1992 Buick Regal limited review from North America
"If you can't afford the Accord or Camry, get the Regal"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The torque converter lock out clutches have been slipping since I bought the car and I finally overhauled the transmission at 100,000 miles. At 125,000 the clutches are starting to slip again. The dealer recommends frequent fluid changes to extend the life of this transmission.
Living in Atlanta, I don't experience the frozen door mechanisms that I have seen posted in other reviews, but water getting inside the doors has caused the power window motors and door locks to fail prematurely.
Power antenna has never retracted fully since I have owned this car and I have seen a couple other cars around town with the same problem.
The key-less entry relay failed at 85,000 miles. The car was 9 years old then so I suppose that's reasonable, but the dealer wants $650 to fix it which seems unreasonable. Disarming the key-less entry relay unit will allow the power locks to continue to work. Thanks to the dealer who offered this alternative.
General comments?
Great engine! The 3.8 liter V-6 is the old reliable 350 V-8 with the front two cylinders removed. That's why I bought this car. I am planning at least 200,000 miles.
The seats were redesigned in 1993 to provide better lumbar support - something I wish this car had.
Most people will like the sporty suspension and good handling. I'm glad the front struts are finally wearing out so I can have a softer ride.
This is a reasonably priced mid-size car that has been very reliable aside from the transmission. I am putting 20,000 miles a year on it and it has been a good choice.
The interior has held up well in the Georgia sun. No cracks in the dashboard and the seats look great after 11 years.
Recommended reviews
| Amazing car for the money, run it till its dead. and that's going to be a while! |
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| It's built to last even when everything is good or bad it will never let you down! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1992 |
| First year of ownership | 2000 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.8 V6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 8 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 6 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 60000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 125000 miles |
| Previous car | Cadillac DeVille |
| Date of Entry | 27th June, 2003 |