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Three Standard Safety Features You’ll Love in the 2024 Buick Envista

A blue 2024 Buick Envista Avenir is shown front the front after visiting a Buick dealer.

Buick’s highly-anticipated Envista has finally been released, and we’re so excited to show our customers all that this compact SUV has to offer. We can’t believe how many impressive standard and available features are on the Envista, especially for its low MSRP; its base-level Preferred, performance-oriented Sport Touring, and luxury Avenir trim all sit well below the $30k marker—but you’d never guess it, based on the sophisticated styling of this model.

While it's a sure good looker, we'd like to highlight some of the great safety features that come standard on the Envista, meaning you’ll get them no matter which trim you choose. As a Buick dealer who helps drivers of all budgets and walks of life, we know how the Envista’s low price point makes it an attractive option for young drivers on a budget—and, since young drivers are some of the most in need of driver assistance technology, we think the Envista's marriage of terrific safety features and a low price tag is worth raving about.

Teen Driver Mode

Teen Driver technology is not unique to the Envista; it's not even that new, as General Motors has been installing it in its vehicles since 2015. However, we didn’t know for certain if it would be available in the all-new Envista, so we were delighted to see that it was. In fact, it comes standard on all trims! Here’s a refresher on GM’s Teen Driver technology.

Set Speed Limits & Alerts

Every parent worries that their teen driver speeds—and their worries are warranted. The CDC reports that teen drivers are the most likely age group to speed. Going over the speed limit isn’t safe for anyone, but it can be particularly dangerous for young drivers who still don’t have a lot of command over their vehicles or know how to react when their handling gets out of their control.

The Teen Driver technology in the Envista lets drivers set both alerts and limits for the speed of their vehicle. You can set a speed alert between 40 and 75 mph; if your teen driver exceeds the set speed, they’ll receive a visual alert on the driver information center and an audible alert encouraging them to slow down.

If you aren’t sure a warning will be enough, you can even limit how fast the vehicle is capable of going using the speed limiter feature; when activated, it won’t allow the vehicle to accelerate past 85 mph. Obviously, as a parent, you hope your child never pushes this limit, but you’ll feel more at ease knowing that they can’t, even if they want to.

A clack up shows the black dash and infotainment screen in a 2024 Buick Envista Avenir.

Limit Distractions

Teens love to blast their music when they drive—but when the volume is too loud, they might not hear incoming sirens and can just be too distracted from what’s happening on the road, like that sedan that's looming in their blind spot as they're about to merge. You can use Teen Driver technology to limit the volume of the paired device. Your teen driver will have to keep their audio entertainment at a reasonable volume, which will hopefully encourage them to concentrate more on the road.

Driver Report Card

The Teen Driver technology has an in-vehicle report card that shows you stats like the distance driven and maximum speed reached. So you might not get to ride along with your teen every day, but you can learn about their driving habits after they take the car out, and then you can talk to them about improving their driving.

Buckle-to-Drive

Now that your teen is all grown up, you aren’t there to tell them to wear their seatbelt, but the Envista can do that for you. The Buckle-to-Drive feature prohibits the vehicle from shifting out of 'Park' for 20 seconds after the brake pedal is pressed if the driver’s seatbelt is not on.

In the 2024 Envista, the radio will even remain muted until the front seat occupants have buckled their seatbelts to minimize distractions!

Hill Start Assist

Moving from a parked position into the drive position when on a hill is a tricky maneuver that even experienced drivers can struggle with. It can be even more challenging for new drivers, who aren’t accustomed to worrying about their vehicle rolling while on an incline. The 2024 Buick Envista has standard Hill Start Assist to take some of the stress out of this maneuver.

Here’s how it works: When you are stopped while traveling downhill, and you take your foot off the brake to press the gas, the Envista will keep the brakes engaged for a moment while you make the change, preventing the vehicle from rolling downhill. It will release once you press on the gas. Feeling your vehicle rolling downhill can be a scary moment, so have fewer of those moments with Hill Start Assist.

StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control

Hopefully, you or your young driver never have to practice an emergency maneuver. However, near-collisions happen every day and are particularly common among new drivers. Luckily, the 2024 Envista has its StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control System with Traction Control. This system uses sensors to monitor steering wheel activity and each wheel. If it detects a potential loss of control, it activates, making torque and brake adjustments to keep the driver on the intended path.

Put simply, in a crisis, it keeps your vehicle moving in the direction you intended and can prevent you from skidding. No parent wants to think of a situation where their teen needs to rely on this system, but you’ll feel calmer knowing that it’s there.

A red 2024 Buick Envista ST is shown from the rear driving on a tree-lined road.

Parents and New Drivers Feel Safer With the 2024 Buick Envista

You wouldn’t know it by looking at it, but the Envista—with its striking body lines, diamond grille, and sleek headlights—is a budget-friendly option. As such, it’s really popular among parents looking for that first perfect vehicle for a newly licensed teen, or among young adults looking for that great vehicle for their first real job. Any time we bring in a low-priced vehicle like the Envista, we know it will attract young drivers, so we start assessing the safety features we know they'll be using.

We’re really impressed with the standard safety features of the Envista. We feel confident that parents gifting this model to their teens will feel better sending new drivers out on the roads, knowing about the safety features of this vehicle. If you’d like to know about the full suite of safety features or just aren’t sure which trim is right for you, pay us a visit at LaFontaine Chevrolet Buick GMC of St. Clair.

We carry every Envista trim and have a well-educated staff that knows all there is to know about the lineup. We would love to get St. Clair County drivers behind the wheel of the stunning and safe Envista. New to the Buick lineup this year, the Envista is creating a lot of buzz and is a worthy addition to the Buick family that we’d love to introduce you to. Once you’ve selected your trim, our friendly finance team will be glad to assist you in selecting your payment package. Visit us and check out the Envista today.

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CarBravo: The Better Way to Buy Used Vehicles

From search to purchase and beyond, CarBravo is here to change the used-vehicle game. Created by GM (General Motors), CarBravo is the relentlessly positive certified used car brand that works with participating GM dealers to bring you a wide range of high-quality used vehicles from top brands. LaFontaine Chevrolet Buick GMC St. Clair is proud to be a trusted used car dealership and part of the exciting new way to buy and sell pre-owned vehicles. We offer a wide array of makes and models from popular brands, ensuring everyone can find exactly what they're looking for when they shop with us. CarBravo offers a streamlined way to buy a Certified Used Vehicle that offers you added peace of mind. When you're looking to buy a used vehicle, CarBravo offers a convenient and confidence-focused way to shop for used vehicles. Let's dive into everything you need to know about CarBravo and how it can greatly benefit you. 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What First-Time Drivers Should Know About Chevy Lease Deals

If you're considering Chevy lease deals, it's worth first understanding how leasing works! For a first-time lessee, terms such as mileage allowance, lease duration, and lease-end options can feel unfamiliar. The good news is that the basic idea is straightforward: leasing lets you drive a new Chevrolet for an agreed-upon time period and mileage. At LaFontaine Chevrolet St. Clair, we know that first-time lessees often have practical questions. How does leasing differ from buying? How much can you drive? What happens if the vehicle has excess wear? And what can you do when the lease ends? Understanding those answers can make it easier to determine whether leasing fits your driving habits. Leasing vs Buying a Chevrolet The biggest difference between leasing and buying is what happens during and after the contract. A typical lease lasts for 24 or 36 months, with a mileage allowance established as part of the agreement. Lease payments cover the vehicle's use and a portion of its value during the lease term. With buying, payments cover the vehicle's cost over the course of the financing contract, and mileage is unlimited. Once the financing contract is paid off, you own the vehicle. Leasing instead gives you a defined period of use before you decide what to do next. That distinction is important for first-time lessees. If you like changing vehicles every few years and your driving habits fit within a contracted mileage allowance, leasing may be worth considering. If you expect to keep the same vehicle for many years or drive without mileage restrictions, buying may make more sense. Look Beyond the Monthly Payment A monthly payment is only one part of a lease. Your agreement also establishes important terms such as the lease duration, mileage allowance, and other financial and vehicle-use requirements. Before signing, take time to review the entire agreement and ask questions about anything unclear. Understanding the terms upfront can help you plan for your lease and avoid unexpected costs later. At LaFontaine Chevrolet St. Clair, we can help you understand the factors that go into a lease so you can approach it with a clear idea of what you're agreeing to—especially if you're leasing for the first time. Choose a Suitable Mileage Allowance Mileage is one of the most important things to consider before leasing. Your mileage allowance is established in the lease agreement, so your normal driving habits should play a major role in determining which allowance makes sense for you. Start with your everyday routine. Think about your commute, errands, school or family activities, weekend drives, and longer trips. A driver with a short commute may have very different needs from someone who regularly travels long distances. It's also smart to think about how your routine could change. A new job, a move, or more frequent road trips could increase the number of miles you put on your Chevy. Estimating your expected mileage before signing can help you select a lease that better matches the way you drive. Why Mileage Matters at the End of the Lease Going over the mileage allowed by your lease can result in additional charges. The specific mileage allowance and applicable charges are established by your lease agreement, so it's important to understand those terms before you sign. When you're comparing leasing with buying, keep in mind that a lease includes a mileage allowance, whereas a purchase doesn't have contractual mileage limits. You don't need to predict every mile you'll drive over the next few years. Rather, make a realistic estimate based on your current routine and consider whether major changes could affect it. If you regularly take long road trips or have a lengthy commute, factor those miles into your decision from the beginning. Take Care of Your Leased Chevy Mileage isn't the only consideration during a lease. 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Leasing can be appealing if you enjoy driving a new vehicle and your mileage needs fit comfortably within a lease agreement. Your payments are based on the terms of the lease, and you'll have a defined period for using the vehicle before reaching the end of the agreement. Buying offers a different ownership path. There isn't a contractual mileage limit, and once you've completed the financing agreement, the vehicle is yours; this makes buying a consideration for drivers who plan to keep their Chevy for many years or who expect to drive significant mileage. Neither option is automatically right for every driver. The best fit depends on how you use your vehicle and what you want from your next automotive agreement. Start Your First Lease With the Basics Leasing doesn't have to be complicated. Before committing to a Chevy lease, focus on four things: the contract terms, your expected mileage, the vehicle's upkeep, and your lease-end options. 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