What do you think would be a reasonable price...

[Stevey Capri]

For a 1971 4-door with the 455 and dual exhaust? It's in pretty good condition. Not sure of the mileage, but I was told it runs great. I'm probably going down to check it out soon.

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e374/killstephendead/1.jpg
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e374/killstephendead/2.jpg
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e374/killstephendead/3.jpg
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e374/killstephendead/4.jpg
(Yes the pictures are recent. The date is just wrong on his camera.)

Considering I just got out of highschool and work nights, I was looking for an 1982-1987 Regal or Grand National to work on during the day, and someone threw this offer my way. I talked to the guy, and he said he would let me have it for $1000 and my 1987 GMC Vandura 2500 conversion van, which isn't in that great of condition. Should I do it guys? I would have to sacrifice both of my current vehicles for this thing.

[Smartin]

$1k looks like a good deal!

Where are you located?

Welcome to the board!

[73 Centurion]

If there is rust around the rear quarters you should have a professional check over the underside and frame for rust damage. If the sheet metal is solid and the engine runs reasonably well it sounds like a good deal.

My biggest concern is you ability to feed the beast. A 455 is delightful to drive but can be thirsty. A $25 gallon tank at $4 per gallon equals $100 to fill it. If it's your only means of transportation you might want to that won't suck your entire paycheck.

I doubt your budget will allow a GN although a Regal is possible. Both cars are heavy and the gas mileage isn't "Grand".

It's not fun to look for a practical car, but you have to weigh the excitment against your ability to go see a movie with a friend, which may not be in the cards with a guzzler.

John

[Richard Dunn]

Unfortunately John is correct.
That thirsty 455 is going to drain the bank account each week.
BUT it could be a great car to restore.
Get rid of the after market body side molding and replace the wheels with a nice set of Buick chrome plated wheels.
As the guys here can tell you there are many 4 door hardtops around.
Seem like everyone is saving the convertibles and coupes.
The price tag isn't all that bad if you can handle the work.

And welcome to the boards.

[Bob Alberini]

Being one of the rare 4 door owners on this site (I think Rick meant to say that there AREN'T too many 4 doors around), I can assure you that they are every bit the car as the coupes and convertibles but just aren't as highly sought.

Still, the advise you're getting here is correct and practical. The car you're looking at APPEARS to be pretty sound and original but Rick is right on target about dumping the non stock body side molding and putting either the popular Buick road wheels on or standard wheels with wheel covers. The car would look much better with those improvements. It looks like you've also got a tweaked rear bumper but the inside looks pretty good. It doesn't look like the car has been pampered but not trashed either. Gas consumption will be your biggest issue and if this would be your sole transportation, that is a major consideration.

From this end, it sounds like a realistic deal if the car is anything at all. Welcome aboard and keep us posted how this plays out. You'll find a lot of help and good folks on this site.

[Richard Dunn]

BIG TYPO: the word is "aren't" as in there aren't many four door hardtops around. :o
And I should have added. They are also beautiful and elegant machines that are too often overlooked by Buick fanciers.



Unfortunately John is correct.
That thirsty 455 is going to drain the bank account each week.
BUT it could be a great car to restore.
Get rid of the after market body side molding and replace the wheels with a nice set of Buick chrome plated wheels.
As the guys here can tell you there are many 4 door hardtops around.
Seem like everyone is saving the convertibles and coupes.
The price tag isn't all that bad if you can handle the work.

And welcome to the boards.

[EEE]

You need one fuel efficient car to get around, and another car for playing with. I used to drive the Centurion every day for a few years, but when gas hit $3 a gallon I went looking for something else. Now that premium is like $4.90 around here, I barely drive the Wildcat that I now have, even as a second car.