Finding a classic that provides its new owner with a V8 under the hood, space to seat five comfortably, and an asking price below $5,000 can be challenging. However, this 1992 Chevrolet Caprice ticks those boxes. Admittedly, it isn’t perfect. However, it is presentable, and with 78,000 miles on the clock, it could offer years of reliable service. The seller is set to send the Caprice to a new home, listing it here on Craigslist in Sarasota, Florida. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Rocco B. for spotting a car that could be yours for $4,800.

Chevrolet introduced its Fourth Generation Caprice relatively early in 1990 for the 1991 model year. It remained in production until 1996, with the first owner ordering our feature car in 1992. They elected to cloak its exterior in Code 40 White, which is undoubtedly the most subtle shade on that year’s color palette. You don’t need to look hard to spot the imperfections, with the bumpers showing some pretty obvious wear and tear. There are also paint chips and marks, but that might be the worst of its problems. The panels are impressively straight for a driver of this vintage, and the garage-kept history has allowed this classic to remain rust-free. The bumper trim is damaged, although the remaining bright pieces and the glass are in good order. The original steel wheels feature new narrow whitewalls, and the damage-prone wheel covers look excellent.

This Caprice’s interior won’t win the new owner any show trophies, but it is still presentable and free from signs of abuse. The cloth upholstered surfaces haven’t succumbed to use or UV exposure, and the carpet looks surprisingly clean considering its light thread shade. However, there are imperfections that the buyer may wish to address. These include scratches on the glovebox door, wheel wear, and deterioration on the driver’s armrest. These aren’t deal-breakers, and scouring a local pick-a-part might uncover the parts required to lift the interior’s overall presentation. This Caprice also offers some nice equipment for the price, with the new owner receiving a driver’s airbag, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM radio/cassette player.

Lifting this Caprice’s hood reveals a 5.0-liter V8 sending 170hp to the road via a 4L60 four-speed automatic transmission, with power assistance for the steering and brakes standard fare in 1992. The power figure is modest by modern standards, but the Caprice can still return respectable performance if poked with a sharp stick. The seller states that this classic has a genuine 78,000 miles on the clock without mentioning verifying evidence. However, it has been appropriately maintained, meaning that Service Records may provide documentary evidence supporting the claim. They don’t list the new parts that they state were recently fitted, and they provide no information regarding how this gentle giant runs or drives. I see nothing suggesting problems, so this Caprice should be a turnkey proposition.

I’m under no illusions here because I acknowledge that the 1992 Chevrolet Caprice will never feature on the list of the ten most desirable classics to emerge from an American production line. However, that is no reason to dismiss this survivor immediately. It should offer reasonable performance, combined with plenty of space and passenger comfort. Addressing its cosmetic shortcomings would be relatively easy and could offer the new owner a chance to develop their skills on what is undeniably an affordable project candidate. The drivetrain components enjoy a reputation for longevity, and with a low odometer reading, that raises the prospect of years of reliable motoring for the entire family. Those reasons combined are why this Caprice is worthy of serious consideration.