39k Mile Survivor: 1994 Chevrolet Lumina

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Chevrolet introduced the mid-size Lumina in 1990. It was a consolidation of the prior Celebrity and Monte Carlo (the latter would return in 1995). It was the Chevy front-wheel-drive equivalent of the Olds Cutlass Supreme, Buick Regal, and Pontiac Grand Prix. These were roomy cars (a good friend of mine had one like the seller’s) and 2-door versions found a lot of success in NASCAR in the 1990s. This ’94 edition looks to be in great shape and has less than 39,000 miles, which should equate to having lots of life left. Located in Hartford, Connecticut, this Chevy is available here on Facebook Marketplace for a used car price of $4,500. We appreciate this “illuminated” tip from Dennis House.

When the Lumina debuted, it was thought to be playing catch-up with rival Ford which already had an aero-designed mid-size car, the Taurus. The Corvette contributed in part to the design of the rear suspension of the Lumina which went with a transversely mounted fiberglass rear spring with struts. The five-year run of the Lumina’s first generation sold well, adding up to more than 900,000 copies. For 1994, more than 75,000 4-door sedans like this one were assembled.

We’re told that this Chevy runs well even though it sat up for the past few months (new battery). But we don’t know what engine resides under the hood, but a likely culprit is a 191 cubic-inch V6 paired with an automatic transmission. For the era, these cars were reasonably fuel-efficient, rated at 26 mpg on the highway. The seller refers to this Lumina as a “Grandma Special” likely because the odometer reading is so low for an automobile that’s nearly 30 years old.

The body, white paint, and blue interior all look up to par and in line with the reported mileage. It could stand a little detailing, especially with the interior. And a set of stylish wheels would look better than the plastic aftermarket wheel covers this car is wearing. The seller has a sense of humor, indicating that no trades would be considered unless they’re worth tons more than this car!

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Comments

  1. Basic Needs

    Its hard to see a Lumina as a collector.
    The good news is this is not the GM silver that peeled off these car quickly.

    Good luck on a four door basic economy car with minimal performance for sale. 🥱

    Like 5
  2. rudy nine

    These really aren’t much for for collectors, but I liked mine. Years ago I junked a nissan sentra after 300,000 kilometres and moved “up” to a Lumina. Power steering, brakes and when you pushed the pedal down, it accelerated decently without rowing the gear shift.
    Luxury!

    Like 6
  3. Stan StanMember

    These Luminas seemed a real upgrade from the previous Chevrolet family 👪 model.. the Celebrity.

    Like 4
  4. SG

    The Luminas had a tendency to get exhaust leaks and converter rattles as they aged – it was a unique sound. Those cars were all over our city and I can still hear it in my head whenever I see one!

    Like 3
  5. CCFisher

    If “meh” were a car….

    Like 3
    • Big_FunMember

      Yes. I had to laugh – when reading the FB description this ad (see above), seemed way more exciting. And a better value in the long term.

      Like 1
      • Big_FunMember

        Good news – the V6 was standard in a Lumina by ’94.

        I hate myself for knowing that…

        Like 1
  6. jwzg

    God forbid this turd has an Iron Duke.

    Like 2
  7. Vin_NJ

    More than 900,000 copies, mainly because these were fleet vehicles found in ever rental company.

    Like 1
  8. Zen

    Decent, reliable car, not very comfortable but gets you back and forth. Reasonably priced, but it’s old, and will probably nickel and dime anyone trying to use it every day.

    Like 1
  9. TimS

    Comments section sponsored by the editors of Accepted Classics Quarterly.

    Like 1
  10. Jim

    Had two versions. 91 Lumina 4dr Maui Blue 3.1 V6 and a 95 Z34 2dr white. Both very good reliable vehicles and I wished I had them back. Better then this junk today made to last never.

    Like 1

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