Used 1996 Buick Park Avenue Sedan Consumer Reviews
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Unexpectedly Wonderful Car
Suzath, 11/11/2006
1996 Buick Park Avenue 4dr Sedan
13 of 13 people found this review helpful
I bought this Park Avenue from a family friend with low miles after my Honda CRV was totalled in a head on collison. It would not have been my first choice having sworn myself to Honda and Toyota. I've reconsidered after owning this Buick with good gas mileage (20-22 city/ 30+ hwy) and a luxury interior (leather power interior) looking a bit like a luxury car compared to what I've driven in past. Few repairs given the age of the vehicle. I performed regular maintenance. One comment on exterior design, when you open the windows first thing in the mornings the water will pour off into the car onto the power controls. For this reason buy vent visors or keep towels handy in the morning.
Not good looking but it's what is inside
bigticket42, 01/22/2006
1996 Buick Park Avenue 4dr Sedan
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
Bought this car for my wife. The car is not a great looking car but it has every feature you could want and more. This is one of the best used cars you can buy. First of all the styling only appeals to older people so you know the previous owner did not hotrod it Second of all the drive train in these cars is second to none. The gas mileage for a car this size on the highway is extraordinary. Between 25-30 mpg at speeds of 77-80 MPH. The car has room for 4 adults very comfortably. The trunk is huge. The ride is very comfortable in every way. I have taken this car on all kinds of long trips with the family and it cannot be beat by any other car even from 2006.
This car was a godsend
Justin, 03/30/2016
1996 Buick Park Avenue 4dr Sedan
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
I needed a decent car as my daily driver was my 2001 Dodge Ram pickup with a lift getting about 12 mpg. An acquaintance bought this car for his son and he drove it hard for 2 years. Radiator blew and replaced with a new one, only maintenance issue he had. His son told him he needed to buy him a newer cooler car. Bad mistake as he had just turned 18. My acquaintance said first person to give him $500 got the car and his son could go buy his own cool car. Best investment I have ever made. Had to replace the fuel pump and rear struts at 220k miles. I use this car for EVERYTHING. I run a small moving company and constantly use it to haul a car load of big dudes for long stretches. Equipment, pads etc on highway mpg it's never been worse than 31 mpg. I also use it every month to visit my son who lives 1300 miles away. By myself with luggage, presents etc it gets 34mpg. 34 mpg for that size, power and comfort. Don't worry I wouldn't believe me either. I'm not sure why it gets slightly better mpg than what other people are posting. I know how to properly calculate and I swear highway is 31-34. City is 26-28. When gas was cheap I drove across the entire USA for $80. The car is 20 years old and I get a lot of crap from my guys for it being a "grandma" car but really they love it It rides so smooth, like a big old boat which makes the mpg even more outstanding. Ahead of it's time features like extra extra visors to keep the Sun out at all angles and passenger climate control. The buttons look clunky but it works. Also the trunk is huge. I can load 2 professional hand trucks, dozens of furniture pads, tools, equipment, suitcases, personal items etc. The perfect combination of power, mpg and comfort was achieved 20 years ago with the 1996 Buick park Avenue. Bullet proof 380 engine still going strong at 230k miles. For $500 it's one of the best investments I've ever made. I love this car!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
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- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
What a car!!!
dale thiel, 05/28/2002
1996 Buick Park Avenue 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Here it is, a car with 90,000 miles that runs and rides like a new one. Great get up and go with a motor that raps a measley 1600 rpm at 70 miles an hour. Marvel Mystery oil added to the gas improves the already fine milage. I hope to never buy or own any other car than a Park Avenue. This is my fifth.
oh my what a ride
happy in tn, 09/10/2009
1996 Buick Park Avenue Ultra 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
We have just recently bought this 1996 Buick parkavenue ultra, we enjoy the handling, comfort features are better than they was in my Mercedes cl 500. Dual climate control extra plush seats are awesome just like sitting on our living room couch. Believe we had this checked over per our mechanic. He told us it was in excellent shape for this year. Gets 30- 31 hwy miles have not checked city miles yet. All in all am very pleased with our purchase. Only regret that we waited way too long for the comfort factor found in this car. Yes it is a large vehicle but the other features far outweigh this one little thing
Great bang for the buck - GM lives on!
Scott, 06/07/2010
1996 Buick Park Avenue 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
What a great find this vehicle was. I purchased this in March 2010 with only 22,500 miles on it for $4,250! Now have approximately 26,000 miles and have had no mechanical issues. Only things done to the vehicle have been an oil change and purchase of four new tires (due to original tires being dry rotted). This car is full of creature comforts and it rides like a dream - absorbs even the harshest bumps on the road. I would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a reliable, great riding car. Gas mileage has been incredible for a car of this size - have been averaging anywhere from 23 MPG (mostly city) to 29 MPG on the highway.
dependable bomb
mail lady, 09/22/2010
1996 Buick Park Avenue 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
use this for a back for rual mail route rain or snow the buck will go not a 4/wd but its a tank in the snow
My Porky
Michael , 09/12/2005
1996 Buick Park Avenue 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is a very good car with beautiful style inside and out. Its fairly reliable and gave me a few problems throught my ownership. Fuel economy was good. Space and comfort are outstanding. Engine performance was good but could have been better. Its a pure grandfather's car that works great.
Like driving a Lazy-boy chair
Blackbird, 04/07/2007
1996 Buick Park Avenue 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
OK, first off if you're looking for stylish sporty car, cross this one off your list. That's not its audience or intention. I was looking for a cheap car to drive primarily on the weekends when I drive to my g/fs house and take my dog with me and for trips to the grocery store, errands..etc. Otherwise I'm riding one of my 2 motorcycles. As far as value for the dollar this car is hard to beat. I paid $4400 including tax for mine with 104K on it and you could tell an old guy owned it before because it barely looked like it was worn down at all. Decent mpg (low 20s), insanely comfortable seats and ride, smooth powerful engine, power features galore, been very reliable, all for peanuts.
Awakening
Lukas, 08/24/2005
1996 Buick Park Avenue 4dr Sedan
4 of 6 people found this review helpful
I bought this car in 2004 after my Civic was crushed by a semi. I did not want to buy Park Ave yet at that time I did not have much choice. I got it with 160k doubting its ability to perform. How wrong was! This car has been the most reliable piece of machinery I have ever seen. Yes - it looks ugly, yes - it doesn't fit my profile, but this car brought me back to domestic vehicles. What an exceptional car! I put additional 40k in a year and I opened the hood only to change oil. Maintenance free! I definitely recommend Park Ave. If we produce more cars like this one, foreign cars wouldn't stand a chance here.
Superb, underappreciated vehicle
ssgconway, 09/11/2010
1996 Buick Park Avenue 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this because I needed a more comfortable ride than the 2007 Malibu it replaced. This park was kept outside, prev . owners lived on a gravel road, and they had a shade-tree mechanic doing the maintenance. For having 167,00 miles, it was still a very cheap but. I drive around 50K/year (at 229,000 now), and have replaced the transmission and alternator, along with the battery and struts. Everything else is pretty much original. I get 27 MPG from mostly highway driving. This car even got 26 MPG (on level ground) towing a trailer to Florida recently. It was like the trailer wasn't even there. Truly one of the last of the classic highway cruisers, and good on gas, too!
'96 Buick Park Avenue Ultra
d_snypa, 11/09/2002
1996 Buick Park Avenue Ultra 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I purchased this vehicle already used. I was skeptical at first because it was used but I've had no problems out of it yet. It runs very smooth and accelerates very well. I love to speed past sports cars in my family car!
96 Ultra
David Mercer, 06/16/2004
1996 Buick Park Avenue Ultra 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
All in all, for the amount of years(8) that I have owned this vehicle, it truly is a great, reliable car.
Great American Car
olson, 03/22/2005
1996 Buick Park Avenue 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought used with low miles as is my custom. This is a very reliable car with only a couple minor repairs during 140K miles of use. I'm planning on driving it to at least 220K barring any major issues. Fuel mileage is consistantly 22 in town and 30-32 highway driving under 70MPH. Why would anyone buy a foreign car when America offers great cars like this? This is my 2nd Park Ave. There will be a 3rd if they keep building them.
What a steal
Howie, 05/19/2007
1996 Buick Park Avenue 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Nobody wants these I guess. I paid $4400 OTD from a dealer for my unmolested '96 with 104K. Looked new inside and out pretty much. Now with almost 113K 11months later, the car has been trouble free. It's no sports car but it is smooth, quiet, and extremely comfortable to drive. Like a sofa with a steering wheel. Great seats, good power, good gas mileage, and soaks up bumps like they're nothing. Brakes aren't the best but oh well. This car is such a relaxing experience. I'll probably get another one when this one dies....if it ever does. People make fun of it and call it a "grandfather car". I could care less. It rides better than 90% of the cars on the road that cost quadruple.
Want another just like it
DJBALD, 11/06/2007
1996 Buick Park Avenue 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I told my husband that I would not get rid of this car till he put one in the driveway just like it. This was the most reliable, comfortable car I have ever owned. There was flaking of the paint after 11 years. We replaced the transmission at 120,000 miles. If I had not received a Yukon as a gift from my brother, I would be driving this car today.
Great deal!
Jon, 04/15/2008
1996 Buick Park Avenue Ultra 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Purchased my 96 Park Avenue Ultra since I am a fan of classic muscle and this thing is great! My friends all laugh but this is one great car- tons of power & very comfortable driving! I have yet to take her on a long road trip but am getting just over 20mpg in town. Awesome, comfortable interior that cannot be beat by the imports, huge trunk- we will see Friday if it fits 4 sets of golf clubs but I think so - I just sold my 2007 Honda Pilot (awesome car but 15 MPG) so that this can be my daily driver. I even tinted the windows real dark so people cannot see me!
margies car
RBWOODS, 04/10/2002
1996 Buick Park Avenue Ultra 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
performance good, handing exellenct, radio reception needs improvement
Excellent buy!!
alytheia, 06/23/2014
1996 Buick Park Avenue 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I love this car! It's a plus that it is HUGE and has a LOT of trunk space - not like those tiny little cars they make nowadays! Great gas mileage - 24-26 hwy - very comfortable - bought it in decent condit at 123K for $2100 and have 228K on it now, 5 1/2 yrs later. I've had to get some repairs made - tie rod, front shocks, A/C system - but that's to be expected in an older car w/ a fair amount of mileage. Love the ride, the steering, & the huge front end! I can fit this in almost any parking spot - including those that compact cars can't get into! Great for trips, & I used to regularly make 200-mile round trips to home to see family. It's also taken us on those 7-8 hr trips very comfortably!
Low miles!
Phil, 06/09/2008
1996 Buick Park Avenue 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has spent most it's life indoors & looks almost new in & out. I can't believe people paid three times for their's what I paid for mine with less than half the miles on mine. It's a one owner car I got from a guy I worked with that would of had to sell it to a dealer if not me because he was moving. I really like it to me it's like a new car except I can sell this one for more than I paided for it. I won't sell as it will go another 10 years & I work less than a mile from home so gas won't be such an issue even when it does hit $200.00 a barrel. I changed the oil & after about 900 miles it went through half a quart as I check it often. It tells you every time you start it try 10/40
good for the long run
lewis, 11/03/2009
1996 Buick Park Avenue 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased new and now have 284,000 mi. On 2nd engine and 4th transmission. Parts of my wife's Japanese car last longer, but the Buick is nicer on the highway, gets better mileage (app. 28 mpg) and is easy to maintain - and worth it. Actual cost per mile over the long run is hard to beat.
What a Car!!
Buik_Aficionado, 07/24/2004
1996 Buick Park Avenue 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has 80,000 miles, yet handles like new! It has been to NY, GA, TN, FL, VA ... I have made trips in the snow up and down mountains that most get stuck on. I love the car so much that I am going to get it re-painted!
When we purchashed with 61+++ miles on it. It has
Marion Leo Bishop, 10/25/2016
1996 Buick Park Avenue 4dr Sedan
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
They should know how to maintain an older vehicle. I am too old for that responsibility now.
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- Reliability
My Mistake
Frank A., 06/02/2005
1996 Buick Park Avenue 4dr Sedan
0 of 3 people found this review helpful
Nothing but trouble with this vehicle. The passkey would not work-$92 to program around, much more if keylock was replaced. Blower motor would not shut off- $171 to replace motor controller. Washer pump wouldn't work and washer tank leaked- fixed myself for $19 in parts. Air wouldn't blow out of dash vents- replaced one air controller- $212.80. All this in 18,000 miles(still only 88,000 on the car) from a car that really did belong to a 80+ year old lady. Also, this car will not downshift out of overdrive till about 40 mph causing "bucking" unless you drive in 3rd gear in hilly terrain. Gas mileage is good-over 30mpg Hwy. Buick has taken quality to a new low with this vehicle.
WHAT A CAR
DALEWAG, 07/22/2002
1996 Buick Park Avenue 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
EXCELLENT FULL SIZE CAR
This Car is Ugly and Too Long!
Victoria, 03/13/2007
1996 Buick Park Avenue 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car was my parents car for many years. I always thought it was ugly and looked like a grandma car and I would never be caught dead driving it. But my parents got new cars and keep this one around for me to practice with. So I started driving it on my learner's permit in 2006 when it was 10 years old. Then I got my license in December and didn't have my own car yet. I was forced to drive it and I've been driving it for 3 months now. I hate how it looks compared to all the other kids in my school with all their small compact cars. It's so long and hard to judge how long the back is when I'm parking on the street or backing out of a parking lot. But it drives fine and has lots of features.