1997 Buick Riviera review from North America
"A high performance luxury bargain"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Seats: Previous driver obese; seat track broke not under top to bottom ext warranty; cost almost $1K to repair.
Seats: beginning to show lines of wear in leather, but still soft and supple and very comfortable!! Power positioning really helps if have a backache on a long drive.
Occasionally windows won't work if recent rain storm.
If turn on wipers with snow on front window; can "feel" the snow come through the windshield.
Heated seat excellent; wish for passenger side tho' as well.
Con: Service Engine light came on (at 100,000 Ks). Dealer service center says may need new transmission at worst; cost $3500. Warranty just expired... go figure.
Con: Rear view mirror came off, but didn't fall. $30.00 to re-glue.
??? New transmission or buy new with a warranty again. Have spent hours on Internet comparing cars, warranties etc. Conclusion: I LOVE MY RIVIERA!!!
The pick-up/acceleration from a stop or when passing, even on a hill still gives a feeling of POWER. The comfort, smoothness of ride and can feel the road as well. If that makes any sense.
Oh... the speeding tickets, 140kms feels as 80.
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| 1996 - Riviera 3.8 Series II Supercharged Great Acceleration and Value |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1997 |
| First year of ownership | 2000 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.8 Supercharged V6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 9 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 9 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 6 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 80000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 108000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Pontiac Grand Prix |
| Date of Entry | 7th December, 2003 |