Riviera 1982 Diesel

[Guest janisco]

I would like feedback as to what a 1982 Riviera diesel would be worth.  It is one owner; great interior and exterior condition.  No major mechanical problems known.  2 door. 95,500 miles.  Thanks much

[John_S_in_Penna]

My price guide, "2014 Collector Car Price Guide"

by Krause Publications, says for #3 condition, $4500.

The diesel engine will be a negative factor, and

while the guide doesn't specifically list a deduction

for diesel Rivieras, it lists a 10% diesel deduction elsewhere.

However, I believe the deduction would be more than 10%.

 

Our AACA region recently reprinted an article by a

knowledgeable Oldsmobile man on the GM diesel engines.

(Oldsmobile made the diesel engines used in GM cars.)

Today, your car is probably quite rare;  however, demand

is extremely low, too, as most collectors see them as undesirable

and avoid them.  The Olds expert wrote that it is

uncommon to see one reach 70,000 miles without

major engine problems--which problems often require a new engine.

Has your car had a new engine installed during its lifetime?

 

1980's cars have a limited following, though Buick fans

like Rivieras of the 1979-85 style.  Collectors would first seek out

a Riviera with low mileage and nearly perfect condition.  With

your car's relatively high mileage for a car of that era,

and its diesel engine, $2000-$2500 might be appropriate.

Try placing an ad in the magazine of the Buick Club of

America, as perhaps someone might appreciate your

car's rarity.

 

Also, scroll down the list of AACA Forum topics, and put

the car for sale under the "Buick Riviera" category,

asking your same question on valuation.

That branch of the forum has lots of Riv fans who will

probably give good advice.

Edited August 27, 2015 by John_S_in_Penna (see edit history)

[Guest janisco]

John,  Thank you for your quick/detailed response.  This car was my father's car and he worked for Buick.  As far as I know, nothing major was done to the engine.

 

[misterc9]

The real value here is the sentimental value. You will have to be on good terms with an Olds Diesel tech. These cars were known for major engine failure  .It would probably be hard to sell.   Value ?

[Guest my3buicks]

There are so many low mileage cream puff Rivs out there of that vintage the higher mileage ones are real bargains, you can even buy ones with under 50K for $2500 - I would say being a diesel $1250-1500 max and that is if it is as clean as you describe it. 

[60FlatTop]

Sentiment has little cash value but it means a lot. With the low cost of collector car insurance I would consider keeping my Dad's car, especially a clean 35 year old Riviera. I think a bit like my Dad, too. If he owned a car like that and it bit him, he would run out of sentiment real quick.

 

There are some cars of that vintage of interest with low prices. Maserati BiTurbos, Porsche 928's, some BMW's, lots of Jaguars. A friend of mine and I have sampled them. We just go in with the plan of enjoying them until the $3,000 to $5,000 eminent repair job comes in. Then dump them and minimize the loss. It is amazing how lucky one gets with that philosophy.

Bernie

[8E45E]

Sentiment has little cash value but it means a lot. With the low cost of collector car insurance I would consider keeping my Dad's car, especially a clean 35 year old Riviera.  We just go in with the plan of enjoying them until the $3,000 to $5,000 eminent repair job comes in. Then dump them and minimize the loss. It is amazing how lucky one gets with that philosophy.

Bernie

At least maintain the body and keep the interior pristine!  After it gets 'used up' mechanically, it can yield some good body and soft trim for more desirable 1982's, especially if someone is restoring a rare 1982-1/2 convertible.  That way, you won't be at a complete loss financially.

 

Craig