Park AVe information

We have bounced all over the place in the last couple of years trying to find something to replace our Lincoln Mark VIII, which now it looks like we will keep it forever. But we still need a winter car in that class, it doesn't have to be new, just nice.

I have been looking at some Park Aves, but haven't actually driven one, but we did drive a Cadillac DTS and really hated the way the Engine/Transaxle clunked, not sure if that happens in all large GM front drive cars, I was told that it did, but you know sales people. Well that isn't my real question. Is there any difference in the regular Park Ave and the Ultra in the suspension or is it just more HP? What is the difference between the Ultra and the Ultra S, the Ultra S that I saw did have nicer wheels, is that the difference? We have an Olds 88 with the 3800 III, is there much difference in the power with the supercharger? Is that much lag or is that a Turbo thing?



Any comments on this care good and bad would be nice.

Thanks
Barry

There is not any "lag" with the SC. It has useable boost from low RPM, and you can actually feel the Ultra SC HP over the standard engine. The link below will give you some good info on the PA.

1997-2004 Buick Park Avenue Prices & Review (http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2296/)

The latest standard 3800 engines generate 205 hp, the supercharged Ultra makes 240 hp.
As far as your question on shifting, every Park Avenue I've driven (my old 88' Electra model, my 92' and a 2004 Ultra) have all shifted smooth as butter!
The suspension difference is the Grand Touring on Ultras, optional on standard models, is stiffer but handles better than the Dynaride used on standard models. Dynaride is a more comfortable, "floaty feeling" suspension.

Thanks guy for the information.

Ok, so the Ultra has more HP and the touring suspension. What if anything does the Ultra S have that the Ultra doesn't. The only thing that jumps out is the S seems to have Chrome wheels.

We will be replacing an Olds 88 vintage 1997. Been a good car and in fact it is the reason we are considering the Park Ave, same basic car but more of everything. The olds uses regular fuel, which I kinda like because our summer car used Hi Test and it adds to the already ridiculous price of fuel. But the Ultra takes premium fuel. I just took the mileage over 5 tanks of gas and it was 26.4, which for an engine with 107k sounds pretty good to me. What would you expect from an Ultra with 46k?

Thanks
Barry

I looked up the 2005 model on Edmunds.com, it had nothing about an Ultra S model, only the base PA and Ultra...here's what it has in Edmunds in reference to the 05' models:
There are two trim levels: the well-equipped base Park Avenue and the upscale Ultra model. A variety of luxury sedan features are standard on both models, such as dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, cruise control and 10-way power seats for both driver and passenger. The base model comes with an AM/FM stereo with cassette, with the option of adding a CD player, while the Ultra gets the cassette and CD standard. Optional equipment on base models includes a memory package, rain-sensing windshield wipers, traction control, stability control and OnStar. Ultra models include all these features as standard equipment. Additional features optional on both models include a head-up display, rear parking assist and a power sunroof. One particular option that we feel base owners should strongly consider, and Ultra owners will receive as standard, is the Gran Touring package, which adds programmable-effort power steering, a beefier suspension, larger brake rotors and either 16-inch or 17-inch alloy wheels with touring tires.

Park Avenue has Special Edition "S" versions to commemorate its final year of production. Chromed front fender portholes from the Ultra are added to the regular Park Avenue, as well as revised taillight lenses and a new exterior color: Cashmere Metallic.

2005 Buick Park Avenue - Features & Specs - At a Glance - MSN Autos (http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/Spec_Glance.aspx?year=2005&make=Buick&model=Park%20Avenue&trimid=-1&src=vip)

2005 SE from Auto Spectator (http://www.autospectator.com/modules/wfsection/print.php?articleid=7)