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88k Original Miles: 1992 Buick Roadmaster Estate

Many people lament the passing of the full-size station wagon. The reality is that there will probably never again be the sales volumes that would allow manufacturers to justify the cost of developing new models. That means that wagons like this 1992 Buick Roadmaster mark the end of the line for a body style that can be traced back to the earliest days of automobile production. This is a tidy survivor that would seem to need nothing and is ready for a new owner to drive and enjoy. Located in Los Angeles, California, you will find the Roadmaster listed for sale here on Barn Finds Classifieds. This beauty could be yours for $12,990.

The final generation of Buick’s Roadmaster was introduced in 1991 and remained in production until 1996. The range included the Estate, which was a spacious vehicle that offered impressive performance and fuel economy for its size. This Estate is finished in White, and its presentation is a long way above average for a family wagon of this age. The panels are as straight as an arrow, while the gaps are as tight as you are likely to find in a passenger vehicle from the 1990s. Apart from a small scratch on the hood, the only fault worth noting is the missing Buick emblems off two of the hubcaps. One of the most prone areas of exterior presentation is the faux-woodgrain. This feature is vinyl, and if it becomes damaged, it can be hard to obtain a replacement that matches. There are no such issues here because the woodgrain looks just as impressive as the paint. The rest of the vehicle presents superbly, and the two-way clam-shell tailgate adds a touch of versatility when loading items or children into the back. Removing any claustrophobic feelings for 2nd-row passengers, the Estate comes equipped with an enormous fixed sunroof.

The interior of the Roadmaster is both nicely appointed and in excellent condition. The seats are upholstered in supple leather, and there is only some minor wear on the driver’s seat to indicate that we are dealing with a 29-year-old family station wagon. The rest of the trim and upholstery is in excellent order, while the carpet and dash are equally impressive. The 3rd-row seat adds to the vehicle’s versatility, and it is spotlessly upholstered to match the rest of the interior. The area of a family wagon’s interior that can begin to look tatty is the rear cargo area. Luggage, groceries, the family dog, and all manner of items can slip and slide around the place, inflicting some pretty nasty damage. That isn’t an issue here, with that area of the Buick presenting in above-average condition. Life is made more comfortable on the road by the inclusion of climate-control air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, a tilt wheel, and a premium AM/FM radio and cassette player.

The owner supplies no engine photos, but we know that the Roadmaster is powered by a 350ci V8, backed by a 4L60 4-speed automatic transmission. That V8 is required to move a not-inconsiderable 4,469lbs, which it does pretty successfully. The ¼ mile ET of 17.9 seconds is nothing to be sneezed at in a vehicle of this type. Driven with a little bit of care, the Roadmaster Estate can easily break 20mpg, making it quite frugal when you consider its size and weight. From a mechanical standpoint, there is plenty to like about this Estate. It has a genuine 88,000 miles showing on its odometer and has recently received a full mechanical check by a qualified technician. It is in good health and is ready to tackle a cross-country adventure. It also comes with the original Window Sticker and Owner’s Manual.

I can remember a time when many buyers begrudgingly purchased a full-size family station wagon out of necessity rather than choice. Growing families meant growing grocery buys at the market, and the family sedan didn’t cut the mustard in those circumstances. However, the landscape has changed. The SUV has taken over from the wagon. As 1996 drew to a close, Buick chose to draw the curtain on Roadmaster Estate production. Today, good examples are eagerly sought. This looks like it is a good one, so if a station wagon is on your wish list, maybe this one deserves a closer look.

Comments

  1. Avatar ClassicCarFan

    Ha ha… did somebody cut-n-paste the whole opening paragraph from the write up on that Chevy Impala Kingswood wagon a few days back ? :-)

    ” Many people lament the passing of the full-sized station wagon, but the harsh reality is that sales fell to the point where it was no longer financially viable to develop and build new models”

    Like 3
  2. Avatar george mattar

    Beautiful and carries much more than any stupid overpriced SUV on the market. And these cars float down the highway delivering 25 mpg, if you don’t drive 90 mph. Wish I had space in the garage.

    Like 2
  3. Avatar Mike

    I bought the exact car (high mileage) from my brother in law in 2005 for $350. Drove it from Philadelphia to San Antonio without a problem. Had to turn on the heater to help with overheating a couple of times, but otherwise road like a dream. It was a great cruiser and really fun to pile in the friends. The old ac had trouble blowing cold air to the very back 3rd seat, so it was only a fair weather driver. Sold it to a friend a year later for $500. Wish I had kept it : (

    Like 1
  4. Avatar Bob

    Good shape for its age. Big car, reminds me of a beached blue whale.

    Like 0
  5. Avatar Gerard Frederick

    A real american beauty! If you have a large family, this is it.

    Like 0
  6. Avatar ACZ

    A beautiful example. The only thing that could be better would be a 94-96 with the LT-1.

    Like 1
  7. Avatar Ron

    Nice looking wagon. It’s a bit too new for me but would be a great car for someone. A guy I know who sells classic Cadillacs has one of these and won’t give it up!

    Like 0

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