OK, so mom is possibly looking for a new car (her current '93 Maxima is starting to break down on a regular basis, and repairs aren't cheap), and was looking at her replacement options. She doesn't have much to spend - about $7K.

She's always driven domestics until this Maxima, and she's liked the way this car drove, if not the reliability. She'd been contemplating an older Camry or Accord, but wasn't overly impressed with either one. She'd even considered a RAV4 or a CR-V, but doesn't necessarily need an SUV and prefers a car with a little more oomph.

I'd like to recommend a Regal to her. The pushrod engines should satisfy her lead foot well enough (esp. if I can find a GS), and I know they're very reliable vehicles. GM's poor resale value (compared to Honda/Toyota) is actually a good thing, since the Regal be cheaper with more equipment.

Anything I need to know when helping her look at Regals? I know some had a composite intake manifold that was prone to leakage, but didn't remember what years or what engine. Have heard tell of some problems with the AC/compressor on Regals as well. How do the different engines (3.1 or 3.4 as the base? 3.8? SC 3.8?) in terms of long-term reliability - any car she gets will likely have at least 80K miles on it.

Or is there something else that I should recommend?

Thanks in advance,

-RBB

Click dammit!

Thats my "W-Bpdy Questions" thread from when I was looking at a Regal. Some of your questions may be answered in there.

Millenia?

You can probably find late 90's or even 2000's under $7k with either the Miller cycle or the 2.5L. Even base models with cloth are well equiped and luxurious. Their reliable as well. Any problems I've had are due to 171k of use and abuse. Only problem I've heard of them having are the transmissions. A transmission cooler is the best fix. Mine is still on the original transmission without one, however.

So yeah, I would have to recommend a Millenia.

Click dammit!

Thats my "W-Bpdy Questions" thread from when I was looking at a Regal.  Some of your questions may be answered in there.

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Thanks - that helped.

-RBB

Anybody know of reliability of the 3.8 SC engine in the GS? Does the extra strain of the supercharger & extra moving parts make it more prone to mechanical failure at 100K+ miles?

-RBB

Might I recommend a second gen Intrepid? If you want something for her led foot there's the 3.2 or the 3.5. Yeah I've heard teh stories of the 2.7...but hey, it's smooth as silk for me. Nice, big roomy car that handles very well for it's size and has a very nice interior.

You can get a 2000 R/T for under 7k, and a 2001 non R/T for under 7k according to auto.consumerguide.

Edited December 16, 200618 yr by Dodgefan

This:

is a transmission

and this:

is a parking spot.

With an Intrepid there is a better chance that the first picture blows up and the car wont move out of the second picture than not.

The 3800 will run forever and if the supercharger dies the engine will still run, although it wont be making as much power.

Consumer Reports says the 3800SC sucks.

I'd scan the reliability page for you, but I used it to line my brothers Gerbil cage.

Apparently CR sucked too much for the rodent as well...

Edited December 16, 200618 yr by Captainbooyah

How about a Century?

Practically the same car, just not as sporty and has the 3.1L instead.

Or an Impala?

Consumer Reports says the 3800SC sucks.

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Consumer Reports sucks so much it could itself be a supercharger.

In any case, I'll speak to nearly 120k miles of normal mostly city driving with our SSEi and its supercharger. We've changed the oil a few times as preventative maintenance and that's it. My father averages 22-25mpg, too. Keep in mind the Regal is lighter.

Your chances of getting a well-equipped Regal are higher than a well-equipped Century. Also, if the lack of a tachometer is disconcerting, strike the Century. A cared-for GS is an incredible value. Good luck!

How about a late 90's Park Avenue? I did a local search on cars.com and theres a 97 w/ 55000miles for $5000 obo. they must be the same prices near you...

My friend used to drive a 97 Regal GS, now her parents have it as a runabout. Other than some problems replacing the passenger airbag after an accident, the car is in PERFECT working condition...it surprises me after all the $h! her and her sister put it through!

I have a 99 Regal GS . Great car no problems . Consumer reports can kiss my ass. I also have an SSEI Bonneville same thing no probs. I really like 3.8's now.

This:

is a transmission

and this:

is a parking spot. 

With an Intrepid there is a better chance that the first picture blows up and the car wont move out of the second picture than not.

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I know I know the stories but...175k on the Intrepid...210k on the Shadow.