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Re: any common problems
The common problem on the early "Series II" Buick V-6 was the tendency for coolant leakage around the intake manifold. That was mostly resolved by the '02 model year.
The transmissions are second to none, and will easily outlast the car IF they have oil and filter changes at the proper intervals. That means you CANNOT wait until the trans has 100K on the odometer before changing the filter and oil.
The 231 V-6 itself is essentially bullet-proof. Again, it is imperative that you keep good quality, clean oil in the engine, and keep the cooling system full. The engine will last 250,000 miles even in the hands of a complete idiot. There is no timing belt, but a chain, and the later version inverted link chains will never wear out if the oil is kept clean and full. Normal, scheduled maintenance is usually all that is required to keep them running well.
Expect to get nearly 30 MPG in normal highway driving, or just over 30. The front McPhereson struts are rather heavy duty, but are also heavily loaded, and may require replacement around 120K or so depending upon driving conditions.
The brakes are well designed, and fairly well biased front to rear. Inspect the brakes every 40K miles and you should be good.
The exhaust systems typically last 200K.
The bodies are sturdy, thus the fact that they are usually a little heavier than comparably sized cars. They will easily stay tight, aligned, and quiet for 10-15 years without abuse. Paint quality is excellent, and adhesion is no longer a problem as it was in the mid-1980's.
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