Not every Buick has aged gracefully. While the brand has produced plenty of respected luxury cars, some models developed reputations for disappointing reliability, questionable engineering, or simply poor value as used classics. That makes them interesting for collectors, but not necessarily smart purchases. These nine Buicks are worth knowing about before getting tempted by a cheap example.

Buick Reatta

The Buick Reatta looked appealing with its hand-finished construction, comfortable cabin, and unusual technology. Unfortunately, its early touchscreen electronics could become troublesome with age, while replacement parts are not always straightforward to source. A well-maintained example can still be enjoyable, but neglected cars can quickly become expensive projects. Its rarity makes it interesting, but also makes careful inspection especially important.

Buick Riviera

The Buick Riviera went through several generations, and some are considerably safer purchases than others. Certain downsized and front-wheel-drive versions lost the distinctive character that made earlier Rivieras special. Complex electronics and aging components can also make neglected examples difficult to recommission. Buyers should research the specific generation rather than assuming every Riviera carries the same reputation.

Buick Skyhawk

The Buick Skyhawk was designed as a compact and economical alternative to Buick’s larger cars, but some versions were never particularly exciting to drive or own. Aging electrical components, rust, and inexpensive construction can make neglected examples frustrating restoration projects. Its limited collector appeal also means that extensive restoration costs may be difficult to justify. A cheap Skyhawk can become an expensive project surprisingly quickly.

Buick Somerset

The Buick Somerset offered stylish compact-car packaging but came from an era when front-wheel-drive American cars could develop numerous age-related problems. Electrical faults, worn suspension components, and neglected drivetrains can turn an inexpensive example into a difficult project. It has some nostalgic appeal, but buyers should be realistic about how much effort may be required to keep one dependable.

Buick Century

The Buick Century became a familiar family sedan, but some generations are less appealing as collector cars because of their ordinary construction and limited enthusiast following. Age can bring transmission, electrical, and cooling-system problems, while rust can affect older examples. Because clean examples are not especially valuable, extensive mechanical work can quickly exceed the car’s worth.

Buick LeSabre

The Buick LeSabre was built in huge numbers and became known for comfortable transportation, but earlier examples can require significant attention after decades of use. Vacuum-operated accessories, aging electronics, suspension wear, and cooling-system issues can all become concerns. Its low profile as a collector car means buyers should avoid assuming that a cheap example will automatically be an inexpensive one to own.

Buick Skylark

The Buick Skylark name appeared on many different cars over the decades, and some generations are considerably less desirable than others. Certain compact versions used powertrains and components that were not especially durable by modern standards. Rust and neglected maintenance can compound the problem. Unless the car has particular historical or sentimental value, buyers should be selective about which Skylark they take on.

Buick LeSabre T-Type

The LeSabre T-Type sounds like a performance bargain, and certain versions can be surprisingly enjoyable. However, age-related deterioration can make these cars difficult to preserve, particularly when original performance equipment is missing. Finding correct replacement parts can also be challenging. A complete, well-documented example is far more appealing than a cheap project assembled from mismatched components.

Buick Rendezvous

The Buick Rendezvous represented the brand’s attempt to enter the growing crossover market, but early examples developed reputations for various mechanical and electrical problems. Its combination of aging electronics, drivetrain concerns, and ordinary interior materials makes neglected examples risky purchases today. They may be inexpensive to acquire, but a low purchase price does not necessarily mean low ownership costs.

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*Research for this article included AI assistance, with all final content reviewed by human editors