Tampa FL Archives - Rivard Buick GMC Blog

2018 Buick LaCrosse Avenir Is the Second Buick to Feature Luxury Trim

The 2018 Buick LaCrosse Avenir will be the second vehicle in the Buick lineup to offer the Avenir trim, after the Enclave, which Buick announced would carry the Avenir trim earlier this year. Originally described as a new luxury sub-brand for Buick, the Avenir name has transformed into a luxury trim that will slowly be rolled out across the Buick lineup.

The LaCrosse Avenir has the same shape and largely the same styling as lower LaCrosse trim levels, but its Avenir-exclusive upper and lower front grilles set it apart, as well as standard 19-inch wheels or available 20-inch wheels and Avenir badging.

Inside, the Avenir offers brown or black leather seating, standard Navigation, a panoramic moonroof, and more. All-wheel drive is available, as are driver assist features, and variable dampers for a softer ride.

These features are in addition to all the features that come on lower trims of the LaCrosse, like convenient wireless charging, heated front seats, Quiet Tuning™, and more.

The 2018 Buick LaCrosse Avenir will be available early next year. Pricing has not yet been announced. To hear more about the LaCrosse Avenir or the Enclave Avenir when they arrive, give us a call today at Rivard Buick GMC.

You Have to Visit These Christmas Events in Tampa, Florida

Because it’s such a hot tourist spot, there’s always plenty to do here in Tampa, Florida—especially during the holidays! If you’re looking for a curated list of events to do this holiday season, you’re in luck! Here are some of the Christmas events in Tampa we’re looking forward to the most.

If you’re a fan of the arts, you’ll definitely want to check out Art on the House, where you can find tons of dazzling art exhibits every Friday from 4pm to 8pm until December 29^th. You might also like a trip to Stageworks Theater to see the Tony-winning musical Avenue Q, but make it quick—the last performance is on December 22^nd!

For something more Christmas-themed, take a Christmas Lights Limo Tour around the city from now until December 29^th. You can even customize the tour with particular destinations you’re interested in. Or, stroll through Christmas Town in Busch Gardens, which will be up through December 31^st.

One unique event taking place on December 30^th is Harry Potter and the Camber of Secrets in Concert, a showing of the film that will feature the Florida Orchestra playing the gorgeous soundtrack by John Williams along with the film. If you’re a fan of music, Harry Potter, or both, this shouldn’t be missed.

There will be plenty of New Years celebrations going on around Tampa, so check out this list for more. From the staff at Rivard Buick GMC, we’re wishing you a wonderful holiday season!

Prepare Your Car for a Hurricane and Cut Down on Stress When Weather Gets Ugly

When a hurricane is approaching the area where you live, it’s extremely important to prepare for unpredictable conditions and potential hazards. While taking steps to protect your home, though, don’t neglect your vehicle. In the event of an emergency, follow these tips from Rivard Buick GMC and prepare your car for a hurricane.

Fill gas tank and charge battery

In the aftermath of a hurricane, things like fuel and batteries can be extremely scarce. Before the weather turns ugly, fill you gas tank completely and make sure you’re battery is fully charged. A road ready car can be a major help if you need to evacuate.

Check oil, wipers, and tires

The last thing you want if help is temporarily unavailable is to break down and get stranded. If a major storm is approaching, check your oil, windshield wipers, and tires and make sure everything is in working order.

Pack emergency supplies

During hurricane season, keep a bag of essentials stowed in your car in case you need to unexpectedly evacuate. Be sure to pack water, food, clothes, flashlights, and a cellphone charger.

An approaching hurricane can cause serious stress and danger, but you’ll be more prepared if you take the time and ready your car with these simple tips from Rivard Buick GMC.

GMC’s Brand Expansion Promises Exciting New Models

GMC’s Brand Expansion

GMC has no trouble selling its signature SUVs and pickups—selling an impressive 700,000 vehicles each year in 12 countries—but the brand is looking to extend its popularity by introducing updated looks and luxury to their model lineup. What does GMC’s brand expansion mean for drivers, though?

If you’re already a diehard GMC enthusiast, you can expect more of the quality you love with more options than before. And if you’re on the fence about GMC, you can be sure the brand is committed to rolling out new vehicles that are perfect for drivers from all walks of life.

Already, GMC has rolled out an all-new Terrain compact SUV that features contemporary styling, real aluminum trim, advanced technology features, and an innovative new shifter design. This new SUV gives a look into GMC’s goal of distinguishing itself from the competition through bold looks and expert engineering.

For years, GMC has advertised under it’s signature “Professional Grade” slogan, but the brand hopes to demonstrate it’s interest in developing new, modern vehicles for today’s drivers with a new “Like a Pro” campaign.

Whether you’d never even dream of buying anything other than a GMC or simply curious about what GMC has going on, the idea of new models featuring entirely fresh ideas is a lot to be excited about. Stop by Rivard Buick GMC today to take a test drive and learn more about what GMC is doing to bring real innovation to real drivers.

The All-New 2018 Buick Regal GS Breathes Life into the Sedan Segment

If the words “Buick sedan” conjure up an image up a hulking four-door with bench seating and outdated styling, you clearly haven’t been paying attention to what Buick has been doing.

The release of the all-new 2018 Buick Regal GS will forever change your notion of what a Buick is. With an updated and strikingly elegant exterior, luxurious and sporty interior, and plenty of raw power under the hood, the 2018 Buick Regal GS is a game-changer in the sedan category.

At the heart of the 2018 Buick Regal GS is an impressive 3.6-liter, naturally aspirated V6 engine generating 310 hp and 282 lb-ft of torque. This is the same engine you’ll find under the hood of the unapologetically muscular Chevrolet Camaro. Pair this with a nine-speed transmission and an active twin-clutch AWD system, and the idea behind the all-new Regal GS is clear: to make a luxury sedan that is an absolute thrill to drive.

Inside and out, the 2018 Buick Regal GS exudes luxury and refinement. A restyled front end make for a sleeker, more angular and sporty look than previous models while premium appointments such as heated, ventilated, and bolstered sport seats offer an exhilarating driving experience.

With a price tag considerably lower than luxury offerings from competing automakers, the 2018 Buick Regal GS is a standout vehicle. Stop by Rivard Buick GMC to learn more or take a test drive of any of our models.

Tailgating Tips for the Best Football Season Ever

The wait is finally over: football season has arrived again. What better way to celebrate the best time of year than with the best tailgating party ever? Pack up the cooler, load the grill into the truck, gather your friends, check out these tailgating tips, and prepare to have the time of your life!

Show up Early and Mark Your Spot

You’re not the only one who’s excited that it’s tailgating time. Show up early to make sure you snag the perfect spot in the stadium lot, and once you do, decorate your area with your team colors so your friends know where the party’s at.

Get Organized

Bring along a few common household items to improve your tailgating experience. A pop-up hamper and a trash bag turn into the perfect mobile trash can, and a toolbox transforms into a grill tool organizer. Get creative!

Turn Your Cooler into a Food Warmer

Coolers are just for keeping drinks cold, right? Wrong! Heat some bricks in your oven, wrap them in aluminum foil, and place them on top of some towels in a cooler to make the perfect food warmer for all your favorite tailgating fare.

Find the Perfect Truck

Tailgating without the proper vehicle can make game day a dud. Stop by Rivard Buick GMC today and find out what makes the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 the perfect tailgating pickup.

Buick LaCrosse Earns Spot on 2017 Wards 10 Best Interiors

The 2017 Buick LaCrosse went through a complete redesign before making its debut late last year. With its new look and style, the LaCrosse is more impressive than ever—so impressive, in fact, that it was named to Wards 10 Best Interiors list for 2017.

The judges from WardsAuto were impressed with the LaCrosse’s spacious cabin, excellent technology for connectivity and safety, comfort, and a sophisticated design that can set a new standard for the Buick brand.

One judge wrote, “There’s a stylish element to this Buick I’ve never seen before in my lifetime.”

Inside, passengers will find plenty of room to stretch out with abundant leg, shoulder, and hip room both in the front and back. Technology-wise, the LaCrosse’s frameless 8-inch IntelliLink screen blends in nicely with the clean lines that flow across the dashboard.

In addition, the technology interface includes features modern buyers are looking for including OnStar with 4G LTE Wi-Fi capabilities and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, all of which will make in-car connectivity seamless and intuitive. In addition, numerous advanced safety technology features are available.

To see this award-winning interior for yourself, come take the 2017 Buick LaCrosse out for a test drive at Rivard Buick GMC today.

No More Shifters in 2018 GMC Terrain

With the advance of technology in vehicles, many previously mechanical components are now controlled through simple switches or buttons. This will be true for the 2018 GMC Terrain. That model will follow a trend that becoming more popular—that of no more shifters.

Instead of having to move a shifter into the gear you want, the Terrain’s Electronic Precision Shift system will include five buttons at the bottom of the center stack. Drivers will simply press the button that corresponds to the gear they need (P for park, D for drive, etc.).

To help make the buttons feel more familiar and ensure drivers know exactly which gear they are selecting, the Terrain will still use a multi-step shifting process. Drivers will need to press in the brake and pull back on the button that represents the gear they need (for drive or reverse). The park and neutral gears are push buttons.

“You quickly learn the (key) positioning and begin using just two fingers, a natural biomechanical movement,” says Rick Spina, executive chief engineer-compact SUVs at GM.

The 2018 GMC Terrain has already started arriving at Rivard Buick GMC. Stop by today to see how the new shift buttons work for yourself.

Must-Visit Tampa Festivals

There are endless reasons why we love that Rivard Buick GMC is located in Tampa. There is plenty of sunshine, tons of good people, and always something to do—like these Tampa festivals. Mark your calendar and get out this summer to one of these local events.

Tampa Bay Comic Con

Channel your inner nerd this year at the Tampa Bay Comic Con. This three day celebration of all things comics and games takes place July 28-30, 2017 at the Tampa Convention Center. Dress up in your best cosplay and be ready to interact with like-minded people who are ready to celebrate the many possibilities of the human imagination.

Bolts Brew Fest

On August 5, 2017, everyone’s favorite hockey team will host a brew-centric event you don’t want to miss. The Tampa Bay Lightning pairs with Creative Loafing to put on this event at AMALIE Arena. Tickets are $50 in advanced and include unlimited beer tastings as well as admission to the Tampa Bay Lightning preseason game.

Summer of Rum

Florida wouldn’t be the same without rum, so let this event be your excuse to celebrate the delicious, tropical drink. On Labor Day weekend, September 2^nd, Floridians from all over will gather at Curtis Hixon Park to taste dozens of rums and rum drinks. Island-themed entertainment will keep you feeling happy and relaxed, so don’t miss this chance to sit back and enjoy a beverage.

Summer Driving Tips

Whether it’s across the country or just to the neighborhood pool, there’s almost no doubt you’ll be travelling this summer. Use these car and driving tips to make sure your summer adventures are safe and efficient.

Get a Checkup

Before you head out on any lengthy trip, it’s best to make sure that everything is in order with your vehicle. Bring your car into the service department at Rivard Buick GMC to get a maintenance checkup. We can change your oil, rotate your tires, and check your fluid levels, your hoses, and your filters.

Plan Stops

Taking a long road trip is fun, but also challenging at times. When the kids begin to get restless, that can become a distraction and make it more difficult to focus and have fun. Plan to stop every couple of hours so that passengers can stretch out, take a walk, or grab a snack before hitting the road again.

Summer-Specific Safety

Be sure to never leave a child in a car unattended, not even with the engine running and not even for a couple of minutes. Cars heat up quickly in the summer, and an unattended child is at risk of heat stroke. Also, be aware that in the summer season kids will be out and about more, so be extra cautious when driving through neighborhoods or parking lots. Use a backup camera to check behind the vehicle and always stay alert of your surroundings to keep you, your passengers, and pedestrians safe.