I want to buy a reliable classic car. Which are the best?
2007-04-05 03:40:17 · 11 answers · asked by thecrusher007 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Other - Car Makes
It certainly *can* be....depends on what shape it is in now and what's been done/altered. Just remember we are talking about a 34 year old car here, so depending on how well it was maintained, it may need some TLC...
Big block - just make sure gas mileage is not one of your concerns....they are thirsty beasts!
2007-04-05 03:48:45 · answer #1 · answered by Dallas_Gay 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I had a couple of Rivierias. The original owner of the Buick Automobile company, located in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, made a deal with GM when he sold out, that the engines would always be blueprinted (built to factory machinists drawings. I never found that out, until I changed the cylinder heads from a good 430 to mine. 200 miles later, I was stuck on the side of the road with my own private oil geyser. The high compression is acheived in those babies because of the precise tolerance. The engines are better balanced and built to last, so if you do anything, don't swap without having the new parts miked (micrometer checked).
Beautiful cars! My great uncle drove the very first prototype (1953) and its still in the Auto Museum in Oshawa. Gorgeous cars.
2007-04-07 03:07:49 · answer #2 · answered by squiremont 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The '73 Riviera is a good collector's car if it is in decent condition, but mid-late 70's GM cars have a bad problem with corrosion. Check the body for rust. Lift the carpets and inspect the floor in the passenger compartment and the trunk. It may look good on the outside, but be a total junker under a shiny coat of paint.
Oh, BTW... It helps to own a gas station if you want to keep the tank full. Expect about 6-8 MPG with the big 455 engine.
2007-04-05 03:52:35 · answer #3 · answered by JetDoc 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
My favorite of that generation was the '72. It still had the thin bumpers, and didn't have vents in the trunk lid as the '71 did. The car is a road locomotive. I doubt that the parts situation is as good as other vintage cars, but it's a great ride.
Reliable classics? It's more a question of which ones have the best parts availability. Mustangs and corvettes are probably the most maintainable. British cars, especially MG and Jaguar are also very well supported. Mercedes are rugged and have a good supply chain, but of course, a different kettle of fish.
2007-04-08 08:00:36 · answer #4 · answered by anywherebuttexas 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. This was truly one of the best built GM cars. The engine and trans are both very strong. Keep in mind that older cars can need some initial love if the car was not kept up. As others have said that car will pass most anything but a gas station!
2007-04-05 03:58:25 · answer #5 · answered by uthockey32 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
i have had a few rivieras.. the best was the 67 with a 430..
that car was stock and was clocked at 165 mph..
beautiful cars hard to get parts for..
a Malibu would be cheaper
most get about 16 mpg the worst i ever got was 12 mpg
running on 7 cylinders
i live in california i have never seen any rust on one..
but i guess it depends on where you live
2007-04-05 03:51:33 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
the older the car the more worn out parts!..the Turbo 400 trans is probably the best automatic transmission ever made...the 455 was a strong engine...you will be paying lots for gas!
2007-04-05 03:48:46 · answer #7 · answered by Robert P 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
the 71 and 72 boattails are more desireable because they have a nicer back bumper, for 73 they took the point out due to Govt. requirements. But yes this is a sexy fast car. Try to get the GS option, they are worth more.
2007-04-05 07:03:35 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes !!!!!!!
It is one of the most desireable Buicks.
Check it out really well,if the car is from the snowbelt,I'd pass on it.
Look for one in the Southwest part of the US,also watch out for car out of Flordia too
the salt water.
Always take another set of eyes with you,they may see things you will not see.
Mac
2007-04-06 07:11:34 · answer #9 · answered by camac37 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
effective automobile! My intense college pal had one. It became initially a 350 automobile yet we dropped in a 455. That difficulty ought to haul ***!! purchase it if the fee is sweet. Muscle vehicles merely pass up in fee. one difficulty, you receives to understand the individuals on the gasoline station by technique of their first names. wish you've a familiar driver automobile it extremely is more advantageous perfect on gasoline.
2016-12-03 08:09:13 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋