1999 Buick Regal GS 3.8 Supercharged from North America

Summary:

A luxo-boat, friend-hauler and ricer-killer all in one!

Faults:

Overall the build quality is... hit and miss.

When I got it, the passenger rear window was non-operational. A few months later, the driver rear window quit. I finally managed to scrape up enough ambition to fix the driver side, the problem being spools inside the window mechanism, which are low-quality.

The power steering quit about a month ago, I haven't fixed it yet because nobody knows what's actually wrong with it, some say it's the steering rack, the dealership charged $85 to inform me it might be a high pressure line and that they'd gladly replace it for $245, I'm inclined to believe it's the pump itself. Unfortunately, each of those is very expensive to fix... time to warm up the platinum card.

I'm getting a bad misfire under hard acceleration, cleaning the injectors didn't help, changing the spark plugs should, but I'm not looking forward to that since the ones for the back 3 cylinders (front wheel drive=transversely mounted engine), are humanly impossible to get to. This car was NOT designed to be accessible for the average Joe.

The lockup converter was acting up for a while, around 45 it would lock and unlock rapid-fire, taking it out of overdrive had no effect. The problem has mysteriously gone away.

Interior quality is unimpressive, the materials are low quality for a 30k car and whoever put it all together is probably the same guy who builds that cheap office furniture at Staples. When you close the doors (even lightly), the entire interior panel shakes, which is funny the first couple times but not much more.

The stock 6-speaker 'concert sound II' isn't that great either, I'd get the nicer 8-speaker system if I bought another Regal.

General Comments:

Does this car have problems?: Yes.

Are they just normal wear and tear?: Probably, considering I don't think the last owner took great care of it, and with 114k I do expect some problems, I'm just getting weary of the sheer number of them.

Besides these 'minor' issues, I love the car. It's fast, safe, comfortable and happy to cruise at 80 MPH all day long on the freeway. If I keep it under 75 it'll even do 30mpg. And did I mention fast? 0-60 happens in about 7 seconds, and it's quick right up until the lame 109 electronic limit. I don't think it would have a problem going 145.

Yeah the interior sucks and the electric windows were designed by Italians, but overall it's still an epic car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th July, 2009

27th Jul 2009, 10:29

"I don't think it would have a problem going 145."

- Off the top of a very tall building, maybe.

27th Jul 2009, 12:47

I am for American built cars as well but offended by the term "ricer", and it doesn't add to your review at all. By saying ricer, does it make you feel better about yourself?

1999 Buick Regal 3.8 V6 Supercharged from North America

Summary:

Buy one

Faults:

The only problem so far is ignition key will not release when I turn the car off.

General Comments:

This vehicle has saved me a lot money.

The vehicle has an impressive power package, and has never once let me down.

The leather seats and 200 watt audio system are rewarding.

The built in computer system; miles per gallon, boost meter for supercharge, warning for time to change oil, etc. the information has been accurate.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th July, 2009

1999 Buick Regal LS 3.8 Liter V6 from North America

Summary:

I love my Regal LS

Faults:

The only power window that worked was the drivers windows. I got the regulator and motors from the Internet; much cheaper and had the dealer install them. Turns out they are the ones that make them for GM.

The trans was replaced at 100k by the previous owner. I have put on about 8K miles and I am amazed at how well this car drives. The Regal LS was well maintained.

Combined driving I get 22 MPG, which I think is great. I have read that people get 27 to 30 MPG on the road. The best I have been able to get is 25.6 MPG running the A/C and going 75 MPH. I am impressed.

General Comments:

This Regal LS came with the upgraded suspension. It handles very nicely. It came with the Goodyear 225 x 60/16; I think that was an option.

The gas mileage is not as good as the Honda Accord, but the ride and comfort are to die for.

I need to mention I put over 300K miles on the Honda, and I intend to do the same with the Regal LS. Stay tuned.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th July, 2009

14th Jul 2009, 20:55

Whereabouts online did you find those window parts? I'm having the same problem in a 98 Lesabre..