Mileage claims are sometimes a minefield. The reality is that in the absence of documentary evidence, they must be taken at face value. Such is the case with this 1984 Buick Electra Park Avenue. It presents well as a survivor-grade classic, and its lack of interior wear seems to support the seller’s claim that it has 13,000 miles on the clock. It has caught the eye of a respectable number of people, but that hasn’t translated into bids. The seller has listed the Buick here on eBay in Helotes, Texas. They set their auction to open at $5,000, and it appears that there is No Reserve on this beauty.
When Buick released its Fifth Generation Electra range in 1977, it adopted an industry-wide trend of downsizing to improve efficiency and to counter engine power lost to tighter emission regulations. The only dimension that increased was the vehicle’s height, improving interior headroom and allowing a more upright seating position than in its predecessor. This generation remained on sale until 1984, with our feature Park Avenue variant leaving the line that year. It makes a stunning first impression in Dark Autumn Maple with a matching vinyl top. The exterior has a light dust layer, making it impossible to identify minor cosmetic imperfections. However, the appearance is promising, and the seller states there is no accident history. Rust doesn’t appear to be a problem, while the trim and glass look excellent.
In the absence of documentation, we must rely on the Buick’s overall condition to assess the potential validity of the mileage claim. The interior mounts a strong case, with no significant wear or evidence of UV damage. The back seat looks more luxurious than my loungeroom, thanks to the Burgundy trim and deep seat padding. The rear seat image reveals a sagging headliner, which is a typical issue in Buicks from this era. Whether it requires repair or replacement is unclear, but it is one of the few items deserving criticism. The Park Avenue received air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a six-way power driver’s seat, cruise control, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM stereo radio as standard equipment. The first owner selected a power passenger seat to improve the luxurious feel, while the factory radio has vacated the premises in favor of a modern CD player.
Ordering a 1984 Electra Park Avenue brought the 5.0-liter V8 as standard equipment. A 5.7-liter Diesel was an extra-cost option, but those motors tend to spoil the refinement of these luxury vehicles. This Electra features the 5.0-liter engine, a four-speed THM200-4R automatic transmission, and power steering and brakes as standard equipment in 1984. The motor should generate 140hp and 240 ft/lbs of torque, resulting in competent performance. The seller doesn’t provide information about the Buick’s mechanical condition, and doesn’t mention evidence verifying the mileage claim. However, the impression conveyed is that this Electra is a turnkey proposition.
With its sagging headliner addressed, this 1984 Buick Electra Park Avenue would present exceptionally well for a vehicle of this vintage. It would be ideal for enthusiasts who wish to combine luxury and practicality, because this Buick ticks both boxes. For me, the only question hanging over this car is that of the odometer reading. Does the condition make you believe it is genuine, or has the odometer rolled over? It will be interesting to gauge your feedback on the subject.
headliner is definitely toast.
Beautiful example of what a luxury car used to be. Big, stylish, comfortable, rather than small jellybeans with hard seats. I wish I could but it.
Two burgundy Buicks? Alright!
Dahling I love you but give me Park Avenue, 225 viewers, not one( 1) bid. And around and around it goes,,,,I mean, if a sweetheart like this has no interest, pretty doomed. I was at an estate sale, had a similar year Olds, also very low mileage, place was packed,,,not one offer.
I had already commented on the other burgundy Buick about my ’82. Which was this exact color. The factory Buick road wheels on mine really changes the look of the car. I’m not sure if its a trick of the light but it looks like the steering column is a different color. But otherwise it looks like a solid old survivor. The weak point on mine was the THM 200 4R, by 90000 miles it started slipping, but the Olds 307 ran great.
I wish you could buy a new Buick. exactly like this. today. There definitely is a place for a large RWD 4 door sedan in today’s market.
I agree. I’d love to go back to driving a car instead of full-sized trucks just to get leg, shoulder & hip room.
that sure is a rough 13k miles. nowhere near as nice as the 85 listed. trailer hitch hanging off the back and looks like the steering column was replaced as a theft recovery possibly. total mess under the hood. i think 113k.
After looking at the pictures again, I tend to agree. The hitch tells me something was towed and that always has makes me nervous. What was towed?
The steering wheel doesn’t look like it fits right onto the column. And, as you said, the engine looks pretty dirty for 13k miles. Ebay ad says ” odometer READS 13k miles. So what? 113k miles in my book.
I’d buy this one if only it were closer. I’m too old to travel far to fetch a car. These were nice road cars for sure.
I was WITH you, until the after-market radio: HARD PASS
Mileage 113,xxx. No doubt in my mind after studying pictures.
the slowest car i have ever owned.
The Auto Check report on the eBay auction clearly states the last odometer reading of 106,000 miles in October of 2000. After another 25 years, this could have 113k or 213k miles. The front bumper guard cushions are usually not missing on a 13k mile car. The stainless trim on the front seats has been changed as the woodgrain stickers were not on 1984 models, they were just plain. There is also a bulge on the passenger side c-pillar vinyl top area which might be a rust bubble. With some TLC, this car could be a presentable driver but it’s definitely not a 13k mile showpiece.