A 1994 Buick Regal GS probably isn’t the first car most people would choose over something fresh off a dealership lot. Yet David Long, the mechanic behind the Car Wizard YouTube channel, insists he’d take this particular Buick over any brand-new car without a second thought.
The car belongs to a customer who recently brought it into Long’s workshop with fewer than 80,000 miles on the odometer. Its metallic blue paint, tidy interior, and well-preserved bodywork make it an unusual survivor.
There is, however, a catch to owning a 32-year-old Buick, even one that has clearly been looked after. A thorough inspection revealed enough deferred maintenance to generate a repair estimate approaching $4,000.
Rather than walk away from the expense, the owner made a decision that surprised even the mechanic. As Car Wizard explains in his YouTube video, he believes keeping this Buick on the road could prove easier than maintaining many of today’s cars decades into the future.
A Buick V6 That Earned Its Reputation
The Regal GS uses General Motors’ naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6, commonly known as the 3800. The Car Wizard praises its durability and accessible mechanical layout, noting that the engine is relatively easy to maintain despite its age.
He also appreciates the metal components found on this earlier version, which avoids certain plastic cooling-system parts associated with later engines. Although the Buick has some oil leaks, he reports that it runs beautifully.
The $4,000 Maintenance Surprise
Underneath, the Regal’s rust-free New Mexico body is encouraging, but its oil pan leaks badly, and the power-steering pressure hose is deteriorating. The rear brake pads are nearly worn out, while the valve-cover gaskets, fluids, fuel filter, and several smaller components also need attention.
Altogether, the recommended work amounts to roughly $3,000–$4,000, including labor. Expecting the customer to postpone some repairs, the mechanic was surprised when he authorized everything.
Why He Would Rather Own an Old Buick
Car Wizard’s preference for the Regal isn’t simply nostalgia. Having spent years repairing modern vehicles, he’s concerned that their increasingly complicated electronics could make them difficult to maintain decades from now.
He points to cars that combine navigation, entertainment, and climate controls into a single screen, often requiring specialized programming when components are replaced. “Who’s going to be doing that 30 years from now?” he asks, questioning whether replacement parts will even be available.
By comparison, the Buick’s mechanical simplicity gives him confidence that it can remain serviceable for decades. He’s personally encountered 3800-powered Buicks approaching 470,000 miles on their original engines, reinforcing his faith in the V6’s durability.
He also appreciates qualities that have little to do with reliability: the Regal’s comfortable ride, distinctive styling, and surprisingly respectable highway fuel economy. For him, it’s an appealing combination that he struggles to find in today’s showrooms.
There is one important limitation, however. With replacement parts becoming harder to source, Car Wizard considers the Regal an excellent local cruiser rather than a sensible choice for a cross-country journey.
A Future Classic Worth Preserving?
The mechanic believes clean 1990s cars will become increasingly desirable as younger enthusiasts seek vehicles they remember growing up with. He speculates that this Regal could eventually command $12,000–$16,000 at auction, although that’s his prediction rather than an established market valuation.
For its owner, the immediate priority is simply to complete the repairs and enjoy the car. The Car Wizard would happily do the same, even if keeping a 1994 Buick running requires patience, money, and the occasional hunt for hard-to-find parts.