Faults:

The entire brake system required replacement - I fixed it myself.

The entire cooling system required replacement - I fixed it myself.

The starter solenoid shorted itself out.

The headliner has started to fall.

The turn switch melted, and needed to be replaced - I did it myself.

The fuel pump broke - I replaced it myself.

General Comments:

Did you notice that the problems above had a lot of "do it yourself" kinds of fixes? This car is easy to repair, provided you have a Haynes / Chilton manual, and a decent tool set.

The rear wheel drive setup in this car allows better launching than most other 1987 cars allow, but it still has highway gears in it; the net effect is a car that gets about 30 miles per imperial gallon and can still do decent drag strip-type launches.

The biggest surprise is that at 3500 pounds or so, it weighs about as much as a 2004 Grand Prix, 2003 Honda Accord or a 2003 Mazda 6, but unlike those other models, one can buy a 350 HP engine that will fit without modifications.

Faults:

Mostly regular wear and tear: heater core, brakes, brake lines, alternator, starter, tilt steering, and headliner fell down.

General Comments:

This car is Excellent. I beat the crap out of it every day and it stands up to my abuse and keeps ticking like a swiss watch. I upgraded to urethane link pins and the car handles like a high end race car. I added duel exhaust, and it now goes faster than a speeding ticket! The factory interior has well stood the test of time as it is still in mint condition except for two small cracks in the dash. Very luxurious inside with a large back seat. The only draw back is to the passengers in the rear seats have only small windows to see out. I get 22 mile per gallon (Avg between City and Highway driving) The car is Rear wheel drive, which is excellent for the winter and it also has a full frame so you know you are safe if in an accident.

Faults:

Alternator not working correctly.

Replaced valve cover gaskets at purchase.

Replaced fuel pump at 95K.

Replaced main transmission gasket at 95K.

Car leaks gas around the back of the tank.

Had right front blinker re-wired do to poor ground, and erratic function.

Right high beam failed to work due to ground issue, fixed myself after spending an hour taking apart and replacing the high beam. now I have the same problem with the other high beam, but re-grounding has not solved the problem on this one. unsure what the problem is, but it seems like the wires are in bad shape.

Engine started smoking and making a high pitched wining noise this week. I just jumped the car for the first time in a month, so the smoke might be oil on engine from the sitting, even if that's what it it it means that one of my gaskets is probably dried out.

And I think the whining is from the alternator, it appears to have trouble turning...

Car seems to stall a lot at idle a lot. my assumption is that the alternator is starting to seize up. it appears that this is were the whining sound is coming from, and it seems like something is not spinning freely, it may be another problem, but I'm hoping it's the alternator.

General Comments:

I got about 13 to the gallon before the new fuel pump. I'm not entirely sure what my actual gas mileage is now because the car has been undrivable due to alternator. It seems to leak a noticeable amount of gas as well, so gas mileage would be inaccurate.

The car is very comfortable and roomy. I enjoy driving this big American car, it makes me feel safe, and to say it's 15 years old it still looks like new. The last owner had it repainted right before he sold it to me so that might be part of the reason why it looks new.

The brake pedal is spongy and very high up, it can sometimes get uncomfortable to drive, because I am forced to move my foot from the gas to the brake instead of just pivoting like on my Honda. The steering is a little loose for such a big car, but it handles great to say it's so big. I don't think the shift linkage or something is taut enough because it often feels like it's not shifting into the right place, and I have to carefully make sure it's in the right place. It also seems like part of the safety on the shifter is worn... or the car was made like this: when in drive the lever can go to neutral without having to pull it in, and from reverse it can be put into park with out being pulled back... I'm not sure if it was built that way.

It's a Buick, a Big Ugly Import Car Killer. I love the American metal, the American weight, and the American sluggish acceleration. plus it is a lot more comfortable for big guys like me.

I thought it would make a good college commuter car... but now I'm sorry I didn't just buy a nice Camry.