Buying an '87 GN

[Black Buick Tom]

Hey People,
I'm looking at a used '87 GN on Saturday, never had one always been a GTO/Pontiac guy yet always been fascinated with the GN. Recently retired and would like any input as far as precautions or what to look for. Car is all original with 35K and only needs a headliner. Thanks

 

[we4Mateo]

Read these in this order:

http://www.gnttype.org/maint/basics.html
http://www.vortexbuicks-etc.com/
http://www.gnttype.org/

 

[Black Buick Tom]

Hey People,
I'm looking at a used '87 GN on Saturday, never had one always been a GTO/Pontiac guy yet always been fascinated with the GN. Recently retired and would like any input as far as precautions or what to look for. Car is all original with 35K and only needs a headliner. Thanks

Hey,Just finished reading the through the sites you suggested. Thanks for all the info. I'm no mechanic but I can do a tune-up w/points, wires, rotor, cap, etc, brake jobs and basics and I'm still going to check the car out although it may me technologically more than I can handle. I wish I knew someone in my area that knew more about these cars. I'll have to feel out the seller who says he's the second owner and see how knowledgeable he is. Thanks again.

 

[turbotroy]

Your going to need a friend/mentor. It's not quite rocket science but it is beyond 60's/ early 70's technology, and it's for sure not a small block Chevy. Read everything you can, the search engine on this site will be invaluable. Post up where your located as most of us here will do what they can to help. If you buy this thing, welcome to the family and you'll be as broke and in debt as the rest of us because of your new found addiction in no time! Cheers.
Troy

 

[turbo89]

Hey,Just finished reading the through the sites you suggested. Thanks for all the info. I'm no mechanic but I can do a tune-up w/points, wires, rotor, cap, etc, brake jobs and basics and I'm still going to check the car out although it may me technologically more than I can handle. I wish I knew someone in my area that knew more about these cars. I'll have to feel out the seller who says he's the second owner and see how knowledgeable he is. Thanks again.

post what area your from .. im sure there is someone in your area that could help

 

[Black Buick Tom]

Hey Troy, Thanks again. I'm in Westchester County in NYS

 

[Heisenberg]

Pre-sales
You know how they always say to invest in a used car inspection service?

I recommend to invest in soliciting the help of a trusted TR community member.
Even if you have to slide him or her a Franklin for their trouble.
Most will do it for free since they are addicted - and decent folk.

For someone who doesn't have a keen eye for the nuances of the TRs - A good, seasoned, knowledgable TR person will go a long way to avoiding future gotchyas.

You sound reasonable, so don't let pride get in the way of asking for someone to help you on the front end.
I see alot of younger guys who think taking their "uncle who was once a mechanic" satisfies that requirement.
It does not.

 

[rick j.]

Don't be intimidated by the technology, this is one of the more exciting cars you can own, and NYC / NJ has several shops that know how to work on them. Pay close attention to the "test drive" section on gnttype and good luck!

 

[Black Buick Tom]

Thank you guys, I'm working on getting help.

 

[turbo89]

My suggestion is if you cant find someone to go with you ... go and look at the car as you would any other car ... ask the owner if you can take pictures ( some guys don't want people taking pictures of their car .. so ask )

take pictures of the motor from different angles.. and underneath of the car ... post them up ... between all the people on here .. we can probably find most of the "GOTCHA" points ..

It also depends on what you are looking for ... what your intention is with the car..
small Things I look for that can help me identify issues.

Driver side header cracked between # 3,5 ( common but adds $ / time to fix)
is the turbo stock ?
Does it have the factory exhaust with Cat on it still.
does it have the factory oil pan / timing chain gaskets in place ? ( if you see a blue gasket in either place .. someone has been in the motor at some point)
does it have a fuel pump HOTWIRE kit
Are there Stress cracks by the 1/4 glass door ( if this is stress cracked .. its been leaned on or had sticky tires on it)

IF the cars are truely "STOCK" and untouched and do not run well ( I am not afraid of this .. typically simple tuning and common issues to resolve for little $$$)

If Cars have been tampered with ( then you really have to open your eyes and go through the entire car) because its these cars that can bite you..
( who did the motor, who did the trans, what parts were used , what kind of work did they do .. etc etc )

The stocker they are when you buy them .. the better off you are.

IF you have any questions on what you found .. just post .. guys will help you out.

 

[Chuck Leeper]

Carfax?? Not a sure cure for a headache. But it may show something....

 

[dynoman]

Boy your not far from Otto's old shop , to bad he's out of TB's right now , but there are a lot of guys in CT that are very knowledgeable. Good luck

 

[Jerryl]

.....I recommend to invest in soliciting the help of a trusted TR community member.....

Key word: trusted.
Does this include Danny?

 

[Heisenberg]

Key word: trusted.
Does this include Danny?

LOL...don't make me spew my beer thru muh nostrils!

 

[Heisenberg]

I highly recommend flying Dennis Kirban, Brian Weaver or Richard Clark out to look at the car with you - then - for pictures - I only want to see the one picture of the look on the guy's face.
On second thought - fly all three of them out and take three pictures for us please!

 

[dwall]

Mid-Atlantic Grand National Association in your area possibly?
http://www.magnabuick.com/

 

[Black Buick Tom]

My suggestion is if you cant find someone to go with you ... go and look at the car as you would any other car ... ask the owner if you can take pictures ( some guys don't want people taking pictures of their car .. so ask )

take pictures of the motor from different angles.. and underneath of the car ... post them up ... between all the people on here .. we can probably find most of the "GOTCHA" points ..

It also depends on what you are looking for ... what your intention is with the car..
small Things I look for that can help me identify issues.

Driver side header cracked between # 3,5 ( common but adds $ / time to fix)
is the turbo stock ?
Does it have the factory exhaust with Cat on it still.
does it have the factory oil pan / timing chain gaskets in place ? ( if you see a blue gasket in either place .. someone has been in the motor at some point)
does it have a fuel pump HOTWIRE kit
Are there Stress cracks by the 1/4 glass door ( if this is stress cracked .. its been leaned on or had sticky tires on it)

IF the cars are truely "STOCK" and untouched and do not run well ( I am not afraid of this .. typically simple tuning and common issues to resolve for little $$$)

If Cars have been tampered with ( then you really have to open your eyes and go through the entire car) because its these cars that can bite you..
( who did the motor, who did the trans, what parts were used , what kind of work did they do .. etc etc )

The stocker they are when you buy them .. the better off you are.

IF you have any questions on what you found .. just post .. guys will help you out.

My suggestion is if you cant find someone to go with you ... go and look at the car as you would any other car ... ask the owner if you can take pictures ( some guys don't want people taking pictures of their car .. so ask )

take pictures of the motor from different angles.. and underneath of the car ... post them up ... between all the people on here .. we can probably find most of the "GOTCHA" points ..

It also depends on what you are looking for ... what your intention is with the car..
small Things I look for that can help me identify issues.

Driver side header cracked between # 3,5 ( common but adds $ / time to fix)
is the turbo stock ?
Does it have the factory exhaust with Cat on it still.
does it have the factory oil pan / timing chain gaskets in place ? ( if you see a blue gasket in either place .. someone has been in the motor at some point)
does it have a fuel pump HOTWIRE kit
Are there Stress cracks by the 1/4 glass door ( if this is stress cracked .. its been leaned on or had sticky tires on it)

IF the cars are truely "STOCK" and untouched and do not run well ( I am not afraid of this .. typically simple tuning and common issues to resolve for little $$$)

If Cars have been tampered with ( then you really have to open your eyes and go through the entire car) because its these cars that can bite you..
( who did the motor, who did the trans, what parts were used , what kind of work did they do .. etc etc )

The stocker they are when you buy them .. the better off you are.

IF you have any questions on what you found .. just post .. guys will help you out.[/q

 

[Black Buick Tom]

Hey Guys, Merry Christmas,
Wanted to get back to everyone and again thanks for all the input. Went and looked at the car with a friend. Passed on it for a few reasons.. The car appeared all stock and original with only a K&N air filter and Hooker exhaust. Owner took us for a ride and the car rode pretty well considering all the GM era rattles which were drowned out by the "Screaming" speedometer cable noise coming from the dash. It appeared VERY responsive. Each time he stepped on gas it seemed to immediately spool up and the tires were screaming, almost zero traction at about 15-20mph. I didn't drive it as it was reading e on gas and we needed to get back to the house. The speedometer noise made me leery of the mileage although the rest of condition under hood and car looked good. The big issues were as he told me he bought car from original owner 3 yrs ago; it was repainted, not bad at all but there were 5-6 little dings and/dents on hood and top of one fender. Then there was a nice chip on front D/S fender a small dent on D/S rear quarter very bottom and the most concerning was a large what could have been stress crack or distortion on top of the passenger side roof sporting 3 good size paint cracks as though something was trying to break out. Owner thought it might be poor prep before paint. I disagreed. I left somewhat undecided and am still on the prowl. Thanks again and Happy New Year to all.