Radiator/heater hoses; normal wear.
Starter motor; normal wear.
Muffler and tailpipe; normal wear.
Radiator (cracked plastic where hose attaches).
Transmission 2nd gear; was not working when purchased, and transmission finally gave out around 200k miles.
Valve cover gaskets; normal wear.
Timing cover oil seal.
Timing chain and gears; normal wear.
EGR components lit the check engine light; didn't affect drivability, but is a required fix to pass smog test in California.
Driver's seat leather cracked beyond repair.
Cruise control has never worked.
Power window drive gear cracked, replaced.
Power door lock weakened, replaced.
Factory radio died; had repaired mail-order by Radioman in Los Angeles.
Heater core leaked; replaced core.
Shock absorbers replaced; normal wear.
Air conditioning system reconditioned when purchased, has worked flawlessly since then.
Great value for the money, if you are prepared to replace consumables as they wear out. I don't drive much, but because I stay on top of the maintenance this car has never let me down.
The engine is a gem - Mustang turned Percheron. Mileage is 16-23 MPG depending on load/incline/speed. Didn't even miss 2nd gear until the transmission started slipping in all gears.
Body components are still nearly perfect. The paint on the hood is oxidized and susceptible to mildew, but cleans up with fine steel wool and a heavy wax job. I'm pleased with the longevity of the power accessories.
Suspension is the weak point. Ride is luxury car loosey-goosey with standard-duty shocks installed. If you think your rear springs have failed, check to see if you just need to add air to the rear air shocks; I run 60-65 psi unloaded, 75-80 fully loaded with camping gear. Two shops have been unable to get the brakes right - they're still grabby, noisy, spongy, and unpredicable when cold.
Fellow elementary school parents trapped in their minivan/SUV addictions approach us all the time saying "Oh, we used to have a station wagon when we were kids, and they were great cars, why did they stop making them?". Aha, so that's it: I'm holding on to my childhood!
It's a Great Automobile! My 89 is showing some rust, but I'm trying to stay on top of it. With 4 feet of clear space between the wheel wells and a bit over 7 feet from the back of the front seats to the tailgate, this auto is a gem. Wish they still made something as sensible as this. Just can't get excited about an SUV or minivan.
God Bless station wagons!!! I would love to find an old 70's or 80's Land Yacht wagon to restore and terrorize the neighborhood in. We had a 1973 Caprice Estate with the clam shell talegate and acres of faux woodgrain on the sides while growing up. It was painful watching that car get traded in on a Fairmont. Sigh...
The boxy Ford and GM full-size wagons from the '80s through 1991 were the best. I loved them. I hate all the full-size SUVs because they have so much unnecessary weight. Who actually uses four-wheel drive?
The main difference between the older wagons and the SUVs is the attitude of the driver. The wagons were big boats that were driven gently and never seemed to be in the way. Huge SUVs, on the other hand, ALWAYS seem to be in the way, you can't see around them, and their drivers have this attitude of "Get out of my way!" I can't stand it.
If driven gently, you can get decent mileage out of the large wagons.
I would much rather drive a Buick Estate Wagon, Olds Custom Cruiser, Ford Country Squire or Mercury Colony Park than a hideous SUV that is now out of fashion. Good riddance!
You used steel wool on your paint job?
Ye gads! Better get MAACO!
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