Lucky91

My first memory of a Reatta was seeing one that was evidently on a test drive from our local Buick dealership. It was Burgundy. I remember it going in the opposite direction from where I was going. About broke my neck watching it go by and remember looking in my rear view mirror and seeing the bar of lights from the tail light. Wow! I thought that was one good lookin' car. Went by the dealership to check them out. Saw the sticker price and immediately dismissed the car altogether. Flash forward to '97/'98. Saw a red '90 sitting for sale in a parking lot. It had an aftermarket spoiler on it and was really slick. Did not buy it but seeing the car revived my interest in what was now an affordable car. Spent many months looking and finally bought my first '90. It was Burgundy w/Burgundy interior. It had 120k on it and was in need of many things. Learned alot about Reatta's from that first one. My love affair with the car has continued through a total of seven cars. I've owned 2-'89's, 3-'90's, & 2-91's. Bought my '91 Polo four years ago and vowed to myself that it was the last one. Then a little over a month ago a Burgundy/Burgundy '90 popped up with only 32K on the clock. Went and looked at it for grins and was so impressed by the overall shape of the car that I started a month long dialogue with the owner and wound up with the car. I find it ironic that I've come full circle and am back to owning the same year/color Reatta as I started with so many years ago. The only difference is this one's in much better shape. This is definitely the last one. Oh, did I mention I see a '91 Gunmetal Gray model on E-Bay. Looks like a nice car. Mike '91 Coupe '90 Coupe

Have always used Yokohama's on my SUV's. Always liked them and decided to try them on the Reatta. I really like them. Smooth and quiet ride... Mike '91 Coupe

Will it fit all years or just '88 & '89's?? Mike '91 Coupe

Cassettes?? Careful, you're showing your age. Mike '91 Coupe

I think they look great. Love the total look with your spoiler. Mike '91 coupe

The third picture looks like the steering wheel is on the driver's side, left side, of the cock pit. Sure we're not seeing some sort of reflection of the wheel in passenger window?? Mike '91 Coupe

The novelty of the 88 & 89 CRT's are way cool. Loved being able to monitor engine functions, mileage read outs, etc. The problem I had with them is that they were too distracting. I found myself playing with the many functions they offered more so than paying attention to the road where my attention should have been. I guess it could be related to a cell phone scenario but not on as big a scale. Or so I told myself. Haven't had that kind of problem with the 90 & 91's I've owned. Nothing to play with other than station changes & temp controls. I miss the 89's I've owned but for me and those that I've shared the road with it's been safer with the later models... Mike '91 Coupe

Did you recently wash your car or has it been out in the rain recently? Sometimes water leaking into the trunk compartment will trigger the lock relay making it cycle on and off. If water was the problem it should stop cycling when it thoroughly drys out. In the mean time you can get it to stop cycling by removing the relay. Pull back the trunk carpet on the passenger side wheel well. You'll see a bank of relays. You'll be able to tell which relay it is through the constant cycling, clicking, noise that the relay's making. By laying your hand on the relays you can feel which one is clicking. Unplug the relay. Now your trunk lid should stay locked. Just one problem. Until you replace the relay or the car thoroughly drys out you can only unlock your trunk by pulling the emergency lid release from inside the trunk compartment. I'm not familiar with convertibles and am assuming you can still access the trunk area through the drop down hatch inside your car. You'll have to lay on your back, pull yourself into the trunk compartment and pull the release handle to open. Hope this helps till you figure out if it's a wiring problem or a bad relay. Mike 91 Coupe

Be prepared to spend money on this vehicle no matter what condition it is at the time of purchase. Remember, you're looking at a car over 20 years in age. Even the best stay the best because their owners are willing to spend the time and money to keep them that way. I've owned Reatta's from well over 100k - 40k in mileage. Had to spend money, sometimes substantial, on all of them. Even the low mileage vehicles. If you are willing to be patient the most attractive vehicles, in my opinion, are the low mileage cars that have been well kept by their owners. Usually, not quite as much out of pocket expense in the initial months but again, money will be spent in the coming mos. These vehicles are usually the most expensive because of the care they've received. It is a buyers market right now and even these well kept vehicles can be purchased at a decent price. Good luck in your quest and be sure to use this forum for it's wealth of info after your purchase. Good people are here and are more than willing to share their knowledge and experiences. Mike '91 Coupe

'90's and '91's do not have the chimel '91 Coupe Mike

It could very well be your brakes. This is has been an old problem and you can read all about it by doing a search on the subject. To verify that it's your brakes while driving roll your window down so you can clearly hear the rattle. Go over a bumpy or rough patch of road that you know will start the rattle. As you hear the rattle lightly apply your brakes. If the sound goes away that's your culprit. Give it a try.. Mike '91 Coupe

'70 Chevelle SS, 454 W/4 Speed '69 Caprice Coupe Loaded W/427 '69 Impala SS, 427 W/4 Speed '09 Dodge Challenger, White W/4 Speed Mike '91 Coupe

Have owned six, 2 - '89's, 2 - '90's, & 2 - '91's over eleven years. Must say that the '91's were the most maintenance free of them all. Until last summer. Had to put a new compressor in my current '91. Then had to turn around and put a water pump on it. That being said even the '89 & '90 repairs were what you'd expect on cars of that age. Accumulators, water pumps, a light switch here and there. All in all not alot of money spent. As my Father used to tell me, "You can do alot of fixin' and come out way ahead of the cost of a new one." How right he was. Just cleaned and detailed the '91 yesterday. When I was done I stood back and looked at the car. The same thought as always came to mind as with all the others after cleaning. What a cool car. For me they've been worth every penny..... Mike '91 Coupe

So sorry to hear about your sister. I hope she will recover and be as good as new. Mike '91 Coupe

You haven't seen the book. It's over half a foot thick. Thicker than most Bible's... Mike '91 Coupe

When you are re-attaching the the brake light assembly make sure you are tightening all of the wing nuts securely. Especially those on the end of each side of the assembly. If you don't secure them tight you can have moisture creep in and accumulate. You can tell if they're not secured tight enough because you'll see condensation build up on the inside of the assembly. This can then cause bulbs, especially your new ones, to burn out. I've been there and it's happened to me. The wing nut located by the power antenna assembly is especially frustrating to fasten down because of limited space for your hand due to the antenna assembly. I've always left that one for last because it can be an aggravating bugger... Mike, '91 Coupe

What's the estimate for repairs? Can't help but think you could get it done reasonably. Don't give up yet.. Mike '91 Coupe

Looks like the "Anti-Lock" idiot light's on in your interior shot. Be sure to take the brake test. You'll find it at Reatta.net in the Brake section under Troubleshooting and Tests. You don't want any brake problems. If you have any interest in re-covering your steering wheel use the search option and you can find out who you can send it to. The car looks great. Always liked the Driftwood color. Mike '91 Coupe

A Beauty... Mike '91 Coupe

Hey Barney, How 'bout some pictures of your new ride??? Mike '91 Coupe

I can't speak for the binding problem with your lights other than the obvious, making sure that both are free and clear from any wiring. If it happens again I would listen and make sure the motors are working when you turn them on. What I wanted to warn you about is the use of your twi-light sentinel. I would be careful relying on the sentinel. My concern is when it engages while you're moving. Especially on the hi-way. When they pop open the force of the wind and your forward motion could snap them back so hard as to damage the plastic rollers with in the motors. I've had two 91's and have always engaged the head lights when completely stopped. Just a suggestive precaution that could save you time and money down the road. And by the way, aren't the '91's way cool? Have a nice weekend. Mike '91 Coupe

Your car will go into lock-up at approximately 145 degrees. The problem I forsee is in the winter months when it gets so cold that your car does not achieve the lock-up temp. Your fuel economy will be affected not being able to shift into overdrive.

The flasher is located next to the steering wheel column under the dash. You'll need to remove the plastic kick panel above the gas/brake pedals. You'll need to move the seat back as far as it goes, lay on your back in the floor board to access. Leave your turn signal on in the direction that it works so as to hear the ticking sound and feel your way to the ticking flasher. If the flasher is not working at all turn on your emergency flasher. The emergency flasher is right beside the turn flasher. Again, feel your way to the ticking flasher. The turn signal flasher will be right beside your ticking emergency flasher. Room is extremely tight and you'll only be able to use one hand. I hope you have a small hand. Mine are small and it was a job to get it out and install the new one. I would make sure you don't have a bulb out before going to the trouble of replacing the flasher. It is not fun. Good Luck, Mike

Where there's a will, there's a way....

Brian, I believe that's what Jack was saying. Thanks, Mike