1997 Buick Park Avenue

Introduction

The 1997 Buick Park Avenue is a full-size luxury sedan known for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and powerful engine options. It is available with two engine options: a 3.8-liter V6 and a 3.8-liter supercharged V6. The 3.8-liter V6 produces 205 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, while the supercharged version produces 240 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally praise the Park Avenue’s ride quality, comfort, and style, but some have reported issues with the engine, transmission, and suspension.

Engine

3.8-liter V6

• Intake manifold gasket failure: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil leaks. Symptoms include:
  • Coolant leaks
  • Oil leaks
  • Overheating
• Solution: The intake manifold gasket needs to be replaced. Estimated cost: $400 - $700+

3.8-liter Supercharged V6

• Supercharger bearing failure: The supercharger bearings can fail, causing a rattling noise and reduced power. Symptoms include:
  • Rattling noise from the engine
  • Reduced power
  • Check engine light
• Solution: The supercharger needs to be replaced or rebuilt. Estimated cost: $1,000 - $2,500+

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

• Shift solenoid failure: The shift solenoids can fail, causing erratic shifting or difficulty shifting gears. Symptoms include:
  • Erratic shifting
  • Difficulty shifting gears
  • Check engine light
• Solution: The shift solenoids need to be replaced. Estimated cost: $600 - $1,000+

Suspension

• Strut mount failure: The strut mounts can fail, causing a clunking noise or a rough ride. Symptoms include:
  • Clunking noise from the front suspension
  • Rough ride
• Solution: The strut mounts need to be replaced. Estimated cost: $200 - $400+

Electrical

• Alternator failure: The alternator can fail, causing electrical problems or a dead battery. Symptoms include:
  • Electrical problems
  • Dead battery
• Solution: The alternator needs to be replaced. Estimated cost: $300 - $500+

Exterior

• Rust: The Park Avenue can be prone to rust, especially on the undercarriage and wheel wells. Symptoms include:
  • Rust spots
  • Holes in the undercarriage
• Solution: Rust prevention and repair. Estimated cost: Varies depending on the severity of the rust

Interior

• Headliner sagging: The headliner can sag, causing an unsightly appearance. Symptoms include:
  • Sagging headliner
• Solution: The headliner needs to be replaced. Estimated cost: $400 - $800+

Summary

The 1997 Buick Park Avenue is a comfortable and stylish sedan, but it has some potential reliability issues to consider. The most common issues reported by owners include engine problems, transmission problems, and suspension problems. The severity and cost of these issues can vary, so it’s important to have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic before purchasing.