Just bought a 98 Riv!

[sprucegoose]

Hi fellow Buick owners. This is a first of the Buick line for me, but it is a beauty. I always wanted a Riviera since I rode in my uncles '69 when I was a kid! Check it out at this link...

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...500&cardist=79

I'm getting it for $4,600 as the sunroof is making a groaning sound when operating, so he came way down in price. Is this the motor going, or possibly the track/running gear on it? Otherwise the car is perfect, and super clean. It has been maintained religously with new shocks, brakes, and tires all around.

What do you think, good deal? Anything to look out for in this model year? What are the long term items I should consider? (supercharger life?)

Going to pick it up now, will post more this evening when I get back from the 250+ mi. round trip!

[sprucegoose]

Wow, what a car! I love the way this thing drives. It is so smooth and quite. One small leak in the pass. side window seal, where it make a slight whistling at freeway speeds but that is minor.

I really like the steering wheel controls for the temperature and stereo. That is really nice! The seats are untra-plush conpared to my worn out 96 GP, so that will sure be appreciated on my 120 mi. per day work commute.

This fellow who had the car before me really treated it nice, and I intend to do the same. I noted already that it gets a lot of long looks and head-turners just like my Eldorado used to. I'll be posting some pics in my album changing my signature to reflect my new Buick ride soon!

[sprucegoose]

Well, here is the first pictures I took of the car. I love the looks and lines of this vehicle. I always wanted one, and this is the exact color combination I was looking for too! (same as my 98 Tahoe as well)

[sprucegoose]

Here is a picture of that ultra-clean engine compartment. Only thing I needed to do here is change the light bilb under the hood!

[regalfriend]

Nice car....I like the Riv because it has a unique look to it.... I see you have the chrome wheels...nice. Overall that car is considered to be very reliable, and is an excellent HWY cruiser.....Be carefull with the transmission(4t65e-HD)... It is VERY expensive to replace...Dont get the tranny flushed unless your 100% sure it has had regular service at least every 30,000 miles....Also dont have the tranny replaced if it has a minor problem like harsh shift or slipping in 1st gear Oh Yea----> make sure there is room in your glove box for a few speeding tickets. Your car will get well above legal limits without even noticing it... Good Luck!

[sprucegoose]

Originally Posted by regalfriend

Nice car....I like the Riv because it has a unique look to it.... I see you have the chrome wheels...nice. Overall that car is considered to be very reliable, and is an excellent HWY cruiser.....Be carefull with the transmission(4t65e-HD)... It is VERY expensive to replace...Dont get the tranny flushed unless your 100% sure it has had regular service at least every 30,000 miles....Also dont have the tranny replaced if it has a minor problem like harsh shift or slipping in 1st gear Oh Yea----> make sure there is room in your glove box for a few speeding tickets. Your car will get well above legal limits without even noticing it... Good Luck!

Thanks Regalfriend, I really like the fact it is so unique also. There really isn't that many out on the road either. You are right about getting up to speed (and beyond) very quickly. It isn't as fast as my 93 Eldorado with the V8 Northstar was, but much smoother.

I did notice my trans is a little stiff when I put it in reverse when cold. It clunks pretty good. The prev. owner said he was by the book on the 30k mile service stuff. I NEVER flush the trans, just drain and filter-change it myself. I think it is much better as long as it is done regularly.

The Riv did have it's first road-trip breakdown on Thanksgiving day. I had to go rescue my wife and kids... Not fun changing a flat in below zero wind chill weather! They must have picked up a nail, and she didn't notice it going down. Goodbye Mr. Michelin! Fortunately we found a dealer open the next day up there that had one in stock...