1993 Buick Skylark problems

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The Buick Skylark is a passenger car formerly produced by Buick. The model was made in six production runs, during 46 years, over which the car's design varied dramatically due to changing technology, tastes, and new standards implemented over the years. It was named for the species of bird called skylark.

The Skylark name first appeared on a limited production luxury convertible using the Buick Roadmaster's chassis for two years, then was reintroduced in 1961 as a higher luxury content alternative to the entry-level Buick Special on which the Skylark was based upon. It was then positioned as Buick's luxury performance model when the Buick GSX was offered. As GM began downsizing during the late 1970s, the Skylark became the entry-level model when the Special nameplate was used as a trim package designation, then in the 1980s was offered as a front-wheel-drive vehicle where it was both a coupe and sedan for three different generations.

1953–1954

Created to mark Buick's 50th anniversary, the Roadmaster Skylark joined the Oldsmobile 98 Fiesta and Cadillac Series 62 Eldorado as top-of-the-line, limited-production specialty convertibles introduced in 1953 by General Motors to promote its design leadership. Of the three, the Skylark's run of 1,690 units proved the most successful, and an amazing sales feat considering the car's 1953 list price of slightly in excess of US$5,000 ($56,940 in 2023 dollars ) was over 50% more than the well-equipped US$3,200 Roadmaster convertible on which it was based ($36,442 in 2023 dollars ). It was comparable in price to the 1953 Packard Caribbean with a similar retail price.

Production ran for two years. Based on the model 76R two-door Roadmaster convertible, the 1953 Skylark (designated model 76X) had identical dimensions (except height), almost identical appearance, shared its drive train, and had all its standard equipment, plus its few remaining options, including power windows, power brakes, full carpeting, and a "Selectronic" AM radio. Only air conditioning was not offered, unnecessary in either convertible.

Importantly, the new Skylark featured Buick's new 322 in3 (5.3 L) Fireball V8 in place of the automaker's longstanding straight 8, and a 12-volt electrical system, both division firsts. It debuted full-cutout wheel openings, a styling cue that spread to the main 1954 Buick line. Accenting its lowered, notched beltline was a new "Sweepspear" running almost the entire length of the vehicle, a styling cue that was to appear in various forms on many Buick models over the years.

The 1953 Skylark was handmade in many respects. Only stampings for the hood, trunk lid, and a portion of the convertible tub were shared with the Roadmaster and Super convertibles. All Skylark tubs were finished with various amounts of lead filler. The inner doors were made by cutting the 2-door Roadmaster's in two then welding the pieces back together at an angle to produce the rakish door dip. An overall more streamlined look was reinforced by cutting the windshield almost 3 inches (7.6 cm) shorter and lowering the side windows and convertible top frame proportionately. Seat frames and steering column were then dropped to provide proper headroom and driving position. Front legroom was 44.7 inches (114 cm). Authentic wire wheels were produced by Kelsey-Hayes, chromed everywhere except the plated and painted "Skylark" center emblem.

The Skylark returned in 1954 with radically restyled styling unique to the Buick line, which included wheel cutouts that could be painted in a contrasting color to the body's. The trunk was sloped into a semi-barrel, and tail lights moved to large chromed fins projecting atop the rear fenders.

Re-designated model 100, the car was based on the all-new shorter Century/Special series 40 chassis and not the larger series 60 Roadmaster/Super chassis, also all-new for 1954. Once again, all Skylarks were built as 2-door convertibles and carried the same luxury equipment as before, but front leg room dropped 2.4 inches (6.1 cm). While smaller and lighter, the Skylark received a performance boost by retaining the big Buicks' powertrain, an evolutionary improvement of 1953's with the highest output in the division's lineup.

The 1954 Skylark once again had unique sheet metal stampings for its elongated wheel cutouts and new semi-barrel trunk, though fabrication was done without hand labor. The hood ornament was unique, adopted the following year across the Buick product line.

Sales proved to be poor, reflecting the Skylark's continued high price of US$4,843 ($54,947 in 2023 dollars ) coupled with a perceived step-down from the Roadmaster/Super series using the Century's chassis, slumping far enough to cause the model's cancellation at the end of the 1954 model year, with only 836 being manufactured.

1993 Buick Skylark

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Common 1993 Buick Skylark problems

The 1993 Buick Skylark has been reported to have several common issues, primarily related to the engine, cooling system, and HVAC system.

One of the most frequently reported problems is the AC not working properly. This issue has been reported by one owner, who mentioned that the AC doesn't work as it should. While the details of the problem are not provided, it is essential to note that this issue can significantly affect the vehicle's comfort, especially during hot weather.

Another common problem with the 1993 Buick Skylark is the engine running roughly when accelerating. This issue has been reported by three owners, indicating that it is a significant problem. The engine's rough running can be caused by various factors, including faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, or fuel injectors. It can also be due to vacuum leaks or issues with the engine's timing.

The 1993 Buick Skylark has also been reported to have problems with the intake manifold gasket failure, which can lead to coolant leaks. This issue has been reported by two owners, indicating that it is a significant problem. The intake manifold gasket is responsible for sealing the intake manifold to the engine block, preventing coolant and air from leaking. When the gasket fails, it can cause coolant to leak, leading to overheating and engine damage.

The engine vacuum hose to the MAP sensor may also crack, causing engine problems. This issue has been reported by several owners, indicating that it is a significant problem. The MAP sensor measures the pressure in the engine's intake manifold, providing vital information to the engine control module (ECM). A cracked vacuum hose can cause the ECM to receive incorrect information, leading to engine performance issues.

Additionally, the 1993 Buick Skylark has been reported to have issues with the HVAC system, with one owner reporting that the heater doesn't work properly. This issue can significantly affect the vehicle's comfort, especially during cold weather.

In summary, the 1993 Buick Skylark has several common problems, primarily related to the engine, cooling system, and HVAC system. These issues can significantly affect the vehicle's performance, comfort, and safety. Therefore, it is essential to address these issues promptly to ensure the vehicle's longevity and reliability.

1993 Buick Skylark engine

What engine did the Buick Skylark have?

The base engine in Buick Skylarks (and Buick Special sedans) became a 250-cubic-inch 250 cu in (4.1 L) Chevrolet I6, that produced 155 hp (116 kW) at 4200 rpm using a single-barrel Rochester carburetor.

What year was the last Buick Skylark made?

Buick Skylark (1964 to 1998)

The model was made in six production runs, during 46 years, over which the car's design varied dramatically due to changing technology, tastes and new standards implemented over the years.

What replaced the Buick Skylark?

For the 1973 model year, the Buick Gran Sports, Skylarks, and Sport Wagons would all be replaced by the new mid-sized Buick Century.

How much horsepower does a 69 Buick Skylark have?

Specifications for Buick Skylark Sedan 5.7 V8 233hp, 1969.

What year did they stop making Buick Skylark?

Buick Skylark
ManufacturerBuick (General Motors)
Model years1953–1954 1961–1972 1975–1998
Body and chassis
LayoutFR layout (1953–1979) Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive (1980–1998)

Does Buick still make the Skylark?

Behind every camouflaged. Car the 70th anniversary of the Buick Skylark is the perfect excuse to bring back this iconic. Car the new 2024 Buick Skylark is speculated to be released in early 2024..

How much horsepower does a 1987 Buick Skylark have?

1987 Buick Skylark is 4 doors Sedan available in 0 variants MSRP ranges from $10285 to $10285. Buick Skylark offers 98 horsepower with the 5-Speed Manual transmission. It features 4 cylinder 2L NA I4 overhead valves (OHV) 8V engine .

What is a Buick Special?

The Buick Special was an automobile produced by Buick. It was usually Buick's lowest-priced model, starting out as a full-size car in 1936 and returning in 1961 (after a two-year hiatus) as a mid-size.

1993 Buick Skylark car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Buick Skylark problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Service brakes problems
  • Hydraulic problems
  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Power train problems
  • Steering problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1993 Buick Skylark vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Latest 25 complaints 1993 Buick Skylark

The NHTSA has received 55 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1993 Buick Skylark. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1993 Buick Skylark vehicles.

2008-03-19

SEATS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2005-10-12
  • Crash: 1
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: 1993 BUICK SKYLARK DEFECTED DRIVER SEAT RECLINER ASSEMBLY. CONSUMER STATES THAT HE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHICH THE SEAT BACK COLLAPSED. CONSUMER WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION OF THIS PROBLEM. USE ODI # 813444 AS A REFERENCE. *KB
2004-10-18

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2004-10-01
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC. *BF THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A MECHANIC BUT HE WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *NM
2003-08-18

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: CONSUMER NOTICED WHEN DEPRESSING BRAKES VEHICLE WOULD TRAVEL EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. TECHNICIAN WHO SERVICED VEHICLE REPLACED BRAKES DUE TO CORROSION. *AK
2003-07-21

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT HAVING PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, AND FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED. BUT CONSUMER WAS STILL HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE SHUTTING OFF ON THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET OR THE HIGHWAY WITH NO WARNING AT ALL.*AK
2002-10-16

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2002-10-02
  • VIN: 1G4NV54N9PC
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN TURNING THE KEYS IN THE IGNITION, VEHICLE HESTIAGES TO TURN OVER, AND CONSUMER HAS TOO TURN KEYS SEVERAL TIMES, WHICH RESULT IN KEYS GETTING HOT. PLEASE PROVIDE INFORMATION. MR
2002-06-06

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: THE SENSOR THAT CONTROLS TEMPERATURE MAY BE DEFECTIVE AND MAY CAUSE A MAJOR OVERHAT.*AK
2002-05-14

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: WHEN APPLYING BRAKES VEHICLE NOT STOP BRAKES LOCKS UP AND VEHICLE SHIMMIED. HAD REPAIRED, BUT PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. PLEASE ADD VIN. *AK
2002-05-08

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2002-05-07
  • VIN: 1G4NV54N8PC
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: CONSUMER WAS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AS MENTIONED IN RECALL 02-070-001 CONCERNING IGNITION SWITCH, BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK CONSUMER ADDS WITH VEHICLE IN PARK AND KEY REMOVED FROM IGNITION, VEHICLE CONTINUES TO RUN CAUSING THE ANTIFREEZE TO LEAK, HOSE TO POP OFF AND ALL SENSORS AND FAN MOTOR HAD TO BE REPLACED. *TT
2002-04-23

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-11-01
  • VIN: 1G4NV14N9PC
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: VEHICLE WOULD STALL WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED OF 50-60 MPH. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
2002-02-14

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2002-02-14
  • VIN: 16800152173
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: CONSUMER WAS DRIVING SLOWLY AND ALL OF A SUDDEN VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITH NO WARNING. NO ONE WAS HURT. *AK
2002-02-14

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2002-02-14
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT ABOUT 25 MPH AND ALL OF A SUDDEN VEHICLE ACCELERATED. NO ONE WAS HURT.*AK
2001-04-23

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-04-23
  • VIN: 1G4NB54N4PC
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 35 MPH AND 70 MPH VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED WITHOUT A PRIOR WARNING.*AK
2001-04-01

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-05-27
  • VIN: 1G4NV5436PC
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: REMOVE CYLINDER HEAD, INSTALLED NEW WATER PUMP, HEAD GASKET, TIMING CHAIN, GEARS AND GUIDES, INSTALL REMAN CYLINDER HEAD, THERMOSTAT, OXYGEN SENSOR AND ANTI-FREEZE, DUE TO ENGINE RELATED PROBLEMS.
2001-04-01

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-05-27
  • VIN: 1G4NV5436PC
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: REPLACED FAULTY 02 SENSOR, DUE TO ENGINE RELATED PROBLEMS. *JB
2001-04-01

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-05-27
  • VIN: 1G4NV5436PC
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: REMOVE CYLINDER HEAD, INSTALLED NEW WATER PUMP, HEAD GASKET, TIMING CHAIN, GEARS AND GUIDES, INSTALL REMAN CYLINDER HEAD, THERMOSTAT, OXYGEN SENSOR AND ANTI-FREEZE, DUE TO ENGINE RELATED PROBLEMS. *JB
2001-03-21

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-01-15
  • Components: SUSPENSION
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE. THEN, SHOCKS EXITED FROM AUTO THROUGH HOOD. NO INJURIES.*AK
2000-12-18

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-12-16
  • VIN: 1G4NV54N3PC
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: WHILE TRAVELING AT 50 MPH "FELT WHEEL GIVE A LITTLE." STEERING WHEEL MECHANISM BROKE. NO ACCIDENT OR INJURIES OCCURRED. *AK DEALER FOUND TILT HOUSING LOCK PIN WAS MISSING RETAINER AND IT WAS LOOSE, DEALER DISASSEMBLED COLUMN ASSEMBLY AND TRIM, REPAIRED TILT ASSEMBLY. *SLC
2000-06-16

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-04-12
  • VIN: 1G4NV454NPC
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATED, AND SMOKE WAS COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. *AK
2000-03-02

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-10-22
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1G4NJ54N3PC
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION AT AN IMPACT OF 40-45 MPH, AND DRIVER'S AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK
2000-02-14

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-12-02
  • VIN: 1G4NV54N6PC
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: VEHICLE STALLED ON THE ROAD DUE TO TRANSMISSION FAILURE. YH
1999-11-26

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-11-06
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH STEERING WHEEL DROPPED INTO DRIVER'S LAP WHEN SHE MADE A LEFT. NO INJURIES. *AK
1999-08-19

SEATS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-06-20
  • VIN: 1G4NV54N8PC
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: HEADRESTS FAIL TO STAY IN POSITION, SAFETY HAZARD; MOUNT FAILS TO LOCK POSITION OF HEADRESTS
1999-08-02

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-02-22
  • VIN: 1G4NV54N8PC
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: THERE SEEMS TO BE ALOT OF BREAKDOWNS,BUT THE ONE WHICH DISTURBS ME THE MOST IS THE FRONT DASH BOARD PEELING AND YES ICOMPLAINED TO THEMANUFACTORANDDEALER
1999-07-12

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-07-09
  • VIN: 1G4NV5432PC
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: NO SUMMARY
1999-04-13

POWER TRAIN,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1G4NV5433PC
  • Components: POWER TRAIN,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED. REVERSE WENT OUT IN IT. COSTING ABOUT $600. THE TURN SIGNALS DO NOT WORK PROPERLY. THE PAINT PEELS OFF THE CAR. THE FRONT AND THE HOOD ARE THE MOST AFFECTED BY THE PAINT.

1993 Buick Skylark recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1993 Buick Skylark.

1993-09-14
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
  • Summary: THE NEUTRAL START SAFETY SWITCH COULD HAVE BEEN FRACTURED DURING INSTALLATION.
  • Consequence: A FRACTURED SWITCH CAN RESULT IN A NO-START CONDITION.ALSO, A VEHICLE WITH A FRACTURED SWITCH CAN BE STARTED IN GEAR, CAUSING THEVEHICLE TO MOVE UNEXPECTEDLY, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT.
  • Remedy: THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE NEUTRAL START SWITCH. THE MANUAL SWITCH OF THE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE ASSEMBLY WILL BE INSPECTED AND REPLACED IF AN OVERSIZED CONDITION EXISTS.

Negative 1993 Buick Skylark car reviews

  1. Easter Hodkiewicz 2024-04-19

    Hey there! I just wanted to let you know that your car is really reliable and quite comfortable, even though it may not be the prettiest on the outside. :)

Positive 1993 Buick Skylark car reviews

  1. Keith Goldner 2024-10-15

    You've had this car for two months now, and it sounds like it's been a great investment! You paid $500 for it and put in about $400 for basic things like tires and a tune-up. Despite driving to Boston daily from Rhode Island, which is a 110-mile round trip, the car runs great and handles well. It's also roomier than you expected and has decent pickup for a 4 cylinder. You haven't had one problem with it, and you're getting an impressive 32 mpg even with daily traffic jams. Keep up the good work!

  2. Claude Skiles 2024-03-19

    I hope you're doing well! I just wanted to share that I bought this car for $900.00 and it's been running great. Unfortunately, we had a small issue with the fan, but other than that, it's been a cozy and smooth ride. I couldn't be happier with my purchase!

  3. Silas Ruecker 2024-03-17

    Your dad bought this car in the late 90's as a family car. He sold it to you about 5 years ago and it's still going strong. It hugs the road like a teddy bear and you can drive it with confidence in any weather. In the 10 or so years you've had it, the total repairs have cost less than $1500. Your car has 210000k miles on it and the engine is still purring like a kitten. You don't look forward to replacing it because you don't think you'll ever find a more reliable car.

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1993 Buick Skylark problems:

Buick Skylark Problems and Complaints - 43 Issues
Buick Skylark Problems and Complaints - 43 Issues
https://repairpal.com/problems/buick/skylark

Top Buick Skylark Problems · Power Window Motors May Fail From Overheating · "No Start" Due to Ignition Switch Failure · Leaking Water Pump May Cause Coolant Loss ...

Common Buick 2.5L Engine Problems: Q&A for Skylark, Verano, and ...
Common Buick 2.5L Engine Problems: Q&A for Skylark, Verano, and ...
https://www.justanswer.com/buick/1xify-pcv-valve-1991-buick-skylark-2-5-liter-engine.html

Mar 23, 2009 ... Where is the PCV valve on a 1991 Buick Skylark 2.5 liter engine? I have the Buick service manuel and it does not show - Answered by a ...

1993 Buick Skylark Problems and Complaints - 24 Issues
1993 Buick Skylark Problems and Complaints - 24 Issues
https://repairpal.com/1993-buick-skylark/problems

Top 1993 Buick Skylark Problems · Power Window Motors May Fail From Overheating · Leaking Water Pump May Cause Coolant Loss and Overheating · Heater Core Under ...

Q&A: 1993 Buick Skylark Custom - 93 Buick Skylark | JustAnswer
Q&A: 1993 Buick Skylark Custom - 93 Buick Skylark | JustAnswer
https://www.justanswer.com/buick/2ex85-93-buick-skylark-custom-cylinder-liter-40-miles-40-mph-stopping.html

Aug 13, 2009 ... THIS QUESTION FOR A BUICK CAR SPECIALIST! I have a 93 Buick Skylark Custom 6 cylinder 3.3 liter that last week has problems ideling? It also ...

What's Wrong with the Buick Skylark?
What's Wrong with the Buick Skylark?
http://www.buickproblems.com/models/skylark/

... reliability out of 14 Buick models , with real engine and cooling system concerns. The Most Common Skylark Problem ... 1993 Skylark. 3 complaints. blown head ...

Other years of Buick Skylark

buick skylark 1994 photo
Skylark 1994
Buick

81

2

11

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
buick skylark 1995 photo
Skylark 1995
Buick

100

1

17

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
buick skylark 1996 photo
Skylark 1996
Buick

100

6

15

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
buick skylark 1997 photo
Skylark 1997
Buick

93

5

17

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
buick skylark 1998 photo
Skylark 1998
Buick

37

3

24

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
buick skylark 2000 photo
Skylark 2000
Buick

1

0

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

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1993 Buick Skylark photo