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2000 Buick Park Avenue

The 2000 Buick Park Avenue is a full-size luxury sedan known for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and reliability. It came standard with a 3.8L Series II V6 engine, producing 205 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque. An upgraded “Ultra” trim was available, featuring a supercharged version of the 3.8L V6, boosting output to 240 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 4T65-E four-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate the Park Avenue’s smooth ride, quiet cabin, and large trunk. Common complaints include the somewhat dated styling, lower fuel economy compared to smaller cars, and occasional electrical gremlins associated with the age of the vehicle.

Engine

3.8L Series II V6 (L36)

  • Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, overheating, white smoke from the exhaust, coolant smell inside the cabin.
    • Solution: Replace the upper and lower intake manifold gaskets with updated versions.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Mass Air Flow Sensor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Stalling, poor acceleration, rough idling, check engine light.
    • Solution: Replace the mass air flow sensor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
    • Recalls: None Found

3.8L Supercharged Series II V6 (L67)

  • Supercharger Coupler Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Rattling or chirping noise from the supercharger, loss of power.
    • Solution: Replace the supercharger coupler.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Intercooler Leak
    • Description/Symptoms: Loss of coolant, reduced supercharger performance, possible overheating.
    • Solution: Inspect and repair or replace the intercooler.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4T65-E 4-Speed Automatic Transmission

  • Pressure Control Solenoid Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or erratic shifting, slipping between gears, transmission codes.
    • Solution: Replace the pressure control solenoid.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Stalling at low speeds, shuddering while cruising, poor fuel economy.
    • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1200
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Rear Air Suspension Compressor Failure (Ultra Models)
    • Description/Symptoms: Rear of the vehicle sitting low, suspension warning light on the dashboard.
    • Solution: Replace the air suspension compressor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Strut Mount Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise from the front suspension, especially when going over bumps.
    • Solution: Replace the strut mounts.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Body Control Module (BCM) Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent problems with power windows, door locks, lights, or other electrical functions.
    • Solution: Diagnose the BCM and repair or replace it as needed.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Ignition Switch Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting the car, stalling, loss of electrical power.
    • Solution: Replace the ignition switch.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Headlight Lens Clouding/Yellowing
    • Description/Symptoms: Reduced headlight brightness, cloudy or yellowed headlight lenses.
    • Solution: Polish the headlight lenses or replace the headlight assemblies.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Driver Information Center (DIC) Pixel Loss
    • Description/Symptoms: Pixels missing from the DIC display, making it difficult to read information.
    • Solution: Repair or replace the DIC display.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 2000 Buick Park Avenue is generally a reliable vehicle, but like any car of its age, it is prone to certain issues. Engine problems like intake manifold gasket failures and supercharger coupler issues (on the Ultra trim) are common. Transmission problems, particularly with the pressure control solenoid and torque converter clutch, can be costly. Electrical issues related to the BCM and ignition switch are also relatively frequent. Suspension problems such as air suspension failure on Ultra models will occur with age. Overall, while the Park Avenue offers a comfortable and spacious ride, potential buyers should be aware of these common issues and factor in repair costs when considering a purchase. The severity of the issues ranges from minor inconveniences to potentially expensive repairs.

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