Sell your 1996 Buick Century for cash

The 1996 Buick Century is a wagon that came with a choice of 2.2L 4-cyl and 3.1L 6-cyl engines. At 30 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.

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1996 Buick Century at a glance

Body styleMidsize Cars, Midsize-Large Station Wagons
Engines2.2L 4-cyl, 3.1L 6-cyl
TransmissionsAutomatic 3-spd, Automatic 4-spd
DriveFront-Wheel Drive
FuelRegular Gasoline
Fuel economy18–21 city / 26–29 highway / 21–24 combined MPG
EPA annual fuel cost$2,800–$3,200 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles)
Tailpipe CO₂370–423 grams per mile
Versions tested by EPA3 configurations: Century, Century Wagon
Age30 years

Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.

What affects its junk value

  • Age: at 30 years old, most of a 1996 Century's value comes from reusable parts and scrap metal, not resale.
  • Weight: as a wagon, it weighs less than a truck or SUV, so its value leans more on parts than on scrap weight. See how scrap prices by weight work.
  • Catalytic converter: like all gas and diesel cars, it has a catalytic converter containing precious metals, one of the most valuable parts on a junk car. An offer assumes it's still in place. More on catalytic converters.
  • Recalls: NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 1996 Century. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking it.
  • Known problems: owners reported the most issues with the service brakes, hydraulic, typically around 60,000 miles. If that's what failed on yours, it can still be sold as-is.

How junk car offers are calculated

1996 Buick Century recalls

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall covering the 1996 Buick Century. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking the car, but check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to yours.

Seat BeltsSep 1995 · NHTSA campaign 95V173000

These vehicles were assembled with rear outboard safety belt anchorages that may not withstand the required load. This does not comply with fmvss no.210, "seat belt assembly anchorages."

Risk: Consequence of non-compliance: in a collison, stress can cause the attachment metal to tear and allow the anchorage to separate from the body of the vehicle. The safety belt may not protect an occupant in the event of a vehicle crash.

Common 1996 Century problems

Owners have filed 80 complaints about the 1996 Buick Century with NHTSA. 6 reports involved a crash and 1 report involved a fire. Owners reported 7 injuries.

Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.

Most-reported components

  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic7
  • Vehicle Speed Control7
  • Engine and Engine Cooling6
  • Steering5
  • Structure5
  • Suspension5

Typical mileage when problems were reported

  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic60,000 mi
  • Steering154,000 mi
  • Suspension146,000 mi

1996 Buick Century service bulletins

Manufacturers have filed 28 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 1996 Buick Century. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.

Most common bulletin topics

  • Engine and Engine Cooling6
  • Engine and Engine Cooling4
  • Service Brakes3
  • Equipment2
  • Equipment2
  • Fuel System2

Recent bulletins

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJan 2022 · PIP4723F

    This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tes

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJan 2020 · PIP4723D

    This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tes

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsNov 2019 · PIC4696E

    This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get t

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSep 2019 · PIC4696D

    This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get t

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Selling a 1996 Century: questions

How much is a 1996 Buick Century worth for junk?

It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. Its parts make up much of its value. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.

Can I junk a 1996 Century that doesn't run?

Yes. We buy 1996 Centurys that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.

Can I sell a 1996 Century with open recalls?

Yes. Open recalls don't prevent a junk sale. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 1996 Buick Century; you can check whether any are still open on yours with the VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What paperwork do I need to sell my 1996 Century?

Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.

Sources

Data retrieved October 2026.

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