Kevin M Posted July 17, 2018 Share Posted July 17, 2018 So I’m going to be looking at a 91 later in the week at a dealer by me. From what I found on here there doesn’t seem to be any 91 specific problems. Besides maybe the IPC. But just wanted to ask all of you if there is. They said they don’t have the books or any maintenance records but it’s low miles. That’s not a total deal breaker but not the greatest. Thanks in advance 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barney Eaton Posted July 17, 2018 Share Posted July 17, 2018 You can always get a CarFax that will tell you where the car has lived and in my state even when and were it was state inspected. You can also look at the database (www.reatta.net) and it might be there ....if it is that might give you location and mileage. If you buy it.....and have no records, change the fluids and flush the brake fluid, change the fuel filter, air cleaner. It like drawing a line in the sand.....at least you will know that they were done when you purchased it and you will not be saying later "probably should have changed (fill in the blank)" The 1991 is more desirable not because of any one improvement but because there were several things that either improved the '91 or made it different, right down to the cupholder in the center armrest. With only 1214 coupes made in 1991 (I presume it is a coupe) they are also the hardest to find. Good luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevin M Posted July 17, 2018 Author Share Posted July 17, 2018 Yeh it’s a coupe. I found it on the data base last updated info was in 99 but with the mileage put on between then and now was about 40k so not too bad. I’m planning on doing the car fax once I go to see it in person. Pictures look nice but those can lie. Thanks for the info Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dship Posted July 17, 2018 Share Posted July 17, 2018 12 hours ago, Kevin M said: From what I found on here there doesn’t seem to be any 91 specific problems. Besides maybe the IPC. But just wanted to ask all of you if there is. No known problems but in fact a few improvements. Upgraded 3800 to 170 HP with no EGR. Replaced Teves brakes with Bosch. Increased wheel/tire size to 16". IPC's available from 1990-1991 Reatta = 1990-1993 Riviera. Many mechanical parts interchangeable with 7th generation (1986-1993) Riviera's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bushwack Posted July 17, 2018 Share Posted July 17, 2018 FWIW...wheels speed sensors are specific for 1991 MY. Don't think you can use 1988-1990 sensors with a 1991 Reatta. And while not mechanical, some IP modules/switches are specific for the 1991 Reatta. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DAVES89 Posted July 17, 2018 Share Posted July 17, 2018 1 hour ago, Bushwack said: FWIW...wheels speed sensors are specific for 1991 MY. Don't think you can use 1988-1990 sensors with a 1991 Reatta. And while not mechanical, some IP modules/switches are specific for the 1991 Reatta. Front wheel sensors are 1991 only however Riveria and other similar cars will work. 1988-1990 wheel sensors will not work. 1991 IP modules will swap with the Riviera of 1990 -1993. Cannot use the 1990 Headlight switch from a Reatta. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevin M Posted July 17, 2018 Author Share Posted July 17, 2018 Alright thanks for the info guys. From what you’ve said I guess I was right in my assumption that there weren’t many problems, just changes. Thanks again guys. I’ll let you all know how this pans out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevin M Posted July 21, 2018 Author Share Posted July 21, 2018 So I looked at the car today. To me it looks pretty good. Only a few issues that I saw. The radio has a cassette stuck in it. The security light flashes while the door is open. Some paint blemishes. Fluids looked clean. And it’s at a dealership and they are replacing the power antenna. Only think is I think their price may be a little high at 7k firm. Would just like you guys opinion on this. I have put a deposit down but can still back out Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NCReatta Posted July 21, 2018 Share Posted July 21, 2018 Depends on miles and color combo. Security light flashing is completely normal, and lots of them have the tape deck issue. Not hard to fix. If under 100k miles or a rare color combo sounds like a steal at $7k Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevin M Posted July 21, 2018 Author Share Posted July 21, 2018 Thanks Marck, it has about 47k on it and is burgandy and grey. So from what I found about 25 in that combo. This will be the most expensive thing I’ve ever bought so I guess that is why it seems high to me. And I am used to there being at least some negotiation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barney Eaton Posted July 21, 2018 Share Posted July 21, 2018 Robert Casey's booklet says there were 79 coupes in 1991 with burgundy exterior. 18 had grey interior, 58 tan, 3 flame red. Know a lady that just purchased a 1990 black coupe with 46K and paid $4,600...... the 1991 will bring more $$ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bushwack Posted July 21, 2018 Share Posted July 21, 2018 6 hours ago, Kevin M said: So I looked at the car today. To me it looks pretty good. Only a few issues that I saw. The radio has a cassette stuck in it. The security light flashes while the door is open. Some paint blemishes. Fluids looked clean. And it’s at a dealership and they are replacing the power antenna. Only think is I think their price may be a little high at 7k firm. Would just like you guys opinion on this. I have put a deposit down but can still back out Buy the car as something you will get years and years of enjoyment from. Don't buy it as an investment (assuming the car will appreciate in value). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DAVES89 Posted July 21, 2018 Share Posted July 21, 2018 If it's the one listed at Richard's Chevrolet it looks real nice. I looked at the pictures on Autotrader and compared to the Red '91 in Florida with 30,000 more miles for the same money this one is a way better value. This Reatta is a 1 owner car with 6 way seats and everything looks well taken care of. Minimal fading of the interior, and seats are not cracked or worn. Front cornering lamps are clear and tail is nice as well. Saw minimal amount of sun and looks like it was stored inside and never saw a winter. If you really like it and want a Reatta it would certainly be one to go after. Buy the best one you can afford as the more expensive cars are cheaper in the long run. BTW there is another Reatta on Auto Trader, a Red/Tan 91 with the same miles, the guy wants $12,000 for it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevin M Posted July 21, 2018 Author Share Posted July 21, 2018 Yeh that’s the one. I have doubts since this will be the most expensive thing I’ve ever bought. Besides the few things I mentioned above. It also doesn’t have the correct floor mats and none of the books. But those shouldn’t be too hard to find. Looks like I’ll be giving the dealership a call tomorrow to confirm a pickup time. Thanks all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DAVES89 Posted July 22, 2018 Share Posted July 22, 2018 I saw that the floor mats looked a different color. If they are tan I would be interested. Can't help you on the books. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
padgett Posted July 22, 2018 Share Posted July 22, 2018 If you have the VIN, check here. May have some information. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevin M Posted July 22, 2018 Author Share Posted July 22, 2018 @DAVES89 I believe they are Cadillac mats. But I’ll double check. They didn’t have the R in the middle. @padgett that site had a bit more info thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DAVES89 Posted July 22, 2018 Share Posted July 22, 2018 You are correct they are Cadillac so I will pass. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisWhewell Posted July 27, 2018 Share Posted July 27, 2018 Find something wrong with it, and get them down 500, shouldn't be hard to do, esp if you pull out a wad of $ 100 bills. I've noticed people seem to react to piles of green paper differently than they do to words. Maybe run the codes in in on-board diagnostics, something is certain to show up in history at least. Alternately, if price is firm, ask for a 90 day warranty on drivetrain, all dealers typically give that as a default anyway Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisWhewell Posted July 27, 2018 Share Posted July 27, 2018 91 year model is most desirable, to me at least. The cup holder is the deal maker. But, I also like the braking system on the 91's. As soon as one comes up near me with low mileage and at the right price, I'm grabbing it. I realize this may take years, but that's ok. The 1999 supercharged Riv. I just got with 40k on it, I spent 6 years looking for !! Buicks are awesome, some of the best engineers in the trade... I think my 99 Riv. is my all-time favorite, but still love driving Ms. Reatta. Just need to find a reliable ECM for it. Get the 91 for sure, you can always drive it down thisaway and sell it to me.....:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevin M Posted July 27, 2018 Author Share Posted July 27, 2018 @ChrisWhewell I bought it two days ago i love it so far. My project for this afternoon is taking apart the ECC to clean it since it’s stuck on 90 for the heat. And since I’m in there I’m going to try to get the cassette that’s stuck out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
padgett Posted July 28, 2018 Share Posted July 28, 2018 BTW, 90 has the same cup holder. 91 did have a more modern engine (L), transmission (4T60E), and ABS but much the same as a 90 otherwise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now