- Aug 24, 2005
- 6,783
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I'm looking to buy a used car, because I'm in college and can't afford the one I really want.
Anyway, I was looking to spend around $3k for a used car that wasn't a toyota. Hopefully something with under 100k miles and 200+ horsepower that wasn't going to be beat to hell, a tall order indeed.
But I did find one of the most unique cars I've seen, the factory supercharged Regal GS from a decade ago. Seriously, 200+ HP in a Buick, and fortunately for me Buick owners don't tend to abuse their cars.
I've read a bit about the 3800 II engine of the era, and noticed this massive issue with the intake manifold. Between melting, the gaskets leaking, and essentially being designed like shit I figure I'll pretty much have to replace the upper manifold along with the manifold gaskets and the host of electronics that get destroyed from leaking oil/coolant. Apart from that, I've heard the trannys are good to something like 200k, which is nice.
So, questions for the wise on ATG:
-Common Issues?
-Alternatives around the same price point?
-Common rust/corrosion/rot areas? (I'm shopping in New England)
-Other advice?
1999 seems like a good year because it came with a factory installed Strut Tower Brace, which is cool - but really if I find the right car the year is sort of moot. I've seen a ton of examples with 100k-150k, which may be what I settle for.
Thanks!
Anyway, I was looking to spend around $3k for a used car that wasn't a toyota. Hopefully something with under 100k miles and 200+ horsepower that wasn't going to be beat to hell, a tall order indeed.
But I did find one of the most unique cars I've seen, the factory supercharged Regal GS from a decade ago. Seriously, 200+ HP in a Buick, and fortunately for me Buick owners don't tend to abuse their cars.
I've read a bit about the 3800 II engine of the era, and noticed this massive issue with the intake manifold. Between melting, the gaskets leaking, and essentially being designed like shit I figure I'll pretty much have to replace the upper manifold along with the manifold gaskets and the host of electronics that get destroyed from leaking oil/coolant. Apart from that, I've heard the trannys are good to something like 200k, which is nice.
So, questions for the wise on ATG:
-Common Issues?
-Alternatives around the same price point?
-Common rust/corrosion/rot areas? (I'm shopping in New England)
-Other advice?
1999 seems like a good year because it came with a factory installed Strut Tower Brace, which is cool - but really if I find the right car the year is sort of moot. I've seen a ton of examples with 100k-150k, which may be what I settle for.
Thanks!
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