1996 Buick Regal Custom 3.8L

Summary:

I've been very impressed with the reliability and performance of this car

Faults:

The spark plug wires failed at roughly 200,000km.

The driver's seat wore out and became uncomfortable at under 90,000km.

General Comments:

The handling of the car leaves something to be desired.

The sound system was an unexpected surprise, better quality speakers and sound than I expected from the car.

There is ample room in both the front and rear seats and trunk, all creature comforts have performed beyond expectations.

Despite sub-standard maintenance records and sometimes questionable treatment, this car has far exceeded my expectations in terms of reliability. I now take much better care of it, but it still won't quit.

No major repairs have ever been necessary, I've never had any work done beyond replacing the plug wires and routine maintenance. Even the battery hasn't died in the 5 years I've owned the car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th April, 2005

1996 Buick Regal Costum 3.3

Summary:

A comfortable, trustworthy and powerful vehicle

Faults:

Brakes recently replaced.

Oil leak at about 68 thousand miles.

Trunk light does not and has never worked.

General Comments:

This car has served me very well. It is not very great on pick up, but upon speeds of over 50 MPH, it floats. I easily go up to 100 MPH, and a that speed I feel like there's still a lot of power left. It is heavy and feels very comfortable and secure, a true 21st century Buick.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st July, 2004

24th Nov 2005, 23:21

I have a 1996 Buick Regal Custom. I have become very frustrated with it in the past year and 1/2. I am getting low mileage, the car had blown a head gasket, and it seems a little hard to steer and the brake system feels like it isn't operating just right. The car does run smoothly, but at times of operation it seems like it becomes rough and doesn't want to pickup just right. The service engine light has been on forever, for about 2 and 1/2 years. It has said EGR Insufficient Flow. I have replaced and EGR Valve and the Mass Air Flow Meter. It improved a little bust seemed to not make any change with the Service engine soon light.

29th Nov 2005, 19:30

Hi I have had my Buick Regal Custom now for about 8 months I purchased it from a used car dealership. It had roughly 144,000 miles on it and it ran nice and smooth. Since I have gotten it I have changed brakes all the way around. I also changed the alternator. It then started to over heat on me so I had to get a new heater hose put on it. Other that that it runs great I love it although it don't get the greatest gas mileage it has some power to it.

1996 Buick Regal Gran Sport 3.8 3.8 Series II

Summary:

A Powerful Stylish Family Vehicle

Faults:

Shortly after purchase, we replaced both the battery and coolant pump. I have also had to replace the rear calipers with an improved design. I honestly believe GM should have paid for the calipers. It has been an issue since the first W-body arrived in 1988. The rear calipers on our Pontiac 6000 S/E never had a problem The "largish" 225/60-16 tires are expensive, (no matter which brand you choose) and only good for about 30,000 miles since they are performance oriented.

General Comments:

Very comfortable domestically (Canada-NOT U.S.A.) vehicle. Leather seats need heaters (cold in winter) but all of the gadgets work very well. It has been a very good car, I can recommend to anyone looking for affordable family transportation, with some style. Regular maintenance is inexpensive-ie: oil, coolant, trans oil, and filter changes are about it. Still has original suspension bits, but I suppose a strut/shock replacement will be due around 90-100,000 miles.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th April, 2004

18th Feb 2007, 21:30

I don't have a Buick Regal, but do own an Olds Cutlass Supreme with the very same 225's on the 16"s. My rears are over 100,000 miles and still have good bite on them, the fronts are averaging a lot less, but 30,000 miles sounds horrible. Mine are BF Goodrich all-seasons, curious as to what you might be using. I'm in Southern Ontario.