1983 Buick Regal Limited 2dr review from North America

Absolutely nothing that is not normal for the mileage when specific repairs were done except the electronic touch climate control system required the dash unit to be replaced as well as the fan controller. The brake drums and rotors had to be machined once a year in between brake jobs to eliminate vibrations.

Other repairs were normal, front brakes lasted about 50000 to 70000 Km and the rears lasted over 100000.

Car always sat lower than normal in the front, problem finally solved by installing front springs intended for the Diesel engine model. No other repairs beyond normal maintenance except for replacement of radiator and water pump.

Ball joints and tie rod ends replaced at 200000 Km.

Rear tires laster over 100000 Km.

Changed exhaust system once during the life of the car.

Batteries lasted exactly 5 years each.

This is by far the best car I have ever owned. It was not the fastest, quietest or smoothest, but in terms of repairs and reliability it is number one.

Overall quality of the car was excellent. Never broke down, never had a flat tire, car always performed as if it were still new.

No oil leaks ever developed, never used more than 1 quart of oil in between changes and oil consumption never increased.

Bad rusting problem on wind shield pillars toward the end helped make the decision to trade it. Most of the necessary repairs, which were few, only happened after 230000 Km, and they were all minor.

I recommend this car highly and it should be the standard for all North American cars. I would gladly buy enough new ones today to last my lifetime if they were still in production.

Always did 32 plus mpg. on the highway when driven sanely, usually did 27 mpg. when steadily driven at 75 mph.

The only outright part failure was the speedometer cable at 233000 Km.

Highway performance was great, but it was sluggish from a dead stop due to the very high rear axle ratio: 2.29:1 The only thing I would change is installation of a lower rear axle ratio to help acceleration.

Classic styling and lines, looked very similar to the large Park Avenue, the interior was well appointed. Plenty of front seat room for two adults, not much for the rear passengers. Very comfortable ride.

The change over to the front springs for the Diesel model made the car sit properly and did not hurt the ride. The car would corner absolutely flat and rode as if it were on a cushion of air.

The carburetor required some adjustment when first purchased, and it performed flawlessly after that.