Hello, all! I'm new here and just purchased my first Buick in Santa Cruz, California! I got it from a 76-year old lady who couldn't drive anymore because of a heart problem (poor thing). The car is in decent shape, paint clear coat is peeling but otherwise it'* all right. Interior is leather and a bit dirty. I am pretty sure the car sat for awhile, because it smelled like mildew and cigarette smoke, and also had ants living in the wheel well are next to the joint where the door opens!
Ant traps have since taken care of them, and I haven't seen more than one or two crawling across a seat here and there and they get smushed quickly!

I named the car "Roxanne" and I've already had to drain her coolant and refill because I didn't know there were two different kinds of coolant! Derp. Oops. I took her to a mechanic to get checked out and they told me she had bad upper intake manifold gaskets (and possibly lower gaskets as well) and that she needed new rear wheel cylinders. Other than that, the mechanic said she'* in good shape overall! Only 126,000 miles on her! Not bad.

I'm getting her detailed today and I'm really excited! So far she'* so fun to drive and after years of owning Volkswagens and then the last 6 years of owning a 2000 Honda Civic, it'* been really different to own this luxury American car! I have never owned an American car before, let alone one of this size! I am in love. She'* so quirky and interesting! She has so many features! It'* mind-boggling.

Anyways, I would love any input about Buick'* and this model in particular. Is there anything else I should check for? Any problems these cars are prone to? How do they stack up against other brands as far as reliability? Tell me what you love about these cars the most? I'm really excited to embark on this journey with Roxanne! I hope she brings me many years of fun drives and awesomeness! Thanks for reading and I look forward to contributing to the discussion here, even though I don't know too much about cars (I know enough to be An informed consumer but that'* about it, haha)., I'm eager to learn! Thank you all in advance for any info provided and it'* nice to meet you all!

-Vanessa aka LochNess

Welcome!

'96 was a funny year for the Park Avenue. It'* the first year of OBD 2, the last year of the body style, and one of the last years of the old transmission. They age fairly gracefully however. Get the UIM and LIM issues addressed IMMEDIATELY with a sleeved intake manifold, and metal framed gaskets, and you likely have to worry about much else for quite a while.

The transmission also tends to be a weak point, especially lugging that much car around. They typically enjoy life much better for much longer when they have a cooler installed. Also, the differentials do not like to be abused (one wheel burnouts, wheelspin, etc). Stay out of the wheelspin, and it should treat you well.

Enjoy it for the big cushy loafer that it is, and it will keep rolling for years to come hopefully.

Thanks, rjolly87! What is a cooler? You said "they enjoy life more with a cooler installed". Not sure what that means. But yeah it'* really awesome and comfy and I'm enjoying it! I'm getting the UIM and LIM done next week (I don't have a garage to work on any major stuff like engines, but can do brakes, etc). Mechanic I took her to says she'* in good shape and she shouldn't have many problems once she'* fixed.

I'm gonna do my best to treat her well and hope she lasts!