1982 Buick Riviera review from North America
"Fantastic, would buy it again"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The only problem was the head bolts failed at around 70,000. Simple solution was I studded the engine.
General comments?
Very comfortable, handles well for a luxury vehicle, gets incredible fuel mileage, reliable, low maintenance costs.
The 5.7L diesel suffered from poor quality diesel fuel, uneducated consumers & GM from not training their mechanics better to handle working on these vehicles. I had a Toronado with over 470,000 miles on the original diesel engine, 47,000 head bolt broke, studded the engine and never another problem again! If it weren't for GM's introduction of the Olds 5.7L Diesel, we wouldn't have all the diesel vehicles on the road today. I still own 2 diesel Riviera's and wouldn't trade them for anything. I am getting 30+ miles on the freeway and 21 in town. I use the proper motor oil and follow the recommended maintainence schedule and I have had no problems.
I drive it like a diesel; I know that it won't do 0 to 60 in less than a minute, and I am OK with that. I bought the luxury of the vehicle, not for speed; that is why they build Corvette's!!!
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1982 |
| Year of manufacture | 1982 |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2008 |
| Engine and transmission | 5.7L diesel Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 10 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 6 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 68000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 121000 miles |
| Previous car | Oldsmobile Toronado |
| Date of Entry | 31st May, 2008 |