Question for Buick owners

bugle25

Banned
Nov 23, 2005
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How do you like your Buick? Is it a good car? I've owned GM cars in the past but never Buick. I know the rep is old person's car, but a few years back I believe Consumer Reports rated the Regal the most reliable car. Thoughts?
 

nakedfrog

No Lifer
Apr 3, 2001
63,014
19,304
136
My mom had an 86 Skylark for about four years before trading it in on a minivan, and I don't think we ever had a single problem with it.
 

Feldenak

Lifer
Jan 31, 2003
14,090
2
81
My parents have been quite pleased with their Buick. The few times I've been home and driven the car have been nice as well. Very smooth ride with very little road noise.
 

MikeMike

Lifer
Feb 6, 2000
45,885
66
91
but if your looking for something nice buick like, pick up a used Oldsmobile Aurora.

SOOOOO NICE SOOOO CHEAP

SOOOO much power
 

royaldank

Diamond Member
Apr 19, 2001
5,440
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I have a '96 LeSabre that's loaded out with power everything and leather. Love it.

I inherited it as I never would have bought one myself. 2 years later, my wife needed a new car and we picked up a used Buick Century for cheap. Haven't had any real problems out of either one.

Obviously not the fanciest cars around, but they are comfy, seem fairly reliable, and are fairly cheap on the used market. I'd recommend someone at least look at them.
 
Aug 16, 2001
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Originally posted by: MIKEMIKE
but if your looking for something nice buick like, pick up a used Oldsmobile Aurora.

SOOOOO NICE SOOOO CHEAP

SOOOO much power

I love those!

Anyway, I've got a '97 Olds Regency which is pretty much the same as the LeSabre (I think). The only thing you need to look out for is the intake manifold on the 3800 Series II engine. It's made of plastic and the coolant WILL burn through at some point. I've changed mine twice (first time with a used unit = bad idea) and they usually hold up around 60k - 100k miles. A 180F thermostat will make it last a bit longer.
Besides that the car is very reliable, comfy and pretty good on gas. Factory sound is very good too.
 

MikeMike

Lifer
Feb 6, 2000
45,885
66
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Originally posted by: FrustratedUser
Originally posted by: MIKEMIKE
but if your looking for something nice buick like, pick up a used Oldsmobile Aurora.

SOOOOO NICE SOOOO CHEAP

SOOOO much power

I love those!

Anyway, I've got a '97 Olds Regency which is pretty much the same as the LeSabre (I think). The only thing you need to look out for is the intake manifold on the 3800 Series II engine. It's made of plastic and the coolant WILL burn through at some point. I've changed mine twice (first time with a used unit = bad idea) and they usually hold up around 60k - 100k miles. A 180F thermostat will make it last a bit longer.
Besides that the car is very reliable, comfy and pretty good on gas. Factory sound is very good too.


well now we know he wants the Lucerne.

its supposed to be a fantastic car and easily compete with the Avalon.
 

Accipiter22

Banned
Feb 11, 2005
7,942
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3800 engine...FTW!


those things are very reliable...it's like the old oldsmobile cutlass's...can't kill em...thumbs up to buicks
 

bugle25

Banned
Nov 23, 2005
176
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Originally posted by: royaldank

Obviously not the fanciest cars around, but they are comfy, seem fairly reliable, and are fairly cheap on the used market. I'd recommend someone at least look at them.

I don't necessarily care about it looking like a Honda or whatever is currently popular on the market. I just want a big, nice, car. My current ride is a Ford Focus and it's too small and cramped. The seats are horrible and the ride has begun to vibrate badly.
 

jtvang125

Diamond Member
Nov 10, 2004
5,399
51
91
I'm sure they're great cars but the styling is just too bland for me. A caddy cts on the other hand...
 

MikeMike

Lifer
Feb 6, 2000
45,885
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Originally posted by: jtvang125
I'm sure they're great cars but the styling is just too bland for me. A caddy cts on the other hand...

$10k on the other hand...

lets just up it another 10 grand, oo lookie a corvette, o another 10 grand? ooo looking nice mercedes

another 10 grand? ooo lookie nice Z06

get the drift?
 
Aug 16, 2001
22,505
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Hmmm... the Lucerne CXS with the Northstar V8 looks pretty good actually. :eek:

edit: Why did they reduce power and torque of the 3800? It's now 197hp/227torque. I've got 205/235 in mine. :confused:
 

natto fire

Diamond Member
Jan 4, 2000
7,117
10
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Well, I remember exactly what all Buick brake lights look like from following old people in them that feel the need to rest their feet on the brake pedal. So annoying, "is he slowing down, I don't know!" if you can't react quick enough to the brakes that you need to rest your foot on the pedal then you shouldn't be driving. PERIOD.

That being said, my friend had an '82 Regal that had lots of umm... charm. It had the old reliable 3800 (GM really bastardized that motor, decreasing reliability in every gen.) and really soft shocks. It was a pretty fun car to drive though, especially with the RWD.
 

RU482

Lifer
Apr 9, 2000
12,689
3
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Regals usually go for a premium compared to a Grand Prix or Intrigue. Basically the same car (except the intrigue has a different engine). Regaurdless of what consumer reports says, a Grand Prix should be just as reliable for less $$.
 

Mr N8

Diamond Member
Dec 3, 2001
8,793
0
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My parents have a 2001 Regal GS, and it's been an excellent car for them. I know my dad has talked about getting a LaCrosse for their next car, since the Regal has been so reliable. From the times I've driven the Regal, I can say that it's a nice smooth ride. Theirs has the supercharger in it, and it really makes it a fun car to drive as well.
 

RU482

Lifer
Apr 9, 2000
12,689
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Originally posted by: FrustratedUser


Why did they reduce power and torque of the 3800? It's now 197hp/227torque. I've got 205/235 in mine. :confused:

emissions equipment probably....or it's detuned just to make the V8 version look more appealing
 

bugle25

Banned
Nov 23, 2005
176
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I think I will check them out at the GM dealership when they become available. It looks like an excellent car. I live in an area where I have tons of frost on my windshield in the morning. The heated window washer sounds like a neat feature. I think it's pretty close to a Cadillac, since it's sort of a premium brand for GM. It has Stabilitrak, etc. I've owned Ford of late and I'm ready to go back to GM.