1984 Chevrolet Caprice Classic Wagon review from North America
"Cheap reliable transportation"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Cylinder heads needed replacement when we bought it.
The 3rd alternator just went in.
Smog pump replaced at 165000.
Headliner replaced at 190000.
About every 1 1/2 years the radiator needed replacement. Last one went in a year ago.
Water pump replaced at 210000.
Differential has started making noises at 265000 and will need replacement soon.
Air condition compressor died at 270000 and needs replacement.
General comments?
The car is very cheap to operate.
Fuel consumption is on a 130000 mile average about 12.5 l/100km or about 19 mpg.
Best mileage ever was 8.9 l/100km or 26.5 mpg on a long distance trip in 1997.
The car is underpowered for it's weight.
With Bilstein shock absorbers and Michelin tires the typical Caprice "bounciness" is gone and in this set-up comes close very to acceptable handling.
The engine still has even compression and still feels like the time when we bought it.
Oil pressure is 3.0 bar (45 psi) at 2000 RPM.
Not exactly a car to be passionate about, but extremely reliable - it never ever left us stranded - and very comfortable on long distance trips.
The interior show surprisingly little wear for the miles it has been driven.
Recommended reviews
  | 1984 - Caprice Estate Wagon 5.0L Gas (305) Reliable and Luxurious |
| 1983 - Caprice Classic 305 C.I.D Most reliable car ever |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 1995 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 5.0 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 3/10 |
| Reliability marks | 9/10 |
| Comfort marks | 9/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 140000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 275000 miles |
| Previous car | Opel Senator |
| Date of Entry | 15th January, 2003 |