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Comments
Rickeym,
The service quality mentioned you mentioned is certainly unacceptable and the responsibility lies on the dealership to notify Buick if something on the sticker isn't included in the actual car. Here's what I think happened with that:
You live in Hawaii, so I'm sure you're familier with the fact that you just can't quickly ship a new car if a mistake is made. I think that the a legitimate misprint was made on the sticker and it slipped past the factory in Canada. Now, it's the dealer that handles the transaction and the onus lies on them to either
1)Notify whoever they need to to get a car with lumbar ASAP if you really want it or
2)Cut however much the lumbar option costs off the price and make it up to you some other way like another discount on the car or some money off the down payment or the like.
If I were you, I'd take something like that up with the dealer since you can easily deal with them.
I have a hood light on mine, so I can't explain that.
Response from Buick regarding the manual lumbar is that they have never installed manual lumbar support on the Century; the window sticker is in error and they're contemplating replacing the window sticker (including mine after the fact!) on all cars that have it listed-there's a lot of em on the dealer's lot. However, they have told me emphatically that 'specification can change without notice!' and that includes optional equipment that are listed. Buick has indicated they do not intend to compensate me for missing equipment they cannot make. I picked the wrong dealer to buy a car from-they won't do anything about it. Unfortunately, I may have to go to small claims court to get it resolved. Definite apathy from Buick and the dealer may be due to my purchasing it from a small state like Hawaii and my youthfulness(?).
Dealer service continues to be horrible; they used my Century as a shuttle vehicle, picking me up and I have to drop the lot guy back to the dealer-that's 40 additional miles (week's worth of driving for me) across the island of Oahu. The dealer keeps apologizing, but it happens. I'm writing letters to Buick and the dealer's principal owners to get this practice stopped and get compensated.
Also, they maintain they have never installed a hood lamp on a Century for years (maybe Centurys, hah, hah). They still have the bad info on the web even though I pointed it and other minor discrepancies out to them.
As I said before, I like the Century's smooth and fairly quiet ride as well as its roominess and insurance safety record, but little problems are cropping up. The left outside mirror does the hula and vibrates ever so slightly even on smooth roads-dealer tells me to live with it because of the power mirror. The door is not closing as easily as it originally did. The dealer is contemplating replacing the center armrest as the stitching on it was done in the dark and not uniform. The engine knocks for a few seconds when starting; I'm told it's normal, (is it?) but we'll see. These are items that are nonexistent in the '85 Toyota Cressida I still have and makes me look foolish for getting this Century.
If you're thinking about buying a Buick (or any car), please be sure the the materials are up to your standards because whatever the sales person says about replacing or satisfying your standards are worthless to the service folks. Make sure you can live with the misalignments, uneven gaps, material quality, and paint scratches that inevitably are on the car. Service folks cannot change them no matter what the Sales folks tell you. And very important-examine the car to make sure it's got all of the equipment-sad to say, Buick claims no responsibility for missing equipment, citing the right to change without notice. Who can you trust? I was expecting Peace of Mind.
I do like this Century; it's the lack of customer service and attention to details that's sending me back to Toyota; I was spoiled by their standards.
Like to thank Edmunds for putting this forum out so folks can communicate concerns and get verification of info. Wish I had known about this before purchasing the Century.
starting; I'm told it's normal, (is it?) but we'll
see.
Yes, the 3.1l and 3.4l V-6 GM engines make a noise when starting. I know this because I have a Chevy Malibu with the 3.1, and rented for 3 weeks a Pontiac GrandAm with the 3.4l. Not sure if this noise is knocking or something else - had read about engine lifters...
My 3.1l engine also knocks a bit at about 1600 rpm when cold, especially when I drive up at step hills (city driving). The Malibu manual tell this is normal for this engine.
I have not experienced any of the problems posted.
I drive hard (heavy foot) all the time and get 18 to 28 MPG.
To this date I am completely satisfied with my purchase. Five of my friends have the same car with no problems of any kind. All must have been assembled on a Wednesday.
My longest trip in a 2-week period has been 4,000 miles. 650 miles in one day is my longest day.
Everyone I talk to at rest areas and supermarket parking lots have no complaints at all. They all say they tried the popular brands and found Buick has the most bang for the buck.
If BOTH your antilock and brake lights are on, you might well expect very little braking ability. Most likely it is not safe to drive in this condition.
I went through that with my Dodge Caravan and learned that there was a widespread defect in the ABS system. My van was just less than three years old at the time of almost complete brake failure due to an internal hydraulic assembly leak.
I am very interested in the Century 2000 since my mother just purchased one. She replaced the '92 Achieva GM junk with the Limited in August. Please e-mail me if you have had any major problems with this vehicle. I am going to follow trends. I wished I had done this when my mother had the Achieva because it had a horrible head gasket problem which was WIDESPREAD. However, GM decided NOT to cover the costs of repair because it was 8 years old. Never mind that it had only 42,000 miles on it!!
I do not believe that GM has gotten rid of the head gasket problems. My mother does not have internet access, so I promised her I would research the matter.
cblake@erols.com
Thanks
dave d
Our first one we bought two and a half years ago and is a 1998 model. We have driven it over 70,000 miles (my wife drives a lot in her work. In that time the only problem we have had is with the wiper motor which was covered under the 3 year 36,000 mile warranty. It gets around the 30 mpg figure on the highway and for us around town gets about 25 mpg, although that does include a fair amount of freeway driving with about half in rush hour traffic.
The new one is a 2000 model, and yes it does have corning lights that work for both right and left sides. We test drove the 2001 model and decided on the 2000 as about the only difference is the redesigned drink holders in the 2001 model. We got good deals offered to us on both models but decided on the 2000 model that has a better rebate of $1500 as opposed to $750 for the 2001 in our area. The difference in one model year will not matter that much to us when time to trade it as it will be a high mileage car and that overwhelms the value far more than one year difference in the model year.
And yes if you check my profile it does say that I own a 1999 Grand Marquis. That is my car and I also like it but mostly for my trailer towing as it is about the only car that is still available that can do that. Without the need for trailer towing then I prefer the Buicks. We use to be avid Chrysler Corp. customers but their cars just do not have good transmissions and I will not give them another chance. So I say with without a doubt the Buick Century is a good car to consider if it fits your needs.
By the way, I'm glad I found you guys. Thanks in advance and thanks for the forum.
It seems like there should be a coffee cup holder in this car but we can't find one. Our Century is used so maybe it broke off, anyone know where it's supposed to be?
Thanks, Ferne
Thanks, Ferne
Thanks again.
I have had the Camry for over a year but I feel fancier in the Century, and barring any unforeseen events that aren't expected, I would hope to buy another one.
My previous car was a Buick Regal, 1989. That felt ritzy too and just died at 120K on it. Buicks seem feel heavier and they coast going up hill! Which is speaking from experience with both of them. I always want a 6 cyclinder and the Camry has a 4, but still has pretty good power. But if some of you think the Buick is a plain jane then you haven't driven or ridden in a Camry. To me the Buick is plush!
The Century has now become the car that goes to important places because it looks and feels so nice. We also tested a Lumina, and that was chintzy feeling, driving and sounding compared to the Century.
Thanks for all your help out there.
Ferne
I see some of you have experience in the Grand Marquis (hi there WWCJR) and wonder how the Century compares. Also - what's the difference in feel between the Century and Regal? I've monitored the GS postings and think I'd stay away from premium gas requirements - but the Regal LS is certainly an alternative. How did you folks decide on Century vs Regal LS?
Comments appreciated
Turnpike Ken
With that said I do not feel that the quality of the materials for the interior trim that Ford uses in these cars is up to the same standards as that used in the Buick Century. The Buick Century is a very good value and gets great gas mileage. My wife drives a lot with her work. She drove the first one 70,000 miles in two years, we still have it and my son in college now drives it. It has not had any problems other than a power window that has stuck at times, and a windshield wiper motor replace under warranty.
It is to early to say how our new Century will be as we have only had it two weeks but have driven it 1,000 miles. So far the only thing that we have found is a minor rattle in the dash and it is the plastic trim around the instrument panel. We will have that fixed when we take it in for the first oil change in a couple of weeks.
I consider both the Grand Marquis and the Buick Century to be good cars on the highway. The Grand Marquis has more room inside and in the trunk. The Buick Century gets better gas mileage (Our mileage has been: Grand Marquis around 17-18 in town, 22-23 on the highway; Century 25 in town and 29-30 on the highway).
If you need a car for towing then I would recommend the Mercury Grand Marquis with the anti-lock brakes and traction control option in addition to the performance and handling package.
If you do not need a car for trailer towing I would go with the Buick Century, as evidenced by the cars we have bought. If you want or need a car with more room than the Century then you should consider the Buick LeSabre. It has more room, more power, and still gets about the same gas mileage as the Century.
It just all depends on your needs as to which is better. They are both cars that I would buy again, but still for the reasons that they were both bought for in the beginning. It is sort of like comparing apples and oranges. Neither is a replacement for the other and they both fill different needs. I hope that this gives you some help.
Did you happen to check out the Regal LS before buying the Century? If so - what's your take on the comparison of those two cars? I drove a 97 GS recently - very impressive - but that premium fuel requirement is disqualifier for me. One of the reasons for getting another vehicle is to add something to the stable that gets 30 mpg on trips - and can still seat the 3 kids if needed.
BTW - where do you live? South Coastal Maine here.
Thanks for the note
Turnpike Ken
When we bought our Centurys we did look at the Regals, but did not drive them as we were not really interested in them. They cost a bit more and the main differences are the engine, and the seats.
The Century would make a very good addition as a car that drives great on the highway and gets about 30 mpg on the highway. While we have usually than the Grand Marquis on the longer trips the Century is quite comfortable on the highway. We have used it for numerous 500 mile trips in a day and have been very pleased with it.
My thinking is that if you do not plan to use the car for trailer towing since you do that with your Suburban then go with a Century or LeSabre and get better gas mileage while still having a comfortable highway car.
Bill
The battery thing, well, regardless of the performance of the battery, the car should continue to run on the alternator. I have driven GM products off a jumpstart without any battery hooked up at all let alone a dead one or one with a dead cell.
My father's 1992 Century and my mother's 1995 Century both have the four-cylinder engine and the only time the car lost power was when the sepentine belt broke. That cuts energy to the power steering, water pump, alternator, AC, everything, but the car would continue to run until it overheats, of course, every warning light on the dash came on!
I have owned a few Dodge Dynastys and I like them because when my serpentine belt broke, the water pump continued to circulate and I drove the car ALL the way home before changing the belt. Of course I had no power steering and AC but the car ran safely.
Keys...the pass-key is about $20. All you can do is have another one made, and taking it to the dealer is cheaper than a locksmith. At least it isn't $300-something like a Lexus or what have you.
The percussion noise happens in many cars, including my 1988 Century. Roll down a back window and boom. In fact I can't think of a car I have ridden in or driven that doesn't pop when you crack open a window.
Granted every has different likes and dislikes and every vehicle made is not always the same even if they are the same model.
I just purchased my Father-in-laws 1996 Buick Century (a deal I could not refuse). It is in perfect shape with only 55K miles. He wanted a van!
This is my third Buick Century. The first was a 1985 and I sold it in 1994 with 136K miles. The only maintenance I did was replaced the tires, brakes and muffler. It ran great when I sold it but really needed a paint job.
In 1994 I bought 1993 Century that was used as a rental car by Avis. The A/C had to be repaired and refilled because a line rubbed through and let the freon out. Buick picked up the tab. I also had an exhaust gasket(donut)replaced by Buick at their cost, which was caught by their mechanic. Again the only maintenance I paid for was the tires, brakes and muffler. It now has 113K miles and runs great. The body and interior are in great shape with no rust or dents, the paint still shines.
I would like to tell you it is because I take such good care of my cars but I won't lie. I buy my cars for use and comfort. I should have a truck but don't like the comfort. I don't always change the oil or rotate the tires when I should but it gets done eventually.
When I wear out this 1996 Century, I will buy another. That is as long as they don't make too many changes. I am not crazy about the look of the 2000.
Thanks for your reponses.
>>The percussion noise happens in many cars,
including my 1988 Century. Roll down a back window and boom. In fact I can't think of a car I have ridden in or driven that doesn't pop when you crack open a window.>>
Thanks.
By the way, we're getting 26 mpg country, city and highway driving. That's okay to me.
is nearly 71K. The price is about $8500. Since
the miliage is so high, I don't know if it is worth to buy it. Is there some comments?
Thanks!
I think if the car is in nice condition, with good paint, with clean interior, and with good tires and maintenance records, it is worth the $8500 if you can afford it. A 1999 Century from Budget Car Sales will run you $11,999 and will have about 30K on it. You might want to spend the $60-$80 to have a mechanic check it out.
Why are folks comparing the Grand Marquis and the Century. The Buick LeSabre is the direct comparison for the Grand Marquis. Shorter by 13 inches, 4 inches narrower and exactly the same interior space. Okay you give up 2 cubic feet of trunk space but the Grand Marquis has a big tire cut out in the trunk giving it an unhandy shape.
Turnpike Ken
I drove both the Century and the Regal. They are on the same chassis and the big main differences with the century are bench seats only and a smaller 175hp 3.1 V/6. I was impressed with everything and thought the Limited with standard leather was a great value. The Regal is a Century with different front end, 3800 V/6 and bucket seats only. Other than that you can get pretty near the same options on either one. I did prefer the grunt of the 3800 V/6 in the Regal.
Then we deceided to kick it up a notch and compared the LeSabre with the Grand Marquis. We deceided on the LeSabre after 3 back to back drives of both cars. If I had to pick between the Century and Regal I'd go with the Regal cause I like the power of the 3800 engine----the rest is cosmetics, you may like one front end better than the other. Good luck and test drive the heck out of them before you buy. Study consumer guides. I got $3000 off sticker (no trade in) because I knew the dealers cost.
Actually, I kind of like the Olds Intrigue - great looking and the new V6 is doing fairly well. Too bad they have so many other ancillary problems as evidenced by the forum posters here. I'll be watching to see how the more recent buyers (2000 models) fare.
Hope to wind up with a car that looks classy and rides smoothly with decent handling and economy for the many highway miles I drive without screaming AARP - after two Grand MArquis I'm ready for something a little less stodgy.
Thanks for the response.
Ken
The price of this 99 Century is a good deal..
I am just worry about its high miliage,
71000 miles for about one and half year.
It just looks like a man, keeping working
every day and hardly taking a rest. Maybe
one day this man will die. Anyway,thanks
again!
Definitely NOT stodgy - a little radical even in styling.
We have an LS and I kind of like it. LS does not ride as smooth as a Regal OR Century - both of which I have test driven a few times.
LS suspension is stiffer - like a sports car.
Base model Impala is supposed to be softer riding.
The Century is very nimble and attractive - quiet,
comfortable and smooth. Although my Impala is quicker, the Century moved just fine. I actually like it better than the Regal LS. GS with 91 octane gas was out of the question - overkill.
Although I like the look and all the bells and whistles of the Impala LS a little better, the slightly smaller Century was cushier and easier to drive and park in tight situations - much like a Camry - only better. On the open highway though, the Impala LS is super and its crash test ratings are better. LS MSRP fully loaded: just over $25K.
Both are good cars. Just a matter of personal preference.
My first car was a then 8 yr old 65 Impala hardtop so this car brings back many great college memories (except for a certain flat tire on the Cross Bronx Expressway with fully loaded trunk - never changed a tire so fast in my life!)
I'll have to reaquaint myself with this car though, for as you say, it is a great bang for the buck - and comes with the 3800 engine that can't be beat. Looking at cars is always fun for me - glad to be taking my time in this process.
Thanks for the post
Turnpike Ken