Faults:

Since I bought the car in 1999, I've replaced the exhaust system twice (I live on the ocean).

The A/C compressor died around 175,000 miles. The rear end was leaking oil around then, but was an easy fix.

Other than that, it's just been expected maintenance.

General Comments:

With almost 200,000 miles this car still runs as strong as it did when new. It doesn't burn any oil.

It is FAST. I can't believe the speedometer only goes to 85, because it does far past that, without strain.

It's the most comfortable car I've ever been in, and is fun to drive. It has no power options, but is a longer lasting car for that reason.

I have no doubt that my next car will be another late 80s Caprice. I would love to get my hands on a 2 door.

Faults:

There have been a number of things requiring work on the car.

I first replaced the sway bar, which had rusted and broken.

I have had new front pads/rotors installed.

I also had new front rotors and brake pads put on; the pads had worn enough so that the rotors were damaged.

General Comments:

The car could use more power, I have measured the 0-60 at 16 seconds. I have to attribute this to age and wear, as the car seems simply "tired" as a result of it's age. If the car were new or engine were rebuilt I would imagine that probably 6 seconds could be cut off that time.

The car is amazingly roomy and has plenty of space in the trunk and in the backseat.

This car has a smooth ride that is unmatched by most vehicles on the road today.

Faults:

Most of the things that have gone wrong with this car have been interior electrical items, like the windshield wiper selector switch.

The water pump did go out at about 120,000 miles. This has been the only major repair item.

The body is a little rough, with some rust spots in areas.

General Comments:

Quoth the Blues Brothers: "It's got cop suspension, cop brakes, cop tires..."

It's roomy, fast, comfortable, reliable, and unstoppable.

Designed to jump curbs if necessary.

Faults:

When I got the car, the power antenna didn't work.

Also, the resonator is rusted out due to sitting in a garage for 11 years.

General Comments:

This car is incredible. I got it from my grandfather last year. You might think that as a teenager I would want a Mustang or something like that... no way! This car has no modern equal. There has never been a more practical vehicle. This car has a ludicrously huge trunk (even with the full size spare in there), an incredibly roomy and comfortable interior, dual bench seats, power antenna, power windows, power locks, power trunk, and more than decent power from the Chevrolet 305 cubic inch L03 engine. The fastest I've pushed this beast is 0-60 in 8.96 seconds (after cold air intake and a throttle cable adjustment). All of my friends love the car, especially the ladies. I constantly hear things like "Wow this car is so cool! I want one too!" and "This is the most pimped out car in the school." Might be because everybody loves chrome. All I really did was put in a new sound system...

As running costs go, parts are cheap and I haven't had to replace anything, but the antenna so far. The only reason this car got an 8 instead of a 9 or 10 is because of the gas mileage. But anyone who owns one of these classic cars knows that owning one is well worth the price of gas.

In conclusion, whether you're looking for a family car or a project car, the Caprice is the answer.