djrobnyc

I'm potentially buying a 1995 Lebaron GTC Convertible (v6) but before I do, I want to give it a thorough once over. Is there anything specific I should be looking for, any trouble spots I should have my mechanic look for? The top looks like it might need to be replaced - some seams are coming loose. Also, it has to be raised/lowered manually - power does not work. But the car only has 91000 miles and is in good condition otherwise. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

I just looked at 1995 Olds Cutlass Supreme Convertible 3.4L, with 113k at a new car dealer (he took it in on trade) Two things I did notice in the test drive: a) With the A/C going, upon acceleration, the A/C "dropped" out to almost shutting off, and then back under normal coasting, it came back. Is this a major problem? Is it just a timing issue? It happened a few times. The fuel gauge "floated" - showed a half tank, then moved down to below a quarter, then back. It seemed to happen a few times as well, under acceleration but coasting as well. Any answers to the above questions would be greatly appreciated. Overall, the car seemed tight - but don't want to proceed without a good idea whether these issues would be big bucks to repair. Thanks!

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?

I'm looking to purchase a Reatta from a private party (1990, about 125,000 miles). Can someone tell me a "Top 5" or "Top 10" list of things that I really need to check out on the car before deciding whether to purchase it? I'm having a local Buick dealer give it a once-over next week, and want to highlight a couple of things for them - although they said they are familiar with the car. (Among some things the seller has indicated: the headlight motors don't work, the dash sometimes goes out and flashes "E," the car was repainted in the last couple of years, not sure if the A/C was converted to 134a, the sunroof sometimes needs help closing, and the car needs a tuneup). Thank you in advance for your help.

I'm starting to look into buying a TC but I'm not technically saavy at all. Are there certain things I need to examine when looking at a TC? Also, can anyone recommend a mechanic/dealer in/around NYC (within 50-60 is fine) who knows these cars and can repair them if necessary? Thanks. Rob

I am in the process of buying a Reatta and wanted to ask if anyone knows of a good mechanic who is familiar with the Reatta in the New York/New Jersey Metropolitan Area. I live in New York City; the car will most likely be spending most of its time in Dutchess County (about 60 miles north). A few Buick dealers I called weren't that up on the car. Thank you.