DIRECTOR’S THOUGHTS,   JANUARY 2026

HAPPY NEW YEAR to all of you!!   Hope you had a Blessed Holiday Season and that Santa brought you the things you wished for!  Now we must look forward to the future and the car hobby.   I drive a 2005 Buick rainier SUV which has 267K original miles.  I hope it continues to provide me with excellent service in 2026!  When the time comes that it will start to deteriorate, I believe I will need to go to car school to learn how to operate the new Buicks with all the bells and whistles, am I right?  I certainly DO NOT look forward to getting and driving a newer BUICK! 

Who Should Consider a Buick?     Based on their strengths and limitations, Buicks are best suited for:    Value-focused premium shoppers who want upscale features without the luxury price tag;    Comfort-oriented drivers who prioritize a quiet, smooth ride over sporty handling;    Tech-savvy buyers who appreciate intuitive, feature-rich infotainment systems;    Families seeking upscale transportation with good safety ratings and interior space;    Professionals who want an understated premium vehicle without flashy luxury badging.

“How long do Buicks typically last?”    With proper maintenance, modern Buicks regularly exceed 150,000 miles without major issues. Many owners report their vehicles remaining reliable beyond 200,000 miles. The powertrains, in particular, have proven quite durable.

“Are Buicks expensive to maintain?”    Maintenance costs for Buicks typically fall between mainstream and luxury brands. Routine maintenance (oil changes, brakes, etc.) costs about the same as any GM vehicle. The turbocharged engines require premium fuel in some models, which increases operating costs slightly.

“Do Buicks hold their value?”    Buicks experience moderate depreciation—more than Toyota or Honda but less than many other brands. After three years, a Buick typically retains about 50-55% of its original value. This makes them good pre-owned purchases but means new buyers should plan to keep their vehicles for at least 4-5 years to maximize value.

Are Buicks considered luxury vehicles?”    Buick occupies the “premium” category—above mainstream brands but not quite at full luxury status. In terms of comfort, quietness, and materials quality, many Buicks (especially in Avenir trim) rival entry-level luxury vehicles. However, they lack some of the performance capabilities and brand prestige of established luxury marques.

“Which Buick model has the best reliability?”    The Encore GX and Envision consistently receive the highest reliability ratings in the current lineup. The Enclave is also reliable but, being more complex with more features, experiences slightly more reported issues.

Conclusion: Are Buicks Good Cars?    After thorough evaluation, modern Buicks earn a solid “yes” in the good car category, with some qualifications. They excel in comfort, quietness, technology integration, and value for money. Their reliability has improved significantly, now ranking above industry average.    Where Buicks still have room for improvement is in performance dynamics, advanced powertrain options (including more robust hybrid offerings), and some aspects of brand perception.    For shoppers seeking premium features without luxury prices—especially those who prioritize comfort over sportiness—Buick offers compelling vehicles that deserve serious consideration. The sweet spot in the lineup is the Envision, which best embodies the brand’s strengths at a price point that represents excellent value.      The bottom line: Buick has successfully transformed from your grandparents’ car brand into a modern contender worth your attention—particularly if you value comfort, quietness, and technology over badge prestige or maximum performance.  Again, hopefully when the time comes for me to shop and buy, I’ll be able to make an informative decision. 

                                                                                                                                                                  Your elected Director, Sally Getz

 “FREE SPIRIT”  Chapter Meeting Minutes, December 2, 2025

The chapter’s Annual “Holiday Gathering” was held on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 @ the Starlite Diner & Lounge, Rt 100, Allentown, Pa.  20 “Free Spiriters” were in attendance.  Despite Mother Nature’s snowy weather experienced earlier in the day, the wet roads did not turn anyone away.  Everyone looked so dashing in their Holiday outfits!  After dinner & dessert, induction of the Slate of 2026 Officers & BOD’s took place.  Director = Sally Getz; Assistant Director = Brent Senseny;  Secretary = Linda Cluck; Treasurer = John Moore (absent); Membership Chair = William Hallman; Board of Directors = Steve Chappelear, Kathleen Duckett, Dan Reiniger, and Shirley Schaffer.  Activities = Shirley Schaffer.   After the induction, “Crazy Bingo” was enjoyed by all.  There was only 1 trade that evening!!  The table centerpieces along with door prizes were raffled off.  2 guests were in attendance:  Dan Giannini & Rob Stadnicki from the Delaware Valley Buick Chapter.  Everyone enjoyed a wonderful fun-filled evening! 

Charles B. Arnold, 96, of Newark, Delaware peacefully passed away in the comfort of his home on Wednesday, December 17, 2025.  Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on April 23, 1929, he was a son of the late Otto B. and Helen E. (Brach) Arnold.    Mr. Arnold served in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard and was called to active duty in the United States Air Force during the Korean War.  He was employed as an automotive machinist until his retirement in 1991.    Mr. Arnold was an antique car enthusiast, with a keen interest in vintage Buicks.  He was a founding member of the “Free Spirit” Chapter Buick Club, and served as a technical advisor for the Buick Club of America, where he held member number 74.  Mr. Arnold was proud to have owned and restored a 1941 Buick Special, a 1940 Buick Super and a 1951 Buick Super.   He was a member of St. Mary of the Assumption Parish in Hockessin.    His wife of 58 years, Kathleen M. (Mundy) Arnold, passed away on April 24, 2016.    Donations in memory of Mr. Arnold may be made to Faithful Friends Animal Society, 165 Airport Road, New Castle, DE 19720.

“BUICK” Review

Remember when luxury cars were all about chrome and cushiony seats? Well, times have changed, and so has Buick. If you’re wondering whether this American luxury brand deserves a spot in your driveway, you’re in for a treat. Let’s dive into everything Buick – from its rich heritage to its tech-savvy present.    Thinking about buying a Buick? Here’s the quick answer: Buick offers premium vehicles that bridge the gap between mainstream and luxury brands, with prices ranging from $25,000 to $45,000. Their current lineup focuses on SUVs and crossovers, featuring upscale interiors, quiet cabins, and strong safety ratings. They’re ideal for buyers seeking luxury-touch vehicles without the premium price tag of German competitors.

The Evolution of Buick:      From Classic to Contemporary Picture this: It’s 1903, and David Dunbar Buick is tinkering with his first car. Little did he know his name would become synonymous with American luxury for over a century. Buick’s journey from those early days to now is nothing short of fascinating.      As part of the General Motors family, Buick has always played a unique role. Think of it as the sophisticated middle child between Chevrolet and Cadillac. While Chevrolet caters to the mainstream market and Cadillac aims for the luxury summit, Buick comfortably occupies the premium sweet spot.      Quick Tip: Did you know Buick was the first American car manufacturer to use turn signals? Talk about being ahead of the curve!      The transformation from traditional luxury to modern premium hasn’t always been smooth sailing. Gone are the days of land-yacht sedans like the legendary Roadmaster (pour one out for the wood paneling). Today’s Buick embraces a more contemporary vision of luxury, focusing on quiet comfort, modern technology, and refined design.

Technology and Innovation: More Than Just Touchscreens       Remember when a car radio with a CD player was high-tech? Buick has come a long way since then. Today’s Buicks pack enough technology to make a computer store jealous, but here’s the good news: you don’t need to be a tech wizard to use it.

Infotainment That Actually Makes Sense      The centerpiece of every new Buick is an infotainment system that’s surprisingly intuitive. During our testing in Phoenix last summer, even my tech-averse aunt managed to connect her phone and start playing her favorite podcasts in under a minute. The standard 8-inch (or optional 10.2-inch) touchscreen responds as quickly as your smartphone, with none of that frustrating lag you might remember from older systems.      Quick Tip: If you’re upgrading from an older car, take advantage of the free tech tutorials offered at Buick dealerships. They’re actually useful, and yes, they’ll even help you set up your phone’s Bluetooth connection!

Key features include:      Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (no more fumbling with cables!);      Amazon Alexa Built-in;      Over-the-air updates that actually improve things;      4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capability

Safety Tech That Works Without Being Annoying      Let’s be honest: some car safety systems are about as subtle as an overcaffeinated backseat driver. Buick’s approach to safety technology strikes a nice balance between protection and peace of mind. During our 1,000-mile road trip from Detroit to New Orleans, the safety systems proved their worth without constantly crying wolf.  Forward Collision Alert  Saved us from a surprise deer encounter in Tennessee; Lane Keep Assist Subtle steering correction that doesn’t fight you;  Rear Cross Traffic Alert  Perfect for crowded parking lots;  Automatic Emergency Braking  Works smoothly.

The Real Cost of Buick Ownership: Beyond the Price Tag      Let’s talk money – not just the sticker price, but what it really costs to park a Buick in your garage year after year. Purchase Price: More Bang for Your Buck      New Buick prices typically ranges from $25,600 for a base Encore GX to around $45,000 for a loaded Enclave. Based on our analysis of 2023-2024 transaction data from dealerships across the country, most buyers end up spending between $32,000 and $38,000.

Fun Fact: The sweet spot for deals? October through December, when dealers are eager to clear inventory for the new model year. An average savings of $3,200 during these months!

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

JANUARY 2026                                                     HAPPY NEW YEAR!

• 6 – Monthly chapter dinner meeting, Starlite Diner & Lounge, Rt 100, Allentown, Pa.  Dinner @ 6 pm, meeting @ 7:30 pm.  (Weather Permitting)
• 16 – 18 – Car Meet, Allentown, AgHall, Pa.

FEBRUARY 2026                                                               HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

• 3 – Monthly dinner meeting, Starlite Diner & Lounge, Allentown, Pa.  Dinner @ 6 pm, meeting @ 7:30 pm.   (Weather Permitting)
• 21 – 22 – Motorama, Harrisburg, Pa

MARCH 2026                                                                    HAPPY SPRING!

• 3 – Monthly dinner meeting, Starlite Diner & Lounge, Allentown, Pa.  Dinner @ 6 pm, meeting @ 7:30 pm.  (Weather Permitting)
• 21 – Mid-Atlantic Indoor Nationals, Oaks, Pa
• 22 – model Cars & Coffee, Leesport, Pa

 CARS & PARTS FOR SALE

BUICK HOODS  (Contact Sally @ 484-464-3418)

• #20        1967 Skylark hood, (WHITE) w/ surface rust, NO HOLES, $400.00
• #21        1967 Skylark hood, (WHITE), passenger side 2 dents, NO HOLES,  $400.00
• #22        1967 Skylark hood, (Gold/Brown), NO HOLES,  $400.00
• #23        1953 Buick  (Brown),  $200.00
• #25        1965-66 Electra hood, WHITE) w/ sphere, $300.00
• #26        1967 Skylark hood,  NO HOLES but w/ 2 passenger front dents, $400.00
• #31        1967 Skylark (BLUE), pin holes passenger front $400.00  
• #32        1969 LeSabre (GRAY/SILVER w/ small dent) $300.00
• #33        1968 – 69 LeSabre hood (RUSTY)   $200.00
• #71        1967 Pontiac Lemans   (GREEN)    $400.00
• #76        1971-72 Skylark (LIME GREEN)  $300.00
• #78        1968-69 Skylark   (GOLD)   $300.00
• #79        1964- 65 Wildcat/Electra/LeSabre   (WHITE) $400.00
• #200      1966-67 Riviera (white w/ brown spots), $300.00  
• #327      1961-62 Skylark, $300.00

HOOD HINGES    (Sally @ 484-464-3418)

• #330      1973 Centurion PAIR,  $120.00  
• #332      1969 LeSabre PAIR,    $100.00  
• #334      1967 Electra PAIR,    $120.00 
• #335      1965 Electra   3 PAIRS,  $120.00/pair 
• #336      1964 Wildcat PAIR,  $120.00  
• #337      1967 Wildcat PASSENGER side only, $60.00  
• #338    1966 Wildcat PAIR, $120.00  
• #339    1964 Riviera, 3.5 pairs,  1 pair complete w/ bracket = $150.00  1 pair NO spring = $100.00/pair.   1 pair NO bracket, yes w/ spring = $100.00 .  1(single) only PASSENGER w/ spring =  $75.00
• #340      1965  Riviera PAIR w/ bracket/spring = $150.00                                                                     
• #341      1966-67 Riviera, 3 pair total – $150.00. 3 DRIVERS side ONLY = $75.00 each
• #344      1965 Skylark 2pr,  black NICE pr = $160.00/pr. Other pair = $150.00/pr 
• #345      1967Skylark, 1 PAIR, $150.00/pr.   1 single DRIVERS ONLY = $75.00 
• #348      1970  PONTIAC Lemans/GTO,  Drivers side ONLY, $75.00
• #349   1973-77 Olds Cutlass, Chevelle, GM Sprint, Monte Carlo, FS Chevy, Pontiac, single pass. side only, $75.00

HOOD LOUVERS, OLDSMOBILE/BUICK      (Sally @ 484-464-3418)

• #515          1970-72 Oldsmobile Louvers, RH = 410384/LH = 410385 (black), $80.00/pr.
• #918         1967 Skylark/GS fender louvers, #1379189 (L)/#1379188 (R),  have 2 prs.,  1 pair = $100.00,  single LEFT only = $75.00

HOOD SPEARS    (Sally @ 484-464-3418)

• #906        1963-65 Riviera upper hood lip, #1369589, $120.00. 
• #919        1966 Oldsmobile Cutlass hood Spear, ALL TABS INTACT, NO PITS, #390740,  $150.00
• #922        1970 Riviera hood center spear trim, ALL TABS INTACT,  $70.00
• #923        1964 Riviera brushed chrome hood spears, #1363119, have 4 pcs.,  $80.00 each
• #933        1964 Wildcat/Electra/LeSabre hood spear, #1363324, NO PITS, ALL TABS INTACT, slight scratches,  $100.00
• #934        1969 Electra/Wildcat center hood spear, #1386683, ALL TABS INTACT, some pits,  $100.00
• #936        1966 Oldsmobile 98 hood spear wind split molding, #390449, TABS INTACT, NO PITS.  $120.00
• #937        1969 Electra 225 conv. LH side front trim,  80.00
• #938        1966 Electra 225 hood spear, NO EMBLEM,  #1374281,  TABS  INTACT, $125.00
• #939        1966 Electra/Wildcat/ LeSabre hood spear w/ emblem, #1374925, TABS INTACT, minor scratches, slight pits, $150.00

WINDSHIELD WIPER ARMS       (Sally @ 484-464-3418)

• #1195         1962 Cadillac, needs new blades, l=25.5”, b=17.5”, a=17”, $30.00 pr
• #1196         1964 Wildcat, l=25”, b=18”, a=16”,  $30.00 pr
• #1197         1966 Riviera, a=18,  $15.00
• #1198         1966-70 Ford Mustang, #2804639, l=22”, b=15’, a=14”, $30.00/pr
• #1199         1967 Electra, NO BLADES, l=23”, b=17.5”, a=15”, $30.00 pr
• #1200         1967 Electra, only 1, NO BLADE, l=25”, b=17”, a=17”, $15.00
• #1201         1967-68 Camaro/Nova/Corvette/FB, l=22”, b=15”, a=14.5”, 1/$15.00
• #1202       1968 “A” body, l=22”, b=15.5”, a=14.5”, $30.00 pr
• #1203       1968 Riviera, 1 arm missing bottom, l=28”, b=17”, a=20”, $20.00 pr
• #1204       1971 “A” body, have 2 pairs, l=22.5”, b=16”, a=14.5”, $30.00 pair
• #1205       GM TRICO, #3247540/#334458;    #3378874/#3418878;  l=22”, b=15.5”, a=14.5”, $30.00 pr