1982 Buick Riviera Coupe from North America - Comments

Transmission self-destructed in 1992.

Heater core replaced once.

A/C recharged twice.

Fighting rust is an ongoing battle.

At least two sets of CV joints.

Oxygen sensor.

Not bad for an old dog with gobs of miles...

I love my old Rivee. most people don't believe it's a front-wheel drive, judging by its size. These were the days when American automakers used to sit down and actually use their heads before designing a car, not this modern computer generated crap. My kids even like it, it looks like a 80's version of a bonny and clyde gangstermobile.

Recently repainted the car "cheap" at a ma and pa body shop for under $1000. The engine has always run new like since the day it was purchased, and besides its original goodwrench oil, it has only sipped on pure synthetic oil for the rest of its 466,000 miles.

The 1982 buick Riviera with the 5 L engine is 307 cubic inches. I have the same car with 77,000 miles on it and it still drives like a dream! This artical was very informative and keep up the good work!

I just bought my 1982 Riviera from a doctor neighbor of mine. He purchased the car brand new and bought a new Buick recently and sold me the car for practically nothing... it is white with a red leather interior and although there are a few rust spots here and there - It looks great after 18 years! He told me the transmission might need some attention soon, but I drove the car last night for the first time and it seems okay. Will bring updates soon! Jeff.

I have done much work to my Buick Riviera. I have given it new tires, and replaced many parts having to do with...suspention, engine, exhaust, drive, brakes, audio, and the most annoying thing is the stupid rust on the bodywork! This is a problem that comes back until you get it repainted. I also checked for the luminescent riviera symbol that goes on the vinyl and the dealer wants $139.00 for a replacement! This is a very good car and seldom find this car in a salvage yard (good thing is it's a good car, bad thing you can't find the "hard to find" parts) the only thing that isn't great on this car is the constant body work and the gas mileage (8-10 mpg)...adding "up to date" parts (aftermarket ignitions, high flow filters, etc.) helps this and so does high octane gas now I get from 15-20 mpg.

I had an 82 Riv. Beautiful car. But it was a mechanical mess. You name it it broke. And broke again. The only thing I thought was good mechanically about it was the 307 Olds V8. It never gave me any trouble. Everything else though was pretty bad. It was white with the red leather. Very nice. But only get one if you've got some cash in the bank to pay for the repairs.

I'm interested to know what the hardest part to find for a 1982 Buick Riviera would be, given the car's rarity in salvage yards. Any commentary is appreciated. Thank you.

The hardest parts would probably be body panels because usually if you do find one its almost always wrecked.

The hardest part I have been searching for is the front lamp monitors. The clear plastic discolors after time & I've been searching for new ones to replace. They are very hard to locate. I'm still searching.