1985 Chevrolet Caprice Classic review from North America

Over 6 years of daily driving I have replaced the water pump and radiator, 1 set of tires, 1 exhaust system, battery and front brake pads and rear brake line. The transmission was rebuilt at just over 200,000 km not because it broke down altogether, but to firm up the shifts which are famously sloppy with GM turbohydramatic transmissions.

I bought this car as an alternative to a minivan in the spring of 1998 for $1600- during a time when our financial situation warranted a minimal expenditure on a vehicle. Over the past six years this Caprice has only needed the usual wear and tear items such as exhaust and brakes and has never left us stranded.

I have known people who bought new cars at the same time as this car was in it's 13th year back in 1998 and they have had more breakdowns and higher ownership costs than the Caprice.

This car runs smooth, flies down the highway at any speed you want as long as you want. It is like a tank through snow and very stable even at high speed. Most repairs can also be done in the driveway with hand tools.