Opinions on this Turbo T

[kelbiy]

Hey, I've been looking for a T Type or Turbo T and this one has popped up on eBay today:

1987 Buick Regal T-TYPE TURBO ONE OWNER | eBay

THIS IS A ONE OWNER 87 BUICK T-TYPE WITH 91364 MILES ON IT. OVERALL PRESENTABLE.ORIGINAL ALLOY WHEELS. MOUNTED ON GOOD TIRES.THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER HAS BEEN UPDATED AS WELL AS THE RADIATOR. INTERIOR IS GOOD OVERALL. THIS CAR HAS THE 55-45 SEAT.

www.ebay.com

What is everyone's thought on this one? Is the rather high mileage an issue, especially at this price? Are there any other red flags besides the mileage?

I'd really love to own one, but at the same time, I don't want to jump at the first thing I see. I figured asking here would be the best thing to do, since you're experts on these cars.

Any help is much appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Pronto]

If you are close go drive. It will need a timing chain if it hasn't been replace yet.

 

[kelbiy]

I'm in New Jersey, so test driving is unfortunately not a possibility. Thanks for the heads up with the timing chain. That doesn't seem like anything major.

 

[Nigel]

If it is as clean as it looks, no previous accidents, no rust, mostly original, and fully functional it is worth 26K. Plan on some maintenance, lots of items to think about. Body and suspension bushings, transmission may be getting tired, fuels system components, and so forth. But still worth it in my opinion. Very cool options and color.

 

[kelbiy]

If it is as clean as it looks, no previous accidents, no rust, mostly original, and fully functional it is worth 26K. Plan on some maintenance, lots of items to think about. Body and suspension bushings, transmission may be getting tired, fuels system components, and so forth. But still worth it in my opinion. Very cool options and color.

Thanks for the info. Do you mean the transmission may need a replacement, or just work done on it?

 

[SCOOBY DOO]

Transmission will be slipping on the 2-3 shift

Rod bearings will be down to the copper if the owner was going WOT and the fuel system wasn't up to snuff and not monitoring KR

Timing chain

Fuel system

Suspension

The list goes on

 

[Reggie West]

Go drive it. Don't take that risk buying a money pit.

I would get someone who knows these cars well and ask or pay them to help you out.

If you have to rebuild even the stock stuff there, a motor is $8000, trans is $3500 if you are lucky.

If its mechanically sound you will have a nice car to build on from there.

 

[Reggie West]

I just looked at all the pics at the bottom of that ad. Someone tried to hide a lot of rust by spray painting the entire underside of that car. There are no leaks coming out of the pan or the rear main seal. I would feel better if it had those leaks, that would mean it was running and working.

Also, that car has bolt on parts that were put on and taken back off. The intake and intercooler pipes are not the stock ones, I'll bet there was a translator on it and taken back off. K&N filter on it says the same. There is no alky kit on it, those are a must. There might be a hotwire kit for the fuel pump but I would err on the side of caution and check that out. I don't see a relay on the firewall for it or wires at the back of the tank.

Just know what you are getting into here. It needs a thorough once over before you buy it.

 

[Grumpy]

Dealer got carried away with black spray . Look at the rear end pics. Lots of painted over pitted rust. I'd get someone to look at it for ya .

 

[Chuck Leeper]

As far as the underside... A poor attempt to make a "silk purse out of a sow's ear" comes to mind.
With the heavy pitting on the axle tubes, this unit has been on a lot of salted roads.
Good pics of the body mounts will show the real truth.
NO WAY I'd spend that kind of money on a NE rust bucket.

 

[kelbiy]

Thanks, everyone's comments have been incredibly helpful. I posted on the midwest forum trying to see if anyone was willing to look at it, but no responses yet. I'm thinking this one isn't worth my time, with all of the issues posted here.

The dealer said it was completely stock except for the brakes and used as a daily driver, until the owner retired it to his garage. I imagine it really took a beating with all of the things found here though. I suppose it's back to the hunt. I really liked the color on this one too.