Sometimes, a car comes up for sale that doesn’t seem particularly intriguing until you realize how few are left in anything approaching sound condition. That’s certainly the reaction I had to this clean 1992 Buick Regal Limited which also has just over 50,000 original miles on the clock. This is a car that is typically in the dictionary next to the phrase, “Ridden hard and put away wet,” so it’s refreshing to see one that appears to have been loved. Find it here on Facebook Marketplace for $5,300.
The Regal has had a few different identities over the years, and this era falls squarely onto the point in history when it was the preferred car of retirees heading to IHOP in Key Biscayne. The gold paint job, tan interior, and white-wall tires complete the look, and it seems likely that its gently-used condition is thanks to an elderly owner who used the car sparingly for short-haul trips.
The Regal’s interior is in excellent shape with heavy-duty rubber floor mats protecting the carpet and a thick steering wheel wrap to make the standard four-spoke wheel easier to grab. The dash has some fake wood trim that presents well enough, and the digital cluster is a nice touch. The Buick retains its stock radio and other controls, and thankfully the lack of high-end features should indicate this Regal is easy to live with over the long-term.
Despite being a survivor, this Regal actually makes a lot of sense to me as a cheap and cheerful daily driver. It’s far more affordable than a new Civic, and fuel economy is – at the least – respectable. The 3800-series V6 is a tried and true engine, so I doubt you’ll have much in the way of reliability issues to deal with, and parts are still dirt cheap for one of these, making pretty much every junkyard run a potential treasure trove of cheap spares for this beautiful Regal.
These Regals did everything …’good’. I know proper grammar is ‘well’, but I think that is better than good, not the same. Domestic sedan with 3800 V6. Can’t you see Clark Griswold being pulled over for driving 85 mph, looking out the window both directions, and saying, ” 85? Who, me? Can’t be me…I don’t think these tires are even rated for that. They’re whitewalls, mostly for show!”
Somebody’s grandma died.
At 50g miles. That Regal is just broke in good. Reliability was good both engine & transmission. Seen most run up to 150g miles before needing any major repairs. They were good day to day drivers mode of transportation.
Nice looking Buick went on Facebook and it read SOLD! Great price went quick. 🐻
I liked these better than the full-size Buicks of those years, but beware of the troublesome digital dashes on these. But on the other hand it’s got the 3800 and it’s not a big car. It should have some get up and go!.
Mom had one. Hard pass.
The design of these had to be an overt homage to the NSU Ro80 — just compare the greenhouse and tail styling in particular. Odd that Buick of all marques would be the one paying that homage, but so be it.
Good catch, SubGothius! Hadn’t thought of a Ro80 in years but I agree with your summation.
These are awesome cars that actually got very good gas mileage for the time. This Regal is gorgeous. Upgraded rims, great condition, great colors and one of the best “riding cars “ of their time. They “floated “ down the road like a junior Roadmaster, just FWD style. Yeah,this one is definitely worth the money and I don’t think any buyer would be disappointed. I love’em , and I wouldn’t be afraid to buy this one! Good luck. Great article.
Comfortable cars with a long reputation for being very reliable, and very long lasting. Apart from age issues, if cared for, this car will be enjoyed for a long time.
My uncle Frank God rest his soul owned one of these regales he loved it, it was a comfortable reliable car. Who ever bought it should make their son or daughters first car they were safe to.
I can smell the moth balls from here. But, it is a clean, cheap ride.
Poor little moths . . .
Crazy that this car is 31 years old. Great shape for sure and these things were everywhere back in the day. I’ve seen videos about that 3800 engine and they regularly last over 300k miles. I think someone got themselves a sweet daily that will last for decades and be super cheap to maintain.
The thing about these finds is the owner hasn’t kept up with maintenance. The oil hasn’t been changed in a decade, the tires are dry rotted, and the shocks gave up around 2005. The 1988 Regal I bought the air filter was so clogged I couldn’t believe the car even ran. So they aren’t really daily driver ready as the seller states, and to be honest, I’ve never seen one on display in any car show.
Not true at all. Stop being so negative. You weren’t gonna buy it anyway.
The truth isn’t negative, and of course I’m not going to buy it, are you? That’s my real experience with all these old GM front drivers that I have bought for decades. These are not big issues and I know what I’m buying so I’m prepared to put the time and money into them. If you think this car is ready to daily drive go right ahead, I’m just telling you what it needs.
Pretty car, I am starting to appreciate these.
My favorite version of the naturally aspirated 3800. Aluminum upper intake and very few issues compared to the Series II and later Series I with the plastic intake manifold. Just make sure you change the threaded coolant fitting on the intake (just above the water pump) to a metal one before the stock plastic one cracks on you and pumps your entire charge of coolant onto the ground.
Where is this car located.
I had a 93 bought with 5,000 miles on it, a dealer demo. Yes, the 3800 is reliable & plenty strong for a 6 cyl. but that is only half of the drivetrain. Started having problems with the tranny “slipping” at 80,000. Back then tho, it only cost 13k for the car.
When in development I remember thinking that they were the best looking of the four 4-door W-cars. The Lumina was probably second IMO. Pontiac and Oldsmobile didn’t translate as well from two to four doors. A 3800 V6 is the cherry on top.
A nice first car for a family on a budget. Of course it has no “collectible” value as do most cars on BF, but it’s a lot nicer than most used cars you’ll find in today’s market…especially with low miles and no apparent flaws.
like the size & it’s durable motor, just not the company or sedan.
The wagon (105 inch WB?) would lure me in tho~
These never came in a wagon version, nor did any other of its GM10/W-body platform mates from other GM divisions. Wheelbases ranged from 107.5″ to 109″ to 110.5″ depending on the model and body style.
I’m still too young to drive one. In fact, I’ll never be old enough
I’m 66 and I’m also too young.
Owning one myself I know first hand parts are not cheap and easy to find. mine also had low miles coming from my grandmother. she hardly drove it and when I started driving it all the time things started to wear out quickly.
Nothings cheap right now. Nothing.