1986 Chevrolet Caprice Classic 350 from North America

Summary:

Well worth the money and built like a rock

Faults:

Just small things; water pump caused by original 25 year old radiator was rusting and flushing bad water through the cooling system. Replaced radiator, water pump, hoses and thermostat - all under $300.00, 3 years ago.

Other than than that, just typical brakes, oil changes etc. Very cheap to maintain these cars, and super easy to work on by yourself.

General Comments:

I own a 2004 BMW 325i and a 2010 BMW X3. The Caprice is by far the most reliable out of the 3, and is always there when I need it as a backup when the BMWs go into the shop (especially the X3). My wife may not like the look of it, though she sure loves the silky smooth ride and room.

I bought the Caprice in 2005 from a friend's neighbor whose daughter used it in college 300 miles away. She never checked the oil for the 3 years she drove it, and the 305 started to smoke. I paid $350.00 for it and dropped in a 1991 police Caprice 350 from a wrecked unit with low miles. Roadtripped to Vegas, Reno, Arizona, Los Angeles (twice), Canada etc from Seattle, and the Caprice never ever skipped a beat! Got 24 MPG on the highway to boot :).

The Caprice is the 3rd full size Chevrolet I owned in my 42 years on this earth. I owned a 1970 Impala custom coupe and a 1972 Caprice sedan with a 400 engine, and those cars were just as bullet proof (really miss the 1970 Impala I had in college 20 years ago).

Final words; if anyone is considering buying a 1977-90 Caprice/Impala, don't hesitate so long it has a 4.3, 5.0 or 5.7 litre V8; you will not be disappointed, trust me.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 15th August, 2014

16th Aug 2014, 20:49

The worst motor these cars came with was the 229 3.8 V6.

17th Aug 2014, 18:41

Super cars - I owned several over the years (bought low-mileage for peanuts). My favorite was my first, a 1982 model in a two-tone beige and light-brown, with the little 267 cubic inch (4.3 liter) V8. Admittedly it was quite slow in terms of acceleration, but with the super high gearing it was ideal for high speed long distance travel - I drove to NYC and eastern Canada from Missouri many times, cruising at around 80 mph (or sometimes more) the whole way.

The most reliable and cheapest to own of all my cars. Later on I shifted allegiance more towards the Olds Delta 88s of the same era - really prefer the 307 over the 305 and find Oldsmobile seats more comfortable than Chevy seats, but those are minor peccadilloes.

1986 Chevrolet Caprice Classic Brougham V8 305 from North America

Summary:

Great car

Faults:

Brake lines rusted through.

Radio only works when it feels like it.

Weatherstripping falling off.

General Comments:

This is my first car and I love it.

It handles great, and it's fast for its size. I have no trouble passing cars on the freeway.

It is huge and comfortable. It's great for driving all your friends around.

It's the best car I've ever drove. I wouldn't trade it for any new car because it's a true American masterpiece; I don't like Asian cars.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th September, 2009

16th Sep 2009, 17:16

I had an '86 Caprice with almost 200,000 miles on it and it still ran great. I've heard of the police/taxi versions having had 300,000 - 500,000 (!) miles on them and still on the road! With regular maintenance these things run forever. I wish new cars these days were built to last like the 1980's Caprice was. Keep your transmission serviced, my sister had a '91 Caprice (newest body style before they quit making them) and had her tranny go out at less than 140,000 miles..

The '80s Caprices "cousins" were great cars too (same chassis, diff names) : Oldsmobile Delta 88 and 98 Regency (until '87 when they changed them to V6 FWD), and '80s Pontiac Parissiene. Hang onto it, it'll be a classic someday!

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