Hey, I'm a newbie, Enlighten me on GN'S

[Natheo]

Well, I'm going to be getting a new car in june. The other day my dad mentioned an 1986-87 Turbo Buick, and i thought it would probably be a pretty cool idea. I do know that the brakes and paint jobs on these cars werent exactly top notch, but every thing else was pretty good.

What would i expect to pay for a good example of one, with roughly 50000 miles on it?

More stupid questions:

They don't come in manuels, do they?

How long do they hold up before you need to do anything major to them?

Last but not least, are they a smart car for a 18 year old on a 800 dollar a month budget, living at home, that can do basic repairs, etc. on cars?

BTW, this looks like a really nice forum. I havnt really lurked around to much, ive really only been at this sight for about 15 minutes. Anything i should know about here?

 

[Little6pack]

New Car?? I did not know GNs are new.. More like USED car?


50k about $8-10k depending where you live

They hold up well if the foot was not put to the floor board constantly!

Here Ya go Knock yourself out.
http://www.gnttype.org/general/buyguide.html

 

[Natheo]

Originally posted by littlesixsteve
New Car?? I did not know GNs are new.. More like USED car?

I prefer the term, "pre-owned".

*dies*

can't say ive had the priviledge to lay a hand on such a machine, its new to me i suppose.

thanks for the link!

 

[JadeMonkeyStang]

Well, I'm going to be getting a new car in june. The other day my dad mentioned an 1986-87 Turbo Buick, and i thought it would probably be a pretty cool idea. I do know that the brakes and paint jobs on these cars werent exactly top notch, but every thing else was pretty good.

Good start, the stock fuel pumps weren't the best either. There aren't too many huge issues to worry about though.


What would i expect to pay for a good example of one, with roughly 50000 miles on it?

This really depends on the car, but I'd say somewhere in the $9K to $11K area (correct me if I'm wrong on this guys).


More stupid questions:

(They're not stupid, we've all asked at one point. The only dumb question is "can you make them fast?")


They don't come in manuels, do they?

Nope, all autos, and that's a good thing.


How long do they hold up before you need to do anything major to them?

Hold up pretty well, like any car figure around 70-80K you're looking at putting some money into them and then periodically thereafter.


Last but not least, are they a smart car for a 18 year old on a 800 dollar a month budget, living at home, that can do basic repairs, etc. on cars?

Well, cars aren't about being smart. They're not the most practical car for a daily driver (no car that's the same age as you will be) but they're not exceptionally bad either. You'll have more to stay on top of than with a newer car but the rewards are there to make it worthwhile.


BTW, this looks like a really nice forum. I havnt really lurked around to much, ive really only been at this sight for about 15 minutes. Anything i should know about here?

The guys here are really cool and always willing to help out when they can. Every now and then someone forgets this and a "fight" breaks out but it's really best to stay on the outside of them. Most of the time people remember that they're here because they share a similar passion as the rest of us and can put their differences aside. It really is like a family here so don't let the occasional fued put you off. Read a lot, ask questions, and don't be afraid to get your hands dirty and pretty soon you'll be one of the gang.

-Jade

Oh, check out www.gnttype.org for a ton of info like the buyer's guide, recipies for fast to really fast cars, proper maintenance, options, statistics, etc.

 

[NoNos38]

Welcome aboard.....

If you think you might have a question, Like on (Brakes).. The fastest way to find the info is to do a (Search) on this sight under brakes, paint, turbo,ect,ect,ect....... You sure did stumbled on to a very good sight..

Another good sight that has some really good info is gnttype.org...

Over there you will find basic care, and maintance info for these cars..

The best thing you can ((ever)) do before buying a buick, is to read in on this sight and ask questions on anything you would like to know.....

have fun....

Matt

 

[opeltwinturbo]

They don't come in manuels, do they?...........Natheo

Just the ones made in Mexico!

For your first time around with a turbo car, try to stick to something more on the "stock" variety. Learn about them and make the additions you want. Good luck.

PS. They were all automatics.

 

[Natheo]

Yeah, i want one thats up to par before i do anything nifty to it.

I havn't got around to completeling my profile yet, but i thought id let everyone know im smack dab in the middle of the great lakes region, northern lower MI. gaylord, if anyone cares.

 

[TR Custom Parts]

Welcome! Besides checking out the various Buick boards for info as well as www.gnttype.org you should pick up copies of the Buick books that Dennis Kirban sells especially the one on buying a used Turbo Regal. www.kirbanperformance.com Wish that book was out before I bought mine back in 95 as I didn't have a clue what to look for but I did luck out and got a good one.

Sounds like you are going to use yours as a daily driver as I don't know many 18 year olds that can afford two cars. Your biggest fear would probably be someone taking your prized possesion from you. I would be awfully paranoid leaving my GN out in a parking lot all day while at work or at the movies, etc.

I also wouldn't want to be driving a TR during a Michigan winter either! Not trying to discourage you but if you can somehow get a beater car for the daily chores you would be better off.

 

[Renthorin]

Another MI person!!!

I live in Chelsea and go camping in Luzerne/Mio a lot.

I hope you are not planning to buy a GN from MI as it will most likely be rusty unless it is a garage queen.

I would think you can land a clean GN with 50,00 for 12k +/-1K depending on where and when.

You will NOT be using it as a daily driver in Gaylord. These cars have trouble with traction as is without tossing snow into the mix

If you plan to have it as a daily driver be warned that these cars are extremely popluar with car theives too.

Let me know when you are ready to buy and I will assist if I can. You are about 3 hours away from me.

 

[Vendor Defendor]

im 18..... I have a GN... as soon as i have it running right.... it should be a low 12 high 11 second car.. is a great car. mine has about 60,000 miles on. praticle? it works great for me, it gives me a lot of 'stupid' problems more then anything. what i mean by that is it will run perfectly, just not the way i want it to, like the alky wont be working right, or knock or something. the only down time that my car had in the past year that i have owned it was due to my transmission problems.. and since im stubborn and have to do everything on my car my self, i rebuilt my own transmission... that took like a month to do... but, it was a learning experiance.

if you have a basic car knowledge and your not afraid screwing around with the thing then its a great car. like some one said your going to spend a lot more time under the hood of one of these cars then you would any new car. but, to me thats part of the fun.

is you want to go fast? its easy with these things, dump 2 grand in the right areas and bam low12's/high 11's

i asked the same question about manuals in these cars many moons ago, this is the thread, kinda long, but it should answer your questions:

http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=76266

if you have anyquestions you can email me or AIM me at Vendor Defendor

 

[CHARGED]

I would look and see how much insurance is first, they just love screwing the young kids with these cars,(probably with good reason) I had to waite till 24 before insurance was reasonable, and that's with no accidents or tickets.
GN+Snow+Youth= another donor car

 

[Natheo]

First of all, my winter "beater" is a 2000 chevy impala.

Security? I can get 500+ dollar security systems for less than 200 buck installed because of where i work.

Yeah, i'm also with my parents insurance plan, its a really good plan because she works for the state. so insurance is kinda irrelevant.

I would be getting the car from mid/southern ohio, so it really wouldnt have seen much snow, if any at all.

my dads pretty good with cars as well, so he would be a great help.

If i get the car audio sales postition at abc warehouse, money wont be an issue either. I would be making about 400 bucks a week, living at home.

thanks for all the advice!

 

[Nocooler]

If you want to check out a few Turbo Buicks - I like about an hour and half south of you, near MT. Pleasant. I'll have a few around this spring - swaping parts, and tuning. Your welcome to stop by and b.s. - we also run @ Mid-Michigan Motorplex often.

Jeremy

 

[NoNos38]

Originally posted by Natheo
First of all, my winter "beater" is a 2000 chevy impala.


I rember back when I was in highschool,, having to get up extra eary in the mournings just to make
sure my POS truck would start.. Now highschool
kids drive brand new cars........ Crazy.........

Security? I can get 500+ dollar security systems for less than 200 buck installed because of where i work.





A Security system is nice, But now adays (Depending where you are) Most people walk(( Faster)) when they go off..

Matt

 

[kenny]

Thrree words,

Best. Car. Ever.

Oh, and www.gnttype.org is the Bible. Start reading.

 

[19gn87]

I say welcome aboard too! I'm glad you are considering one of these cars and even though I'm old enough to be your grandfather, I still remember how it felt to look forward to a "new" car. You've gotten great advice/direction from some members with helpful attitudes. You'll find most folks remember how it was when "they didn't know everything" and asked for help without getting a rude, condescending answer. In addition to previous comments, here are a couple more thoughts...since you have some time, it would be smart to spend a lot "education time" in every source possible. As for finding the "right" car, don't get in a rush and get ALL your answers before deciding on a specific car (there is no real shortage). These were performance cars the minute they rolled off the line and many have had a hard life to say the least. Also do everything possible to get documented history of ownership and maintenance info. Generally, people who "baby" their car also keep good records and are more than willing to answer all reasonable questions in a truthful manner.
And.......your questions are not stupid.

Good luck!