Howdy!! :icon16:

I am very seriously thinking about getting a 2001 Park Avenue with 182K miles on her. Body is in fine shape..... interior seems to be in good shape too. its an Ultra.

Thing is, I need a car... I was let go a month ago... and I need it to be RELIABLE. I know at that mileage you cant ask for much, but are these Park Avenue Ultras with their superchargers..... are they reliable? Im used to driving a Crown Vic and that car got smushed :crying:

Any maintenance records? Like any other vehicle, long term reliability/dependability depends on routine maintenance. Buick has been rated in the top of it's class in reliability, provided regular maintenance schedules are followed.

Look inside the valve cover for signs of sludge or varnish on the rocker arms and upper head area. Use the trans dip stick to take a sample of the trans fluid. Be suspicious if you notice a brown fluid color or a burnt smell. This is a quick check to see if the regular maintenance schedule has been followed. BTW, that is quite a few miles, so it would be best to let an independent inspector (mechanic) do a bumper-to-bumper inspection. That is a cheap investment considering the mileage. If things have been neglected, it could be a money pit (Black hole)!

Thanks man! I appreciate the advice. I'll have a mechanic check it out :)
I havent looked at the fluids. Ive just seen photos.
I was just wondering if there are major weak spots of the car. If there is something that is known to fail. Im getting the car for $1500.
Is that a good deal???????? :uhoh:

The supercharger makes it fun to drive, but if it fails you're looking at easily $400 to $500 for a rebuilt unit. This is the online price and you might have to wait a couple of days to get a replacement. I don't think you can run the car without the belt that drives the SC. If you hear the bearing starting to go you just can't cut the belt and live without boost.

The bearings in the nose cone can develop problems but there are sources for relatively low cost rebuilding kits. So, I'd also give the supercharger's oil a check, hopefully it's not low. At the mileage your looking at, you may be due for a replacement soon.

That said, I still think it's a reliable car and it looks like you've got a chance at a pretty good deal.

Ohhhhh!!!!!! :yikes: THAAAAATS not good! What sound does it make when the bearings are going?? Yikes! I dont have anymore money other to buy the car, pay for the title and plates and buy 4 tires! Maybe I can go on Craigslist and get tires??? :runaround:

I'd say it's like most bearing noise, kind of a constant scraping or grrr-ing sound that comes from the nosecone of the SC. I defer to others' wisdom on the list on this as to supercharger reliability. Check other posts on this list there's a large body of knowledge here.

Superchargers can last a long time and hopefully a high-mileage SC owner will chime in on this. Again, it sounds like a sweet deal, just so long as you know your options.

Turns out the pulley is loose. The guy will install a new one for free!!!! :)

Looks like Im going to buy her!!!!!! :bananasmi :bananasmi :bananasmi

My neighbor drove his supercharged Regal for 2 weeks without the belt on it- because the front bearing was noisy- it just sets a few codes- but he needed it- for work....then he had the front bushing/bearing replaced......