Cheap Driver: 1998 Buick Century Custom

This 1998 Buick Century Custom may not be everyone’s idea of a classic. However, we shouldn’t dismiss it out of hand. It has been part of the same family since Day One and has led an extremely sheltered existence. It has a genuine 89,000 miles on the clock, and its presentation is first-rate, given that it has twenty-eight years of active service under its belt. Finally, it’s cheap…very cheap. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Buick listed here on Craigslist in Vancouver, Washington. The seller set their price at $3,500 for a car that could function as an effective daily driver.

Buick released its Sixth Generation Century range in December 1996 for the 1997 model year. The new offering was physically larger than its predecessor, but the company focused on using the additional space to improve interior comfort and provide a larger trunk. This 1998 example is a Century Custom, which has been part of the same family since the day it left the showroom floor. They ordered it in Bordeaux Red Pearl, a shade that gives the Buick a luxurious presence. If you think this classic presents superbly, you’re not wrong. The seller has it regularly detailed to keep it looking as close to showroom fresh as possible. The results justify the effort because the paint has a mirror-like shine, and any defects are too minor to show in the supplied photos. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and I see nothing suggesting the presence of rust. The plastic, trim, and glass are excellent, and the wheel covers are free from curb strike and other physical damage.

Buyers ordering a 1998 Century in Bordeaux Red Pearl could select from interior trim in Gray, Taupe, or matching Bordeaux Red. This car features Gray cloth that looks exceptional for its age. There is no significant wear, and only a couple of minor imperfections on the driver’s seat. The back seat appears to have never seen use, and the pale carpet looks impressively clean. If I were to mark it harshly, I would point out the slight wheel wear, but the overall presentation is consistent with a car that has been treated respectfully and as a cherished family member throughout its life. It also isn’t badly equipped in a 1998 context. The new owner receives air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, cruise control, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM radio/CD player. That should provide comfortable motoring, regardless of whether the journey is a weekend outing or a daily commute.

Sadly, the seller provides no engine bay images, but the listing text contains plenty of positive news. Lifting the hood will reveal a 3.1-liter V6, developing a factory-quoted 160hp and 185 ft/lbs of torque. The ponies feed to the front wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission, with the Sales Brochure confirming that power steering and anti-lock brakes were standard equipment in 1998. The seller emphasizes that this Buick has been meticulously maintained, meaning Service Records may provide verification of their mileage claim. They state that the Century has been bulletproof throughout its life and is in excellent mechanical condition. They indicate that they wouldn’t hesitate to drive it anywhere, meaning that the buyer could fly in and drive this baby home.

Before you decry this 1998 Buick Century Custom, although I will understand if you do, I have a point for you to ponder. The Century isn’t a rare vehicle by any stretch of the imagination. However, think back to your daily travels and try to remember the last time you chanced upon one as impressive as our feature car. The Century typically functions as a daily driver, and avoiding the bumps, bruises, and the generally tired appearance that accumulate with age is almost impossible. This spotless example is a cut above the rest, and although the seller’s price is at the top end of the market, I believe the figure is justified. Forget weekend jaunts, because this Buick could be an affordable, comfortable, and practical daily driver. That’s why it deserves a closer look.