1983 Cutlass Cruiser, opportunity to buy, yes or no?

Hi, I'm new to the forum. I found an '83 Cutlass Cruiser, 307, woodgrains, rally wheels. good condition overall. Not a rotbox. Asking price is $2,500 or best offer. Originally was looking for a Roadmaster but stumbled on to this. Interesting car or not?

 

Interesting Car Yes, But without Pic's it is impossible to tell if the price is reasonable.

But Be aware that the 78-86 A/G Body wagons have some odd features.

I used to own a 83 Cutlass cruiser, and it just wasn't large enough for my needs, I have 2 Greyhound Dogs, so we really needed a full Size B-body.

The other thing that is odd is that the rear doors windows do not roll down, and with the A/C not working, and not being able to roll down either the rear tailgate glass or the rear door windows, the dogs would fog up the windows quickly. If it would have had power windows it would have helped.

Not trying to say you should not buy it, but be aware of the quirks they have before buing it. The 307 should be better than the 231 V-6 that was in mine!!!!!

 

As mentioned, with out any pics...good pics we really can't help other than is the car worth it to you? You mention "307", if it is a Cruiser it would have the 305 unless the motor has been changed, the Custom Cruiser had the 307.

Your location has a lot to do when determining price also, as example..... A $2k car on the west coast can be a nite and day difference compered to the same $2k in the rust belt.

Rear frame rust is the main thing to look for in these wagons, you either have to get rite under the car for a rear inspection or take the tires off.

Good luck with it, post some pics if you if can.

For now, take a look at my 2 I have for sale as comparison.... I'm selling 2 for 1, keeping my price low because of my location and so far a lot of interest but it's my dam location that's kept a few potential buyers away.

http://www.stationwagonforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23781

 

Overdrive?

 

In a Custom Cruiser yes, factory stock Cutlass Cruiser, no.

 

:banana:
BUY IT!
:banana:
BUY IT!
:banana:
BUY IT!!!
:banana:​

 

Thanks for the input. The owner claims it is a 307 4 barrel Olds motor, turbo 350 transmission combo with 83k original miles. The car is silver with medium blue interior, and woodgrains. Ugh! But, I can't exactly place an order at the used car store for a combo I like. I will look at the car firsthand on Thursday, and I will try to post some pictures and more details when I get them.
My plan is to drop a mild 327 c.i. Chevrolet motor in it, and strip off the woodgrain. About 15 years ago, I owned a 1993 Roadmaster with the finest of woodgrains. My wife would not drive it. And when she rode in it she wore a floppy hat and sunglasses! (obviously no appreciation of GM's finer details) So they will have to go. Also, what is the likely hood of finding an '83 wagon with posi rear end?
Some not so interesting detail is that he removed the A/C. and smog pump. Hopefully it was only the compressor and not a total hack job and he kept the parts. I am in the Northeast, U.S. so rust is a major concern.

 

I say buy it too. I always thought those were neat wagons. You don't necessarily have to carry your critters in it. See if you can scare up some pics for us, and the location too, please!

 

Owner claims it's a 307 you say? So to clear things up, witch wagon are we talking about....


this?....from the factory would have a 307



Or this?...from the factory would have a 305




Too bad you are so far away, I have everything you need in a package deal cheap and rust free....if it's the Cutlass Cruiser your after.

 

You're right. Cross country flight, 2 ferry rides and 5 days travel back to good old Buffalo, N.Y. Your cars are probably more solid then this one, I'll know more tomorrow. The car is a Cutlass Cruiser, midsize not the big one. The important thing is it is already setup for a v8.

 

That generation A body was a nice driver, I fondly remember a '91 Malibu wagon. There is a LOT of aftermarket stuff for these if you are inclined to modify. Any GM V-8 will essentially bolt in. If you have the Olds motor any non-Chev big block bolts to the trans. A 500inch Cadillac would be interesting indeed

 

Well I looked at the car firsthand today. Question... Why do people completely misrepresent their cars? Yes it was an Oldsmobile Cutlass Cruiser with a 307 motor, and yes it still had its faded woodgrains (holding the massive amount of rust down), but no it was not on the road as stated in the add. And very little to no rust must have been only for the hood. Because everything else was rot. Why waste my time? I would never do that to anyone.

If rust was, (and is) cancer for a car, then this car has about 2 weeks to live! Not to make light of anyone with cancer. I don't mean to offend anyone.

The interior was mint however, but being a bodyman and painter by trade I said thanks but no thanks. Very disappointing. I knew if it sounds too good to be true, it's not true.

So thanks again to everyone on their interest and input, but it's back to the drawing board for me. Too bad Tedy lives a gazzillion miles from me, because I would take your 2 cars in a heartbeat!

I'm looking at another car tomorrow, Buick Regal wagon with a Goodwrench 350 in it. From the pictures and the owners story, it is rust free from the South. (I hope he didn't mean South Buffalo). Let you know. Thanks

 

This sucks. Are they stupid or plain liars? Both?
Good luck on the Regal:2_thumbs_up_-_anima

 

To bad it turned out for the worse..... A "307" in one of these just does not make sense though...... Motor swapped maybe, but why go backwards if you are going to transplant?


Keep on the hunt, good luck with the other wagon........and bring your camera, we like pics

 

Well I looked at the '82 regal wagon, took a few pictures and video of the motor running, but can't figure out how to post them. Duh! I guess. Maybe someone on the forum could help me?

The good; the thing ran great! (245hp. Goodwrench 350 with Edelbrock intake and carb) the body is totally rust free, and straight. Repainted from tan to dark blue. Decent job, good 10 footer. The car is in good condition overall. Underneath is clean. What a difference over the POS I looked at yesterday.

The bad; the interior is a mess of mismatching colors (original tan, dark blue and black and cloth buckets from a Cavalier with rear seat being vinyl. A lot of dying trim dark blue to match would be in order.

The ugly; a/c is missing, no condenser, evap. or any lines or brackets. Wiring harness is there but computer not hooked up plus no catalytic converter. They're needed to pass N.Y. State inspection.

He wants 2K firm. Whaddayathink?