Some questions on the basics

[Guest]

I am looking into the Reatta for a friend who is very passonate about them. Before getting to serious I need to now some details on the years. The major thing I have noticed is the touch screen on the 88-89. My friend really likes this but I am under the impression that if they were discontinued there is probably a good reason for that. If someone can give me a good breakdown of the goods and bads of the different model years I would appreciate it.

THank you

Karl

[Rawja]

If you're into gagetry, the touchscreen is definately the way to go, it is not particularly trouble-prone, and is not expensive or difficult to replace if you should have a problem with it.

The touchscreen debuted on the 1986 Riviera, with Buick aiming for a younger, "sportier", and techno-oriented demographic, which didn't pan out. The enthusiast press, which was never a fan-base for digital dashes in general, lambasted Buick's decision to install such "electronic mummery", the Yuppie market failed to embrace the Riv and the Reatta and the older set which did buy the Riv and Reatta were not comfortable with such a high level of tech. The touchscreen and associated control systems of these cars also cost more than a more standard set-up, so it was a no-brainer for GM to dump it for the 90-91 standard digital dash set-up.

The touch screen makes acessing the cars extensive on board diagnostic capabilities a snap too.

The basic mechanicals are pretty robust and are typical GM 3800/front drive reliable.

The most troublesome area for 88-90 Reattas is the Teves anti-lock braking system, which is reliable if it is properly maintained, however it requires more/different maintenance than a standard system, and without the proper maintainance has been known to COMPLETELY fail, often in inopportune panic-braking situations. there are extensive brake system tests online at www.reatta.net and a completely rebuilt, tested and guarranteed mastercylinder/accumulator setup is available for around $500.00.

Reatta-specific parts are not often available from the General, but we have a number of members who have a stock of parts cars with reasonable pricing.

Other yearly differances can be looked up at www.Reatta.net

[Guest tempest68]

Its my understanding that part of the reason for dumping the CRT for the '90 year was that they'd be hard to read in the sun on the convertibles (convertibles were in '90 and '91 only).

Note that '91s had a new "L" code 3800 motor, 88-90 had "C" code motor. The '91 has 5 more hp. Also note that production numbers of the '91s were lower than any other years, so if price is a consideration an 88-90 may be more affordable.

88-90s had 15" tires, 91s had 16".

[padgett]

Multiple on-board computers, a LAN, buttons everywhere (sometimes more than one that does the same thing,)& a touchscream in the dash. How could a nerd resist ? 8*)

[Guest Greg Ross]

Multiple on-board computers, a LAN, buttons everywhere (sometimes more than one that does the same thing,)& a touchscream in the dash. How could a nerd resist ? 8*) [/quote

<span style="font-weight: bold">I resemble that remark!</span>

[Guest DTerry]

Esoteric, complex, quirky, temperamental...you gotta love it!

Actually maintenance isn't as bad as you would be led to believe by reading these posts. Remember, there's a bunch of folks on this forum, and if each asks one question it would appear to be the world's most unreliable auto. That said, if you can't turn a wrench, follow a wiring diagram or read a volt-ohm meter, you probably would do better with something a bit simpler. There are a zillion little things that are simple to repair or replace or adjust, but if you have to pay someone $65 an hour to do it, then there ain't nothin' cheap.