Best $300.00 I ever spent!
Might need a fuel pump, located in the gas tank, and that is a might. Still running after being told that over a year ago.
I love this car. I just wish it didn't grow old in Michigan. MI rust thing busting a move.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 28th October, 2011
So far, so great!!
Steering column needed to be replaced, as the 3 bolts in column that tighten it were impossible to get at, for me. Just as easy to remove the whole thing with a good one from junkyard, which cost me $50.
Head liner sags and is torn on the edge right above passenger side front door.
Rear tail light is broken right on the corner of lens. Not the whole lens, just the corner. Covered with red tape.
Just bought the car a few days ago and haven't driven it much, because as stated above, the steering column needs to be replaced, which is getting done this morning, 9-26-10.
Came here from a search on Bing for reviews. Only hope this Buick lasts and is as dependable as what the other posters have posted so far. It will be mainly my winter beater, although car is not in bad shape for being a Michigan car. It is replacing a 1991 Mercury Topaz, which was my previous beater, but kid got ran off road and hit the curb, breaking the front wheel assembly all to heck.
This Buick has 132,200 (avg 6,000/year) on it, and was owned by a little old lady from Pasadena.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 26th September, 2010
I would imagine you might find a 'shade-tree mechanic' who might attempt this job for less than $540, and in any case, I see from your review that the car has 132,000 or so miles on it? If that is the case, investing $540 in it would probably be well worth it, as anything made after 1995 or so is a far more expensive nightmare to get involved with.
Great car if you can locate one
Pretty well maintained car when I bought it. Replaced some old cooling hoses, front wheel hubs and front struts. Changed out transmission fluid and filter, plugs and gas filter.
This car delivers decent performance, but the mileage is very good; 26 to 28 MPG on the road. For 80's engineering, that's quite good!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 13th November, 2009
Eighties engineering was better than current engineering.
"Eighties engineering was better than current engineering"?
Oh, do please provide some proof to support that statement. How was it "better", specifically?
At this point in time, the best place to locate a 1988 Buick is most likely the salvage yard.
Yes, but that is no indictment of the car. Time simply marches on, and nothing lasts forever.
Unreal, I have been looking for one for my wife for 2 years now!
General normal wear and tear. Alternator, Starter, etc...
I bought it for $700 6 years ago and have put nothing but basic maintenance and expected repairs into it. Everything still works! Friends and family are all amazed that as their newer cars need expensive repairs or die, the Buick just goes on and on and on...
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 13th July, 2007
16th Apr 2012, 04:18
Update:
The car has developed gas leaks in all lines, and one above the gas tank, where it's impossible to tell if it's the line or sending unit. Lines are all so rusty, I would need to replace all lines front to back. Estimated cost is at least $300 for that, plus $140 just to drop the tank, which of course is TOTALLY full. Sending unit is upwards of $100.
As much as I don't want to, as this car still runs like a champ and averages about 27 MPG, it is time to retire it. From just those numbers above, which equals $540, and not positive that's going to be the final amount, the car is either going to be junked or sold to someone who might want to make an initial investment in the gas lines, or needs a parts car.
The car has been an awesome ride for the past few years, and I'll be sad to see it go.