[gryfan]

i am looking to purchase a 1985 seville in the town of iowa falls,iowa.i have the vehicle in to be looked at by a local gm dealer.is there some one out there that could look at this car that is an expert ...or does this type of inspection for a living.i would like a more indepth look than a mechanic unfamiliar with this age of a car would do. thanks for any responses in advance. gryfan

[D Yaros]

Bofore I purchased my 55, I had occasion to use an inspection service. They did such a bang up job (written report and 100+ photos) that they convinced me NOT to buy the car! They come highly recommended!

The service I used was Automobile Inspections, LLC

[gryfan]

thanks for the suggestion.i will call the one that you suggested...and i have the names of a couple more that work in iowa.any experts on these sevilles that can share what types of problems i should be expecting with these sevilles and with the 4.1 engine? thanks in advance
gryfan
1990 buick reatta
2005 chrysler crossfire

[Rawja]

I'm hardly an expert, but I've owned 2 of these an '85 and my present '84 Elegante. The HT4100 was extremely problematic due to coolant getting into the oil, rendering the engine junk. Basically if there's any sign of weird engine noise, plan on a new engine.

The 4100 when it's properly cared for is gutless, but smooth. The electrics are fairly complex for the vintage, but are reasonably reliable. The original rubbery bumper fillers are usually rotted out and repros are only available in rigid ABS or fiberglass.