My wife and I just purchased a near perfect condition 1996 Buick Park Avenue with 78k miles. We traded in our gas hogging 1999 Chevrolet Suburban K2500 with a 454 and couldn't be any happier.


We went to the Buick dealer expecting to get a newer (used) Impala. While there the salesperson told us about a Park Avenue they had traded in recently that looked newer than 99% of his pre-owned vehicles with less miles. It included all records, and was a 1 owner. I said NO. I didn't want an older vehicle. My wife insisted we look at it. To my surprise, she was right. It was worth the look. 1/3 the price of the Impala and a great ride for the money.


You can check out the pictures at http://www.flickr.com/photos/dsuupr/...7600045197581/


Now we have a Buick just like my parents, Mother-in-Law & my Grandfather (before he passed away).


BTW; our other vehicle is a 2006 Chevrolet HHR, which I really like.

I recently found a 1994 PA with 90,000 miles for $3500. Drives like a dream and is reminiscent of a 1983 Olds 98 Brougham we bought in 1997 for $1500 and sold it in 2006 for $1200. Nearly trouble-free driving for another 140,000 miles.

A couple forgotten benefits of driving well-maintained and carefully driven older models: insurance and registration can be significantly lower than late model vehicles.

Congratulations on your purchase. Here's hoping both our Park Avenues prove to be gems.