Imagine a world where you could buy a classic with a V8 under the hood, room to easily seat five people, enough creature comforts to make any journey enjoyable, and the whole package could be yours for under $6,000. Well, you don’t need to imagine, because this 1993 Buick Roadmaster makes that vision a reality. It isn’t perfect, but its cosmetic needs are so minor that the new owner could address them when (or if) they deem it necessary. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Tony P for spotting the Buick listed here on Craigslist in Mesa, Arizona. You could drive it away after handing the seller a mere $5,500.
It is sometimes said that a week is a long time in politics, and it is fair to say that thirty-three years is an eternity in the automotive industry. However, that was how long the Roadmaster badge lay dormant before Buick revived it for the 1991 model year. Initially attached to the Estate, the company introduced a Sedan variant in 1992. The Roadmaster remained in production until 1996 before once again disappearing into the wilderness. Our feature car emerged from the showroom in 1993, ordered by its first owner in Bright White. This car is a genuine survivor and, having spent its life in its current location, it has managed to remain rust-free. What surprises me is that the Buick hasn’t suffered at the hands of the Arizona sun. The paint shines impressively, with no signs of baking. The plastic isn’t warped or cracking, and there is no bright trim deterioration. I would never consider describing the condition as perfect, with the photos revealing minor paint imperfections. However, most of these are confined to the bumpers, which would be easy and cheap to fix.
The pleasant surprises continue inside this Roadmaster, and the state of the interior suggests it has been safely squirreled away in a garage when not prowling the streets. The plastic isn’t baked, and the seat leather isn’t dry or cracked. There is some wear on the driver’s seat, but if the new owner is working to a budget, a set of slipcovers would hide the problem. The carpet is beginning to fade in a couple of spots, and one horn button is missing from the leather-wrapped wheel. However, for a classic of this vintage, the impression is largely positive. The leather upholstery isn’t the only aspect of the interior to emphasize the luxury leanings, with this car featuring ice-cold climate-control air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power front seats, power mirrors, cruise control, and an AM/FM radio/cassette player.
Buick adopted a one-size-fits-all approach when devising the 1993 Roadmaster’s specifications. Buyers received Chevrolet’s L05 version of the 5.7-liter V8, teamed with a four-speed automatic transmission. Power steering was standard fare, as were anti-lock brakes. The V8 wasn’t a fireball by modern standards, delivering 180hp and 300 ft/lbs of torque according to the company’s sales literature. A modified version of the LT1 would arrive in 1994, boosting both figures considerably. The seller indicates that this car’s Emission Certification is current until 2027, and that the tires are good. They also state that the Roadmaster runs and drives exceptionally well, opening the possibility that the buyer could fly in and drive the Buick home.
Some readers will contend that this 1993 Buick Roadmaster is not a true classic due to its age, while others will undoubtedly believe that the number of doors will impact its desirability. I admit that it is newer than many cars we see at Barn Finds, but any vehicle that has seen active duty for thirty-two years in such nice and unmolested condition should be allowed to wear the classic badge. The number of doors is something that can’t be addressed, but it does make this Roadmaster a practical alternative for enthusiasts with young families or teenagers who are getting taller. The price is undeniably affordable and, possibly a surprise to some, values have been slowly climbing. Okay, this Buick might not be everyone’s ideal classic, but those factors make it worth more than a passing glance.
Very nice, but 32 years old, I wouldn’t advise using it as an every day car. But, hey, you never know.
Cold AC and a hot and dry climate where it won’t rust, why not use it daily?
I disagree. I have a 1985 MB 300D that is my daily driver with 341K. I would certainly rather buy this Buick for $5500 than a basic/moderate 2025 that costs 40K to 50K. These older cars are real finds for teenagers, folks looking for a nice ride, and for daily drivers. Keep up with the preventive maintenance and you should be able to drive this another 60K. However, I would have a PPI just to make sure.
Thanks Tony P!
The name ‘Roadmaster’ says it all. I’d drive this all day long!
Buyer Beware! I owned a 93 Roadmaster and Later a 96 Fleetwood Brougham (RWD). Actually The same. The quality of materials and other features was not up to the standards of my previous 89 Fleetwood Brougham deElegance. That being said, both were plagued with issues, the worst being premature rust though of rear wheel openings allowing moisture to get into the trunk and rear seats on the Cadillac and rust though at the base of the center post on the Roadmaster. These were the last of the breed. After careful inspection this could be well worth it
Hell I’m thinking fly in & drive back to Florida ! Now how much is a spirit flight to AZ? I’ve been thinking a car such as this with a remanufactured LS would make a great ride!
Even my 4’10” wife can see over that dash. Being owners of a number of Buicks over the years we can attest to their hardiness and quality feel. If structurally sound, as it appears to be, a nicer ride you won’t find for that price!
This is one of the many examples of what America did best-build good V8-powered RWD cars. And this vehicle was built when that design’s availability was dwindling, as most cars were at best FWD V6 models. This automobile could be an investment. Buy it, keep and maintain it for a few years, and you’ll at least get your money back.
Terry, buy 2 ounces of gold and your money will double.
To Zen: I would not worry one moment about using this as a daily driver. My car is a 1988, has 392,000+ plus miles, nothing re-built, and I would trust driving it anywhere. Admittedly, it’s a Mercury Grand Marquis, and not a Buick — but, by the mid-1980s, virtually all of these full-sized RWD American cars were somewhat under-powered, had four doors, and were about as trouble-free as a Toyota. Several municipalities saw,them employed for years,and years as taxicabs. And they held up well. But when they scrapped the xlassic “boxy” look for tgis bulbous atyle as rhe 1990s dawned, I never liked it, and I still don’t. Cars began to be boxy in the 1960s, and stayed pretty nuch that way anms a,style to return to again and again, glorifying with the end of the 1970s down-sizing — and that syle is ny comfort-zone. Wish I could afford the wagon version, but wagons are getting outrageous in price now. sdon’tgeb ,saw nmid-1980s
To Zen: I would not worry one moment about using this as a daily driver. My car is a 1988, has 392,000+ plus miles, nothing re-built, and I would trust driving it anywhere. Admittedly, it’s a Mercury Grand Marquis, and not a Buick — but, by the mid-1980s, virtually all of these full-sized RWD American cars were somewhat under-powered, had four doors, and were about as trouble-free as a Toyota. Several municipalities saw them employed for years and years as taxicabs. And they held up well. But when they scrapped the classic “boxy” look for this bulbous style as rhe 1990s dawned, I never liked it, and I still don’t. Cars began to be boxy in the 1960s, and stayed pretty nuch that way as a style to return to again and again, glorifying with the end of the 1970s down-sizing — and that style is ny comfort-zone. Wish I could afford the wagon version, but wagons are getting outrageous in price now.
I like the styling of this car’s Chevy twin, the Impala more, especially the SS. But this Buick still has some appeal. The ad says low miles though, and at more than 100,000 even with the car’s age, it could just be starting to have problems. I’d feel better about owning one of Ford’s Panther chassis cars once it got that many miles.
“Tanks” for the memories.
And you can name it Moby Dick, the great white whale, as a friend’s kids did for his, back in the day.
My experience with this car was bad. Pieces just fell off. It was like driving in a cave. Rear visibility was bad. Would spend time at dealer. Liked gasoline real well. It was too big. Sloppy handling. Never found a good driving position. I’m 5’11”. Prior generation of large GM cars were much better!
I liked the Roadmasters from the first time I saw one. They harken back to the big bold and beautiful luxury cars of the early to late 70’s . I believe it was Buicks last full size car of this sert and a clean nice Buick. With this reasonable asking price l could easily see buying it if I needed a car. Nice ride and deal.