1989 Buick Electra Limited review from North America
"The biggest mistake you made was not buying this car"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Exhust pipe rusted through in front of the catalytic converter at 180,000 miles.
Power Antenna stopped functioning at around 100,000 miles (has not been fixed, we just keep it up all the way).
Coil went bad around 120,000 miles.
Windshield wiper pump leaks, has been patched, not fixed.
The windshield was replaced twice and both times were caused by rocks.
The windshield leaks during heavy rain.
Alternator has been replaced 4 times.
Water pump replaced 3 times.
Power steering pump remanufactured at 140,000 miles.
Oxygen sensor replaced 2 times.
ECM replaced at 70,000 miles.
A vehicle backed into the front damaging grille and radiator guard, was replaced for around $800, rather expensive for plastic.
Battery has been replaced numerous times.
The clear coat (paint) peeled off, we spray painted the areas, looks good, beats paying a bunch of money to get it re-painted.
Fuel pump replaced at 90,000 miles.
Passenger side power window comes off track if you close the door with it down.
General comments?
It does need a transmission, nothing urgent, its just a good idea to keep it in a lower gear, shifting is hard and sometimes slips.
It's a great car, 14 years old starts with only a few turns of the engine every time, even when the coil went bad it still ran, just not real good.
The engine itself runs great, sounds just as good as the day we bought it back in 1989, and it packs a lot of power.
The interior overall is in good shape. We still have the original floor mats, the driver's side does have a hole in it, and the seats have small wear, no rips or holes in them, however.
The original car stereo still works, tape deck and all. I'm surprised that this is factory made, it has very deep bass, very high sound quality, and decent power.
This car is "high" performance, it will go over 80 MPH in 2nd gear. The car will take off and go like a bat out of hell. Much like in another review of this car, the design says "I'm slow" but step on the gas and it's a whole different story.
The car is very clean, even after 14 years it still has the "new car" smell.
The car handles well and also has a fairly tight turning radius, making it easier to park.
The car is comfortable, simple as that.
There was only one thing missing when we bought it, a cigarette lighter.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 1989 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | V6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 10/10 |
| Reliability marks | 10/10 |
| Comfort marks | 9/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 0 miles |
| Most recent distance | 204182 miles |
| Previous car | Buick LeSabre |
| Date of Entry | 22nd November, 2003 |