Beginning cars?

Question

I'm going to get my first car soon, and we spotted a riviera that looks nice, but i'm not so sure.

Are Riviera's a good beginning car and how much power do they have? Does it have to be a certain type or what?

And when I test drive, how can I tell if it's good or not?

I'm not an ace in mechanics you know.

If you find a site that teaches you though, i'll be grateful.

Answer 1

Find a car you like and take it to a mechanic you trust and get their opinion.
When you test drive it check the acceleration and how the transmission shifts and how the engine sounds. Check the comfort of the ride and steering, handling around corners and turns, check the braking. Check the body and the undercarriage for rust also check the exhaust system. Now open the hood and check the fluid levels, belts and hoses look for any fluid(oil) leaks. Check the service records. If it all checks out negotiate the price.
http://www.kbb.com/kbb/default.aspx?trid=2&OVRAW=kelley%20book&OVKEY=kelley%20book&OVMTC=standard
http://www.edmunds.com/

check out the Honda, Toyota or Subaru

Answer 2

It all depends on what year of Riviera and what trim line. The Buick Riviera's been made since 1963, then production stopped in 1999, updated several times in between. It's generally been a luxury coupe with a large engine, not so great on gas, but very nice interior and exterior. It's not my recommendation for a beginner's car unless you want something big, heavy, and safe. The 1963-1978 models and (I think) the 1995-1999 models were all Rear-Wheel Drive, while the 1979-1993 models were Front-Wheel Drive. You'll likely have difficulty parking, changing lanes, and fitting it into a garage, unless you're after the somewhat smaller 1986-1993 models, which were more of a midsize car. Reliability has always been Buick's strong point, and the Riviera was listed by Consumer Reports as a fairly reliable car. Since you failed to specify which year you were interested in, here's the basic rundown:

The original models, made from 1963-1965, are now collector's items, and were midsize, Rear-Wheel Drive, V-8 coupes with tasteful, angular styling.

The 1966-1970 models, with a boattail rear end, switched to a massive body and even bigger V-8 engines.

Definitely avoid the older, 1971-1978 models because they offered the most massive, gas-guzzling engines (up to 7.4 Liters, with 370 Horsepower and 500 Pounds-per-square-foot of torque).

The 1979-1985 models were still large, and had V-8 engines, but switched to Front-Wheel Drive for slightly better gas mileage. They're among the more unreliable of the Rivieras.

The 1986-1993 models switched to V-6 engines and a midsize body for ease of use and better gas mileage.

The 1995-1999 models returned to bigger bodies, had bigger engines (for a V-6), and featured superchargers, which increase power and decrease gas mileage.

I'd say, if you're after the 1986-1993 models, then they'd be the best for a beginner's car. They're reliable, cheap, handle well, and get good gas mileage. Go for the Gran Sport trim line for a little more power and interior options.

As to picking out a good new car, I'd suggest having someone you trust, who knows cars and engines well, check the vehicle out with you. Have them check for problems such as cracked heads (foamy radiator or oil), oil burning (light blue smoke at tailpipe - white is okay, it's just steam), signs of overheating (oil burnt on dipstick or under oil cap), and for the beginnings of rust (if you live in a northern climate like I do).

If you'd like any more information, please feel free to ask.

Answer 3

Consider the mileage, the lower the better. Check the warranty ( factory is the best). Pay an independent mechanic to check everything, C.V. joints, boots, brakes front and rear, struts, exhaust system, radiator, hoses serpentine belt and ask for a load test on the battery. Check inside the valve covers through the oil fill hole to see if the rocker arms and valve springs are clean. Everything in there should be light brown or tan colored. If its sooty and black look elsewhere. The piston rings will be in worse shape. It probably uses oil. The engine is basically very good in this car and will have more than adequate power for you. Check for water leaks under the dash and inside the trunk. Check how clean the antifreeze is. If there any crap crud or brown slime beneath the radiator cap walk on by. It should be a red orange color. If he feels everything is OK without needing extensive repair work go for it. Check the blue book value on line. Happy car hunting

Answer 4

Do not buy a big car. Buy a compact Honda, Toyota .
Have a mechanic check it out.

Answer 5

I don't know about getting a Reviera. I hear they don't last too long. I would think eaither a Honda, Nissan, or Toyota would be best. (i prefer Honda because of dependability)

Answer 6

I would recommend a car that gets good mileage, costs less to insure, and is easy to drive.