1986 Buick Century Limited 2.5L Iron Duke from North America

Summary:

Nice solid car

Faults:

The magnetic pick up on the distributor disintegrated and had to be replaced.

Some of the hard vacuum lines cracked and had to be replaced.

I put a new radiator in it when I bought it because the fins in it had rusted out.

General Comments:

This has been a very reliable car.

It's very confortable and has the best stock radio system I have ever heard.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd April, 2003

1986 Buick Century Limited Carbed 2.8 V6 from North America

Summary:

A comfortable winter-beater

Faults:

Water pump needed replacement soon after I bought the car.

The correct coolant sensor was hard to find, and didn't work when I replaced it. I ended up installing a home-made fan switch that I control from in the car.

Typical 1980's GM exhaust problems. Holes were found at the bracket points and the muffler rotted out after I bought the car.

Engine has developed a "tick" at 161K that makes it seem as though it's misfiring. It's the current problem to be solved with this car...

General Comments:

The car is a good winter-beater that seems adequately powered by the 2.8 V6 (despite being carburated).

With just 112 hp, the engine seems to do better with gas mileage, but nothing spectacular or close to modern-day cars.

Overall, this car is a comfortable ride and a good cruising car. It's not a racer and it really can't be modified all that much for any gain. Handling is typical of a cruising car and lighting is poor due to the sealed-beam headlights.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th October, 2002

15th Apr 2003, 10:25

I have a pos 86 century and she is the best car I have ever owned. Its been through hell and back about 3 or 4 times. shes seen about 5 seconds of air at a 4 corner intersection. I busted the motor mount so I welded it and she is still kickin with 161k.

22nd Feb 2004, 23:39

I just bought a 1986 Buick Century Limited, and it's great! It has 91,200 miles on it, and it runs great. I put a new battery in it, and the replacement alternator needs to be replaced because it was originally replaced with a shoddy rebuild. It needs shocks, spark plugs & wires, and an oil change, other than that, everything is fine, and it's about one of the nicest cars I've ever seen. They really are great.

1986 Buick Century cusyom 2.5 liter from North America

Summary:

A decent and reliable automobile

Faults:

So far up to this point, I had to put 2 water pumps on it, I have rebuilt the alternator, replaced the belts numerous times, the upper motor mount (also known as the dog bone) and 4 valve cover gaskets.

General Comments:

The car is a decent car, handles fine, and gas mileage is also decent. The only thing about this ride is the engine. The 2.5 engine was a big mistake as it has absolutly no power at all!The car should have had a standard v-6 period! Save the 2.5 for the history books!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th August, 2002

21st Jan 2010, 20:46

I have the 86 Custom, no power options at all, but it only has 70 thousand miles, and although very slow, it's very reliable cheap luxury. I feel like I'm in a bigger car!!!