1996 Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon Limited Collector 5.7 LT1 V8

Summary:

Nothing better on the road!!!

Faults:

When I first bought the car, I found out it was a retired hearse. Not that there was anything wrong. The problem that I had was that powered seats motor gave out. It's very bad on gas unless you're on the highway. Also a lot of the black rubber bumpers fell off and I had to re glue them..

General Comments:

I really love this car. I'm 19 years old. I bought the car when I was 18 for 8997.50 with 130k miles on it. The car ran like it was brand new. The engine is unstoppable!!!

When people see me pull up in a station wagon, they're like that car doesn't suit you, and I'm like get in and you'll see why I love this car.

It's comfy, smooth, and handles great. It takes turns on the dime, has the best braking from any car I owned, and I'm on my 15th car.

The Roadmaster has beaten all the other cars I've owned by far. I had most of them for a month, then they died or broke down etc etc.

I replaced the cooling system with a racing cooling system; the radiator is much thicker and the trans oil is cooler.

It's the 5.7 LT1 engine that beats most of my friend's hooked up sports cars like their Honda Civics, Fords etc. I barrel down I-95 at top speeds and people barrel out of the way.

The car is huge, but I have no problem parking it on the tight Philadelphia streets.

I'm in the process of buying another Roadmaster just so I can have one as a knock around car, because I'm tired of putting all the miles on my first Roadmaster; it needs a break.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th June, 2004

19th Apr 2008, 20:31

I realize it's a Buick, which means it's tried and true. And I know the Roadmasters are complete gems in every way, but 9 grand for a 96 with 130,000 miles? I would be a bit leery. I'm about to purchase a 96 with 63,000 for $3,850. Less with trade in.

Still, fantastic cars if you're crazy enough to fuel that beast of an engine.

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1996 Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon 5.7

Summary:

This is a comfortable car

Faults:

The vehicle has a self leveling system which is a delight to drive. However, this leveling system "runs" every 10 to 12 minutes when the car is shut off and parked. The noise is quite annoying when camping. Any ideas what the problem is? Is it designed to run this way?

I needed to have the fuel pump replaced by a dealer last summer after a breakdown away from my garage.

General Comments:

This Buick Roadmaster Collectors Edition is very comfortable. The automatic leveling system does a great job of keeping the headlights aimed just right. I drive at night fairly often and do enjoy this feature. My wife likes it so much I am browsing for another. Mine is a white woody with cloth seats. I am going for the leather seats next time.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th April, 2004

8th Apr 2004, 08:20

If gas prices keep ratcheting upward you should be able to find another Roadmaster available for pretty cheap.

And if the spectre of gas shortages/lines/rationing ever becomes raised, you won't be able to give them away!

27th Nov 2004, 03:38

Oh, boy! The Honda Accord gets about 28 mpg, I think I'll take the 25 mpg this car gets all day long!!! Don't worry about gas mielage with this car if you drive it decently. I'd rather pay a little extra for gas then get killed in some rice burner small car.

23rd Jun 2005, 14:38

You Have A AIR LEAK in the lines or the rear shocks. Most of the rime at the shock.

1996 Buick Roadmaster Limited V8 265 hp

Summary:

Very best auto I have ever owned

Faults:

Had a few drops of fluid on garage floor under the rear axle gear box location--Auto has only 18380 miles on it--Dealer service dept said it needs new pinion seal and wheel speed sensor leaking---Est. cost $309 + tax--The fluid drops were about 6 weeks ago and haven't shown up again--My own opinion is service dept. is drumming up business.

General Comments:

I had always wanted to own a Roadmaster since I was a kid of 11 years old--that was in 1938--I have the Roadmaster Limited Collectors Edition 1996--It truly is a wonderful auto--I must have been a smart kid back then in 1938 to recognize good value--

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th September, 2003

28th Aug 2004, 06:23

The pinion seal leaking is a common problem with the differential in question. The repair cost seemed reasonable, and should have been done. When I first brought mine home (bought it used a month ago, drove it home from Texas to VA) I too noticed the differential leaking. Took it and had it fixed, read on other sites the seal used is only one sided. There are newer two sided seals available that will permenantly fix this problem.

It might behoove you to check the fluid level in the differential, since it has stopped dripping on the floor. Might be low, might be empty. If you are low, and you have a posi rear, you might damage that.