1992 Buick Park Avenue ultra from North America - Comments

Rear struts went at 80000

went again at 150000

went again at 250000

at present they are due to be replaced again, all were GM originals.

The harmonic balancer failed at 200000 and again at 360000.

Front ball joints died at 100000,150000,250000,330000...I think GM needs to upgrade into the 20th century in this area.

Rust started (rust proofed every year) on the inside of the front windows which seems to be an odd place for rust and the is in an area where the rust proofing does not cover.

The car, when working properly (which is most of the time) is far superior to most of the newer models in both power and comfort... this car a (3800 supercharged) is a performance sedan and will outperform most GM sports from 1975 to 1994, including the corvette from 1973 to 1991 (the dead years for the vettes)

In closing, I highly recommend this car however... supercharging is a must to make it worth ones while, the 3800 engine is nearly indestructable... except for the harmonic balancer.

I just bought a 1992 Buick Park Avenue Ultra. It's in Excellent condition. I love this car. Runs excellent.

Just bought a 92 PA Ultra with 188,000 miles on it-this car is as nice, and is as sound as many much newer autos I've seen.I'm quite happy with the 17mpg city/26mpg highway mileage too-not shabby at all for a blimp!Had 2 minor problems when purchased-right front passenger window would not raise (turned out to be a loose connection in the door) and oil pressure gauge behaving erratically (defunct sender) which cost a grand total of $324 to fix at local Ford (yes, Ford) dealer. Glad I bought it, don't make them like this anymore.

I own a 91 Park Ave Ultra with 151k. Bought it used with approx 56k. It's taken me for a few bucks, but on the highway I wouldn't trade it for much out there today. Original rear brake shoes, did wheel cylinders, a couple of ignition coil and coil packs, but the engine and transmission are STRONG. Just did 1 front ball joint and notice the front seats don't recline quickly in cold weather. Ever have a problem with the rear defrost cutting out. I've got the answer. Stay posted.

In reply to the first post.

It is obviously a very reliable car if these are the only problems you have had on a car with 300,000 miles on it as you stated. LOL!

I think his/her mileage was in km, not miles.

Even so, what's so unusual about 300,000 miles? That's only about 21-22k a year for a 1992 car--not unusual at all.

The Park is a fantastic, classy car with a bulletproof powertrain--wouldn't surprise me at all to see one with that kind of mileage.

I have a 1992 park ave., ultra and the front wheel sensors need to be replaced, what is involved. Also the harmonic balancer also must be replaced, what model and years will interchange. Hope someone can help.

Thanks. G.R.

He's complaining about ball joints lasting 100 000 km? What would one expect? We have Ford and Dodge trucks made in 2006 which have balljoints that last less than 40 000!!

100 000 on a set of ball joints is pretty impressive actually.

Boy, do I feel the old man in the crowd. We bought a 1992 PA Ultra in 1994. Now have 367,000 plus. Replaced the super charger at 100,000, a couple of ball joints and a fuel sensor since then.

It's great on the open highway. We go from Virgina to NY several times a year and we're happy.

E.R.

92 Buick Park Avenue Ultra Supercharged with Dynaride

Bought it at 180,000km

Now it's at 203,000km since last October

So far major repairs aside from a brake and oil tune ups

New plugs, old ones were fine but I put in ngk iridiums and they improved gas mileage and power.

New wires, old ones were worn

New O2 sensor, old one had some wear but new one improved mileage

Harmonic balancer went at 200,000km seems common for this car, cost 350$ from a GM dealer. Only place I could find the double wide pulley for the ultra with ac.

Rear taillights are LEAKERS on all these designs. The water will pool above the gasket in a pit eventually will wear through and flood your lights. Can replace, but I decided to just pump it with some black RTV and seal the gasket and fill in the area where it pools, to prevent future wear.

The water pump was gone at just over 180,000km.

Currently only problem left is code 41, which I have decided is not the cam sensor, but the magnet has come loose.

Very strong car. It takes a beating; powerful, good gas, strong in corners with the extra dog bar. Just an amazing car and easy to work on.

Next to fix is the alternator can't hold much load, the muffler has developed a small hole, and the cat may need to be replaced for next emissions. However I think it's fine for at least another year. The dynaride just cruises the streets so smooth. A very pleasant car to own; gives you the power you crave and luxury you deserve.

NOTE: If you are replacing your harmonic balancer, you will most likely have to realign your crank sensor to adjust for the difference in the metal thickness and gapping on new pulley. You can use a caliper to achieve this. Some use a thick elastic to adjust. The GM tool costs a bundle for a one time job, so it's not worth it unless you can manage to borrow it for free.

I can't figure out why the reviewer only recommends 1992. These cars were identical from 1991 to 1994. The plastic intake plenium added in 1995 would be a plausible reason for not recommending newer models, however I can't figure out what distinguishes '92 from the other years?? I have a 1999 and love it (GM recalled the intake manifolds in '99 and mine has never been an issue with over 140,000 K), I plan to trade soon for a 2005. It's a shame GM slated this model.