2000 Buick Century

2000 Buick Century

The 2000 Buick Century is a midsize sedan offered with a choice of two engines: a 3.1L V6 or a supercharged 3.8L V6. Both engines are paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. The 3.1L V6 produces 175 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque, while the supercharged 3.8L V6 produces 240 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. The Century is praised for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and decent fuel economy. However, it is criticized for its lack of performance, especially with the base engine, and for its dated exterior styling.

Engine

3.1L V6

• Intake manifold gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant or oil leaks from the intake manifold, engine overheating, rough idle, and decreased performance.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $700
• Valve cover gasket leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from the valve covers, visible oil on the engine, and engine noise.
  • Solution: Replace the valve cover gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
• Ignition coil failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough idle, and decreased performance.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty ignition coil.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200 per coil

Supercharged 3.8L V6

• Supercharger bearing failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Whining or grinding noises from the supercharger, decreased boost pressure, and loss of power.
  • Solution: Replace the supercharger bearing or the entire supercharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000
• Intercooler leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of boost pressure, decreased performance, and a whistling sound from the intercooler.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the intercooler.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
• Throttle body failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine stalling, rough idle, and decreased performance.
  • Solution: Replace the throttle body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Transmission slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty engaging gears, slipping gears while driving, and shuddering.
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000
• Solenoid failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, delayed shifting, or no shifting at all.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty solenoid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
• Torque converter shudder
  • Description/Symptoms: Vibration or shudder during acceleration or deceleration.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200

Suspension

• Strut failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises, uneven tire wear, and decreased handling.
  • Solution: Replace the struts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800 per strut
• Sway bar link failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises from the suspension, especially during cornering.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty sway bar link.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200 per link
• Ball joint failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or popping noises from the suspension, excessive tire wear, and decreased handling.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty ball joint.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 per ball joint

Electrical

• Alternator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery not charging, electrical system failure, and dimming headlights.
  • Solution: Replace the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $700
• Starter failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine not starting, grinding noises from the starter, or intermittent starting.
  • Solution: Replace the starter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
• Battery failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting the engine, slow cranking, or no starting at all.
  • Solution: Replace the battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200

Exterior

• Door lock actuators
  • Description/Symptoms: Doors not locking or unlocking properly, intermittent door locking, or failure to unlock.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty door lock actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200 per actuator

Interior

• Power window failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Windows not rolling up or down, intermittent window operation, or windows getting stuck.
  • Solution: Replace the window motor or window switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 per window
• Heater core failure
  • Description/Symptoms: No heat or insufficient heat from the heater, coolant leaks from the dashboard, or sweet smell in the cabin.
  • Solution: Replace the heater core.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
• Instrument cluster failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Gauges not working, intermittent gauge operation, or no display at all.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500

Summary

The 2000 Buick Century is a reliable midsize sedan with some common issues, particularly with the engine and transmission. Issues with the 3.1L V6 are generally less severe and less expensive to fix than those with the supercharged 3.8L V6. The 4-speed automatic transmission can also develop problems, especially at higher mileage. However, the Century’s comfortable ride, spacious interior, and decent fuel economy make it a good choice for budget-minded buyers looking for a reliable daily driver.