Anyone know the difference between the base model and the Ultra?

There's an ultra for sale near me in mint condition inside and out with 90,000 on it (one owner) for $4999 and i'm thinking about buying it but was wondering what is different about the "Ultra" model.

thanks :smile:

The Ultra has a turbo.:rofl:

THe Ultra has a supercharger,not a turbocharger.With the ultra, run the gas that is recomended

THe Ultra has a supercharger,not a turbocharger.With the ultra, run the gas that is recomended


So the Ultra recommends High Octane?

With gas prices beginning to creep back up again i'm weary about buying a car that recommends High Octane fuel. :frown:

So is that the only difference is that the engine is supercharged? Everything else is the same?

So the Ultra recommends High Octane?

With gas prices beginning to creep back up again i'm weary about buying a car that recommends High Octane fuel. :frown:

Well if you put 12 gallons in and the gas is 20 cents higher that is $2.40 more per fill.

Let's say a tank a week; $9.60 more a month; $115.20 more a year ($124.80 based on 52 weeks). Sure doesn't seem like much to pay for the upgraded performance. Of course, if one drives more the expense will be greater, but even still...

Sounds like a great deal if you like the styling of the 96.

Here is the car i'm looking at purchasing...... (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/%3Ca%20target=)http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=260410391&dealer_id=68574&car_year=1996&rdm=1243255724796&model=PARK&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1996&keywordsfyc=&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=50&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=n&make=BUICK&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=2999&drive=&default_sort=&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=07076&advanced=&end_year=1996&doors=&transmission=&max_price=5000&cardist=34&standard=false

In addition to many interior and exterior refinements, the 1996 Ultra package comes with a Supercharged 3.8 liter V-6, dual airbags, anti-lock brakes, power door locks power windows, power seats with memory feature, keyless entry, variable power steering , automatic level control, dual air conditioning, power antenna, cruise control, AM/FM-cassette-CD, electrically heated driver and passenger seats, traction control, leather seats. Of course, many other options were available to add, such as GTS suspension, (F41) heavy duty alternator, heavy duty cooling, sun roof and a host of other options. You can check the SPID sticker on the spare tire cover to see what options the particular car you are looking at may have. Take a pic of the SPID sticker, & look at the RPO codes in our “Tips and Maintenance” section to see what options it has.

No need to worry about the plastic UIM failure on the Ultra, the UIM & LIM is all aluminum. In 96, the Ultra package was a 5K upgrade over the base PA and it is well worth it. BTW, from the looks of the wheels on the one you are looking at, it does not have the GTS suspension which comes with 16 in wheels & tires. In addition, price is too high, they probably have less than $3300 in it!

In addition to many interior and exterior refinements, the 1996 Ultra package comes with a Supercharged 3.8 liter V-6, dual airbags, anti-lock brakes, power door locks power windows, power seats with memory feature, keyless entry, variable power steering , automatic level control, dual air conditioning, power antenna, cruise control, AM/FM-cassette-CD, electrically heated driver and passenger seats, traction control, leather seats. Of course, many other options were available to add, such as GTS suspension, (F41) heavy duty alternator, heavy duty cooling, sun roof and a host of other options. You can check the SPID sticker on the spare tire cover to see what options the particular car you are looking at may have. Take a pic of the SPID sticker, & look at the RPO codes in our “Tips and Maintenance” section to see what options it has.

No need to worry about the plastic UIM failure on the Ultra, the UIM & LIM is all aluminum. In 96, the Ultra package was a 5K upgrade over the base PA and it is well worth it. BTW, from the looks of the wheels on the one you are looking at, it does not have the GTS suspension which comes with 16 in wheels & tires. In addition, price is too high, they probably have less than $3300 in it!

Thanks HotZ28......You have given me all the information i needed. I think that at $3500 this would make a great weekend car.:cool:

Ok, using the available information I did a Kelly Blue Book Retail Value and came up with $5660 assuming it is in excellent condition.....which it does appear to be.
The dealer has it listed for $4500. I guess the only other factor is a test drive and thorough mechanical inspection of the vehicle.

Thanks again HotZ28

Obviousley, $5650.00 was the KBB suggested retail. Look at trade-in value, more than likely that is what the dealer has in the car! Big difference between $2900 & $5650! The point is, you have a lot of bargaining room! Just how much of your hard earned money are you willing to give the dealer for doing nothing, other than paper work?