1986 Chevrolet Caprice Wagon review from North America

"PowerMaster" electric-assist power brake assist, broke twice in 70k miles, $600 each time to fix. Second time broke, replaced with normal vacuum booster from 85 Caprice, no problems since.

700R4 transmission went at 66k; rebuilt unit lasted another 100k.

Engine seeps oil but does not burn oil. Engine runs flawless, but needs overhaul (it's tired).

AC compressor went at 100k.

Waterpump went at 133k.

Exhaust system replaced twice in 166k (inexpensive).

Radio quit at 145k.

Interior ceiling sagged at 120k, replaced for $150.

Front wheel bearing at 160k.

Radiator started leaking at 140k (put sealer and low-psi cap on, stopped leak).

Choke pull-off diaphram broke at 140k, made car run rich and miss but still passed emissions.

A great inexpensive family car. Parts are dirt cheap. Did entire brakes for $32 shoes and pads. Drive-train is all generic small-block Chevy, everyone has parts and they're cheap. Motor ran like a gem, started right up every time. If engine runs good, don't mess with carb unless you have to. CHANGE OIL EVERY 3K. 700R4s have several known bugs. If yours goes, have someone who knows how to properly fix them do the bug fixes so yours'll last longer. OD does wonders for hwy mileage. City mileage sucks. Good car for family people. Front clip is easy to replace if Junior rear-ends somebody (I had to). Whole front clip cost me $150 if I took it off. Radiator didn't even puncture.

If you can, get one with the 12" cop vented rotors on the front and 11" drums on the back; will stop a tank. Check frequently for wear; pads and shoes wear unpredictably. Suspension gets sloppy after a while and the car understeers pretty mean. New bushings and ball joints help. Also, steering idler arm of weak construction, should be replaced with Moog "Problem Solver" part. Radio sucks to replace. An excellent big-person car. Nobody will steal it, and there are lots of parts around for it.