| Model year | 1990 |
| Year of manufacture | 1989 |
| First year of ownership | 1991 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2010 |
| Engine and transmission | Automatic |
| Performance marks | 5 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 7 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 10 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 6 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) |
6.8 / 10
|
| Distance when acquired | 8000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 111112 miles |
| Previous car | Ford Taurus X |
Summary:
Worth restoring for sure
Faults:
It needed a harmonic balancer. There was a TSB out on it, so Buick was aware of it.
General Comments:
Overall it is a well built car and handles great. The normal wear and tear items need replacing. It spent all these years in Michigan, so that was expected.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 2nd April, 2010
| Year of manufacture | 1988 |
| First year of ownership | 2008 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2009 |
| Engine and transmission | Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 7 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 6 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) |
6.5 / 10
|
| Distance when acquired | 67000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 67800 miles |
| Previous car | Buick Reatta |
Summary:
It still looks good and is a head turner
Faults:
Climate control problem 1988 Buick Reatta:
The touch screen or commonly called the Control panel, CRT etc – the brains of the system seems to work fine except for the “Climate Control“ - the error shows A/C Refrigerant error! (AC compressor disengaged to prevent damage)
I had the A/C/system filled, and the technician was able to get the compressor working by putting a jumper across the relay that turns on the compressor. He checked the relay and it was working fine too... However, the touch screen still shows an error with system and will not supply the voltage to turn on the compressor now that the system was recharged.??? Any comments are appreciated. You can send any comments to (ronsmail @ menold.org)
General Comments:
I love this small sports luxury car, and it handles very nice under all conditions.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 26th May, 2009
| Model year | 1989 |
| Year of manufacture | 1989 |
| First year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.8 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 10 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 9 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) |
9.3 / 10
|
| Distance when acquired | 190000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 201000 miles |
| Previous car | Mercedes-Benz SL |
Summary:
Dependable, great looking, easy to drive and see out of
Faults:
I put new water pump on myself - $35.
Converted Teves brakes to conventional power brake system, tune up, new hoses, thermostat and belt.
New power window motor, $25 off eBay.
General Comments:
Great smooth running car, really dependable, mechanical parts very reasonable.
I have great luck with it, no oil leaks, starts easily. Lots of compliments, the leather looks great, and I will keep this car for a long time.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 21st February, 2009
| Model year | 1988 |
| Year of manufacture | 1988 |
| First year of ownership | 2007 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2007 |
| Engine and transmission | Automatic |
| Distance when acquired | 86000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 86000 miles |
| Previous car | Buick Skylark |
Summary:
Great car, drives and handles excellent
Faults:
Digital dash display for speedometer, gas gauge, high beam indicator, directionals, etc. not working.
General Comments:
Love the car, runs great, would like to know where I can buy the speedometer cluster or where I can send it to be repaired.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 14th October, 2007
| Model year | 1988 |
| Year of manufacture | 1988 |
| First year of ownership | 2007 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2007 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.8L V6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 10 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 7 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) |
8.2 / 10
|
| Distance when acquired | 88000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 90800 miles |
| Previous car | Isuzu Trooper |
Summary:
I love my Reatta and will not get rid of it
Faults:
My transmission sensor died which "killed" the transmission until I replaced the sensor.
My cruise control sensor is shorting, but even without the sensor the car does run fine.
The windshield wiper stall selector is broken, but it hasn't caused me any grieve.
The car also has a random leak in it somewhere.
General Comments:
It's a fun little car that is in good shape.
I am going to get a custom paint job on is soon.
Handles like the heavy car it is, but it does move.
I am going to keep this car for as long as I possibly can.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 31st July, 2007
When I bought my '88 Reatta, the only discrepancy was that the hood and trunk lids were peeling. I got a complete custom paint job in a friend's shop ($1,950) of the same color, red, and it looks like new again!
I got the provenance, as well, and its history shows a chronic transmission leak. Do you know anything about that?
It is the perfect American sports car, as far as I'm concerned.
| Year of manufacture | 1988 |
| First year of ownership | 1991 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.8 V6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 9 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 10 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) |
8.8 / 10
|
| Distance when acquired | 37000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 134000 miles |
| Previous car | Oldsmobile Toronado |
Faults:
The info screen in the dash had to be replaced. Approx cost $400.00.
Recent brake work with power assist. Aprox cost $500.00.
General Comments:
Very comfortable to drive.
Drives like a heavy car.
Old man's sports car.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 10th October, 2003
Touchscreen on 1988 reatta is inop at times, when this occurs the dome light is also inop, instrument cluster and touchscreen have also been checked by model electronics and no problems were found, please help.
1988 & 1989 buick reatta CRT touch screen.
When my CRT touch screen went out, I found a Guy on Ebay that rebuilds the touch screens. I had my touch screen pulled out of my car. I mailed to screen to him first class, he rebuilt it and I had the screen back at my house latter that week. The screen works great now.
If anyone would like his contact info I keep it for any future problems I may have. His service is $150.00. Just go to ebay and punch in Buick reatta his listing should be on one of the pages.
Any question contact me
Animalia26@aol.com.