1991 Buick Park Avenue (?)

[Benvw99]

Hi guys.

Today I just need to ask some questions about the 1990 model year of the Buick Park Avenue.


First question - is the car's name actually park avenue? or was park avenue a trim level such as SE, GT, or SSEi?

Next question - Would this vehicle be worth the money to be used as a "practice project" vehicle? What I mean is, my grandpa and I are thinking about doing a project vehicle, but to get me more educated we would like to do a practice vehicle first, where I do simple things and don't have to worry about accidentally messing up and lowering the vehicle's value? (since the value is probably already at rock bottom).

Last question - How rare were the soft top editions? This one is equipped with the soft top.


I have pictures! This thread would be worthless without pictures! Just a heads up, it has chrome cadillac Deville(?) wheels on it instead of the steelies with hubcaps.















What do you guys think??

[96 SSEi]

nice project practice car-- not bad shape but for paint on doors
reminds me of my 78 caprice classic- now that was a cabin cruiser!!

[Benvw99]

Just called and got the story on it.

It was this guys grandpas car before he passed. Has 210k miles but runs and drives great. Only slight body damage. CRAZY comfortable inside! Gonna drive it tomorrow.


Is it worth the $900 for the soft top edition? Thanks.

[haro1225]

The name of the car is Park Avenue. It is similar to a Lesabre though.
You could use it as a practice car but it also makes a great reliable cheap car. They can get pretty good gas mileage for their size too.
As for the soft top, that shouldn't even make a difference in value.

[RJolly87]

1990 Was the last year of that being the Buick Electra, with the Park Avenue being listed as a trim level. At least that is how I have always seen it.

And around here any running driving car is worth $750 minimum, so at your pricepoint, you can't do much wrong. As always though try and get them down as much as possible, and be on the lookout for major issues

[Keepin'her_going]

Man that is cool! Honestly I'm a bigger fan of the Buicks and Oldsmobiles than the Pontiacs. I just never have come across a good deal on the Buicks or Olds.

[MattStrike]

I can confirm, 1990 it was still an Electra. 1990 had trim options named Limited, Park Avenue, and Park Avenue Ultra

[MKMike]

Just to add to the info you've been given: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buick_Park_Avenue

[Benvw99]

Thanks everybody!

I read that wiki article, and I can most likely confirm that it is an ultra park avenue, since it comes with everything that is limited to the park avenue ultra, except for the leather seats. Wood grain, (had) alloys, vinyl top, and power seats.

Gonna have to discuss it with my parents and work extra hard to get enough money from my next paycheck.

[RJolly87]

This one pertains to the car.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buick_Elec ... .80.931990

I don't think it's an ultra, because it would be badged as such.

For comparison, a known Ultra:
http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f53/ ... ra-153842/

And Wiki:

Park Avenue Ultra

In 1989 and 1990, a new trim level to the Electra was offered: the Park Avenue Ultra. The Ultra was essentially an upgrade to the Electra Park Avenue line and featured standard leather trim interior, with 20-way dual electric front seats, a padded vinyl top, burled elm trim on the doors and instrument panel, unique aluminum wheels, and a variety of otherwise minor changes. The Park Avenue Ultra did not gain much popular recognition, however, until the following generation of Park Avenue, where the "Ultra" badge offered significantly more features.

I am thinking this is not one of them.

[Benvw99]

Oh ok. I guess it's just a standard park avenue. Either way though, it is super nice and comfortable!! I have scheduled a test drive for it in about 40 mins. Will post again telling about how it runs and drives.

[Benvw99]

I just drove it! It (not even kidding) starts better than my car. Brakes better than my car, and has less of a mushy gas pedal than my car!

Interior - I sat in and instantly was just relaxed. Those seats are incredibly comfortable!! Incredibly soft as well. Dash board is nearly perfect, just needs dusting. All power everything works, except the power windows need a little silicon to make them not squeak. Back seat was even nicer than the front, less wear.


Mechanically - starts up great, drives great, rides super great, and no lights on by the information center. Even if my body work doesn't go as planned, it would still make a great daily I think!



Anything notorious on these cars that I should look for? Thanks.

[MattStrike]

Anything notorious to watch out for?! Not really. Window regulators can be slow, the tape and sliders get worn out and not really fast by design either. If you're in a rusty climate watch out for body panel rot, and not as common on the older H-body cars but subframe mount rot. The only other issue is that these older rear drum setups are very sensitive to rust. They need to be cleaned and inspected/readjusted annually for best performance.

[RJolly87]

There is a couple of notorious odds and ends (abs, cam interrupter magnet, etc), but they are pretty obvious when there is an issue and no real deal breakers either
just keep to the forums as issues arise and we would be happy to help keep you on track

[Benvw99]

Thanks everybody!

Now for the hard part - finding a place for it. My parents don't want it in our driveway, so it might sit out on the road away from our house for a while. I also don't have a for sure yet on if I can get it, and I won't have one until next week, since the title wont be in the mail until next Wednesday or so.


Thanks again everybody! Really appreciate your help.

[Benvw99]

Well guys, while I was visiting New York City, the vehicle was sold. Oh well.


Looks like now I saving all of my money to buy the car I actually really want as a daily!

Thanks for your help and sorry for bugging you.

[Keepin'her_going]

Horrible Ending!!! Arghhhhhhh.

Seriously, I wish you good luck in finding a nice car.

[MKMike]

That's too bad.
Hope something else good comes along soon for you.