pay extra for one of this model's upper trims. With more features standard across all trim levels, the Buick Encore GX has a much more immersive infotainment screen that every version of this SUV comes with. The Encore GX has an 11-inch touchscreen that provides wireless compatibility with Apple and Android products and simultaneous streaming capabilities for two phones via Bluetooth. All trims also have a standard six-speaker stereo system and hotspot capability. Besides the entertainment aspects that come with the Encore GX, navigation is standard as well. Buick not only continues to offer luxury for less, but it also consistently finds a way to offer more across all trims and not just a select few. Regardless of which version of the Encore GX you buy, you're getting access to the best technology. Driver Assistance The items that we've looked at so far are considered by many to be the necessities of what makes a vehicle ideal. Performance, infotainment, and style are important to many drivers, but one can never overlook the importance of safety. Buick and Subaru are both known as safe and reputable brands, so when it comes to comparing the two, it becomes a matter of which items are included in all trims and which ones are obscured by price. All trims of the Subaru Crosstrek come with a comprehensive suite known as EyeSight. These items include adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane-centering assistance, and lane departure warning. Some of the more advanced items, such as blind-spot detection and reverse automatic braking, are obscured to the upper trims. The Encore GX comes standard with a suite called Buick Driver Confidence and matches many of the features offered by Subaru. However, other items come standard that provide a more enhanced and safer experience during travels. Front pedestrian braking is standard and can be crucial in keeping others safe. Reaction time is monitored closely, with the inclusion of a following distance indicator. As is the case with all GM vehicles, the Encore GX also has Teen Driver mode. Teen Driver acts as a virtual report card for the younger drivers in your family. By monitoring driving patterns and allowing you to set limitations on things such as stereo volume, you can ensure that the next generation is following the responsible habits you're teaching them. With a broader range of items meant to enhance protection and oversight, it's no wonder why the Buick Encore GX is the safer bet for drivers everywhere. The Buck Stops With the Buick Encore GX In the highly competitive world of SUVs, drivers expect more, which is precisely what you'll find with the 2025 Buick Encore GX. With luxurious stylings inside and out and more options to choose from regarding powertrains, the Subaru Crosstrek just doesn't have the versatility that Buick does. If you're looking for an SUV that checks all of the boxes yet also surpasses expectations, Buick is the brand for you.