3rd Jun 2006, 11:03
I too have a Reatta--a 1990 which I have owned since 1991. I too periodically have the error problem. I took it to the dealer. First of all it is perfectly safe to operate your Reatta while this is happening. It won't damage the car. Secondly, all you have to do is stop the car and restart it and it will reset itself and work just fine. I can't remember what the mechanic said the problem was, but the cost was too much for me to spend. So since he told me there was a workaround and that it was safe to drive, I decided to do nothing.
Hope this allays your fears.
Pat Collins-Hill.
19th Apr 2007, 12:40
I own a Blue 1989 Reatta. She runs strong and the screen never fails on me even though it has over 170,000 miles. This is a fun car and one that I would restore to perfect condition if I had the money, but being 16 its hard to do. Anyways the exterior if perfect besides a patch on the roof that blends in great, minor wheel well rust, and a paint issue on the back near the trunk. I hope to be able to upkeep her for man years to come.
Does anyone know if I can get old A/C refridgent for it anymore? Write me at Ltbodart@SBCGlobal.net.
30th Apr 2007, 01:17
I recently bought a 1988 Burgundy Reatta at an auction that was wrecked in the front. As far as I can tell I only need a bumper and a hood. Other than the front end damage the car looks to be in GREAT shape; although I am not sure if it runs or not. The car seems to have been well taken care of. The person I bought it from told me that it was running a year or so ago when her husband hit the back of another car that had stopped short. The drive belt is off and there is no battery in it. The oil in it looks relatively clean. Does anyone know where I may be able to get a bumper and hood? I also need to know how the drive belt is installed. I would like to buy another Reatta for a donor car. I am really excited to have bought this car. I like rare cars and since this is one of only 21,751 made I feel very fortunate to have it. Thanks for all the positive comments about Reattas. It makes me proud that I bought it and I can’t wait to get this little jewel on the road.
Ken Koch
Greenville, TX
ken@coolaccess.net.
2nd Jun 2007, 09:10
Ken
Congrats on your purchase. Try Ebay 1988-1989 Buick Reatta. I have had a lot of luck getting parts there.
Hope you bought it right. Good enigne and tranny in these cars. I put K&N Filter, platinum plugs and Z-Max'd the engine. GREAT gas mileage! Yet to put in power chip ($25) not sure if I need it. Thought about supercharger, but with what I did so far. I don't think I need it. Not going to race anyone... fast enough (100mph) with pedal left. The overdrive in these cars is fantastic. At 75mph I'm registering 1800rpm! Almost a idle.
Joe.
7th Jul 2007, 12:12
I have an '88 Reatta and love it. But the windshield...? Huge crack across the window needs to be replaced. Any suggestions? zbacerra@yahoo.com.
18th Aug 2007, 16:13
Bought an 1988 Reatta off the showroom floor. It now has 155,000 miles and still runs strong as new.
Had the usual problems with headlights, brakes, & radio. I still love to drive the car over my 2002 Olds Alero, but to keep the miles down I use it once or twice a week for short drives. Ebay or a local yard is the best way to get parts as the dealer (if they can get parts) is very expensive.
22nd Aug 2007, 19:27
I have a 1989 Reatta with the touch screen. The radio has static on the right side only; does any one know where the amp or radio module is located in the car?
12th Sep 2007, 18:40
Hi, I own an 88 grey Reatta with only 94k miles on it.
No, the radio is under the gear shift console towards the armrest. The static is because of the radio tuner; you can replace it for only about $140 at buickreattaparts.com
13th Sep 2007, 17:42
Hi! I was just wondering what kind of mileage you guys are getting; in the city, for some reason I'm only getting about 11 or 12.
12th Nov 2007, 14:25
My precious Reatta was taken out last Thursday by an uninsured motorist. Thing ran like a champ until the accident. 130k+.
14th Dec 2007, 18:26
I love my Reatta. Have driven it for five years and find it it definitely outdoes many newer cars for comfort and uniqueness. At present, brake system is a problem. Not a mechanic, so will have the baby towed to a Buick dealer. I do not trust all mechanics. Here is one for you readers. My Reatta always had "Reatta" on computer screen. Apparently, it thinks it has grown up, now reads "Riviera"? Could get a new car, but the money I pay for a payment can help me maintain.
22nd Dec 2007, 15:41
We have an 89 Reatta we bought for my 17 year daughter. Ran OK till recently. Had to replace plugs and wires, now the brake system is going on it. These things new are over 1200.00. Wondering if any one knows of a place a lot cheaper, or a place that has re manufactured parts?
Great car overall. She loves it.
26th Dec 2007, 19:36
Hi all,
I'm looking for a Reatta in good working condition in the New York area. If you have a decent one for sale let me know.
javhs2001@yahoo.com
21st Aug 2009, 16:05
I have had my (Baby Girl) 89 Buick Reatta for 10 years. Bought used and she hasn't really given me any problems, but I keep getting this check engine light on that says electrical problem on the touch screen. Can anybody tell me if they had this problem, and if so what did you do to fix it?
Oh yeah, the dash just went out. How do I fix that?
13th Apr 2006, 20:34
I bought a '91 reatta a year a go, I love it. I want to keep it forever. The problem that I have is this, 3 months after I bought it the dash started to blink out. Some days it works fine others all it reads is error. No one in my town in Montana has a book to this particular car, and they don't know what to do. The second problem just occurred, apparently the parking rod is broken and the car doesn't shift out of park. To fix this problem the transmission has to be removed. Has anyone else had this problem? Does anyone have any suggestions? I want to fix my car, but would like to find the least expensive way possible since I am a broke college student. I say least expensive, but that doesn't mean that I want to have the job done badly. Any help would be great.
Nicholethomas690@msn.com.