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

1986 Buick Park Avenue Electra 3.8 V6 231cid from North America

Summary:

Sleek, stylish, and everything you expect from Buick!

Faults:

The rear drum brakes were metal on metal, I had to take it to a local brake shop to get that problem fixed. I needed new drums, shoes, wheel cylinders, and copper lines.

I recently purchased new door mirrors because the old ones got broken off due to vandalism.

3 days after purchase of the car I bought new spark plugs, spark plug wires, oil, oil filter, air filter and a new PCV valve. This little tune up help a lot.

All together repairs have cosed me 1350 dollars, I can't stop now!

General Comments:

This car handles like a dream you can't notice bumps in the road or anything.

Acceleration is unbelievably responsive the 3.8 liter which has been rebuild 100,000 kms ago is in excellent shape.

The interior is in great condition the power seats are a very excellent added feature.

This is my first drivable car, the Jeep Wagoneer was rusted out and didn't run so I bought this Park Ave for $200 from my uncle.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th February, 2003

7th Sep 2005, 19:22

It would be helpful to know gas mileage. How economical--or not--is the car?