Hi, I am new to this forum and need some advice.

My son recently purchased a 1988 Chevy Caprice Estate Wagon. It runs strong. We put in a new battery and replaced the alternator. We tried to get it smogged, but it would not pass. It was sold to us as a parts car, so we are kind of out of luck on that end. We decided to get rid of it instead of trying to get it to pass. I was wondering if I should try and part it out or just sell it to the junk yard. I hope I don't offend anyone with thoughts of destruction of the car...just trying to get some ideas for cash for another vehicle. The power locks and windows work. The interior is in good shape. Its a pretty cool car, just don't have a lot of extra cash to put into it. I would appreciate any ideas. Thanks.

 

Welcome to the forum!

I know you don't want to sink good money after bad, but do you really know what's wrong with the engine? Does the engine run OK? If it does and just won't pass smog, chances are you're very close to a solution - you just have to find out what it is. I'd get a defiative diagnosis before calling the 'patient' DOA.....

 

Thanks Krash

We did not get a diagnosis. We were told that we would have to register as gross polluter and would have to pay $250 right off the bat to register. We would also have to pay for repairs..So I am thinking we just need to cut our losses. Money is tight and need to save for a better car for my teen son. It does run strong and probably wouldnt be too much to take care of, I am just not in the position to take the chance. I would love for someone who really loves these cars to have a chance at it. Thanks again Krash, for your message. Jill

 

That car should not have a huge problem passing a smog test.

 

Yup. Even if the issue can't be repaired, they can be made to pass so that you can get on with driving it until you have the money to fix it.

 

We're talking California here, I think they're on a whole different playing field as far as emission regs vs. the rest of the states and the provinces?

 

Yeah, California is by far the toughest test to pass. Ontario limits are surprisingly close to California's though. My Roadie struggled pretty hard to pass NOx and my mechanic ran a cleaner through the intake. He got it to pass without fixing the problem, but it's likely I'll have to do it again for my next test.

 

The Old Cars Price Guide lists the value of an '88 Caprice wagon in #4 condition (runs and drives but needs full restoration) at just under $2000.

 

Is that the NADA "Older Used Car Guide"? Or are you using a Classic Car Guide of some kind?

 

It's not the NADA guide. It's this:

http://www.oldcarsweekly.com/oldcarspriceguide


I have a subscription. It comes out four times a year.

 

Wow! Thanks for the replies.

Hi fella's! Thanks so much for the encouragement. I talked to my son and he said that he would definitely like to sell the car whole. I am happy to hear this, since it is a pretty cool car. He checked and the state will give him $1000-$1500 to get it off the road, but he would rather sell to someone who would wants it before doing that. He was given an old Willy's Jeep by his uncle a few years ago. He has decided to take whatever money he makes and put it into the old jeep and try to get it running. Any ideas where the best site to list the wagon would be? Thanks again for your messages, Jill

 

K. Thanks.

 

you could post it on here under the classifieds but i can tell your right now if you want it to sell post some pics with it.......also you can post it on craigslist

 

Sounds good. I will get it washed up and get some pictures posted. Thanks!

 

no problem.......as you can tell by my name, i have a love for caprices......and i surely dont wnna see this beauty get crushed