FAQ: New Riviera Buyer Questions

Hello everyone. I joined this site a long time ago with intentions to buy a supercharged Riviera, which I've wanted since I was about 12. Well, things changed and I ended up not finding one and I decided on an Iroc-Z. It's a really nice car, but it's been a year and I'm starting to miss having a luxury car. I've been looking around and this car popped up for sale or trade:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/1796250226.html

It's the same color I want, same wheels I want, everything, except for one thing; 154,000 miles. My uncle has a 2000 something Grand Prix (non-supercharged) that has 350,000 on the motor, the transmission went out at 275,000 miles. I really am not totally comfortable with the miles, but I'm curious about how many miles the supercharged cars are capable of. Mainly I'm worried about the transmission. I do know that by the time my car hits 154,000 (presently at 129,000), it's transmission will probably be gone, but what about these? What problems occur after a certain amount of miles with these cars? Sorry if this has already been covered, I do know a bit about these cars, but I've never had one so....lol.

Basically, is this a decent option, or should I just wait, sell my car after I find a job, and try to find something else. My car is like in excellent condition, but it's not perfect and it needs some stuff, so it's not like I'd be going from a perfect car, you know? Thanks everyone.

Edit: I would also like to add that I do intend on doing some mods; not racing it a lot, but I do enjoy modding. When I get to that point, though, I'll be able to afford a transmission etc.

You seem to have a pretty good idea of what to expect, and you have good reason to be concerned with a 154k mile car that you really don't know any history of. If you want a Riviera, $3500 seem fair if the car is in good shape, and if you intend to put some money into the car - not a lot but some.

The Riviera is built for a solid 150k miles; they tend to last longer than that - many parts are beefy, heavy over engineered. For the most part, the body and suspension parts hold up very well up to 200k miles with some basic maintenance. The engine really will go 200-300k miles if cared for. Occasionally there are some flukes such as a fragged pulley or an electrical problem, but usually these are not expensive to fix.

The transmission can be the weak link, depending on how it was cared for by the previous owner. It could last to 200k, or it could go out tomorrow. I would buy this car with the intention of replacing the transmission within 50k miles. A rebuild cost you between $1500-2500. Or you can find a used one for around $600 and install it yourself.

Finally, if you want to mod, these engines respond very well to even basic tweaks, and there is a decent aftermarket support. You can even make the car stop and handle well for how heavy it is. Good luck.

More info on high mileage Rivieras here:

https://rivperformance.editboard.com/care-maintenance-f8/high-mile-club-t769.htm

And here:

https://rivperformance.editboard.com/care-maintenance-f8/maintenance-lessons-first-200000-miles-t6916.htm

Thanks, Aaron. I'll probably just hold off for a while, maybe put my car up when the time is right, and find one with lower miles. The problem is that for every 5 Rivieras out there for sale, 3 are either beat up or are on HUUUGE rims (I prefer the stock look on Rivieras) and painted bright purple or something, while the other two are perfect cars, but out of my price range.

http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/album.php?albumid=2128&pictureid=9448

http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/album.php?albumid=2128&pictureid=9450

My car isn't a pos, so it may not be too very hard to sell.

These are very nice:
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/1795684857.html

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/cto/1795261644.html

I'm really really sorry for all the questions and blabbing, but what true differences (like internal differences and blower differences, not power differences) are there between the series 1 and 2? Is it mainly the blower? I ask because I just saw one with a new motor and transmission for trade.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/1795840587.html

No need to apologize - these are good questions to ask before buying, and we have some of the answers just a click away:

https://rivperformance.editboard.com/series-ii-engine-transmission-f4/faq-why-a-series-ii-sc-engine-for-modding-purposes-t20.htm

https://rivperformance.editboard.com/series-ii-engine-transmission-f4/faq-what-are-differences-between-96-and-97-99-sc-rivs-t3461.htm

https://rivperformance.editboard.com/series-i-engine-transmission-f13/what-is-the-l67-series-i-t18.htm

https://rivperformance.editboard.com/series-ii-engine-transmission-f4/what-is-series-ii-supercharged-t78.htm

Can an M90 blower be put onto a series 1, or are the ports different or something? I am reading, I just don't see the answer. Thanks for giving me so much help.

EDIT: Never mind, I see that the heads are different.

its actually less the heads being the problem, more the sheer footprint of the m90 blower....but there a few a threads about it...

Link: https://rivperformance.editboard.com/series-i-engine-transmission-f13/m90-in-place-of-a-m62-t4338.htm

Aaron, if you don't mind me asking, what do you think about this car?

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/1797762322.html

I've been in contact with the seller and I've asked a few questions. The transmission was replaced one year ago, but unfortunately the engine went out, so it was just replaced this month. That seems kind of fishy to me, like something is still up with it so they want to get rid of it, but maybe not? Maybe it has given them so much trouble that they are tired of it? For one thing, that radio needs to go lol.

I'm kind of concerned about the fact that it may have 200k plus miles on it, so even if the motor and tranny are excellent, that doesn't say anything for the alternator, water pump, sensors, tie rods, struts, etc. You catch my drift. I also wanted a Series II, but I mean if it really has a new motor and transmission and they have the papers to prove it.....?

Edit: I didn't think about the fact I'm still in the Series II board, should I move over to the Series I board now?

I would offer $3k on the '98 with 150k+ miles before I'd pay $4k for that '95, even with new engine and trans. If they replaced the engine, my guess is they did not maintain the car well, or it has well over 200k miles, or both.

Keep lookin'

Thanks, Aaron. Will do! That was a concern of mine, it sounds as if they don't know how to take care of a car.

What he said!

Seriously, everything Aaron has said is what I would have said... If it's still available, I'd just go drive the first car. See if it shifts decently and if the fluid on the dip isn't toasted.

Take it through the water slides & see if it has any leaks... JK

Ahahaha now that's a test drive. I actually emailed the guy with the high mileage car and asked him a little about it. I'm just waiting for a response. It's the exact color and has the motor I want, it's just a high mileage car.

So, in order to replace a transmission on one of these, the motor has to be pulled, right? I'm just assuming because that's what I find with most fwd cars.

Also, I added a second transmission cooler in series with the radiator cooler (did it that way so it would always be up to temperature), along with a gauge, fan, and automatic fan thermo switch. Is a cooler something that could benefit a Riv?

You've got to be kidding me

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/1800967257.html

cadillacman wrote:

You've got to be kidding me

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/1800967257.html

RUN!! Fly like the wind!!!

I'd buy it myself, except for the emotional bond with my car...
and the fact that I don't care if the passenger's seat has power lumbar and heaters.

(I think Merced is somewhere Southwest of here...)

Oh wow you're pretty close! If you don't mind me asking, what general area are you in? You should go for it if you wanted, I can't. I'm broke, all I have is my car, which needs to be sold first.

I emailed the guy with the high mileage riv, he wants 2K and my car lol. He made an adjustment and now wants 1,500 and my car. I wish there was a kiss my you know what smiley.

I know you guys aren't into these, but I feel my car is worth more than $1,000.

cadillacman wrote:

Oh wow you're pretty close! If you don't mind me asking, what general area are you in? You should go for it if you wanted, I can't. I'm broke, all I have is my car, which needs to be sold first.

I emailed the guy with the high mileage riv, he wants 2K and my car lol. He made an adjustment and now wants 1,500 and my car. I wish there was a kiss my you know what smiley.

I know you guys aren't into these, but I feel my car is worth more than $1,000.

yeah, you're going to pull more, especially from people like me that drooled on them when they were new and expensive when I was broke. it's a dealership, right? I'm not sure you'll ever get an even trade, but if you keep shopping this iroc you'll get what you need out of it.

cadillacman wrote:

Thanks. Yeah, I'm definitely not looking to get a fortune for it, but I do need so much for it. It's a really good car, but it shows it's age at times. I just really, really miss having soft seats, a smooth ride, and a quiet interior. Plus, I've drooled over Rivieras since I was.......10 or 12? My dad owned a (I think) 69 and 73.

iam buying a rivera sc 96 with a 109000 on da dash and iam wondering where should i start looking for things dat might be bad besides da normal stuff when u buy a used car this is my first super charged vehicle iam buying and dont wanna get got out here thanks for any help u can give me[b]

Remy, I merged your post into this thread. Page 1 should contain some of the information you're looking for. Thx!

If you can drive north of the border, here is a good deal...
http://www.autotrader.ca/used_cars_Car_details/Repentigny_Quebec_1999_BUICK_RIVIERA_2029862.html?srcID=5&frnID=8151306&cofid=2004513202042706&prv=Quebec&r=30

What is 134,450 kms in miles and how much $$$ is GC $3999.00 approximately.

Just some info that may be needed by our southern friends that don't speak the language and are willing to travel to Quebec.

1 kilometer = 0.6214 miles.
1 Canadian dollars = 0.9656 US dollar.


Ergo, it's $3853 for 83,547 miles.

Eldo wrote:

1 kilometer = 0.6214 miles.
1 Canadian dollars = 0.9656 US dollar.


Ergo, it's $3853 for 83,547 miles.

Thanks Mark,
That is inexpensive for someone that lives near the border to go look at.

The US Dollar is doing much better against the Canadian Dollar since the last time i made any exchange.

A 1999 Fully Loaded with a light gray interior against the Pearl White Exterior is a nice looking car, if you ask me. (but nobody asked me )
If I had the Time, ability to travel, and few extra $$, I'd go look at it.

I would like info on what to look for when buying a Riviera. Preferably 97 and up. What mechanical problems should i listen and feel for when driving. What issues exist on the body such as common rust spots or sagging door hinges ect.... Thanks!