Which is cheaper to maintain, the Buick GS or the Buick GS?

Based on 5-year routine maintenance labor at a $150/hr indie shop rate, the Buick GS is cheaper to maintain — about $9,129 less over 60,000 miles. Parts cost is not included.

What's the labor difference between the 401ci V8 and the 5.7L V8?

Across 31 common maintenance jobs, hours vary by drivetrain and engine layout. See the side-by-side table on this page for each job's labor hours and estimated cost.

Are there any active recalls on the Buick GS or Buick GS?

The Buick GS has 0 open NHTSA recalls. The Buick GS has 0 open recalls. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.

1966 Buick GS vs 1973–1975 Buick GS — Labor Times, Costs & Recalls

Specifications

Year

1966

1973–1975

Engine

401ci V8

5.7L V8

Drivetrain

RWD

Transmission

manual

—

Fuel

gas

Cost of Ownership

5-Year Maintenance

$17,026

0.28 $/mi

★ WINNER

5-Year Maintenance

$7,897

0.13 $/mi

🏆

ADVANTAGEBuick GS — Saves you $9,129 over 5 years (54% less in routine maintenance labor)

Routine maintenance only. Cost = labor hours × $150/hr × estimated 5-yr frequency. Parts cost not included.

Maintenance Breakdown

Hours per common service. Lower is faster (and cheaper) at the shop.

Nailhead 401 Bottom End Wear - Main and Rod Bearings

— hrs$3,900 / 5yr

— hrs

Piston Ring Blowby and Cylinder Glazing

— hrs$2,925 / 5yr

— hrs

Oil & filter change

0.3 hrs$1,020 / 5yr

0.5 hrs$1,380 / 5yr

ST-300/ST-400 Transmission Overheating and Failure

— hrs$1,950 / 5yr

— hrs

Tire rotation

0.5 hrs$600 / 5yr

Rear brake pads

1.5 hrs$590 / 5yr

1.4 hrs$560 / 5yr

Front brake pads

1.2 hrs$520 / 5yr

1.4 hrs$580 / 5yr

Differential fluid

1.2 hrs$440 / 5yr

Head Gasket Failure Both Sides

— hrs$805 / 5yr

— hrs

Brake fluid flush

0.8 hrs$270 / 5yr

1.0 hrs$330 / 5yr

Wiper blades

0.2 hrs$240 / 5yr

0.3 hrs$300 / 5yr

12V battery

0.3 hrs$245 / 5yr

0.5 hrs$275 / 5yr

Intake manifold gasket

5.5 hrs$275 / 5yr

3.6 hrs$189 / 5yr

Spark plugs

1.0 hrs$230 / 5yr

Fuel filter

0.5 hrs$210 / 5yr

0.6 hrs$240 / 5yr

Coolant flush

1.2 hrs$230 / 5yr

1.0 hrs$200 / 5yr

Water pump

3.5 hrs$226 / 5yr

3.0 hrs$200 / 5yr

Oil pan gasket

4.2 hrs$170 / 5yr

Fuel System Varnish and Filter Clogging

— hrs$315 / 5yr

— hrs

Valve cover gasket

2.5 hrs$174 / 5yr

1.8 hrs$132 / 5yr

Engine air filter

0.2 hrs$120 / 5yr

0.4 hrs$180 / 5yr

Transmission Mount and Crossmember Deterioration

— hrs$293 / 5yr

— hrs

Serpentine belt

0.7 hrs$140 / 5yr

Alternator

1.2 hrs$120 / 5yr

1.8 hrs$143 / 5yr

Cabin air filter

— hrs

0.4 hrs$255 / 5yr

Power steering flush

0.6 hrs$110 / 5yr

Oxygen sensor

— hrs

1.8 hrs$195 / 5yr

Starter motor

1.2 hrs$76 / 5yr

1.8 hrs$94 / 5yr

PCV valve

0.3 hrs$65 / 5yr

0.5 hrs$95 / 5yr

Thermostat

1.0 hrs$67 / 5yr

Ignition coil

— hrs

1.0 hrs$92 / 5yr

Active Recalls

Open NHTSA Recalls

CLEAR

Open NHTSA Recalls

CLEAR

✓ Both vehicles are completely clear of open safety recalls.

Fluid Capacities

Buick GS

brake1.00 qt · FMVSS 116 DOT 3

coolant18.00 qt · Ethylene glycol 50/50

engine_oil5.00 qt · API MS

power_steering2.50 qt · Type A Suffix A ATF

rear_diff4.00 qt · API GL-5

transmission_manual3.50 qt · API GL-4

washer2.00 qt · Windshield washer fluid

Buick GS

brake1.00 qt · FMVSS 116 DOT 3

coolant17.00 qt · GM 1899-M or equivalent

engine_oil5.00 qt · API SF

power_steering2.00 qt · GM Part No. 1050017 or equivalent

rear_diff4.00 qt · API GL-5

transmission_auto11.00 qt · GM Type A Suffix A

transmission_manual3.50 qt · GM Type A Suffix A

washer2.50 qt · Windshield washer fluid

The Verdict

🏆

THE WINNER

1973–1975 Buick GS

5.7L V8

Buick GS is cheaper to maintain (saves ~$9,129 over 5 years)

Based on objective maintenance and recall data. Driving feel, looks, brand loyalty, and ownership experience are separate (and very valid) considerations.

Open the full dashboard for either truck

Labor times, torque specs, fluid capacities, DTC codes, repair procedures, recalls, common platform problems.