Sorry, I don't remember specifics. I think over 18 years and 300 thousand miles, there was room for most things to break at some point, but it was very reliable, no major engine repairs were needed.
This car was incredibly reliable. No major engine repairs were performed over the 18 years it was used, and it reached 298k. It was still running when we donated it; the fact was we'd bought new cars several years beforehand, thinking that this one would give out, so it was better to pay for repairs on the new ones than insurance, etc, on this one.
I think the only things wrong with it at the time were that it was leaking steering fluid, and some wire was loose for the display on the 80's electronic LCD display for the automatic AC (<--Pretty fancy, eh?). Both of these were recent problems. I think it broke twice on the highway in it's later years.
It was extremely comfortable in the inside. Everyone commented on it, and they just don't make'em like they used; nothing is as comfortable as that, leather, wide...sublime.
It had a classic shape too...it's been called "rocket", "tank", but I'd say it's best described as swordfish-shaped, with more square edges than modern cars. It was maroon with a shiny mini spoiler on the back.
It was essentially V8, with fuel-injection, some top-of-the-line technology from the 80's, it was very powerful, I wouldn't say it was peppy though (it's large and I didn't drive it the first 15 years of its existence).
Well it would have to have been a V6, not a V8, as they only installed the one motor in these cars - the renowned, powerful, and reliable fully cast iron 90 degree 3.8 liter V6. That said, it was nearly as large and as powerful as some V8s, and was actually evolved from a V8 (two cylinders cut off, etc.).
I love the Park Avenue. I have a '95 year model.
Nice options, has paid for itself. I got it used for $2800 with 108k on it in 2006, and put 40k on it since then with no major problems. It has already paid for itself and more. Everything still works, and everyone who rides in it comments on how comfortable and smooth it is.
Plus I have the Series II 3800 engine, which has about 40 more horsepower than the 3800 that was in your Buick, so it's not the slowest car on the block. Plan on keeping it till it falls apart. I love not having a car note.
BTW I'm 21, so I'm a young Buick driver.
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