1995 Roadmaster Wagon, opinions plz

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/...gon/585197466?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

Thinking of driving down to have a look.
Spoke to the seller,has a few issues.
Leakin a bit of oill(1qrt between oil change)
Needs windshield
Exhaust manifold leaking a bit when cold.
And HIGH mileage.

He is negotiable on price,think i can knock of $600.

Still i don't know if its worth it.

Let me know what you guys think please

 

i believe this is a little on the highside check out gmlongroofs.com for more info on the later models

 

Looks pretty good from the outside. Things I would want to know:

- Appearance of underbody. Crusty? (Don't go by what the owner says...)
- How long has the current owner had it? (Longer the better...)
- Recent repairs?


This might be a good one to go see in person. I like the looks of these W/O the wood.


Marshall

 

The mileage is about the only real concern on this one if it is indeed free of rot. It is a very desirable combination of color & woodgrain delete and it's loaded to the gills. Also appears to be well maintained. I say if you can score this anywhere around $2500 then go for it.

 

Where is it leaking oil from?
If it's from the front then maybe they didn't change out any of the seals when doing the optispark and water pump.
Guess what I happen to be doing at this very moment?
Yup changing a water pump and associated seals on a baby LT1. :floor_jack:

 

It is nice looking but with the miles and oil leak I would be more comfortable and all in at $2000 depending on what the oil leak is. I think clean retail is around $2500
with the miles, then you have the oil leak. Just my opinion.

 

Ok,i talked the seller a bit more.
He took it to a shop, one shop said it was the rear main seal, the other shop said it ws the oil pan gasket.
The frame and body are rust free.
He has maintenance records from 2008 when he brought it back from the US.
Rear end was done recently,as well as waterpump, and rebuilt tranny 1 1/2 years ago.
He seems very knowledgable about these wagons.

Basically he seemed very honest about the flaws.
He would sell it to me for $2100 without the winter wheels and spare parts.
Imdon't need the winters as its going to be a summer cruiser for me.

My biggest concern is the oil leak.
I think i'm going to drive up( 3 hrs) to have a look and go from there.

 

Well with 2 different diags, I would look closely because not sure which is accurate. Rear main seals can be
tricky to diagnose sometimes. Not saying they aren't right but if you have a leaking valve cover or intake gasket
it will run down engine and sometimes fool you. Rear seal isn't the easiest fix in a driveway. I would do some
google searches and get a idea of the diffrent problems with oil leaks and the time and money it takes to fix.
Good luck with what ever you decide!

 

Last time I checked, this one was available for somewhere around $4k asking price:


Here's a link to the post on the GMLongroof forum:
http://gmlongroof.4umer.com/t8488-cars-for-sale

It had over 230,000km on it last summer.


Might be worth a look.

 

That would be on the top end of my budget but it all depends on location.
I checked the link but can't find anything on location.

 

Last update.
The seller is going to take it to a shop today to have oil change done and to see if they can determine where the leak is coming from.

Must say he is very accomodating

 

I google mapped where you live and where the car is, 246 driving miles away (1 way), If your serious try to get ahold of the seller and ask him to wait until Saturday for the oil change and drive up. Then you can view the car completely while it's on the hoist, ask mechanic your own questions etc and then no surprises, if all turns out you could be back home in your drive way to watch the sun set over your new wagon.

 

^X2!
Great advice, Tedy!

 

Tedy, by the time i read your post it was too late,great advice tho,

He had the oilchange done already and here's his email to me:


Just got the oil changed. A young guy works there who has a 96 Caprice with the LT1 he plays with a fair bit.
We removed the torque convertor cover and brake cleaned the area, then I went for a short drive and came back. The oil is leaking from the oil filter housing, which looks like it has 3 bolts. It drips on the driver’s side catalytic convertor and the torque convertor cover, so that is why it might have looked like it came from engine.
Sounds like the repair is an o-ring and a gasket.

END QUOTE.

I'm driving up tomorrow to have a look at the car and do a thorough inspection.

 

So i drove up late yesterday afternoon to have a look at the Roadmaster.

It showed that it has been a daily driver for the past 6 years.
Paint peeling in spots,some panels repainted,hood ornament broken off,some emblems missing,few rust spots.

Interior was ok, small hole in drivers seat, panelas a bit faded.

Took it on a test drive,felt really solid and tight,no rattles,drove straight and engine ran strong.

I had a deposit with me, but decided not to do it, to many doubts.

The overall condition of body and interior was well used/ worn.
Needs windshield,oil leak repair,leaking exhaust manifold,and the high mileage.

The combination of all this made me decide not to buy it( alltho it was a tough decision, especially after a 3,5 hr drive one way ).

Search will continue................