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Buick Century

482 messages,  Last post on Jun 05, 2012 at 7:22 AM

You are in the Buick Century Forum.

What is this discussion about? Buick Century, Sedan

Messages Page 33 of 49

#319 of 482 I bought a 2003 Century by baruch1

Oct 27, 2003 (1:23 pm)

I bought a 2003 Cardinal Red Metallic Century two weeks ago for under $17.6K You can't beat that, especially since it was loaded, incl. P/S and traction control. I was a confirmed Camry driver but the price differential was substantial. With a bad back, the Century seats were winners. What comfort. The pedals are stiff but I prefer it to the mushy Camry and Subarus I am used to. Yes there is static on the radio but that is typical American. The buttons are not as intuitive as the Japanese but in a month, it will be reflex as usual.
 
The trunk is great and the wheels are big. The six passenger seating (Bench seats) is nice too. Maybe that's why the seat are comfortable.
 
The engine is 175hp and gas mileage is great at 29 highway. I drive 30K/year so that is important. So far, the only problems have been:
 
Static as I mentioned
Stuck rear window which a little WD4o addressed (I guess the car was sitting on the lot for a long time).
Too much to remember e.g., reset oil change warning by stepping on accelerator three times fast, reset tire inflation monitor each time tire rotated by removing fuse box and hitting reset, etc.). A lot of this seems to be in place to have you visit the dealer but the instructions are in the manual so I'l learn them.
 
The spare is a donut which I find to be a disgrace. Camry gives you, or at least used, a full sized spare.
 
A remote starter would have been nice but it was not offered and my dealer won't install one.
 
The doors swing wide open but they also close very easily given their size.
 
The car is 300lbs heavier than a Camry which is nice.
 
I must be one of the few young (37) converts back to American but so far so good. I like the feel, look, value, power, and reliability scores. My 97 Camry was new model year and the problems wre persistent. On the other hand, my wife's 91 Camry (sold for the Buick) had over 163K miles and was bulletproof. The rust got it but the engine, alternator, transmission, radiator, distributor, CV joints, stereo, AC, shocks and struts, etc. were original. What a car.

#320 of 482 baruch1 by dunworth

Nov 07, 2003 (2:40 pm)

I am 38 and like the Century too. I drive Japanese compacts right now but grew up with GM products. I have owned two Saturns and if I needed a larger car it would definitely be a Century, for the same reasons as you stated, inexpensive, 6 passenger seating, good torquey powertrain with excellent fuel economy. Add to that, the Buick Century and its Regal variant are two of the highest quality and most durable mid size cars on the market, even compared with the Japanese competition.
 
I do not like the appearance of either the current Accord or the Camry. The Buick is no stunner but has far better proportions than the slab sided Camry or the droopy looking Accord. Plus my Civic with its flat floor already seats five people (everyone is small in my family). The only reason for me to get a mid size would be for the extra seating.
 
I drive a lot each year on my cars and on rentals. I always try and get a mid size GM product which, to me, provide the most comfortable, safe motoring over very long hauls. The Camry also has a nice soft ride (but usually not available from rentals) while the Accord is as firm and noisy as my Civic, although a pleasure to drive for shorter trips (up to a couple of hours).
 
I am glad GM is making such great strides in quality. It feels weird after driving their cars for over two decades, not having one in my garage now. I still have lots of money on my GM Visa card too....

#321 of 482 First Drive 03 Century by bdeyes333

Jan 02, 2004 (5:16 pm)

Recently had my car in for a few days at the dealership.... again.( 99 Malibu, nuff said)Rental agency asked what kind of car i wanted I said whattya got? Gave me a 2003 Century Custom
with 18000 km on it. As soon as i drove it 2 blocks i was in love, SMOOOOOTH is all i can say.Hard to believe this car has the same 3.1 V-6
my Malibu has. Even liked the Navy blue color
and the bench seats.Gotta have one when the extended warranty runs out on my Bu.
 
Happy New Year To All enjoy your cars.

#322 of 482 by baveux

Jan 03, 2004 (4:00 pm)

You wont regret it, The Century is a lot of car for the money, reliable, cheap on gas, smooth, quiet, in other words its the caddy of the poor peoples !!

#324 of 482 Buick Century: Intake Manifold Gasket/Coolant Leak by nevamarie

Jan 23, 2004 (6:01 pm)

Hi everyone! My 2000 Buick Century has developed a coolant leak at 114,000 kilometers Mechanic (non-dealer) says that intake manifold gasket must be replaced (and hopefully nothing more). GM put out a Technical Service Bulletin in March, 2003 for this problem recommending that "a new design intake manifold gasket" (different gasket material) be installed to replace leaky gasket. Has anyone been successful in getting GM to do repairs under warranty? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

#327 of 482 Intake Manifold Gasket / Coolant Leak by bdeyes333

Jan 24, 2004 (12:50 pm)

Hi Neva
 
   I too have a 3.1 litre In My 1999 Chevrolet
 
Malibu. This Car has had the Intake Manifold
 
Gasket repaired TWICE ! First Time At 71,000 Km
 
Second time at 109,000. The mechanic at my
 
Toronto Ont. area dealership told me GM is using
 
an improved Gasket material that should improve
 
the longevity. (HMMM) As far as GM Replacing it,
 
unless you have an extended warranty (I DO on
 
my Malibu) I doubt they will, seeing as you're
 
past the 3 YR/ 60,000 Km Factory Warranty. If you
 
pressure your dealership you never know. As far
 
as cost of repair goes i've heard everything
 
from $500.00 at a local garage to $1000.00 at
 
the Dealer, so get some estimates Sadly, this is
 
a known flaw on GM 3.1 litre Engines. Take a look
 
On the Chevy Malibu Forum almost everyone has had
 
this problem. Hope this is helpful. Good Luck
 
with Your Car. We are thinking of buying a Century
 
Had one as a rental when the Bu was in the shop. Is it a good
 
everyday Car ? Reliable ? Only had it for an overnight so it was
 
kinda hard to tell.First impression was good. smooth ride and very
 
quiet interior. Any Thoughts ??

#328 of 482 Advice needed, help plz. by biggerwoods

Jan 25, 2004 (4:45 pm)

Hey, guys,I am looking into a 00'Buick Century Custom at 75K miles. The price is $5100 for Zip code 14623. It was a leased car before. Very nice in and out. Is it a good deal at all?
One more thing is that I notice the power window only works at the master controller. I read something in this forum and found this might be a persistent problem, is it true? Also, for a car at this high mileage, when would I expect to throw money in for major repair. Please give your opinion and thanks very much.

Messages Page 33 of 49

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