31st May 2002, 14:03

One other thing I had forgot about until it happened today. The alternator charging gauge almost constantly reads well above the center marker of 13, which is where it should normally be if charging properly. And the oil pressure gauge. It normally reads in the center, (I forget the exact # at this moment, I think its 40), anyway, it drops, (sometimes to 0), for no reason when driving down the road. You stop, check the oil and of course its full. I don't know if I should trust it. I do know if it goes really high, it needs a little less than 1/2 quart of oil. I always thought a person would be better off with gauges instead of idiot lights, but not this car. I suspect if something is wrong, its the oil pump. This is the only car that I've never put a new one in after replacing a head, gaskets, or doing a valve job, (especially after 50,000 miles are on the car). This one had a head gasket replaced. At that time the cost of doing it wasn't covered unless it went out right after installing the new head gaskets. The check engine light stays on. The dealer and mechanics as usual don't know why. The computer that they plug into it hasn't been taught to say any part of the actual exhaust system. I know that before next winter, its going to need a catalytic convertor. Maybe even way before then.

Actually, if it didn't have so many problems, it would be a half-way decent car. I still wouldn't run out and buy another one though.

22nd Jul 2002, 13:48

Your shifting issue is a result of a "safety" feature installed in cars after 1994 (I think the year is correct).

You will always need to depress the brake before you can shift out of park. If you are doing that, and it still does not shift, then you may need to have the solenoid replaced on the gear shift (or removed).

19th Aug 2002, 08:59

I also had a car with a multitude of problems such as the ones you describe. After a couple of repairs, one of which cost much more than I thought reasonable, I found out the car had 2 major problems. Well, to make a long story short, more and more started being wrong with this vehicle. I too, was of the mind, I've put too much money into this to just let it go. Last weekend that is exactly what I did, found a car I could afford, and let it go. I am so relieved I can't begin to describe it. So, what I am saying here is, if it is that big of a headache, you may be better off taking the initial lumps, and investing in something you are happier about driving.

16th Oct 2002, 23:05

I just wanted to say that I have owned my Skylark for almost 4 years now and have had very few problems with it. It has to be the best low-maintenance car I have ever owed. It currently has 109, 000 miles on it and the most that I have had to do to it was replace the heater core. I love my shiny red Buick and wouldn't trade it in for anything at this point.

22nd Oct 2002, 20:41

The 1993 Buick Skylark is actually my first car. It overheats, it leaks inside when it rains, sometimes the lights on the inside stay on longer than usual, and that's pretty much it so far. I just hope that nothing bad will happen while I drive it. Oh yes, the alignment isn't so hot either-but hey, it keeps you awake.

22nd Feb 2003, 22:00

Hi.

I came across this forum after searching the net for a solution about these cars leak so much when it rains. Does anyone know where it could be coming from? Firewall maybe? And if so, is there a particular area to look for?

I own a 1992 Buick Skylark-had it for 3 years now with nothing more than an alternator going out! It presently has 178K miles on it and you cannot tell it is running unless you put your ear to the hood! Of course maintenance is a key factor to keeping any car in good running condition. With it's 6 cylinder 3.3 liter engine, it's very hard NOT to see what it can do. Anyway, any feedback is appreciated.

Thanks

Scott D. scott@dactech.com.

3rd Apr 2003, 15:41

I have a 93 Skylark and it seems to overheat also, runs out of coolant, but I have no clue where it goes - no puddles under the car. The temp light comes on from time to time (maybe because it's low on coolant).

I noticed a puddle in my floorboard however - thought that was odd (not to mention annoying), but I guess there's a hole that rain can get in. Maybe I should drill a hole for drainage!

It stalls out when coming to a stop (only after it's been running awhile). I've heard a couple of possibilities - a valve in the intake or a lock-up switch. Trying to get this fixed. Other than that I haven't had any problems except seatbelt covers & other plastic things coming apart - nothing major though.

31st Mar 2004, 18:34

Is there anyone in this forum that has above a sixth grade education?.. Check out your mechanics and body shops prior to getting work done. Your car will be fixed, and you might even save some MONEY on super glue.

3rd Jun 2004, 16:18

I love my skylark, I have had it since 1994 when I bought it (OK its not a 95, but practically the same thing). Everything works, except the windows. I have invested very limited amounts into maintenance, but, its at 170k miles now, and it needs a new transmission. Not a very urgent fix, because it will only give me problems when taking off from a stop sign now and then. The check engine is on a lot, but it means nothing, the cars in ship shape. It does eat a little oil, but cmon it has 170k miles ;p. Right now, I am getting a new engine, and transmissions for it, and I am also going to make it into a cruising kinda car. 2 12" HCCA sub-woofers, 3000 watt boss amp, custom box with trap doors that open to the amp, and neons all over it ;p. I look great in this car, and I will probably be driving it past the 200k mark.

In conclusion, I highly recommend this car. If you treat it well, this car will take care of you, and it's a hot style in my opinion ;p.

6th Apr 2005, 08:41

I'm sorry, but I am going to have to put my thoughts into this one. I have owned my Buick Skylark 1995 Grand Sport for about 4 years now and this car has been no problem at all. Before I purchased it, the car had about 105,000 miles on it and just had it's front end rebuilt. The collusion it was in was very minor, not worth mentioning.

There have been only a few problems with this car, but they can all be related to the age of the vechile (10 years now). There was a bad coolent gauge which was a 10 dollar fix. Oil leak because of a poor tank, simple fix of less than $100. New tires, but yeah that happens. And last the air conditioner needed a recharge which is less than $35.

Those "problems" are not even problems to me and this car is such a nice ride. I have put over 60,000 miles on my Skylark since I got it and I'll probably put another 40,000 before I consider trading it in or selling it off. I have never had a more rely-ible car before, so look past that starting topic because you might be missing out on a really great car.