When Buying a Grand National.......???

[psycho6cyl]

I was just curious if things go as expected I maybe buying a 2nd grand national. 2nd time around I would like a nicer car. My question is what mods are acceptable when trying to purchase a near stock car. I know budget matters,but what are the definite No-s. Like Alky. I feel i should stay away from a car that has alky even w stock turbo. Am I crazy for this way of thinking? Id love a moonroof/t top car,but am i stiring the pot for more trouble w these options? I know when i actually go to buy bring scanmaster etc but im curious is when moodded is too modded..
thanks for input

 

[theCATman]

IMO, what's most important is if the owner knew WTF he/she was doing with the car. A dumbass can F-up a stocker worse than a skilled tuner with a heavy modded car.

But to answer your question, I consider a modern chip, hotwired aftermarket fuel pump, adjustable FPR, cold air intake & exhaust acceptable mods. Anything that increases boost & timing more, and the chances that the car has seen some serious beatings is pretty high.

 

[Red C5]

When buying a modified car one of the things I always look for is what kind of parts were used and how were they installed. I go out of my way to avoid cars where the owner was clearly cutting corners or throwing anything in it that will just fit instead of using the correct parts.

Peter

 

[GNRick]

If he shows you a 9 sec. time slip and only wants 8K for the car.....run!

 

[coach]

If he shows you a 9 sec. time slip and only wants 8K for the car.....run!

Yep, for sure, BUT...If he shows you a 9 sec slip then takes you for a ride...It's all good. I would say if you buy off this sight and ask the correct questions...you a little more safe then the Auto Trader. Post exactly what your looking for. That helps.

 

[Mr.Spool]

unless you plan on a pure stocker and leaving it alone why not have a car with alky supporting mods or a trans already done?if you plan to make any kind of power for any amount of time you need those mods.a stocker with alky and the boost up with a good trans and ttops is a run ride.

 

[turbo39151]

X10 on all the above advice.
Alky is fine. I'd actually prefer it on another car... Less likely to have had KR issues if used properly as opposed to just regular fuel.
Moonroof and t-top cars are fine. I've had both. No issues save for rattling ttops.

 

[GNRick]

If you want one bone stock with t-tops and only 26k miles, I might have just the thing. Located in central Illinois. Price dropped to $18k http://turbobuick.com/forums/threads/86-gn-26k-miles-in-illinois-22-500.370343/

 

[psycho6cyl]

My first gn was modded b4 i got it. I was very wet behind tge ears but at the price i paid i cant complain. Im looking for a stock car that has a good foundation. Something i can grow into w upgrades but also i enjoy the fact i know what i.put into the car and not going based on what ppl.say. am i crazy to want original paint car even they are known to check? Im terrified of buying a car w bondo. I know im being picky but im scared of having to dump.$$$$$ into another one and not enjoy it..

 

[84BuickGNYorkPA]

My first gn was modded b4 i got it. I was very wet behind tge ears but at the price i paid i cant complain. Im looking for a stock car that has a good foundation. Something i can grow into w upgrades but also i enjoy the fact i know what i.put into the car and not going based on what ppl.say. am i crazy to want original paint car even they are known to check? Im terrified of buying a car w bondo. I know im being picky but im scared of having to dump.$$$$$ into another one and not enjoy it..

Your in the driver's seat, it's a buyers market, your best bet would be to find one, that someone had since new/2nd/ 3rd owner, and for whatever reason is getting out of the Buick scene. If the paint is checked, I would walk away, that's some serious cash, to strip the car down to bare metal and start over. If you find one with good paint ask for the pictures showing it was stripped down to bare metal and done right.

Chuck

 

[GNRick]

Your in the driver's seat, it's a buyers market, your best bet would be to find one, that someone had since new/2nd/ 3rd owner, and for whatever reason is getting out of the Buick scene. If the paint is checked, I would walk away, that's some serious cash, to strip the car down to bare metal and start over. If you find one with good paint ask for the pictures showing it was stripped down to bare metal and done right.

Chuck

Mine has spider cracking on the hood around the bulge. Local shop said he would paint it (stripped to bare metal, PPG, wet sand, etc) for $500. That is what he did on my other GN. Basically it was $500 per panel. He painted my hood, roof and trunk for $1500.