Title pawn Buick test drive(updated with post-sale review)

Here's a trip around the block in the $1000 Buick Century.

I re-sold this car 9/18/10 after making various small repairs and cleaning it up. I drove it about 500 miles during the time I had it, which was long enough to make some observations, which i will share:

To begin with, I liked the way this car drove in general, but although the ride was very comfortable, rebound control over dips was lacking. The car drove easily enough, but this particular car had a disconcerting tendency to change direction when accelerating or decelerating. This Buick apparently had a hard life so that likely figured into it.

The engine and transmission worked flawlessly, although I am not a big fan of GM 60-degree V6 engines.Fuel mileage seemed comparable.

The inside of this Century was nice, but bland. Everything was the same color. It was very roomy and I actually had a lot of legroom.

GM puts a lot of standard features on these cars and I really liked the automatic locks and lights. It also had traction control and tire pressure monitor. I disliked the cruise and wipers being jammed on one stalk(the turn signal lever) and this car had next to no usable bins or cupholders.

As far as repairs go, I replaced a trunk cylinder, cooling fan relay and a blown rear speaker. I did not succeed in repairing the air conditioner nor attempt to repair the power windows, both of which appear to be weak spots on these era GM vehicles.

In summation, these Buick Centuries make good basic cars for good basic drivers, and I like certain aspects of them. However, if I were going to purchase one as a personal car, i would buy a 1997-04 Buick Regal, which is essential the same car but with a 3800 Series II engine and bucket seats/console...3800 supercharged engine optional.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• 1999
• Buick
• Century
• repo
• pawn
• shop
• cheap
• 3100
• first
• drive

[WhoSaidTyler]

@drekw15 The Plymouth? No, afraid not. Thanks for watching.

[drekw15]

ill buy that car in the driveway ahead of this one is it forsale

[WhoSaidTyler]

@Vitaminous I base my statements on this: Although the Challenger may come in 'last"...if 375hp can even be considered lame, it looks like the old car and HEMI has so much brand equity it isn't even funny. The Camaro will outrun it and the Mustang will also as soon as the 5L Coyote comes on board. However, there are Mustangs on every corner and at the rate Camaro is selling, smae story soon. For a car to collect, Challenger, esp if Chrysler dies.

[Vitaminous]

Yes, it's just your opinion, Mr. Mopar.

The Challenger is the worst you can do for your money right now. We'll see once Fiat gets around upgrading it. :P