1986 Buick Park Avenue 3.8L from North America
Summary:
!$! Luxury for less!$!
Faults:
Had to replace the radiator twice.
Water pump broke.
Had to replace starter at 147k miles.
Muffler fell off in snow storm (don't ask me how)
Both tie rods just snapped out of the blue at the gas station. It was working fine then I filled the tank and got in the car to drive off and it wouldn't go.
General Comments:
This car is EXTREMELY comfortable!! It's like sitting on a lazy boy and driving at the same time. I love it!
The acceleration is good and very responsive.
The starter was very hard to replace since it's so large and the exhaust kind of blocks it in so you can't pull it out. I had to remove the radiator fan and fiddle with it for about 30 minutes before it finally came out. And then the same thing to get the new one back in.
Very poor gas mileage. Especially with gas prices being so high. It costs me $30-$35 to fill the tank and I get about 250 miles off a full tank.
Interior is very roomy and can comfortably fit six people.
Overall this is a great car. I would definitely get another one except with less miles or newer model next time.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 24th April, 2004
7th Sep 2005, 19:22
It would be helpful to know gas mileage. How economical--or not--is the car?