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#508745 - 05/10/08 04:14 PM
Help! Just inspected a Reatta... How bad are these problems?
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djrobnyc
New Member
Registered: 07/22/07
Posts: 4
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Just took a look at a Reatta (1990 couple, 124k miles) that I might purchase. I'm going to do a thorough inspection this week (at a Buick dealer) but here are some things that I noticed. Can anyone tell me if they sound major/minor/not sure? Sorry for my lack of knowledge; not that mechanical, looking to buy a Reatta and restore it over time.
1) Engine - Car needed to be jumped; was sitting for a couple of weeks. It started up fine, but about 5-8 minutes of idling started to get a little rough, slight hesistation and then it would stall out. Restarted again; ran for about 2 minutes; then stumbled and died again. Repeated this with A/C on and off. Seller thinks "it needs a good tune up; hasn't been tuned." Could this be the case? Could it be worse? And how can you tell?
2) Dashboard Lights - lights up when started, but then blinks "Error." Also, ABS green light does not go out. Service Engine light is lit periodically. Service A/C light is steady.
3) Power locks - Locks won't lock/unlock when driver's side button is pushed; works when passenger side button is pushed.
4) Headlights - Need to be opened/closed manually. Power mechanism doesn't work.
5) Sunroof - tilts, but does not retract/close smoothly
6) No antenna at all in the car (hole in trunk decklid). Is this an easy part to find? Does it have to be a power one?
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#508829 - 05/11/08 10:03 AM
Re: Help! Just inspected a Reatta... How bad are these problems?
[Re: F14CRAZY]
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steveskyhawk
Member
Registered: 09/16/07
Posts: 182
Loc: southern california
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I agree with the previous posts. With the exception of the missing antenna a new battery and a fresh tank of gas may cure ALL of these problems.
Headlight mechanical repair is easy and inexpensive with the kit from Barney. Included instructions even tell you what size wrenches to use. Put in the battery and drive it! I think you are in for a pleasant suprise.
_________________________
steve,
91 coup (white with white trim, saddle interior)
91 convertible ( white with white trim, saddle top and interior)
Anybody looking for a southern California car, feel free to contact me. Lots of rust free cars here.
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#508849 - 05/11/08 12:21 PM
Re: Help! Just inspected a Reatta... How bad are these problems?
[Re: HRP]
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Richard S
Member
Registered: 02/10/01
Posts: 775
Loc: San Diego, CA
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The brakes and sunroof are the two potentially expensive items. Replacing the cables is no picnic, and it you pay someone to do it, you will be looking at labor costs. Without performing the standard Reatta/Teves brake tests, it is impossible to identify the problem. The seller shold allow you can do that test before you invest in a full mechanical inspection or evaluation of the car. It is unlikely any corner mechanic will be familiar with this test anyway as the Teves system is rare and disappearing as the few models that have it vanish from the roadways.
_________________________
Richard
90 Red/Tan Coupe
90 White/Tan Coupe
90 Black/Grey Convert
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#508968 - 05/11/08 09:19 PM
Re: Help! Just inspected a Reatta... How bad are these problems?
[Re: Richard S]
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sanders
Member
Registered: 12/01/07
Posts: 11
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You might want to check out http://WWW.autopartswarehouse.com if you find you need any exhaust parts . I was quoted over $700.00 for a Catalitic Converter by a garage installed . I got one from the above warehouse for $90.00 and had it installed for another $90.00 . It was listed by the warehouse as a 1990 Reatta Convertor but when it arrived the paper work said 1990 Bonnivelle . It matched perfectly and I am ready to trust the Reatta to make a round trip to Walmart without waking up all of Sebastian Florida .
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#508972 - 05/11/08 09:31 PM
Re: Help! Just inspected a Reatta... How bad are these problems?
[Re: djrobnyc]
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sanders
Member
Registered: 12/01/07
Posts: 11
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I would be interested to find out if there are any Reatta owners looking in on the forum who live in the vicinity of Sebastian Florida who might like to get together for discussions of mutual interest on these fine automobiles . I would be really interested to find out if anyone knows of a mechanic with lots of Reatta experience . Most of the ones have encountered seen to go more by trial and error to fix something and as a concequence I think I may have had a few things fixed that did not need fixing until they came up with a solution . Jim Sanders , 388 Main St. Sebastian Florida . Phone 772 388 8817 . E Mail pattstouchofclass@comcast.net
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