97 Riviera from Central PA

Hi there everyone, I'm new to the board. My name is Andy, I've lived in Central PA for two years and I help run a car forum for locals (though it's mostly imports).

I just picked up a 97 Riviera and am thus far enjoying it.

I've had a 99 grand prix, and a 99 bonneville before, so this is a similar car for me, a little nicer than those two though, and my first L67. Knock on wood--but I can't believe all the nice electronic options still work after all these years.

Some of my previous/other cars for anyone that's interested:

2010 Camaro
2009 Subaru STI
2012 Mustang (Bad camera picture)

WELCOME ABOARD ANDY !!! That's a nice looking Riv you have there

Looks like its in pretty good shape. Got anymore pictures?

Welcome Andy. I also have a Pearl White Riviera (1998), plus a white 2011 Camaro 2LT.

adeft wrote:

Hi there everyone, I'm new to the board. My name is Andy, I've lived in Central PA for two years and I help run a car forum for locals (though it's mostly imports).

I just picked up a 97 Riviera and am thus far enjoying it.

I've had a 99 grand prix, and a 99 bonneville before, so this is a similar car for me, a little nicer than those two though, and my first L67. Knock on wood--but I can't believe all the nice electronic options still work after all these years.

Some of my previous/other cars for anyone that's interested:

2010 Camaro
2009 Subaru STI
2012 Mustang (Bad camera picture)

In '97 the electronic options were mostly either standard (steering wheel controls, power antenna) or an option 'bundle.' (heated driver seat, moon roof, settings memory for seat & mirrors). Buick at the time stood for 'tried and true reliability' so things that they *could have* done such as using Delco's then-on-the-Olds magnetorheological-fluid-filled front struts (link), they did not do on the Riv. Because of that and other decisions you will save money (low 4 figs) on maintenance as a result. Admittedly, however, my Lincoln is less expensive to maintain.

IIRC the problem areas seem to be the display for the climate control, the connector at the firewall (rare - throws false engine codes) horns/horn switch, and instrument (radio/HVAC head) illumination. All of which have posted fixes on this site.

If you are handy, work on the car yourself and have tools (some like the HB puller are esoteric but can be cobbled together or fabbed) you will pretty much be able to drive the Riv until it wears out, rusts out, or you're tired of it.

Welcome aboard.

Albertj

Thanks for the kind words guys! I don't have any more pictures just yet (I haven't cleaned it and we've been pelted with rain), but it has the red/burgundy interior and heated/power/lumbar seat. Pretty low miles--74k and the paint is in fairly good shape. One previous owner, and lots of maintenance records.

I do lots of my own work depending on the job, this car was meant to be a reliable comfortable winter car....and from the sounds of it, many of you have had luck with them.

I hate to be boring, but I do not plan on modding it very much--I had a version of this transmission in a lightly modified grand prix GXP, and that power was about too much for that tranny (ask me how I know--I had three transmissions in that car) I will be throwing in a small sub/amp soon.

@abaucom: I loved my Camaro, some lady ran a red light and hit me though Carnage

@albertj: Thanks for the advice--I actually head up your way a few times a year in the summer. A friend has a house near wolcott on Seneca Lake.

Welcome! Love 97' Rivs.

yep Andy....welcome here.