Transmission blew at 125k.
Carb rebuilt at 120k.
Radiator blew at 119k.
Timing gears split at 121k.
Water pump cracked at 130k.
Fuel pump failed at 120k.
Not a more comfortable car on the planet. period.
The interior could be more ergonomic, but it is 20 years old.
Very minimal rust. Body remains extra solid with general care. I have herd many people complain about rust, but they must not be taking care of it. A straight body takes work.
Strong 307, peppy, but no drag car. Plenty of torque.
Sounds great with duals.
Steers like a boat, because it is a boat.
Suspension feel is typical of GMs of that era.
Bad blind spot.
Very pritty when shinny.
Vinyl top keeps well.
Factory sunroof never needed service. that's amazing.
Inadequit factory cooling system. easily fixed.
Fun to drive.
FWD V8, simply put: this car will never go fast with a practical budget. Go buy a Chevy.
I bought my 1982 Riviera 3 years ago in fairly rough shape and had a lot to fix and learn about it. The engine is the 5.0,I replaced valve seals, water pump and got the fuel-emmisions issues in control, did not need A.I.R. stuff because I'm in MA and did not need emission test for pre 83 car. Fixed both drive axles myself (often a problem because boots go like all cars) a few steering parts, some brakes, changed trans fluid a couple of times (the 325-4l is a fine trans, and very effective upgrades are available if rebuild is needed it will last forever),and kept at the small stuff and needed maintenances until things were right, getting the vacuum hoses new and inexpensive, but time consuming stuff like that like that. The carbs have a bad rep, but getting to know that Quadrajet and making sure all the engine controls are right is worth the effort. This car runs like nothing else ever made, a Cadillac chassis, torsion bar front suspension like Chrysler, excellent coil-independent rear with thick sway bars. These cars are all steel, a very sturdy full chassis and if corrosion happens excellent treatments are available, taking the time to fix it right is worth the time.I've driven I don't know how many types of cars and in good order it is the best ride I ever had.I've spent about 1000$,my own labor and patience and I'm keeping it for good.I'll paint it soon and keep it at because no car I have ever fixed payed back the effort so much. Definitely the high point of sound yet creative engineering by GM until they stopped building real cars.No, it does not do the 1/4 in 14 seconds or less. The mileage in proper tune is good, more than good with the overdrive 325-4l trans. The interior layout is without peer, lots of room, huge trunk.
A great looking car, best of the E-Bodies, and very good safety factor, a rugged machine. Far superior in almost every respect to the huge FWD luxury cars by GM it replaced, less weight and more refined suspension, way better handling. This is the car to have if you want an older full size luxury car, truly one of a kind and overall cost of owning one is less than the super expensive cars being sold now out there, but has as much class overall. Very cool styling which always gets me the nod on the street. Mine is black with grey vinyl half top and grey interior which just right, looks very sharp. Only 2 weeks down time in three years.Let's face it, it's over twenty years old and 150K, but it very dependable, running parts very good availability.I'm very good with my own repairs which gives me a big advantage, but worth every bit of the time it took, this car will last as long as I want it to and on a reasonable budget. Plenty of boneyard part availabilty and I've scrounged lots of spare parts. A unique car which gives a lot of driving pleasure.CMS.PS the convertibles are out of sight nice,maybe someday....
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