important question

Hello<P>I found a 1988 reatta with 157,000 miles it dosent have a sun roof but every thing on it works, it has been serviced every 3000 miles. this is going to be my first car and its going to have to last me for a while. will it be relaible?<BR>Is this a good price $4800<BR>it is located about 5 hours away from me so ur responses would be welcome<BR>the car costs $4800<P>Brian<p>[This message has been edited by Raptor87 (edited 01-17-2001).]

Brian - <BR>Perhaps the best way to say this is that you're talking about a car that is 13 years old and has 157k on it - and yes, things WILL break. Aside from that, keep in mind that most people sell their cars for a reason & when they're that old, it's usually because it needs work that they don't want to put into it anymore.<P>Have the car looked at by a good mechanic & be educated about what it currently needs (get the list, then call a Buick dealer for parts prices ....).<P>That's the best place to start ...<BR>~Brenda<P>------------------<BR>REATTA SITE:<A HREF="http://members.aol.com/gohighr/reatta.html" TARGET=_blank><BR>http://members.aol.com/gohighr/reatta.html</A>

Raptor... before you take that leap, I'd check autotrader.com You should be able to find one close to you for, with less than 157k miles for less than $4800.

I did check auto trader thats where i found this one<P>he said every thing worked fine and its kinda hard to take it to a mechanic since he lives 5 hours away

If you're friends with a mechanic - bribe him/her to go with you. That's how I got mine in Philly nearly 4 years ago - I took a friend (who also happened to be licensed in NH for state vehicle inspections) down to NJ for the weekend & paid all expenses. Between the 2 of us, we got the dealer down over $1000 on the price of the car.<P>------------------<BR>REATTA SITE:<A HREF="http://members.aol.com/gohighr/reatta.html" TARGET=_blank><BR>http://members.aol.com/gohighr/reatta.html</A>

Car prices and availabilty very wildly on your location. I know in MN there are no Reattas for under $6000. And some of these have more than 160k miles. However there are more in other areas. Also as this is your first car, I assume you don't have a lot of money to go running to the dealer for new parts. If there is anything wrong, call the local junk yards and see if the parts are out there. 160k is not a lot of miles for a 3800. I've seen many at 200,000+ miles. So, this car is better than most in that concern. However I think in the long run you'll find your better off finding a cheaper car for your first. This is because of many reasons, but either way I wish you luck.<P><P>------------------<BR>-Keith<P>'87 Lesabre T-type (The T without WHOOSH)<P>'86 Regal w/350 (still in progress)<P>http://members.nbci.com/lesabrettype/index.html

[wally888]

Raptor 87-Read the posts at ,"Don't think my 90 is worth.."<BR> Knowing the history, repair records and the owner is very important!<BR> Surely you can find a lower mileage car for $4800, unless this one is a cream puff.<P>------------------<BR> <A HREF="http://www.reatta.net" TARGET=_blank>www.reatta.net</A> has supplemental info re.88, 89 and 90 Reatta Brakes.<BR>Please inform me of any new info, info needing editing or errors. A work in progress.

Ok well i am going to get that car but what is a good price i can offer

Good offering price?<P>I usually start with their asking price, then start by subtracting cost of repairs/maintenance that it needs. These are prices I've gotten/paid for these repairs, many of which I'm able to do myself, but not all. Remember, parts are NOT cheap on these cars.<P>Some basic examples:<P>rear struts: $300<BR>touch screen: $1200<BR>Seat belts: $80 each<BR>Tires: ~$75 each<BR>Alignment: $80<BR>Brakes: $100/set (~$30 if you do them yourself)<BR>Front grill: ~$80<BR>Headlights (not operating properly): $10-100 each<BR>Cracked tail light lens: $300<BR>Alternator: $120<BR>Battery: $75<BR>Brake fluid flush: $80<BR>Accumulator: $180<BR>Brake pump motor: $600<BR>master cylinder: $1200-1500<P>I'm sure others on here can give you some price tags as well. Mine may be below average, as I pay far below retail for my parts.<P>Check it over very carefully & take a friend with you - 2 sets of eyes are far better than one.<P>~Brenda<P>------------------<BR>REATTA SITE:<A HREF="http://members.aol.com/gohighr/reatta.html" TARGET=_blank><BR>http://members.aol.com/gohighr/reatta.html</A>

RAPTOR !!! See post from Frank N. re: 90 Convert for sale.