1973 Chrysler Town and Country vs 1974 Olds Custom Cruiser

Greetings Wagon Folk!

I've been looking at a couple of cars. Needing opinions.

1973 Chrysler - 440, Fully loaded, 100k+ miles, needs woodgrain, multiple owners

1974 Olds - 455, Fully loaded, 40k miles, one owner. really needs nothing

Both cars have almost the same exterior color. Interiors are different. Not much difference in the price.


What are the good and bad of each? I've personally never owned a clamshell. I always liked having a tailgate to sit on. I've also never owned a wagon version of either.

 

I'm guessing the Chrysler is quite a bit less money......

I wouldn't mind having either one of them. To me, it would come down to 2 things - the driving experience and the time / expense ratio.

You obviously would have to make a further investment into the Chrysler to get it up to a comparable condition with the Olds. Write down what you would probably have to do to both vehicles, as well as time it would take and money. Go from there.

 

just make sure the miles on the olds are actual not BS as a 1 owner car unless they have state inspection like we do in pa is hard to verify

look at the odometer see if the # all line up save for the last 2

look at the brake and gas pedals for any wear what so ever 40,000 should look close to new

i would take the olds myself and i have had many clamshells and 1 68 monaco with a 383 hypo in it.The old dodge screamed but i can do more with my clam without breaking it.

let me put it this way i can take the olds and the dodge to a STOCK or a well built demo derby and the olds will FLATTEN the dodge belive me i know! durability wise the clam hands down,and the way they are shaped you can put the window up and the door down and sit in the back just like u would on the gate,just not stick out as far

 

You buy the Olds hands down.

But I'm biased.

 

I would go for the Chrysler, just to be different. There are lots of Oldsmobiles out there, but not as many Chryslers. I like the rare or unusual, the odd and obscure cars.

 

Tough one for me as I love both brands... But I'd lean to the chrysler personally. But it comes down to whether you want to invest the time and money into it or not.
Pictures?

 

Look at the back issues of "Hemmings Classic Cars". They did a 3 way comparison, about 2 years ago, with a Chrysler Town & Country, a Ford Country Squire, and an Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser. They give the high and low points for all 3, and in a nicely unbiased way. That way you can make the right decision for you.

That said, the Oldsmobile you mention, needing almost nothing, does sound like the better deal, given that the price point is close between the 2. Could you bring the Chrysler up to the standard of the Olds for the difference in the price? Also, what does each need mechanically? What is going to be needed in the near and medium term? Sometimes it is better to buy a car that needs the wear items dong, rather than paying a premium for one that does not need them. You know that in the not so distant future, those wear items will need doing anyway, so why not start off with them done right when you buy the car?

My personal preference if for the Chrysler. They drive like a dream, and when the engines are properly set up, not as bad on fuel as you might expect. Adding overdrive to either one will make a big difference in highway fuel economy. If you are going to be towing, though, go with the Olds. The full frame versus unibody wins every time. They Chrysler has a 5,000 pound rating, and the Olds, with tow package, is rated at 6,000 pounds. The Olds sedan, by the way, was rated for 7,000 because the car itself was lighter, and the trailer rating brings them right up to the combined gross vehicle weight rating.

 

First of all, thanks for all the advice and opinions I have attempted to address each one below.

I'm guessing the Chrysler is quite a bit less money......
You obviously would have to make a further investment into the Chrysler to get it up to a comparable condition with the Olds. Krash Kadillac

There would be roughly $1000+ difference in them. This would not include tranport costs.

Just make sure the miles on the olds are actual not BS as a 1 owner car unless they have state inspection like we do in pa is hard to verify. WagonKiller

It is a true low-mileage car. It was purchased new and only used for long trips. The family took very few trips.

I would go for the Chrysler, just to be different. There are lots of Oldsmobiles out there, but not as many Chryslers. I like the rare or unusual, the odd and obscure cars. classicfan1

I am in agreement. I like to be different. However, with these two, being different (Chrysler) may call for a larger long-term investment.

Look at the back issues of "Hemmings Classic Cars". They did a 3 way comparison, about 2 years ago, with a Chrysler Town & Country, a Ford Country Squire, and an Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser. They give the high and low points for all 3, and in a nicely unbiased way.

I remember that article. I will go back and review it. I actually know the current owner (from Norway, Sweden) of the Chrysler featured in that article.

Could you bring the Chrysler up to the standard of the Olds for the difference in the price? Also, what does each need mechanically? What is going to be needed in the near and medium term? Sometimes it is better to buy a car that needs the wear items dong, rather than paying a premium for one that does not need them. You know that in the not so distant future, those wear items will need doing anyway, so why not start off with them done right when you buy the car? MikeT1961

The Chrysler could not be brought up to the standard of the Olds for the difference in price.

The owner said the Olds will need tires and the AC charged. He said he would invest in some new shocks in the near future. He also said the 8-track tape player needed cleaning to work properly. These seem to be the only issues it has.

The Chrysler will probably need tires as well. The woodgrain needs replacing and the AC needs charging. The owner also said he was planning on replacing the carpet in the rear cargo area and the headliner. He also said he was planning on painting the car. The paint actually didn't appear that bad. Personal choice I guess.

At this point, I am leaning more toward the Oldsmobile. Although the Chryslers seem to be less plentiful, nice low-mileage Oldsmobiles are coming out of the woodwork either.

However, there is a THIRD option. I could always take the money and put it into the restoration of my 1966 Country Squire, therefore making it a nice driver.

 

Go for option number 3!!! No question in my mind!

 

Well how much are they? Can either of these wagons be turned for a profit when fixed? That will be a win-win. You can own a "new" wagon for awhile then sell it and finish you're '66 Ford!

 

The Olds, hands down. Clamshells and 455's are the only way to fly.

Here let this decide for you... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxS8P_eB5MI

 

1974 Oldsmobile photos

Here are some photos of the Olds.

Click on the photo. When it opens, click the magnifying glass with the (+) in the top right corner. This will show you a larger version

http://www.flickr.com/photos/92451820@N00/sets/72157632607916323/


She is not pristine, but she is original. I really like the interior.

What do you think?

 

I like the 8-track! Pretty solid for an Ohio car. You should for sure as for undercar pics.

 

1973 Chrysler Town and Country photos

http://s193.beta.photobucket.com/us...n 1973?&_suid=1359156947944026890786738545447


Detailed photos tell the story

 

Hands down. Buy the Oldsmobile--yesterday!