1985 Pontiac Parisienne Brougham 5.0 4bbl from North America
Summary:
A reliable asphalt tank
Faults:
The tail pipe fell off after hitting a large pot hole.
A couple stains, rips, and burns in the seats.
The rear bumper has almost completely rotted out with rust.
Paint is in very poor condition, the sun has taken its toll on the car. the roof is starting to rust due to the paint damage, the trunk is also rusting. The sides of the car, (doors, fenders) are starting to fade/rust.
There is a large rust hole on the passenger side of the car where the front passenger door and rear passenger door meet.
General oil change.
General Comments:
This is my second car, at 18 years old I have only owned big boat cars. My first car was a 1987 Buick Regal. I really like that car, but I lost it last winter in a four car pile up.
I bought this car on the side of the road for $350. Despite the bad paint, rust, and rot, I feel this was a great buy.
The engine has a little over 132,000 miles on it and is running strong. It is pretty quick and so far hasn't disappointed me at a red light.
The interior is great! My friends like to say its "Big Pimpin".
My stock radio used to cut in and out, until I figured out the cigarette lighter was causing a short in my wiring. After disconnecting it, and replacing the fuse, the radio worked great, except my left speakers never seemed to work unless I hit a big bump. Replacing the stock radio with a Kenwood CD player has fixed the speaker problems.
The dash has cracked due to sun damage, I plan to buy a carpeted dash cover to cover the dash.
The trunk is VERY large, I thought my 1987 Buick Regals trunk was big, but this one can fit at least three, maybe even four people in it. I can fit my spare tire, my sub-woofer box (dual 12" pioneer sub-woofers), my jack, tool box, and a large cooler and still have room for more.
This is indeed a luxury car, power windows, power seat, VERY comfortable interior, cruise control, tilt steering wheel, good speakers, what more could you ask for?
Although the paint is in rough shape, I still plan to keep the car. I got an estimate for a new paint job. $1200 for new paint, getting rid of the dents, rust, and rot holes. I don't know if I want to spend $1200 to get this $350 car looking good.
I was considering selling the car and buying a little import, but after owning the car a couple months I have decided that this is the car for me.
Fast, reliable, easy to maintain and lots of chrome.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 18th July, 2003
13th Nov 2009, 01:28
I too have an 85 Paris Brougham loaded 175000 miles and beautiful plush velour blue/grey interior. I will paint it, new vinyl, and re-chrome as necessary, and when engine retires, will rebuild it.
My friends call it the Land Yacht, Bruiser, Pimpmobile, and El Limosina. I may repaint stock silver or splash charcoals/black. Bought off original owner's widow in 2003 and only major issue was a tranny change in my backyard.
My last love was a 1981 Monte that I changed from light blue to midnight metallic blue.
28th Sep 2010, 11:06
I have a 1985 Parisienne with 91k miles put on by 2 local senior citizens here in Roseburg, Oregon.
No road salt here. The driver's seat is wearing, The silver paint on the roof and hood is getting thin, but all the rest is holding up like new! The chrome, including both bumpers and the $100 each wire-wheel covers, is all showroom.
The first owner was a service fanatic, off to the alignment shop or tune-up palace at the drop of a hat (60k miles). The second owner just drove it (30k miles) and did not believe in washing or polishing. The first wash made it look 30 years younger, the motor did not even need washing or cleaning! All original and runs like a clock. All power, with everything working, I am going to vacuum and dust the interior today and advertise it in our local newspaper as I have five cars now and need the parking.
A truly classic looking vehicle which seems ready to drive huge distances in ease and comfort effortlessly and reliably. When I ran the Parisienne through my regular oil change place, the guys commented on the condition and originality of the whole car.
I call it the Rhino, just one tough animal!
20th Jul 2009, 22:56
If you love this car like I used to love my Parisienne, never sell it... You will cry when you see the other guy go away with the car (that's what I did when I sold mine)... Trust me ;)