1996 Buick Regal review from North America

First problem that lasted during the entire time I owned the car, was water somehow filled up my right tail light every time it rained, and eventually would kill the bulb.

Since it is the standard GM 3100 series engine, around every 40k miles, something with the head gaskets or piston rings... I can't remember which... would fail. I had to get this fixed by two different mechanics, costing 500 dollars each time.

Had to replace the water pump after 85000 miles, costing a good 700.

The cable to pop the hood open snapped.

The cigarette lighter sparked while I was driving and killed my battery, and permanently killing the cigarette lighter.

And after 80k something miles, there was a huge problem with acceleration, because I would give it gas, and the car would slow down as I would push.

Windshield wiper fluid pump broke the week I bought the car.

The fabric in the interior ceiling starts to peel down and I don't know why.

A hole in the cooling system leaked onto hot engine parts and would make smoke/steam come from under my hood (very embarrassing and not to mention low coolant is very dangerous).

Plus some more that I can't think of.

This car gets a 1/10 in my opinion.

I could probably guarantee you that the 3800 series is a great car, and as you can see, most people rate it good. But the 3100 series was a nightmare from hell. Honestly, on average I brought my car into the shop once every 2-3 months, costing me around 400 dollars each time.

Finally in summer of 08, there were no problems with the car the ENTIRE summer, and then September of 08 I paid my respects to my dead Buick Regal. The engine was BLOWN out of nowhere!!! Totally blown!!

I had a friend look at it, and cost to repair would be around 2000, and the car was probably worth less than my huffy bike from when I was a kid.

This is the absolute worst car ever made by GM! Never ever ever get a mid 90's GM car with a 3100 series engine, because it will give you nightmares.

My friend owns a 97 Oldsmobile Cutlass 3100 series engine. And he has the same problems, but at least his car broke at 100k miles *yay*.

By all means get the 3800 model. BUT DO NOT GET THE 3100 SERIES EVER!!!