Hey all, Long time wagon lovers new to the forum! So, I need you guys to weigh in. I've owned two lt1 RMW's in the past, but sold them due to space issues! Now I have the space and want to fill it. I've got my eyes on two Buick wagons, the first being a 1990 Buick Estate wagon that's mechanically great but has a few "quirks" for cheap money, or a 1993 Roadmaster wagon that seems all there and needs nothing, but for almost twice the money. What do you guys think? Preferences, pros and cons? Any other opinions beside my own are great! Do I get the older version, do some work and be all set or the "newer" Roadmaster!?
Welcome to the SWF! (You might want to post up an intro thread in the 'Welcome Wagon' section....) At your point, it probably come down to your own personal preference. I was debating that exact position myself a few months ago, coming that close to buying a '86 RMW owned by a member here. In the end, I decided I would rather have the Pontiac Safari. I've never been 'in love' with the rounded-off styling of the 'whale wagons'. Plus side of the whales is they're more modern, have better power, probably more comfortable. Downside - usually more expensive, although there have been some box wagons that are in the same price range. I paid what some would think was a high price for mine, but it was rather unusual in that it was an '81 with only 22k on the odometer. Go with the one that gets you excited more...... Marshall
I agree it's tough to decide. I like the vista glass, rear wiper, airbag and the few other modern conveniences of the "whales", but the old school styling of the older ones is cool too! What to do! Haha! I'm just excited to have a real wagon again! My Subaru Outback doesn't quite count
What are the 90's "quirks"? You have to like the whales to have had two, why stop now? I didn't see that dark blue Custom Cruiser, that light blue one that was just on evilbay was nice but priced way too high at eight grand. They're still cheap compared to the TBI Roadmasters with low mileage, just as nice or nicer if you ask me. The 91-92 Custom Cruisers are the Rodney Dangerfields of the whale wagons, maybe someday they'll get some respect.
Well, the quirks are with the tailgate window (burnt out motor?), the wiper motor or switch (he says they sometimes take a while to turn off) and the rear door handles on the exterior are malfunctioning... All things that I don't think would be horrible to fix. The Roadmasters and Custom Cruisers always have struck my fancy. This Custom Cruiser that I'm speaking of is in PA, and it looks pretty good except for some clear coat issues and a strange exhaust pipe coming from the rear as opposed to the side. Wonder why they'd do that?
A friend has both a 91 and 94 RMW, likes the 94 better both for drivability and economy - can't beat the LT-1!
Personally, I would go for the 90, or even look for an older one. I've never liked the whale styling, and I can live without airbags quite nicely! I hate the thought of an explosive device pointed at my chest, and I've never had any good experience with ABS, either. Then again, I am a cross between a "Late Resister" and a Luddite. For those of you who don't know, a "Late Resister" is the opposite of an "Early Adopter" of new technology.
Haha! That's funny Mike! I've never thought of the "explosive device" theory! I'm still torn as I like styling aspects of both...
A month ago I was being impatient trying to sell my '81 Delta 88 coupe to find a wagon! Now I've found two and am wanting both!!!
I have 2 OCCs 91 (only came with the 305) and 92. If you are going to get a TBI car, get the 350. The 305s (160 HP 260 LB FT tq) are real slugs. You should also get a Florida car (or a non snow state car). The farthest north I will consider is the Carolinas. Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas are other states, Get a carfax! If you can get a 91-93 with a 350, get it with a 3.23 gear (SPID code GU5) and you will be a lot happier with it. The 93 RM will have the 350, and the gear ratio will be listed on the SPID. If you want a little more power, get the cam, injectors, computer and exhaust system from a 91-93 9C1 with an LO5 (350) TBI. They are rated at 205 HP, vs. 180 for the standard LO5 (350). I put 350s in both of my cars, and there is a noticeable difference in performance. I also modded the one in my 91, and it is almost as strong as the LT1. One quirk on the 91-93 cars is that there is no way to check the fuel pressure on the stock car. I found a set of fuel lines on a 92 Caddy FW with a 305 in it that has a Schrader valve on the fuel line, and a 93 FW with one as well. The valves are in different places, but either will work on the 91-93 wagons. The engines are easy, and cheap to work on. Rear axles/bearings tend to last 200K. The cargo area interior panels on the 91 and 92 models do not fit as well as the 93s. The door panels are somewhat fragile, and the arm rests do not hold up well if they are used as door pulls when closing the doors. The distributors are unique to the car line. Often the cars will leak, and the puddle is usually in the small trays on the cargo bay panels. Leaking can be from the rear side glass, roof rack, rear vista window support, and vista window. The LT1s have 265 HP and will always come with a 3.08 gear ratio. Optical distributors are expensive to replace, and you have to route the ignition wires as per OEM or it may not work correctly.
i had a super clean....as in florida clean, 96 roadmaster wagon that i sold simply because I was bored with it.
Well, and now there were two to decide from. I've decided to forgo the 90 Estate- now I'm deciding between a 1993 RMW or a 96. The 96 needs a bit of work but it's an LT1, while the '93 seems pretty close to mint, at least according to the owner (haven't seen it yet). Sigh. It continues, but Saturday I'll be bringing home one or another!
