1998 Buick Regal LS from North America - Comments

Console is very loose.

Transmission went at 74,000 miles. $3000 to replace it. Ouch. I told the dealership when the vehicle was brought in with transmission problems that I needed a new (or rebuilt) transmission, they then tried to soak me for 4 hours of "diagnostic labor" to confirm that I needed a new transmission. I was pretty sure that a transmission was in order when the vehicle wouldn't shift and made some awful roaring noises.. and I pulled out the transmission fluid dip stick and it reeked like burned toast..

Light in the glove compartment has gone out and I was told by the dealership that this is not a repairable item and that a whole glove compartment assembly is necessary.

This car is very comfortable and has great leg and head room.

It accelerates and handles well when it is running.

Repairs are very expensive, but I'm inclined to believe that the dealerships in this area tend to charge women more for service than men. (It was amazing how quickly the "diagnostic fee" for the transmission was waived when my brother in law showed up to pick up the car)

Hey, yeah. Those are the exact symptoms of a transmission going out. If the dealer needs 4 hours to figure that out, I wouldn't let the touch my car for money. :-) Um A glove compartment light? That's probably the bulb, or a fuse from your fuse box that went out. If you can take the bulb out, you can probably get a replacement.

Just had the first smog inspection of my 1998 Buick regal GS. Drove it home, 3 miles, parked it in the garage. Ten minutes later discovered that it was smoking under the hood. Tried to drive it out of the garage only to see a major burst of flames from under the hood. Called the fire department and had excellent response. One hour later found total damage close to 10,000 dollars to house and car totaled. Hope that the value of the car will at least give me a good down payment.

I have a 1998 regal LS as well. I've had it for over 3 years now and I'm pretty happy with it. At about 35,000 miles I noticed the transmission "whining". I had the ATF filter replaced ($65). that needs to be done on these cars every 36,000 miles or so to avoid future problems.