1986 Buick Century T-type review from North America

Right off the bat: catalytic converter and radiator.

Timing chain sprocket went at around 112,000.

Starter went at 114,000.

Left CV joint started making noise around 116,000.

After my GLC's transmission failed & repair parts were no longer available, I thought it was time to upgrade to a REAL car. What a mistake!

I bought the Buick from one of those little used car lots. It was in almost immaculate condition, except one tire was pretty much toast & it was lacking in power.

The lack of power was due to a plugged cat converter. Then it started overheating and I learned that the radiator was beyond repair. So just like that, almost $300 went into the thing.

The 3.8 V-6 had very good power and average fuel economy (around 20 mpg.)

Seats were comfortable and "creature comforts" were within easy reach. A/C was more than adequate, & the cruise control performed flawlessly.

However, the engine had some "features" which left a lot to be desired, especially for a Do-It-Yourself mechanic.

Starter & rear bank of spark plugs were virtually inaccessible.

The kicker -- Timing chain sprockets were made of PLASTIC, and their failure cost me over $1500 in repairs.

I first took the car to a Buick dealer in Ontario, Cal. for repairs -- it was after hours so I had to authorize repair expenditures on an envelope - I entered "don't spend more than $300", thinking it wasn't too serious, & they charged me $280 to open it up & tell me what I had already suspected -- the timing chain sprocket had failed. Estimate for repairs - $1500. So, disgusted, I took it to a third-party mechanic who had to do a complete upper-end job (valves bent due to small valve-piston clearance) & charged me $1200. The $1500 Buick was going to charge me was for replacing the chain alone!

Not too long after that the starter wore out, & I bought one at Chief, thinking I could just slap it in. WRONG! The starter could not be removed without discharging the A/C system & removing some A/C tubing first. I had to pay some garage $120 to have it installed.

When I finally unloaded this heap, the engine was starting to make strange knocking noises. Plus, the paint on the roof was peeling off in large sheets. I'm glad I was able to get $1500 for it -- small consolation for the almost $2500 in repairs I had to make after the initial purchase price of $2999.

I know Buicks have a long reputation for building decent cars but this lemon trashed all faith in the brand for me. It was really a wolf in sheep's clothing for me.