Best car I ever owned
My headliner ripped off.
Seats have started to wear badly.
This car has a very fast pick up for a car that weighs in at 4,200 pounds.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 9th February, 2004
A great bargain for those that seek quality and longevity over high performance
When first purchased I had to replace the timing chain and have the wires uncrossed.
It ran beautifully, but backfired constantly and would not move faster than 25 MPH.
Replaced AM/FM radio with AM/FM Cassette Player.
I repaired the AC in the summer of 2002 and it still works fine.
Will eventually need a carburetor.
Vehicle sat for a few years before I purchased it so the radiator will need replacing eventually.
Replaced rear halogen light with Fluorescent light because the headliner began to fall.
Since the car had been sitting for a while, it will need to have the carbon removed to get rid of the developing spark knock and to regain the significant loss in power.
This wagon is extremely comfortable.
It is in great shape for its age.
The only thing that doesn't work is the cruise.
The wagon runs and drives great.
I am willing to have the carbon removed in order to keep the vehicle for several additional years.
This wagon will still make long distance trips without complaining.
Some minor repairs will ensure that this vehicle will continue to run well into its classic stage.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 4th April, 2003
Reliable and Luxurious
Car sat for 2 years before I got it so some maintenance was required.
A/C System needed replaced.
Water Pump was rusted and needed replaced.
Radiator leaked and needed replaced.
Paint is badly faded on hood and roof.
Dash is cracked in several places.
Starter went recently.
Ignition system is not functioning correctly right now.
Rear shocks and springs were shot.
Bought this at a car lot for $2,400 in '99 to replace my 1982 Caprice that blew a main bearing.
Best purchase I have ever made. It needed some work done to it, but the cost of the repairs have been worth it. Bought it to drive to work in the next county, and it is ever so comfortable to drive. The A/C in the summer is a godsend in PA!
It's a full size station wagon, so needless to say hauling stuff around is not a major problem. I've thought of starting a hauling business since everyone I know owns small sub-compact cars and can't haul anything :)
The 5.0L Engine isn't gonna win a race, but it is very good for pulling things. I have hauled everything from engines to cars with the sucker, and it barely complains, even up steep hills.
All of the power options make for a very nice ride, the most notable are the power windows and power drivers seat making the ride nice. Cruise Control and Auto/OverDrive make gas mileage very nice on the highway.
Its sheer size also makes it a perfect family car, everyone can cram into it and still have room to breath. We take it on all of our trips, and its wonderful.
Unfortunately, the ignition system has gone south in it and needs replaced. It has a computer controlled ignition that is rather twitchy. Warning for anyone who is buying an early 80's GM car. Luckily its very cheap to fix, just haven't gotten around to it yet.
This car is exceptionally cheap to work on in terms of parts. I suggest that if you replace any parts that you get the best ones you can buy, the cheap ones WILL fail early on you (and of course, always out of warranty!)
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 19th January, 2003
Cheap reliable transportation
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.
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.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 15th January, 2003
This car has been a real bargain performer and I look forward to another 100,000 miles
Transmission failed at 63,000 miles.
Second alternator replaced at 93,000 miles.
Air conditioning system has needed charging often.
The paint is starting to peel off in large sheets.
Prone to diesel+ing in cold weather.
This car previously owned by my grandmother has been a steady and dependable vehicle.
Handles better and rides more comfortably than my 95 Caprice.
Extremely sturdy.
Easy for my local mechanic to work on.
Other than the transmission and paint problems, this has been a cheap car to operate.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 5th April, 2002
22nd Dec 2002, 19:39
My 1984 Caprice is the best car to date that I have ever owned! I put a 1979 engine from a wagon in it and the car has not caused me any problems whatsoever!