Another large family wagon to entice those of us who grew up with these large family contraptions. Often driving our parents to the breaking point of their sanity, somehow we cherish those memories more than our parents do. Although this is not a wood applique variety of family hauler, it is still a large and comfortable cruiser with a V8 and air conditioning. The seller even claims that this wagon has only 32,734 miles! Clean as a whistle inside and out this wagon is offered for $3,900. Take a look at it here on craigslist out of Menomonie, Wisconsin. Thanks to Pat L. for the wagon submission!
Although equipped with a V8, this Olds has the smallest engine from the 1986 engine line up. Even though the 307 isn’t the most powerful of the bunch, I am sure it is a bit more economic in the fuel department. Despite the low miles, the engine compartment isn’t particularly clean, but it isn’t a wreck either. There is some mild surface rust to be found on some of the components in the engine bay.
On the other hand, the interior makes you think that this wagon absolutely has 32,734 miles from how clean and well-kept it appears. Perfect is a difficult word to use, but this interior is very close to perfect. The only thing that stands out is the cheesy center console drink holders that seemed to be mandatory in these old wagons.
The body appears decent, but there is some rust developing in the rear quarters. Also the front grill and driver side fender are slightly off in color indicating that this wagon has been in a fender bender before. The chrome and paint is nice, and while this wagon isn’t perfect, it is still a nice example. How many of you grew up with a station wagon?
that engine looks more like 132000…
As does the rest of the car. Given the durability of these interiors, they are never a good indicator of mileage, especially after being detailed. Whoever looks at this should use the rust under the hood and behind the rear wheels to make a judgement call on the mileage claim. The heavy duty rock chips on those quarters are indicative of higher mileage than what is indeed claimed.
Maybe not. It is a Wisconsin car. You as much as sneeze on a car in the Milwaukee area and it turns to rust!!! One tiny scratch and all that salt just jumps right in and BOOM! Ya done! lol!
You wonder why the “Big Three” were struggling in the 80’s? This is a great example of the boring crap they were offering up while Toyota, Nissan, and Honda were at the top of the J.D. Power list of most trouble-free cars.
Sad.
Japanese cars of this era were definitely more trouble free, but taking a wagon like this cross country compared to an 80’s econo box is no comparison- it floats.
No roof glass, no Di-Noc, no thanks.
They were not available with roof glass. It is also missing the standard body side moldings. Good chance it is a repaint.
My parents had the twin to this. Even the same hubcaps. Unfortunately, Pennsylvania winters slowly ate their car up. Brings back memories.
I vote 132,734 miles. It just doesn’t have that low-mileage vibe.
I (even though it is a cheesehead car) totally agree. The off color paint and my favorite red heater core hoses make it loose the low mileage vibe.
I see left front fender and hood replacement on this one. If it was done recently, they should take it back and insist on getting the paint color to match.
How dare you call that drink holder ‘cheesy’. I’ll have you know I have one of those in every one of my cars!
I think they are classy. This one is the wrong color though (Unless they were combining it with the emblem on the steering wheel. Gutsy move!!)
jd, as the car is in Wisconsin the cheesy remark might have been intended as a pun. The drink holders are handy, I have had many.
She looks good for a 1980s domestic car, and wouldn’t mind giving her space in my garage. I’m a bit skeptical about the claimed mileage. She was reasonably well cared for, but not cherished. Their are red flags .. the mis-matched paint, rust on the lower rear quarters, and rust developing behind the cargo area window trim. $2500 would be a fair deal. Hope she goes to a good home
Yes, Dovi65, $2500.00 is about right and then fix what needs to be fixed. It;s a great driver/hauler (i had a 79, sold it, big mistake) very easy to live with.
Maesro1 .. I had a 1985 Pontiac Paris Safari. Pale Yellow w/Burgundy velour interior. It was like riding on a cloud, and had decent enough power. Alas, the build quality was awful. Problems with faulty gauges, radio, rear defroster among other issues. Still … would buy another wagon from this genre
Think this is station wagon finds. com? I love the special wagons but the run of the mill and on everyday?
I grew up in Wisconsin and looking at the bottom of those rear quarters there is no way that car only has 32,000 on it. That is at least 132,000 worth of wear in terms of rust damage. The grime in the engine compartment is another dead giveaway. $2,500 may be a fair price, but I hope the buyer has plenty more stashed away for repairs.
My dad had a 77 ford ltd 2 country squire wagon with every option at the time including the 351 cleaveland v8 it would pass everything but a gas station my dad loved that car i can remeber trying to keep up with him in my 71 torino cobra on our trips down to the outer banks. what can i say outside of his family my dad really loved that car.
This car definitely has 137,000 miles on it! Look it over really good you will see all the indications that it does! I could be wrong, but I am very sceptical!
I am getting ready to paint my wagon and redo the wood grain.Bruce F.
Wisconsin car = rust bucket
Queue the “no way it’s XXXXX” miles. It’s getting boring. I can’t recall seeing 5 cars on here in the last month with under 100k miles on them that people weren’t picking apart the miles on. And it’s always the same 5-6 people, too. How about just enjoying the damn car….you aren’t buying it or selling it.
A cryin’ shame the 1/4 panels where left to rot w/o attempting some method of protection.
Actually, these were quite reliable, very decent modes of transport….the problem(s) lied w/their utterly anemic power plants, i.e., 305 Chevy & 3074bl. Olds motors! !