1988 Buick Century Limited 2.8 V6 from North America

Summary:

Great car if you can locate one

Faults:

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.

General Comments:

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

14th Nov 2009, 13:05

Eighties engineering was better than current engineering.

14th Nov 2009, 22:26

"Eighties engineering was better than current engineering"?

Oh, do please provide some proof to support that statement. How was it "better", specifically?

18th Nov 2009, 09:56

At this point in time, the best place to locate a 1988 Buick is most likely the salvage yard.

19th Nov 2009, 10:52

Yes, but that is no indictment of the car. Time simply marches on, and nothing lasts forever.

1988 Buick Century Limited 2.8 V6 from North America

Summary:

Unreal, I have been looking for one for my wife for 2 years now!

Faults:

General normal wear and tear. Alternator, Starter, etc...

General Comments:

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

1988 Buick Century Custom 2.8L V6 MFI from North America

Summary:

A perfect combination of comfort, style, performance and efficiency

Faults:

The overdrive solenoid in the transaxle stuck, making it die after travelling at high speeds (embarrassing during sudden traffic jams). But since it was due for transmission service anyways, this wasn't really completely unexpected.

When the windshield wiper switch is set to "off" it turns on full for about two minutes before turning off. It's probably just a bad wiper switch, but the problem isn't quite annoying enough to make me buy a new one.

The cruise control hasn't worked for as long as I've had it, except two times when it was raining heavily. Funny that.

The many, many miles of driving have worn a hole in the original floor mat. This car is so reliable that if I don't replace it I'll probably wear a hole through the floor before this car finally quits!

General Comments:

If I sat down and wrote up what I thought the perfect car would be like, this would be it.

The midrange 2.8L V6 packs a punch in terms of power. The speedometer, which tops off at 85, does not do this vehicle justice on the open highway.

The styling of this car is kind of odd in that it makes it look bigger than it really is. But those blocky-looking curves make this car feel like a true American classic. Too me anyways.

I just love the interior. Essentially this car is two soft, soft couches on wheels.

The stock stereo system is very respectable, cranking out the sound as much as any sane person would ever need.

Considering the largeness, blocky-ness and high-performance of this vehicle, the fuel efficiency of this is amazing. It got 27MPG highway with the stock air filter and with a K&N high flow, it easily gets over 30.

Like one of this car's admirers said, this car is like "owning a Regal, comfort and style-wise, but owning a Honda, money-wise"

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th June, 2002

26th Jan 2006, 10:27

It's all good... but this car is a basic ride folks. You talk about it like it's some significant vehicle. It's simply not. A reliable car that will last a long time, sure. A performer? I'm not sure what you folks have driven before your Century's, but these are not performers. We bought one new in 88, and Mom drove it four about 6 years before we sold it. MY MOTHER used to complain about the lack of guts on any respectable hill, and for HER to complain about lack of speed, you know the engine must be weak. That car was like trying to escape Europe in a Peugeot... LOL... Buick is and will always be second only to Olds in my book, but this was a car made by Buick not to be referred to as a performer, but to compete with the new, econo-minded marketing of the imports as we moved into the 90's. Someone, in one of these comments, compared their Century to a regal... drive a Regal T-Type once - now that's a performer. The Wildcat model - that's a performer. But unfortunateley, not the late model (post 70's) Century.

1988 Buick Century Limited 2.8 V-6 from North America

Summary:

For $250 , the best car I've ever owned

Faults:

Oil lea k- not too sure of the origins on that one. My guess is that it probably came from the valve cover gasket.

The alternator broke down at 120,000 miles, replaced it and put a new battery in it.

For $250, I can't complain too much!

General Comments:

I love the look of this car, so innocent, yet can take care of any newer car on the road. Reliable and comfortable, this car is fast.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th December, 2001