1987 Turbo Regal with 175km - good buy?

[Forzabarbell]

Hey everyone! Long time lurker, first time poster lol. Been looking for a clean turbo regal or GN for sometime now! Pardon me if this is the wrong place to post something like this.

Here’s the car I’m looking at:

1987 Buick Regal T-Type (Grand National Motor) - cars & trucks - by...

Looking for Grand National performance at an affordable price? These were known as the "Corvette Killers" with factory 355 lbs of Torque, they were believed to be under-rated. Blacked out and ready...

vancouver.craigslist.org

Anything I should look for regarding slightly higher mileage TRs? Thanks so much for any help or insight!

 

[Pronto]

It's been painted, has a GN spoiler, it's got a Limited interior and the rims have either been painted or are from a 85 or earlier T. Hard to tell on the engine other than it appears stock. Seems like it's a true turbo model but a close picture of the engine will be needed. The label in the trunk if it's still there will and original will tell more. The seller has another TB so he might be better informed and might have bought something to rebuild and sell. You should find a local TB member and have them help you evaluate it. I wouldn't spend 20k on a frankenstein put together with a bunch of parts. On a side note, those pillow seats are comfy.

 

[TexasT]

Alluded to it being a Limited(by the 1 of 1035) and has the correct door panels for it to be an 87 Turbo Limited. Could have had the wheels painted and have the WO2 trim. I'm not a metric kind so I'm not sure how many miles 175k km is but looks pretty stock under the hood except for what appears to be a hydroboost conversion, aftermkt alarm siren and an upgraded/replaced turbo to ic hose coupling. Stock fpr and a stock looking turbo. Nice looking 5.0 mustang so seller has some 80s goodness in the garage.

Prices are all over on stuff. I'd go drive it and see. Look for a spid label under that deck lid. Look for the WO5 and the other turbo codes like g87, mxo, and such. Might even have a G80.

Let us know.

 

[Ktbregal]

I can see a reflection of a GN in the the paint job?

 

[Forzabarbell]

Alluded to it being a Limited(by the 1 of 1035) and has the correct door panels for it to be an 87 Turbo Limited. Could have had the wheels painted and have the WO2 trim. I'm not a metric kind so I'm not sure how many miles 175k km is but looks pretty stock under the hood except for what appears to be a hydroboost conversion, aftermkt alarm siren and an upgraded/replaced turbo to ic hose coupling. Stock fpr and a stock looking turbo. Nice looking 5.0 mustang so seller has some 80s goodness in the garage.

Prices are all over on stuff. I'd go drive it and see. Look for a spid label under that deck lid. Look for the WO5 and the other turbo codes like g87, mxo, and such. Might even have a G80.

Let us know.

Talked to him today, he has confirmed it’s a factory limited that was originally white but got painted black. He owns a grand national which you see beside it plus this turbo regal, has no time to have both really. There’s a bigger turbo from previous owner and upgraded brakes that this guy got done. That’s all for mods. Thanks for all the advice guys I appreciate it. 175k KMs is 108k miles. Any advice regarding what to look for in a relatively high mileage TR would be greatly appreciated.

 

[TexasT]

I would look at the pass side upper bushing in that a arm as they get baked out, might have a hot wire and upgraded fuel pump, or not. My og has about 175k miles and there are member our there with more. These cars are 35 yrs old. I drive mine so miles aren't really a limiting thing. Condition and upkeep would be where I would be looking. Does seller have maintenance records? Interior looks good but here they get baked, not so much up north. Paint condition and such would weigh in on a value imo. You must be comfortable with paying for what it is. I bought a limited last year but it was in pieces and didn't have the original drivetrain. But paid substantually less than that asking . Pix make it look decent but an in person inspection could reveal a lot of deficiencies.

 

[Forzabarbell]

I would look at the pass side upper bushing in that a arm as they get baked out, might have a hot wire and upgraded fuel pump, or not. My og has about 175k miles and there are member our there with more. These cars are 35 yrs old. I drive mine so miles aren't really a limiting thing. Condition and upkeep would be where I would be looking. Does seller have maintenance records? Interior looks good but here they get baked, not so much up north. Paint condition and such would weigh in on a value imo. You must be comfortable with paying for what it is. I bought a limited last year but it was in pieces and didn't have the original drivetrain. But paid substantually less than that asking . Pix make it look decent but an in person inspection could reveal a lot of deficiencies.

Much appreciate the feedback! Apparently there aren’t many service records as he says previous owner was mechanically inclined and did a lot of the work himself. Mind you these are just words so I’ll have to take them at face value. If there are any other things to look out for, please let me know. As I’m almost certain I’m going to walk away with it for around $17-18k Canadian if it seems straight. Been wanting one of these for years! Lol.

 

[TexasT]

Look at those door bottoms and wheel lips for rust. And really rust any where. Not a deal killer but factor that in if you have to repair it. A turbo limited is a nifty find for those who appreciate that kind of vehicle.

 

[Forzabarbell]

Look at those door bottoms and wheel lips for rust. And really rust any where. Not a deal killer but factor that in if you have to repair it. A turbo limited is a nifty find for those who appreciate that kind of vehicle.

Didn’t realize the limited trim came with the turbo v6. Not super attached to it being a true grand national if it’s black with the turbo, not a picky man if it’s a decent enough deal hopefully it all works out! Super excited.

 

[626gn]

Are you able to get more photos before you commit? Since it's been repainted you want to be sure the SPID label is still on the trunk lid, among other things. Not having this label devalues the car and I believe it is extremely difficult (if not impossible) to get a replacement after the fact if you don't already have a photo of the original label. Most times it will still be there but just one of many things you should confirm before you commit.

If at all possible, physically putting eyes on the car with someone who knows these cars would limit your potential exposure, obviously.

Good luck with your search.

 

[Forzabarbell]

Well, I ended up buying it!

Very minimal rust, nothing of concern. Just needs minor stuff like better working door lucks, new hood struts and the boost gauge is a little funky. Other than that, the car drives like hell lol. Drives super straight, transmission is tight and the upgraded brake system is damn nice. Interior is mint. Leaks a tad bit of oil like they all do, but nothing beyond normal. Funny enough, he owns a grand national and I compared them side by side, this car was a bit cleaner. Still has the ID in the trunk - WO2 package. My buddy owns a GN gave it a once over and confirmed it was a good buy.

Gonna have it in the shop soon just for fresh fluids, but beyond that I’ve been seriously enjoying it and I’m so happy to finally have a childhood dream car. Thank you so much for all the help guys!

 

[626gn]

Congrats! Limited's are unique as pretty much no 2 were alike, unlike a GN, and who knows how many of the 1035 produced are still on the road today.

Suggest if it doesn't already have a scanmaster that should be your first purchase.

 

[TexasT]

There are several members in the gta up there. Not sure where you are. Looks like a nice car. I hope you are very happy with it.

 

[TurboTGuy]

Well, I ended up buying it!

Very minimal rust, nothing of concern. Just needs minor stuff like better working door lucks, new hood struts and the boost gauge is a little funky. Other than that, the car drives like hell lol. Drives super straight, transmission is tight and the upgraded brake system is damn nice. Interior is mint. Leaks a tad bit of oil like they all do, but nothing beyond normal. Funny enough, he owns a grand national and I compared them side by side, this car was a bit cleaner. Still has the ID in the trunk - WO2 package. My buddy owns a GN gave it a once over and confirmed it was a good buy.

Gonna have it in the shop soon just for fresh fluids, but beyond that I’ve been seriously enjoying it and I’m so happy to finally have a childhood dream car. Thank you so much for all the help guys!

Congrats on the purchase.

Stick around the shop when you have those fluids changed. You don't need need some pimply face kid taking it on a test drive and thinking to himself "I've heard of these cars, I wonder what this thing will do?"

 

[626gn]

Congrats on the purchase.

Stick around the shop when you have those fluids changed. You don't need need some pimply face kid taking it on a test drive and thinking to himself "I've heard of these cars, I wonder what this thing will do?"

Or better yet do it yourself. None of the fluids are difficult to change. No better way to get to know your car and generally speaking no one is going to take better care of your car, than you.