Need TB community knowledge

[Thebrain]

Hi guys. In the next few months I will be purchasing my first Grand National. I have been looking at several over the past few weeks. I have a budget but it doesn't mean I must spend it all. I live in Michigan and will need some vital info. I would rather have a t- top car, with repaint and excellent running condition. I am a licensed mechanic and also ASE certified but turbo buicks seem to be a different animal. What price range do you guys think I should be in? The t-top a pillar rust is news to me so I worry about that. Should I just get astro roof car instead? Bought cars before but I have learned that if it's not what you want you won't be happy. So could the community give me tips and advice regarding the purchase of first TB. THANKS

 

[regan j]

You said it in your post, get what you want the first time and be happy. You will be changing things to suit you, just dont get more to do than you want. Keep looking and you will find what you want.

 

[bison]

$12-15k can get you a really nice car if you're patient.


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[whitehot1]

Here is a link that can help you.

http://www.gnttype.org/general/buyguide.html

My first GN i bought in 1987 was a T-Top car and i bought a used 87 Turbo T with T Tops in 93 and i have owned 5 hard top Turbo Regals. And i never found any of them to be superior to the other in regards to rattles,cracks,leaks, they were all tight and straight. Just find one that has been well taken care of and not abused,they are out there.

 

[Thebrain]

Thanks guys, trying to show patience when looking. Didn't want to state budget for fear of a seller being predatory but 10 to 20k is budget. I often peruse classifieds here but I often visit http://makemodelsearch.com/search/7/buick-regal-grand-national-for-sale looking for cars. Seen cars that I thought are good deals but could you guys look to see what you think.

 

[whitehot1]

Have you looked at this forum right here on this site?

http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/forums/cars-for-sale.26/

 

[Gene Van Horn]

Where are you located,best look as close as possible so you dont have to travel to far to actualy examine car. Also i would recommend taking someone with a strong gn mech backround with me who already owns one. There is alot to check that cant be seen in a picture or just a quick going over. These cars have hundreds things can be wrong or broken that the average person just cant begin to see or hear. Take your time and do lots homework and maybe you wont end up with a giant money pit.

 

[626gn]

Even a car that supposedly "needs nothing" usually needs something. Or, you're going to want to change things after getting that first hit of boost. Either way, save some of your budget for "things".

When you find one you're interested in, find a qualified member in that State to put eyes on it for you. Or post it up here for others to chime in. There is a lot to consider when buying one of these cars. If I remember I will post up a check list I saved on my home computer.

 

[626gn]

Here it is.

 

[Thebrain]

I pretty much watch classifieds here daily. The budget I stated didn't include mods. I have a plan for the car such as running it on e85. It is plentiful here in Michigan. Just don't want a project, been there done that. Been reading here daily trying to gather all the information I can. I like to thoroughly research anything I get into in life. I wish I could buy Sinful, the pro touring gn on here for sale. The car is the way I would build one if money was no object. I just hope that when I ask a fellow member they are as truthful as I would be when researching a car. I dont know of any turbo buick specialist here in Michigan so things I don't want to tackle I would have to send the car to one of the specialist here.

 

[whitehot1]

I pretty much watch classifieds here daily. The budget I stated didn't include mods. I have a plan for the car such as running it on e85. It is plentiful here in Michigan. Just don't want a project, been there done that. Been reading here daily trying to gather all the information I can. I like to thoroughly research anything I get into in life. I wish I could buy Sinful, the pro touring gn on here for sale. The car is the way I would build one if money was no object. I just hope that when I ask a fellow member they are as truthful as I would be when researching a car. I dont know of any turbo buick specialist here in Michigan so things I don't want to tackle I would have to send the car to one of the specialist here.

Here is a Michigan thread that may interest you looks like there are a lot of members there.

http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/threads/new-current-updated-michigan-thread.415033/

 

[regan j]

626gn,,, That is a good list!! Should ask the moderators to make it a sticky.