1988 Chevrolet Caprice Classic 305 ci. 5.0 liter from Netherlands

Summary:

A lot of luxury for a fair price

Faults:

Two yeas back I had to replace the water pump, and the car was leaking coolant at the back of the engine.

Recently I had to replace some belts, but those are minor problems if you keep in mind that I use the car daily to go to work and that I've already driven 40000 miles without major problems.

Just give the car each years it's well-deserved maintenance, like refresh all the oils and filters and change the bougies. You'll see, it pays off.

General Comments:

It's a very comfortable car for people to whom relaxed and comfortable traveling is more important than high performance and fast handling in curves. Believe me, in handling nothing can compare with a BMW.

But here in the Netherlands where most of the time driving means standing in line in the daily traffic jam, nothing can compare with the huge space in side and the comfortable seats. It's like sitting in your nicest sofa.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th August, 2003

1988 Chevrolet Caprice 5.0 V8 from North America

Summary:

A little piece of hell on wheels

Faults:

The exhaust had to be replaced.

Paint has some cracks.

New tires at 50,000.

New front end.

The headliner is held up with tacks.

General Comments:

The car has never let me down.

I could strangle Chevrolet for ending the Caprice.

It does not matter what the weather is like, the Caprice will always take off like a land rocket.

If I ever get the money I will restore that car to it's original luster.

These cars could whoop any pansy Honda Civic and leave them in the dust.

I am proud to call myself a Caprice Owner and plan to be one the rest of my life.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th May, 2003

1988 Chevrolet Caprice 4 dr sedan 5.7 Liter 4bbl from North America

Summary:

Family performance sedan bargain!

Faults:

A/C recharged 88,000, New tie rods at 90,000. Wiper motor at 88,000. Not a whole lot has gone bad with this car-they are mostly very tough and dependable if given some TLC.

General Comments:

This is an ex-cop car that I bought pretty cheap. Out west where these cars don't rust, they are a great value. I wish Chevy still made this car-I would buy one new and put it on blocks!! It runs great with a 350 4bbl, you can really get lost. It is built like they used to make 'em, and can still get respectable MPG's due to the overdrive and 3.08 gears. I leave a lot of newer cars in my taillights-maybe not the ultra hi-po ones, but when you compare $2500 to $25-$30,000 for a front drive V6 I feel I made the right choice. It handles like a Corvette as any 9C1 owner can attest. I will own this car for as long as I possibly can-it makes me smile every time I see her! 9C1 owners speak up- I want to hear from you!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th January, 2003

17th Jun 2003, 10:36

Hello, I have an '88 caprice 9C1. It has 147,000 miles on the stock 350 4 barrel and I'm getting ready to pull it and replace it with a 355. I'm sticking with the stock quadrajet, but it will be rebuilt with a stage two upgrade and custom chip from jet, the carb and chip will be calibrated for my exact engine specs which are: 0.30 over 350 roller block, speed pro pistons,10.7-1 compression,.525-.525 lift cam, Edelbrock performer intake, stock center-bolt heads reworked, 1 5/8" headers with 2 1/2"dual exhaust and flow-master 2 chamber mufflers, stock 3.08 gears and 8.5" rear end. It should move pretty good considering it weighs 3860 pounds, how much does yours weigh? I also bought some 15"x8" steel 9c1 wheels awhile back, I was told they are rare, what do you think? I had them powder coated semi gloss black and they look great. Have you seen Fred Dryer's ex squad caprice?

30th Apr 2007, 18:53

I bought a 1988 9C1 Caprice from a local town's retired detective fleet. It was very well cared for, but had many door-dings. At the time, I had an automotive custom shop, and I used the Caprice to demo the first Alpine GPS navigation system. I fell SO in love with the car that I had it completely restored showroom new. You should see the looks I get on sunny days when I tool around in it! I have the factory bucket seats, the rubber floor, the huge chrome wheel covers and bumpers -- all perfect!

All I can say is, if you have the flexibility to hold on to your old square-body 9C1 and fix it up bit by bit, I think you will have a unique ride, a little piece of American history, and a huge sedan that corners like a slot car!