2002 Buick Regal GS

[Patri]

Need to buy a used car. An older gent is selling this one, 78k miles. Asking $6,600, which is close to blue book, but I'm sure we'll offer less. Have to drive it first and check it out more closely. Just saw it parked on a vacant lot.
Anyone have any experience or input with this car?
Thanks.

 

[chellej]

Did not have a regal but did have a 99 century. Loved the car got great mileage. I was in an accident and the car was totalled. I had some injuries but if I had been driving something else like my DD's Hyndai I hate to think the extent of injuries. The buicks are built like tanks.

The bad, the 99 had a problem with the actuator for the AC. If it lost power, like if you changed out the battery, it would stick on full hot. The cost to replace was prohibitive....mechanic said it was a well known issue so it is possible they fixed it prior to the 2002 models.

 

[RDB]

Have around 200k on mine. Not sure as the odometer won't light up anymore.
I'd take $2000 for it but grand daughter would have a fit.
Like the car, so use it around town.

It needs the speed sensors replaced.
We just don't hold the excellerator to where the computor tries to shift up the transmission. (Low speed sensor)

Don't exceed 45mph, so it doesn't try to shift up for cruising. (High speed sensor)

It is an excellent car, but IMO his price is $1500 too high.

 

[Patri]

I think he based his price on excellent condition, and it seems to be. DH panicked when he said he's had 4 calls since he set out the car last night. We will likely buy it for a little less. His list price (he kept the window sticker) was $29,000. I also get $5100 on kbb if in good condition. $6600 or so for excellent.
I believe this guy custom orders his cars, and adds extras which we never would. He is getting a new one delivered soon, to use up his GM credit card dollars. Figures it will be the last car he gets because of his age.
We do like that it is one owner, and serviced locally. That's what scares us most about buying from a private party - what is the history and mechanical problems? We took a test drive. Sweet ride.
And buying from a dealer - well, used cars are expensive these days! Has been disheartening looking at the ads and on the lots.
We're buying because someone hit our 2001 van while it was parked and insurance totaled it. They don't even know all the little things that no longer worked, but mechanically it was sound and we had hoped for a year or two more out of it.
Sigh. If it's not one thing it's another.

 

[ampaholic]

I believe this guy custom orders his cars, and adds extras which we never would. He is getting a new one delivered soon, to use up his GM credit card dollars. Figures it will be the last car he gets because of his age.
We do like that it is one owner, and serviced locally. That's what scares us most about buying from a private party - what is the history and mechanical problems?

Perhaps he will let you talk to the serviceman who did the local service?

There sure are a lot of pointers towards it being a good car.

 

[geekette]

I am a Buick lover. Had a Regal, much older/long ago, drove it a long while as second owner, upgraded to 99 Century, still loving it. BF has a 2003 La Sabre he bought from older gentleman. Buicks have that great dynaride suspension and are reasonably easy to work on (less labor at the shop).

I personally would go for it, especially if it's loaded.