Faults:

When I purchased the car used I was aware of a few minor problems which have since been repaired. First of all the fuel gauge had experienced a power surge which caused the gauge to spin around and sit underneath the needle that it usually rests on top of. This was not a big deal since the car has the Driver Information Center which displays how many miles are left to empty, however there is something nice about seeing the actual gauge. The electronic climate control module was faded to the point it was barely legible and the driver's side door lock/unlock switch was broken. All of this was repaired for under $300.

Since I have owned the car the tape player broke and the HVAC blower motor had to be replaced. These are all minor issues and have not turned me away from the product at all. I have not had any drive train or mechanical problems at all.

General Comments:

Overall I have greatly enjoyed driving this Buick. Mine has the optional Gran Touring Suspension which offers the nicest styled aluminum rims that were available at the time for this model, however I don't think the cost in comfort is worth it, albeit it is still far superior to my former car. My next Park Avenue will have the Dyna-ride suspension. I really like the look of the Park Avenue, in fact I think it is more attractive than the larger Town Car or DeVille. I think it is sad that Buick slated this model for the Lucerne. I wish Buick had not gone the way of Toyota and completely done away with style. I'm hoping the next flagship will not be so much of a disappointment as the Lucerne, but we will have to wait a few years to see. I plan to purchase one of the last 2005 Park Avenues and use the '99 as a second vehicle. If you like your car to remind you a little of the past, the Park Avenue is a perfect model for you.

Faults:

Driver side window works sporadically.

Torque Converter Solenoid has needed a replacement ($450), may need another.

Plastic housing for driver's side seat pops out of clips.

Lock/unlock toggle on driver's side pops out of clips.

Actuator doors in ventilation system required work ($313).

Fuel pressure repaired before recall, was reimbursed, but not for "reprogramming" which I consider a scam. If the car is repaired under a recall, any adjustments to the PCM should be covered, period.

General Comments:

Car is extremely comfortable, but I suspect that the heaviness and length are causing transmissions failures that I have not seen on the two previous LeSabres I have owned. (one was totalled at nearly 90,000, second traded in at 198,000). This car is at nearly 97,000 miles and cost of operation is well over my LeSabre experiences. Idrive around 19,500 miles per year.

3800 engine is a champ.

Some audio components are well-engineered for user to modify, large trunk good for CD changer.

Mileage is consistently 28-30 mpg on interstate.

I am going back to the LeSabre model. I have owned Hondas, Volvo, Dodge Colt, Oldsmobile (beater), and like the Buick and Hondas the best, but the price is right on Buicks, too high for Hondas and their rice-burning ilk.