I'm looking for a daily driver so my '99 F250 V10 can rest in the driveway and think about its fuel consuming sins. I've searched the forums here and didn't find much about these newer Rivis. I was considering a Reatta but they are too hard to come up with here in the Great Northwet for a reasonable price in good condition. I know about the supercharged 3800 as I did have a '98 Regal GS that I loved. The only problem I had with that car was the seat heaters wore out very quickly. Anyway I have an opportunity to get a '96 with a little over 100K on it for a song. What should I look out for? I will be having the car checked by a trusted mechanic but I'd like to make sure this is a good one before I spend the money to have it checked. I know how to check brakes, give the sniff test to the ATF and how to check out the engine. Is there anything else that is trouble prone on this model? I guess I'd have to get used to premium gas again but 22-30 MPG is a lot better than 12.

I recently posted a similar question for a similar reason and did some additional research as well. I found the cars are reliable as long as they were maintained. I'm still on the fence about getting one only because I am considering getting an AWD car. I prefer (or my wife prefers) the 98/99 because both the driver and passenger seats are heated whereas in 97 and prior only the driver seat was heated when equipped with the option.

Another member (55Chevy) referred me to this site which has excellent info on these cars.

http://www.regalgs.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=24

Excellent website. I wish I knew of it when I had my Regal GS. Thanks.

Good car, incredible engine!

Here's what I would look at and be concerned about.

1. Check the oil in the supercharger. It should be full up to the plug. If not, fill it up. Only check it cold.

2. Check the transmission fluid. If it doesn't look and smell brand-new, change it. I would also recommend an auxillary cooler.

3. Valve cover gaskets; they will leak. Check to see if they have been changed. If not, expect to have to do that yourself or have it done.

Good luck!

What's this?

If the trans fluid smells like burnt almonds, or has any burnt smell to it at all, the trans has overheated at least once and the fluid needs to be changed.

I once owned both a '96 and '97 together as daily drivers...suspension & horsepower just a tad different between the 2 years. The only problem I encountered with each was that the trunks tended to leak around the driver's side tail lights. I resealed and never had a leak again. No problems were encountered with supercharges, engine/powertrains, moon roofs, driver & passenger heated seats, power antennas, etc...just can't say anything bad about either one.

Wife had a 98, excellent car, we loved it and miss it after it got totalled. regalgs.org forums have great tips on tuning those engines, and a good 95-99 Riviera subforum.

I found valuable info at www.edmunds.com for the cars I own/owned. I found consumers' opinions, GM tech bulletin data, recall data, and current values in my local area.