Hi I am searching for a good reliable first car and stumbled upon a 1994 Buick Park Avenue ultra with 148,000 miles for $3000. I like the body style and have always wanted one but I’m worried that it may be too old to be reliable. I have also heard that the supercharged 3800 engine was too powerful for the transmission which caused transmission issues. So I’m wondering if you think this is a good buy.
If you really want a big traditional-style American barge a better choice would be a Ford Crown Vic or Mercury Marquis de Sade. Those are the gold standard for that type of vehicle. Much more solid cars than the Buick, and with a robust V8 instead of a finicky decades-old supercharged V6 to worry about. Best to stick with 1996 or newer so it has OBD2 diagnostics, and they were made until 2011 so you don't have to go multiple decades back for one.
Whatever you get make sure a good mechanic does a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
I would pass on it. Something better will come.
