The only problems I have had have been routine maintenance.
The brakes had to be replaced.
The alternator had to be rebuilt.
The 305 produces plenty of power, especially with a K&N air filter. This Caprice handles better than any car I have ever driven, and rides like a dream.
It's amazing to think I only paid $1000.
The exterior lines are clean and unbroken, and the interior has the same treatment. The leather is still in perfect condition.
In addition, the gas mileage is reasonable for such a tank... as long as you stay out of the 4 barrel.
My 88 Caprice is the best car I have ever had, it has 289000 miles and has never been rebulit just one transmission.
I bought a 1988 Caprice Brougham new for around $17,000. The car was absolutely awesome. I regularly achieved 30 MPG on the highway with the 305 4-barrel. The ride and quiet was second to none. The only issue I had with the car was the paint was "egg-shelling" on the trunk and hood. I believe GM had a problem with the primer they were using during that time. We traded it off for a 1993 Dodge Grand Caravan, and, to this day, I regret that move. I wish Chevrolet would bring back a car comparable to the big Caprice.
I believe they switched to basecoat/clearcoat paint that year which might explain the paint problem. My '87 has acrylic lacquer and it still looks great. Polishing compound works wonders with this type of paint.
The four barrel carb was abandoned in 87 for the throttle body fuel injection. This should give about 17city 25hwy and a great whooping sound should the air cleaner assembly be turned upside down and re-installed. For scientific purposes only, of course.
Mine had a 85mph speedo with the '55' highlighted in blue.
For numerically challenged folks, I suppose.
Ah, memories.
As the poster who bought one in 1988, the throttle-body injection was available on the 4.3 V-6 and became available on the 5.0 in 1989. The 5.0 was indeed carbureted in 1987 and 1988. Check out the specifications.
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