For Sale:
1988 Buick Century Limited Sedan, 140,200 miles, 2.8L V6 engine, Power Everything, Comfortable and Bullet-proof Reliable.Metallic Silver exterior with Light Blue velour interior.
— OFFER MADE. SOLD 4/15/2001 —
Options:
2.8L V6 125-hp MFI Engine (Type W), Power Windows, Power Locks, Power Driver's Seat, Power Side Mirrors (joystick type), Air Conditioner (freon was recharged last summer, as good as new!), AC Delco AM/FM/Cassette (with Auto-Reverse, Dolby NR) with Power Retracting Antenna, Clifford Bullet II Car Alarm / Keyless Entry System (with courtesy lights, headlights-on reminder, etc.) [see clifford.com for details, $400 value], Cruise Control, Power Trunk, Soft and plush velour seats, Lighted Passenger side sun visor/vanity mirror, Front Center Flip-Armrest/Console with flip cupholder, 3 GM color-matched floor mats (no driver's mat), Attractive GM Wire-Spoke wheel covers.The car comes with: Front and rear bench seating, 4-speed Automatic Transmission with Overdrive on a steering-wheel mounted shifter, Adjustable (tilt) steering column, huge carpet-lined trunk, rear defrost, soft plastic in the interior/dash. I'll include 2 sets of keys and an emergency plastic credit-card-sized door key (made at the AAA), and 2 Clifford remotes for the alarm system (plus user manual). I'll also include the Chilton Total Car Care Car Repair Manual 82-96 (ISBN: 0801991080). Stickers: Port Washington Parking Sticker (for LIRR and other) valid until 5/31/2001, Glen Cove Parking sticker (LIRR, parks) valid until 12/31/2001. Registration/Plates and Inspection expire 7/2001.
Very low maintenance and ultra-reliable car. I spend less than $100/year for routine maintenance (oil changes, oil and air filters, wipers, windshield fluid, etc.) + gasoline, which is next to nothing. Fuel economy: The car does about 20mpg. Very good economy, considering its big size and weight (which protects you in accidents). I've always fed it super unleaded premium fuel (93 octane) since I owned the car.
No major mechanical problems: Car runs excellent and rides smoothly. Has never had any major breakdowns or required expensive repairs/maintenance. No smoke or odors and passes inspection with flying colors. No rust. Excellent car for commuting, driving into Manhattan, and anyone who wants an affordable, reliable means of transportation with lots of comfort and safety.
Resources/Reviews:
Here's an online review of the 1988 Buick Century. MSN Carpoint confirms the reliability of this car via Reliability Ratings data. Folks get well over 250,000 miles in a '88 Century without major service! Personally I can attest to that: You can't make this car die; it's bullet-proof reliable if you take care of it. And because it's a GM and shares parts with all "A-Body" GMs (Pontiac 6000, Chevy Celebrity, Oldsmobile Ciera), parts and service is dirt cheap in the USA.Recent maintenance items:
New front brake pads installed (Fall 2000), Engine oil changed every 3-4 months (Pennzoil 5W-30 & Fram filter). Radiator/Coolant flushed every year. In Fall 1998, I completely back-flushed cooling system, replaced lower radiator hose and clamp, scrubbed/cleaned the plastic coolant reservoir tank. Air filter (Fram) replaced twice a year. Air Conditioning system's freon was recharged Summer 2000 and blows cold air wonderfully. Front tires replaced in 1998. (There is a lot of tread left in all tires). Car washed regularly inside and out (once every 2-3 months), and engine compartment wiped down as well. Very well cared for, inspected (fluids, belts, etc.) weekly, and babied by owner.All service (non-maintenance) items since I acquired car (Fall 1997)
Engine rebuilt: including new radiator, new radiator fan, new belt, new spark plugs, new oil pump. (I have the records/service write-up). -- No other service done during my ownership.Future maintenance you should expect:
In about 5000 miles, will need new rear brake shoes. Within the next year, an engine tune-up is probably a good idea. ...and of course (as with every car) the regular oil/filter change, coolant flush, windshield wiper replacement, tune-up, tire inflation, car wash, etc.Blemishes:
(All are body/surface blemishes-- no structural/chassis damage) Front right fender was bent from parking lot accident (15mph impact) and hammered out (paint layer was cracked, and painted over with primer to prevent rust). Front right door bottom has dent and a 2 inch cut (from trailer hitch of the the car backed into mine) from the same accident, it's been pushed back out and hole plugged up. Front turning signal covers (orange ones) are cracked. Small scratch on driver's side door, also someone keyed my car (down to primer, no rust). These are all minor surface damages and not damages to the body frame or chassis. I would have repaired these items if I wasn't buying a new car. Paint is still fresh, sparkly, and bright. There are minor scratches in paint which was painted over with touch-up paint to prevent rust. No rips or stains in interior cloth, and almost no wear marks.Originally a California car, for 11 years (from 1988 to 1999), transported via truck to New York in March 1999. Always garaged since moving to New York. I drove it mainly for commuting, but I've taken many road trips (~500 miles) occasionally.
I'm selling it because I just bought a new car, and I can't afford to pay insurance on two cars. I'd love to keep it otherwise as a commuter car, but unfortunately I have to let my baby go.
VIN # 1g4al51w9j6440756
Location/Price
I'm located in Glen Cove, Long Island Nassau North Shore, New York.Asking: $1300. Negotiable/Make a reasonable offer. (Kelly Blue Book Condition = Good: Value, retail = $2,760 [see/print report], Value, trade-in = $1000 [see/print report]) [note: Retail=what you expect to pay a dealer for the car, Trade-In=what I expect to get from dealer if I trade in car for another one. The rule of thumb for you is to buy at a price somewhere in between.]
Contact
email Mike (preferred method of contact): [email protected]