1993 Buick Century 6 cylinder from North America

Summary:

Your Solid, Dependable Granny Mobile

Faults:

Didn't have the car long enough for anything to really go wrong with it.

BUT! In the 3 months I owned it, the driver's side window fell off it's track and did not roll up. It was embarrassing to ride around with plastic covering the window during storms. It flapped everywhere. Very sad.

The car would violently shake at speeds over 60 mph.

The windshield wipers never cleared the windshield that well, even with new blades.

General Comments:

It was the ultimate grandma mobile, only it didn't feel like a grandma had ever owned it. The acceleration was awfully sluggish, and didn't feel like it was overly well maintained.

I bought the car when I didn't have many options. My 92 Accord had just died big time and I didn't have the $4000 to repair it... but I did have $1500 to buy the best car I could find. This was it. Overall, the paint job had held up VERY well, it was in the best overall condition of the 8 dealerships I visited with cars in this price range. The seats were immaculate and it started up great.

Except for the violent shaking that began at moderate speeds (60, to me, is moderate), it was a good all-around car. It wasn't going to get you noticed, it's not a "hot" car. But, it ran, wasn't expensive to keep and drove me the 20 miles everyday to work.

Unfortunately, mine was stolen (yeah, I don't know how, either) 3 months after I bought it. When it was recovered, it was beyond repair. I let the Car Gods have it, now it's "living on a farm" and giving life to other vehicles that need it's parts.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 5th July, 2004

1993 Buick Century 3.3 from North America

Summary:

An outstanding and reliable bargain

Faults:

Replaced the battery at 83500 miles.

General Comments:

I paid $1500 for this car that was owned by a 90-year old minister. This car is near perfect condition. It is quick and reliable and starts like a brand new car.

From the outside it looks like an outdated car, but from the inside it feels like riding in a brand new car. The seats are in perfect condition and have not worn at all. They are still firm and comfortable.

Everything works on this car as if it is brand new. I love driving it and sometimes will take a ride just to enjoy it!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st April, 2004

1993 Buick Century Custom 3.3 Fuel Injection from North America

Summary:

A good overall no frills Buick that gets the job done

Faults:

One of the horn buttons has come off, and one of the trim rings on the wheel has come off.

General Comments:

This is a great car for the money. It doesn't handle and get up quite as nice as my 1994 Pontiac Grand Prix SE did, but it drives very nice. Very comfortable on the highway, plenty of passing power, though its very sluggish off the line. The transmission is has very smooth, solid shifts. The ride is a trifle bouncy over dips, but otherwise it rides like an expensive big car, nice and soft, but supple enough for taking corners at moderate speed, especially with a good set of tires. My only major complaint is the seat cushions aren't long enough to accom,adate for taller people.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th March, 2004

1993 Buick Century Custom 3.3L V6 from North America

Summary:

The perfect budget car

Faults:

Replaced water pump.

Replaced air conditioner compressor.

Converted air conditioner to R134a after a R12 leak.

General Comments:

Excellent car for the money, don't be thrown by its low resale value. Its perfect for a college student, comfortable, cheap, and fairly fuel efficient. It has pep (after 20MPH) to boot!

Two major complaints: 1) HUGE turning radius 2) rectangular speedometer - rectangles should not ever be used as speedometers.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th June, 2002

2nd Dec 2003, 07:39

I have a 1994 century. I agree with this review, and I would like to add that the 14" tires don't help with the handling.

19th May 2007, 17:37

Is the air as cold after the conversion? I've converted older cars - mid-eighties - and found that they went from ice cold to barely cool.

20th May 2007, 01:34

It can be cold. You gotta change all the rubber O-rings and what not though, and make sure you change the orifice tube as well.

21st May 2007, 10:51

But I've read a lot of comments that say that the new type of cooling agent is much lower capacity than R12, and so the older units will never cool as well with it. I hope the shop changed all that stuff you mentioned, as they charged my mom like $800 for it.

4th Jun 2008, 00:46

I own a 1993 Buick Century, and it's been the most reliable car I've owned. It's an excellent commuter, daily driver, and perfect for a first car. I would advise anyone on a limited budget, if they're looking for a really reliable car, to go with the 93 Century, excellent choice!