Is the 1987 Buick Century reliable?

It can be reliably driven when maintained, especially if cooling, ignition, and transmission service have been kept up. Most reliability complaints stem from age, deferred maintenance, and worn components rather than an inherently fragile design.

What are the most common 1987 Buick Century problems?

Frequent issues include cooling system leaks/overheating, intermittent stalling or rough running from ignition/vacuum/sensor aging, transmission shift problems on neglected units, and power accessory or wiring/ground faults.

Are maintenance costs high for a 1987 Buick Century?

Routine maintenance is typically affordable because parts are widely available, but costs can rise if you’re catching up on years of neglected service. Budget extra for rubber components, cooling system refresh, and electrical troubleshooting on any older example.

What are the best years to buy for a Buick Century?

Many shoppers target later, well-kept examples from the same general generation because incremental updates and newer components can help, but condition matters more than model year. A documented service history and a rust-free body are usually the best “upgrade.”

What should I check before buying a 1987 Buick Century?

Verify cold starts and hot restarts, confirm stable operating temperature with no coolant loss, test all gears and shifts after a full warm-up, and check every electrical accessory. Also inspect for rust, fluid leaks, and signs of overdue maintenance like dirty transmission fluid or neglected hoses. For a deeper dive, get a complete owner’s guide with full specs, fluid capacities, and maintenance schedules to keep your 1987 Buick Century running strong.

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Reliability AnalysisBased on known issue patterns, repair cost data, and ownership trends · How we score

1987 Buick Century Reliability ReportKeepScore 75/100 · top failure points · buy or avoid

75/ 100

KeepScore

MODERATE RISK

Grade: C+

A comfortable, simple cruiser that demands an owner willing to address the inevitable wear and tear of a nearly 40-year-old vehicle.

Full system breakdown + what I would do

Quick Facts · 1987 Buick Century

Scores 7 points below the strongest nearby year — the 1988 Buick Century earns a 82.
The system most likely to surface first: rust and corrosion (major severity).
Has 1 NHTSA recall on record — the most notable involves the fuel system, gasoline.

1987 Buick Century: Buy or Avoid?

The 1987 Buick Century represents a sturdy, no-frills slice of 80s American engineering that, while durable in its prime, now requires a highly pragmatic approach to ownership. Expect routine age-related issues, primarily electrical and rubber component degradation, but its simple mechanics and readily available parts make it a feasible project for the budget-conscious enthusiast. If you're looking for dependable, basic transportation, this car can deliver, provided you meticulously inspect for rust and prepare for proactive maintenance.

Biggest Strengths

Robust Buick 3.8L V6 engine (if equipped)
Simple, common mechanical systems
Excellent parts availability and low cost

1987 Buick Century — Known Trouble Spots

The systems that break first on the 1987 Buick Century. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.

Rust and Corrosionmajor

Electrical Systemmoderate

Transmission (THM200-4R)major

Typical mileage, cost ranges, and the exact what-to-check list are in the full report.

Safety Recalls on the 1987 Buick Century

1 recall on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.

What breaks on the 1987 Buick Century?

Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.

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Buick Century — Year-by-Year Comparison

Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Buick Century. Click any year for its full report.

All Buick Century years ranked →Buick Century years to avoid →Buick Century common problems →

Competing 1987s Worth a Look

Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.

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