Shortly after purchasing this car the transmission started making noises like a whirling slot machine while it tried to select the right gear. It finally stranding me on the road side one morning while making my way to work. A tow to a local transmission shop cost $25, the used transmission cost $125 and $150 for installation.
During a trip to Florida the air conditioner compressor gave up the ghost. Replacement at the shop cost me $480.
Over all this has been a good car. The V8 is underpowered, but very reliable.
After all these years everything still works, the power leather seats (still in good condition), the power windows, air, cruise, not bad for North American.
I have used it to tow my boat which weighs as much as the car. Without a locking differential it has trouble getting up the boat ramp. New sticky tires work best here.
It's an easy car to work on and the parts are cheap. I'm no mechanic, but have done brakes and rotor twice, replaced the water pump, the fuel pump, the carburetor, gas lines, ignition coil, voltage regulator and all the regular maintenence. The body is another matter. In Southern Ontario salt is used on the roads in winter. This has caused a great deal of rust. This vehicle has salt cancer bad! Regardless, it will be tough to send this old friend to the grave yard. Would I buy another one... you bet.
I own a 1987 Chrysler Fifth Ave. and it gets me everywhere in comfort without it ever letting me sit... Until today, where exactly is the fuel filter located, I had an issue locating it. It was also dark out.
Can you please lead me in the right direction of the fuel filter? Thanks.
Under the alternator, it is much easier to replace if you remove it first.
I just bought a 1986 5th Avenue, and I love it. She has 107,000 km. and runs like a dream. I have never owned such a luxury car. Just a few small things to deal with such as the horn, and cannot get the antenna to go up, therefore no radio. The power locks on the left side of the car do not work. I hope to have this car for a very long time.
I myself just got a 1986 Fifth Avenue. My brother likes his Grand Prix more. But it only has 55,000 miles and it has like three rust spots but they are all pretty small. The car cost me 1,200! It needs a few things like shocks and something is wrong with the fuel system. But it is easy to drive and it runs great! The brakes work like a dream and though its kinda sluggish it gan get up there in the long run.
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