Long time, no post.......general 3.8 question
 

What's up fellas, havent posted in a long time, but I'm trying to get back into the 3800 game to keep miles of the TA. So I found a '97 Buick Park Ave, not sure if it's an ultra or not, I just passed it on the side of the road and jotted the number down to get the mileage. To sum it up, It's a super clean car, the guy said it's loaded (it has leather anyhow, not sure what else) and it has 115,000 miles on it. The only bad thing is a reconstructed title, which doesnt really bother me, 'cause this would be my work/beater car. He said he'd take $2500 for it, think it would be a good deal?? How dependable are high mileage Park Avenue's?? I know the 3.8 is a great motor, but should I be worried if I plan on putting 500 miles a week on it? Thanks fellas.

Joe.

Re: Long time, no post.......general 3.8 question
 

That title would be a concern to me, as it seriously affects the resale value. I would want to know what was reconstructed and see how well it was done. 115,000 is nothing for these engines. If not supercharged, you will want to check to see whether the car suffered UIM/LIM failure damage. Read this: http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...e=article&k=38

Re: Long time, no post.......general 3.8 question
 

Welcome back.

The reconstructed title thing would really concern me. Before I would even conside the car, I would find out where it got hit (or what else happened to it..like was it under water in a flood.) Then inspect it very closely in the damaged area to see how it was repaired. If the repairs look clean and proper, go for it. Like you said, the car is going into beater service, it's not really an investment car that you are going to resell.

My friend is a body/frame man who works at a local body shop, and I definately plan on taking him with me to thoroughly inspect the car before I'd by it. I already spoke with the guy who is selling it, he claims the car was hit in the front and caused airbag deployment on both sides, but the damage wasnt bad (obviously bad enough to total it though). The resale value doesnt concern me at all, if I can get a year or two out of before it blows, it would be well worth the $2500 just to know I'm not racking up the mileage on the TA. Heck, then I would just give it away if I had to.

Here's a couple pic's of it:

https://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i...neville201.jpg
https://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i...neville202.jpg

Well it sure looks like a nice car in the pictures. I can understand your concern about it being in a collision though. It would be nice to find out who did the body work. Perhaps the frame was not damaged. You should drive it and let go of the steering wheel to see if it pulls off center, if it doesn't; that's a good sign.

$2500 is sure a good price for it.

Lemme know when you're ready. :lol: I'd check everything in the front end, not just the frame. A good front end collision can really jar up the suspension and transaxle.

On the other hand, a good reconstruction can be unnoticeable in the remaining life of the car...

Like said, as far as the miles go, if that motor looks good inside and has been well taken care of it could VERY well go 200K or more. Mine has 170K and purrs like a kitten.

Just ask about whether it's ever had a UIM or LIM gasket replacement (which might be a good thing, 'cause then you may not have to do it right away).

Other than that it could be a great car for you. From the distance pics, it looks like good body work.

IMO...lol.

Driving it would be helpful, too. See how the car tracks. Is there any audible "bumps", or "grinds" that shouldn't be there. I've driven high milage 97+ P.A.'s. Theye are about as quiet as the day they were born.