Buick models we see most
| Model | US model years | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| LeSabre | 1959-2005 | The final 2000-2005 generation was front-wheel drive with GM's 3.8-liter V6. |
| Century (final generation) | 1997-2005 | Powered by the 3.1-liter V6, one of the GM engines tied to Dex-Cool intake gasket lawsuits. |
| Regal | 1973-2004, 2011-2020 | 1997-2004 Regals with the 3.8 V6 were recalled twice for oil dripping onto the exhaust manifold. |
| Rendezvous | 2002-2007 | A crossover built alongside the Pontiac Aztek; early ones used the 3.4-liter V6 named in Dex-Cool litigation. |
| LaCrosse | 2005-2019 | 2010-2013 cars sold or registered in Illinois are in recall 20V764000 for rear toe links that rust through. |
| Lucerne | 2006-2011 | Part of GM's 14V355000 recall: a heavy key ring could knock the ignition out of run. |
| Enclave | 2008-present | 2008-2013 Enclaves are in recall 14V118000 for seat side-airbag wiring that may keep the airbags from firing. |
Known Buick problems that end up at the scrapyard
Oil fires on 1997-2004 Regals with the 3.8 V6
GM first recalled 1997-2003 Regals with the naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6 because oil could drip onto the hot exhaust manifold during hard braking and ignite (09V116000). In 2015 it recalled 1997-2004 Regals again because the earlier fixes were not enough (15V701000). A Regal that leaves oil on the exhaust is safer towed than driven to a buyer. source
Rusting rear toe links on 2010-2013 LaCrosse
Recall 20V764000 covers 2010-2013 LaCrosse and 2012-2013 Regal sold or registered in salt states, Illinois among them. Too much e-coat made the toe link finish brittle, it chipped off, and bare steel then rusted, thinned and could fracture, which hurts steering control. On a Chicago car with this rear end, look at the toe links before spending on anything else. source
Key-ring ignition recall on LaCrosse and Lucerne
GM's 14V355000 recall covers 2005-2009 LaCrosse and 2006-2011 Lucerne. Weight on the key ring, or a hard jolt, could move the ignition out of run, cutting engine power and leaving the airbags unable to deploy. Until repaired, owners were told to carry only the ignition key. Ask your dealer whether the switch was replaced if you are unsure. source
How Buicks wear out in a Chicago climate
The 3.8-liter V6 in the LeSabre, Park Avenue and Regal is a simple pushrod design, so on many of these cars the trouble starts somewhere other than the engine.
Salt is the big one. GM’s toe-link recall for the 2010-2013 LaCrosse applies only in states that salt their roads hard, and Illinois is named. A rusted rear link can snap, so a LaCrosse with a clunk from the back deserves a look underneath before you sink money into brakes or tires.
Then there are the recalls that were never done. Older Regals have a 3.8 oil-on-exhaust fire recall that GM had to repeat in 2015, and the LaCrosse and Lucerne were part of the 2014 key-ring ignition campaign. Many of these cars changed hands several times, so the current owner may not know. Our page on selling a car that doesn’t run explains your options when the repair bill outruns the car.
What we weigh when quoting a Buick
A Buick’s offer comes from a handful of facts: which model it is (an Enclave carries more weight and parts than a Century), whether the engine turns over, whether its catalytic converter and wheels are intact, how bad the rust is, and how easy it is to reach. A car parked nose-in at the back of a narrow garage is still fine; just tell us so the right truck comes.
Clearing your Buick before it leaves
GM Financial suggests a short routine before handing over any GM vehicle:
- Reset the infotainment system to factory settings, which clears saved locations and phone numbers.
- Erase garage-door and gate codes and unpair Bluetooth phones.
- Log out of any in-car apps tied to your accounts.
- Cancel or transfer OnStar with the blue button or by calling OnStar.
Then empty the trunk and glovebox and find every key. Browse the rest of the makes we buy if you have a second car to clear out.
Selling a junk Buick: questions
Will you buy a Buick that leaks oil or coolant?
Yes. Leaks don't disqualify a car. If it's a 1997-2004 Regal dripping oil near the exhaust, don't drive it to us; that is the exact fire risk GM recalled it for. We tow it free from where it sits.
Is an Enclave worth more than an old LeSabre?
Usually, because a large three-row crossover weighs more and has more parts in demand, but condition decides it. A complete LeSabre that runs can beat a stripped Enclave. Tell us what each one has and we will quote both.
How do I cancel OnStar on a Buick I'm selling?
GM Financial's advice is to press the blue OnStar button in the car or call 1-888-466-7827 to cancel or transfer the plan, then reset the radio to factory settings so your phones, contacts and saved places are erased.