Buick Regal LS 2002 (gasket, sedans, Japanese, best)

[amtex]

What do you think about this offer? Is it worth while looking?

Thanks for any opinion.

[Omaha Rocks]

The only thing I'd say is to check & see if the Intake Manifold Gasket has been replaced.

If it has NOT been replaced, you'll have to pay to have it replaced before very long. It'll be in the neighborhood of $750.00 to have replaced.

[amtex]

Originally Posted by Omaha Rocks

The only thing I'd say is to check & see if the Intake Manifold Gasket has been replaced.

If it has NOT been replaced, you'll have to pay to have it replaced before very long. It'll be in the neighborhood of $750.00 to have replaced.

If NOT, would that be a good offer anyway?

[las vegas drunk]

Those are really nice cars, but I would not recommend it. As the other poster said, the intake manifold gasket is an area of concern. Otherwise, the 3.8 engine is one of the best engines GM ever made. The main problem with those cars are electrical. The worst is the power windows. They are notorious for constantly failing, and they are not cheap to fix. Also the climate control center, and engine electrical problems are common. If you really want it, make sure to get a full extended warranty on it. It will pay for itself.

[amtex]

Originally Posted by las vegas drunk

Those are really nice cars, but I would not recommend it. As the other poster said, the intake manifold gasket is an area of concern. Otherwise, the 3.8 engine is one of the best engines GM ever made. The main problem with those cars are electrical. The worst is the power windows. They are notorious for constantly failing, and they are not cheap to fix. Also the climate control center, and engine electrical problems are common. If you really want it, make sure to get a full extended warranty on it. It will pay for itself.

Thanks for your comment. What would you recommend for the same price range ($4500-5500) similar or less in size and a bit more reliable for commute purposes?

[las vegas drunk]

Originally Posted by amtex

Thanks for your comment. What would you recommend for the same price range ($4500-5500) similar or less in size and a bit more reliable for commute purposes?

You could get a decent Toyota Corolla around the same year for that price. It would not be as nice as the Regal, but would be way more reliable.

[MaxPower123]

Originally Posted by las vegas drunk

Those are really nice cars, but I would not recommend it. As the other poster said, the intake manifold gasket is an area of concern. Otherwise, the 3.8 engine is one of the best engines GM ever made. The main problem with those cars are electrical. The worst is the power windows. They are notorious for constantly failing, and they are not cheap to fix. Also the climate control center, and engine electrical problems are common. If you really want it, make sure to get a full extended warranty on it. It will pay for itself.

I worked for a Buick dealership and I don't remember engine electrical problems being common. Window regulators and intakes were but the intake problems was more common in the 3.1 liter.

[southernnaturelover]

I agree with the intake problems being more common on the 3100/3400 engines. I didn't have any problems with the 3800 in the Grand Prix I had.

[M3 Mitch]

Offhand there are all sorts of small Japanese sedans out there, or even a coupe, that would IMHO make better commuters. Honda and Toyota have the best rep for reliability, although the rest of the Japanese manufacturers build and built excellent cars as well.

Amtex, from your screen name I would guess you are in Texas, if so, it's a non-rusting climate and you can find some older cars that are in excellent shape, don't be put off by the year of the car, look at the condition.

[amtex]

Originally Posted by M3 Mitch

Offhand there are all sorts of small Japanese sedans out there, or even a coupe, that would IMHO make better commuters. Honda and Toyota have the best rep for reliability, although the rest of the Japanese manufacturers build and built excellent cars as well.

Amtex, from your screen name I would guess you are in Texas, if so, it's a non-rusting climate and you can find some older cars that are in excellent shape, don't be put off by the year of the car, look at the condition.

I am planning to move and buy a car in Texas. Your point on non-rusting climate is something I haven't consider before and will now. If you could just give some general examples of what models should I research that would be great. Thanks.