Anyone own a 97-04 Buick Century?

[Guest Shaffer]

Does anyone here own, or know of someone with the newest Buick Century? I think that 1997 was the first year for this latest design. I have been considering to buy one of these cars, but want to hear from owners about the

reliability of them. Any information appreciated.

[BUICK RACER]

I don't know any issues with the '97-04, but prior models with the 3.1 engine can be an issue with the 3.1 engine, if you want a Buick of this vintage, look at the LeSabre and Park Avenue with the 3.8/3800 engine, as your mechanic will love you, and you will only have to do oil changes every 3K for a round town car and 7500 mile change for a expressway car, and they are probably the only maintenance needed for at least 100K, a spark plug change around the same time, an other than that, It will live for way over 200k if the body is not exposed to the road salt and other inhibitors. Of course a weekly car wash in the salty areas, would definitely extend the body life, as a 3800 with maintenance would/could last forever, it appears.

[Guest Shaffer]

Thanks Buickracer. Not a lot of snow here, so rust would not be a problem I guess, since most all cars here are mostly rust free (unless they came from up north). Interesting about the engine. My old 94 Lumina had the 3.1 V6 and that engine was very smooth and never required any work, despite 165K, but it was a government owned car before, therefore very well maintained. I would consider a LeSabre or Park Avenue (have a 92 Park Avenue now), but I really like the size and styling of these Century's and would like to have a Buick, with few frills. I have also considered Impalas (2000+), as well as possibly another 98+ Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. Thanks again.

[Guest Skyking]

Hi Tony, my wife & I bought a used 2000 Century last summer. It was a former lease car with 52,000 miles. We were in the market for something used and not too expensive and this seem to fit our needs. It appeared that the car was well taken care of. It has the 3100 V6 that performs pretty well. So far we haven't had a problem and we really like the car.......

[NTX5467]

In the 1997 time frame on the Buick W-car chassis, there were Regals and Regals. The Century came a little later as a more entry level and priced car. Remember the ads about moving into Buick luxury for under $20,000.00 MSRP?

When that version of the Century was introduced, there were three suspension calibrations for Buicks on the W-body platform. CAR AND DRIVER called it "cloudmobile" as it was the softest calibration and obviously aimed more at the "traditional" Buick customer. Next firmest was the Regal calibration and then the Grand Touring Suspension was the firmest (optional on the Regal LS and standard on the GS). Of course, the Century used the Chevy 3.1L V-6 and the Regal LS and GS used 3800s (with the GS being supercharged).

As time progressed more toward current times, like about 2000 or so, the soft suspension calibration went away and was replaced by the Regal LS calibration. An improvement in my estimation.

I've rented several Centurys with the 3.1L V-6 and many Regals with the 3800 V-6. Check out the GMPowertrain website for the power curves and you'll see the difference in their power characteristics. In real world trips, no significant difference in fuel economy between the two engines, but the later 3.1Ls do run better than the earlier ones. Both engines are smooth, powerful, and highly durable. Needing little more than regular oil&filter changes to live a verrry long life, as mentioned.

The ride and handling of the current versions is very good, with the main differences being in tire/wheel combinations than what you'd get on the Regals. So unless you prefer cloth bench seat interiors, don't rule out the nicer Regal LS with the 3800 a valid long term (and resale value) alternative to a Century on the used market. Of course, if you find a Century that has been "garage kept" with low miles, that could be a plus too. Most Regals probably will have the CD player radio or the fabulous Monsoon radio system in them whereas the Century most likely would not. Just depends on what your preferences are.

I suspect that most of what you'll find on the used car lots that are newer models probably were rental car vehicles in their earlier life, going through the GM dealer auctions. A decent level of equipment and regularly maintained as a matter of course. Many of these will be Centurys, but there can also be some Regals in the mix too. There could be some GMAC lease vehicles in the mix too.

I'd say, get the newest thing you can find and afford in those models of Buicks as the engine management systems seemed to get better sorted out for performance as time progressed. Check out www.RegalGS.org (if I recall the address correctly). Lots of information and tips in there too!

Enjoy!

NTX5467

[Guest imported_DaveZZZ]

It isn't quite what you were asking about, but I have a 99 Regal GS, and I absolutely love it. My only real complaint is the FWD, which I hate, and that limitation is evident on such a powerful car (just a bit too much gas and its spin city). Other than that, I think it handles very well, and that SC pushrod engine is a scream. Tons of torque down low.

[Guest Shaffer]

Thanks for the replies folks. The Century's seem to be priced really reasonable. I have seen several 2003s here, with less than 30K for about $9000. So- the Century will have the softest suspension? I have heard some say that the suspensions on these cars are super soft and cushy, but that is really what I want. My 92 Park Avenue has a soft ride, but I think that my rear air struts are starting to get tired, as the car sags in the rear and sometimes when I hit an "even" bump, it sometimes seems like one rear side of the car bounces more than the other. I have been considering other cars as well, including SUVs. Its really just trying to decide the type of car I really need. I plan on keeping my Lexus as my work car and I am selling the Taurus and probably the wagon. Not sure about the Buick- as I may just keep it as a 3rd car and drive the wheels off of it. I am still wanting a old 70s Electra, or a old General Motors stationwagon, but trying to make room in the driveway for one. Thanks again to all.

[BUICK RACER]

Just one other thought. I drove a century from KY to MI in '98, then a week later drove a test drive in th new 98 Regal GS, and I was much more comfortable in the Century, have also had a few as rentals, also note this is the last year for Century!