I'm looking at one of these to use as a daily driver, it has 165,000 miles but looks and sounds good, the person is asking $1600. Are these good cars? I heard lots of good on the 3.8L, but I have not heard on the supercharged ones.

 

I found multiple supercharged 3800 cars that had bad transmissions. I think it came with abuse. Just make sure it is in good shape.

 

I have a 1995 98 but it's not supercharged. My car has OVER 165000 miles and it's incredibly reliable. I would buy it again in a heartbeat (preferably new).

Guess it really depends on how well maintained the car is. Got any records and stuff? I believe the supercharged 3800 has an extra 20 or 30 hp. Mine is a base 205 hp which is plenty for the size of this car. BTW I just found out that plugs, wires and injectors are special for the supercharged models, so you might be looking at moderately higher engine maintenance costs.

I see these big boats once in a while and usually get a chance to talk to the captains. Most of them wouldn't sell just because of the reliability. One thing to watch for, they are prone to rusting at the rear door C pillar and over the rear wheels. (Poor drainage and gasket fits) Sounds like the one you're looking at is just broken in.

The 3800 does have a weakness: Intake manifold gasket. Ask if it's been done. Just did mine for around 600$.

1600 OBO? Most people are trying to get away from big cars. The 3800 is actually really good on gas if you don't pin it all the time or drive in stop and go traffic.

 

Get it. The 3800 is very reliable. I have seen plenty of those engines with over 200,000 miles, supercharged and n/a. If have a 2000 Grand Prix with the non supercharged engine and I have 175,000 miles on it right now. I dont baby the car at all either, it gets the crap beat out of it. It usually burns less than half a quart of oil, never more than a quart in 3000 miles. I also run synthetic, I like to think that has kept the engine running as good as it does. I have had problems with the transmision, once at 100,000 miles for the diff blowing up and another time at 150,000 for the pump shaft snapping. Both times the 4th clutch hub was pretty worn. I do blame all of the tranny problems on the way I drive it which is very hard. The supecharged engines use an h.d. trans and I think that just has an upgraded diff. Try to see if the owner has maintinance records to see if it was taken care of.

 

My 93 Buick LeSaber had a 3800 in it. It was a very dependable car. I always wanted to buy an Olds 98 with the 3800 or a Buick Roadmaster. They are beautiful cars.

 

My better halfs car is a 2000 buick Regal with the 3800 and supercharged. We have had not mechanical problems what soever. Make sure you check the lube in the supercharger is is a GM specified product and you oil shops don't check it. I hammer the car when I drive it (don't tell on me) So far no damage. Beats every rice rocket that I have come up against. Four door white, looks like a rental car except for the 16" wheels