Should I buy an 85 GN?

[bigjeepthing]

I'm new to this site and GN's. I have the option to p/u an 85 GN from original owners family(Was passed down from other family member). It has 112,000 miles. Everything is documented and in great shape. The car has 86/87 computer with maf,chip, 40lb injectors, scanmaster, and gauges. What should I look for before I buy this tomorrow?

 

[rmar]

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

Post where you are located and maybe someone can assist you.

 

[bigjeepthing]

Thank You!

 

[O SO LO]

Buyer's Guide

That site is down... you can read it in post #10 on this link...

http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/general-turbo-buick-tech/307499-newbie-looking-87-gn-t-type-nj.html

 

[rmar]

The Turbo Regal Buyer's Guide

I think it was my bad link.......

 

[bigjeepthing]

I figured out the link. The real question I have is the 85 a bad car to own compared to the 86 and 87?

 

[GNBRETT]

It's not bad per say, just better to own an 86-87 imo. Just easier to make them go faster. Nothing bad about owning any GN.

 

[O SO LO]

It's not bad per say, just better to own an 86-87 imo. Just easier to make them go faster. Nothing bad about owning any GN.

X2...It all depends what you want to do with it- I go to car shows and drive mine in nice weather, I have done some mods but otherwise just enjoy it! If you want a car to take to the track- go with the 86-87 intercooled cars. The mods you listed in your first post is a good start for the car!!

 

[Pittsburghkid]

Bigjeep i think i can help you out. With what you say about the car being original owner there's nothing wrong with buying it as long as the price is right. It's a great car especially if your just starting out and buying your first TB. It'll be fun to drive and if should you wanna get an 86-87 TB in the future you'll have a great starting platform to sell or even keep as a second car. Plus where your located there's alotta great guys who know alot about the cars so if you wanna meet some and bs about the cars and get some more info on the car you wanna buy we're all meeting up at Mr. Mike's Pizza and Pub Sunday @1 on Rt 30 which should be right down the street from you. Check out the NE area forum and here's a link to the info about this meet. You'll be able to see some names of alotta guys in your area including me. Welcome.

http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/north-eastern-area/305732-western-pa-january.html

 

[Grumpy]

like others have said.. ya want to just do car shows go for an 85. BUT if you decided to sell they are not as easy to sell. The 86/87s def have the performance over it and resale value. Words of wisdom these cars can turn into $$$$ pits like you have never dreamed of. Prob should have someone who knows the cars look at the 85 before you make your decision.. good luck

 

[KevinB]

How much are thet asking? I wouldn't pay over 4k for a 84-85. I got suckered many years ago into buying an 85. There was no tb.com to ask these questions.

 

[turbonut85]

How much are thet asking? I wouldn't pay over 4k for a 84-85. I got suckered many years ago into buying an 85. There was no tb.com to ask these questions.

That wouldn't buy the paint on my 85......Sucker....:biggrin:.......



You have to answer the above questions...
"What are you gonna do with the car?"
"How much are they asking??"

Track: 86-87 period.
Show-n-shine, stoplight-to-stoplight, seat-o-the-pants fun: 84-85 is fine.


112k, I'd say an unmolested 85 GN shouldn't be much more than 5k for that kind of milage, and in original condition.

 

[KevinB]

That wouldn't buy the paint on my 85......Sucker....:biggrin:.......



You have to answer the above questions...
"What are you gonna do with the car?"
"How much are they asking??"

Track: 86-87 period.
Show-n-shine, stoplight-to-stoplight, seat-o-the-pants fun: 84-85 is fine.


112k, I'd say an unmolested 85 GN shouldn't be much more than 5k for that kind of milage, and in original condition.

I should have said I got suckered for buying a TType for $8K that needed work. You live and learn I guess I was 18 years old lol.

 

[bigjeepthing]

I just plan on going to the track and shows once in a while. The guy is asking 8500 for it. It is in great shape.

 

[*BuickBoy*]

I have a 85 with the 87 drivetrain. I dont have any problems with the car and the engine is the exact same thing in the 86/87's. And not to mention that Buick only made 2,000 something in 85, so its more rare than the 86/87. Either way you go TB are sick but very expensive and hard to find some parts. But if its what you really want, why not get it?

 

[KevinB]

I just plan on going to the track and shows once in a while. The guy is asking 8500 for it. It is in great shape.

The price for Turbo Buicks are down. $8500 is way too much. You can get a nice intercooled 86/87 for that much if you look.

 

[turbonut85]

The price for Turbo Buicks are down. $8500 is way too much. You can get a nice intercooled 86/87 for that much if you look.

Kevin's right.....$5-6k depending on condition.

 

[Timbuick]

Whatever you do, don't worry about the parts! I live in the UK and have recieved fair priced packages from Kirban, Turbo Tweak, GBody. These cars may not be Camaro/Mustang, but most parts are still available.
Personally, for that price i'd see what else is available beause at some point you will probably ant an I/c car

 

[bigjeepthing]

Well it had one spot of rust in the rain gutter on the driverside. Exhaust leak on the down pipe and ran ruff when it was first started. I think I'm going to pass on that and keep my eyes open for another one.

 

[O SO LO]

I bought my stock '84 GN with 54,000 mi for $6600 about 5 yrs ago
on eBay... so yes with 112,000 mi. I'd say that is a little high... my .02