Sell your 1997 Buick Riviera for cash

The 1997 Buick Riviera is a midsize car that came with a 3.8L 6-cyl engine. At 29 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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1997 Buick Riviera at a glance

Body styleMidsize Cars
Engines3.8L 6-cyl
TransmissionsAutomatic 4-spd
DriveFront-Wheel Drive
FuelRegular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
Fuel economy16–17 city / 24–26 highway / 19–20 combined MPG
EPA annual fuel cost$3,350–$4,350 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles)
Tailpipe CO₂444–468 grams per mile
Versions tested by EPA2 configurations
Age29 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 29 years old, most of a 1997 Riviera's value comes from reusable parts and scrap metal, not resale.
  • Weight: as a midsize car, 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.
  • Known problems: owners reported the most issues with the electrical system, typically around 106,000 miles. If that's what failed on yours, it can still be sold as-is.

How junk car offers are calculated

1997 Buick Riviera recalls

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1997 Buick Riviera. You can confirm with your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Common 1997 Riviera problems

Owners have filed 43 complaints about the 1997 Buick Riviera with NHTSA. 3 reports involved a crash and 5 reports involved a fire. Owners reported 4 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

  • Electrical System3
  • Power Train3
  • Steering3
  • Steering3
  • Seat Belts2
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic2

Typical mileage when problems were reported

  • Electrical System106,000 mi
  • Steering165,000 mi

1997 Buick Riviera service bulletins

Manufacturers have filed 56 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 1997 Buick Riviera. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.

Most common bulletin topics

  • Engine and Engine Cooling5
  • Equipment5
  • Unknown or Other5
  • Equipment4
  • Service Brakes4
  • Engine and Engine Cooling2

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 InstructionsDec 2019 · 19NA273

    This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.

  • 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

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA opened 1 defect investigation covering the 1997 Buick Riviera.

Fuel System, GasolineEA02030 · opened Oct 2002, closed Mar 2004Led to recall 04V090000

Engine compartment fires

Ea02-030 is closed with gmea02-030 is closed with gm?s actions in 03v-473 and 04v-090 recalling approximately 529,000 my 1998-99 c- and h-body vehicles equipped with defective fuel pressure regulators.these vehicles were equipped with plastic intake manifolds that are unable to contain pressures that occur in some back

Selling a 1997 Riviera: questions

How much is a 1997 Buick Riviera 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 1997 Riviera that doesn't run?

Yes. We buy 1997 Rivieras that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.

What paperwork do I need to sell my 1997 Riviera?

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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