25th Apr 2007, 14:49
If they didn't flush the radiator, how could they have "mucked something up"?
If the poster has DexCool in their cooling system (as most GM cars did from 1996-on), that is probably the culprit. The stuff turns to brown sludge and clogs heater cores and cooling systems.
10th Dec 2007, 11:01
I had a 1994 Buick Regal. It is a common problem with dexron fluids. They don't endure heat too well if you have a weak water pump. Ensure that the manufacturer's specs are respected and don't buy cheap brands. Sound like that mechanic is trying to squash your money. Go to an approved mechanic.
22nd Jan 2008, 11:32
Yes I agree, that the mechanic must've have messed up something and now wants to pass the cost of the mistake on to you...I've had this happen to me once or twice. I would get a second opinion and relay that advice to the first mechanic that you're aware of what happened.
2nd Mar 2008, 09:22
I have a 2003 Buick century with 3.1L engine. I had the system flushed at Meinke and they tried to mark up the price when they found out I wanted Dex-cool put back in it. The heat not working is caused by an air pocket in your cooling system, not enough coolant or a blocked heater hose. Or perhaps all three. You DO need a machine to pressure flush the GM cooling system, so that it will push open the thermostat. Go get a coolant flush done and make sure they use orange Dex-cool that says GM Approved on the bottle. Never mix with anything else, even all makes and models antifreeze. Make sure that they bleed the system of any air pockets, most flush machines have a vacuum attachment just for this purpose. Hope this can help.
16th Jul 2008, 11:44
I would disregard the commenter's advice about putting DexCool back in. DexCool is a bad product - bad for the engine and bad for gaskets. A quick google search will tell you that. Not to mention the class action lawsuit against GM for it.
30th Jan 2009, 11:47
I've owned a 98 LS since Dec 2000. Overall I've been pretty happy with the car, it has 110,000 miles on it now. The 3.8L V6 has a ton of power and the ride is smooth.
To answer the above question... some what late. @ the right price (say $2500 or so depending on condition) I would definitely recommend a 99 GS with 104K on it.
As far as Tranny Probs? I've worked at a garage for about a decade now, and don't see a whole lot of the 3.8L come in for that (make sure to change Tranny filter out & fluid every 30K-40K miles though, or ya might hear a whining sound) and only one time have I ever seen a S-Charger fail (which is on the GS).
Commen Probs. with this car include... Ignition switch (went on mine at 85,000 miles) Plastic upper Plenum (Usually pre 99's though) & Tie rod ends (Mine could use to be replaced now).
Other than that... Great car for the price... The power is really surprising.
9th Dec 2005, 10:19
A shop shouldn't need a machine to flush a radiator. I have no first hand knowledge on the Buick regal, but a hose, a bucket, and new coolant is all I have ever needed to flush a radiator. I have taken two-years of auto mechanics at a vocational college, and have some knowledge of the coolant system. Both the radiator and the heater core are connected, so if the mechanic messed with the radiator, he could have effected your heat. Bring your car to a different mechanic.