If I could ever give sellers a single piece of advice when listing their classics, it would be to provide the best possible photos. That means not only capturing the car from every angle but attacking it with a bucket of soapy water and a sponge beforehand to present the vehicle in the best possible light. The seller hasn’t followed any of that advice with this 1988 Buick Riviera, meaning that it will be interesting to see how long it takes to find a new home. Located in Troy, Ohio, they have listed this gem here on Facebook Marketplace. It could be yours once you hand over $8,250, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Ted for spotting this luxurious survivor.
Buick released its Seventh Generation Riviera range in 1986, and sales were respectable, rather than spectacular. The 1988 model year was 1-of-2 where the volume dropped below 10,000, with 8,625 buyers taking one home that year. The seller doesn’t just shortchange themself with the photos, because their description runs to a mere eight words. There are times when less is more, but this is a case where less is undoubtedly less. I have spent considerable time scrutinizing the photos, trying to determine whether the Light Antelope Firemist paint has deteriorated, or whether a combination of dirt and the prevailing light presents the car at its worst. However, it appears to hold a respectable shine over most surfaces, and the steel is free from significant dings and rust. The Landau-style vinyl top would benefit from a deep clean, but the glass, trim, and wire wheel covers are pretty nice for a survivor of this vintage.
Buick marketed the Riviera as a Personal Luxury Car. Therefore, its interior carries all the features you might expect from a car of this type produced in 1988. These include air conditioning, power operation for the windows, locks, mirrors, seats, and trunk release, leather trim, a tilt wheel, cruise control, acres of faux timber, and a premium AM/FM radio/cassette player. This interior sends mixed signals, because the lack of physical damage and wear on the seats, carpet, dash, and plastic seem to support the mileage claim. However, the wheel deterioration is at odds with the rest of the interior. However, if considered purely as a survivor-grade vehicle, the overall presentation is comfortably acceptable.
This Riviera is powered by a 3.8-liter V6 that sends 165hp and 210 ft/lbs of torque to the front wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. Cars of this type typically feature power-assisted steering and brakes, and this Riviera is no exception. Outright acceleration won’t be dazzling by modern standards, but cut-and-thrust city traffic and open-road cruising at 70mph shouldn’t raise a sweat. It is worth noting that getting a Riviera to top 25mpg isn’t difficult, making it a worthy candidate for a daily driver. One interesting aside with this engine is that it didn’t merely see service in North America. Holden adapted it to a rear-wheel-drive platform when it released its Australian Commodore VN model in 1988. These V6s are still highly sought after because they are also the control engine for that country’s Wingless Sprintcar speedway category. They are typically bulletproof and can survive for seasons without major work. The seller claims that this Buick has a genuine 44,000 miles on the clock without mentioning verifying evidence. However, it runs and drives well, and is ready to head into the sunset with a new owner behind the wheel.
This 1988 Buick Riviera is a tidy survivor, although making an accurate assessment of its condition is challenging due to the seller’s low-quality images. It would be interesting to know whether they hold verifying evidence for the mileage claim because that does impact its potential value. Their price is undeniably affordable but also at the top end of the market. The real sticking point could be the devaluation factor because these cars have slumped by between 5% and 10% over the past year. That means they fail as an investment, but this one could still function as an extremely comfortable and fuel-efficient daily driver. That might make it worth an in-person inspection.
One look at any generation of Riviera model, I think comfortable cruising. Always well appointed, elegant, and equipped with good engines and power for their day. Remember the final model was the Supercharged 3800. 🏁
It’s not an ’88. The lengthened rear end came along for 1989.
You are correct, sir. I’m with the author on cleaning up before you sell. Why don’t people clean up their rides if they expect to sell it? We’ve all seen cars on BF, Facebook, Craigslist, etc., where they don’t bother to even vacuum.
That lack of effort makes me wonder how well the car has been cared for in its life.
You’re right about the year. If it were newer than 89, it would have an air bag.
I have to agree with the author. Between the paucity of good pictures and lack of verbosity in the description, coupled with the high asking price, I think the car will be a tough sell.
You are correct, sir. I’m with the author on cleaning up before you sell. Why don’t people clean up their rides if they expect to sell it? We’ve all seen cars on BF, Facebook, Craigslist, etc., where they don’t bother to even vacuum.
That lack of effort makes me wonder how well the car has been cared for in its life.
Miniature boat ride anyone?
My first glance at the front end I thought it was a Cadillac. I was busy raising a 4, 2, and new born in 1988, didn’t have much time to look at new vehicles.
Nice car but not worth the price. Too many components that there are not replacements for.
they run great with the 3800 v6 but they are electrical nightmares when the dashes and the hvac control head stop working. good luck
There was a sweet lady in my hometown with exact cat except it was silver. She passed away and the car ended up for sale in her front yard. It was beautiful inside and out and an indestructible 3.8 motor. A friend of mine was interested in it and took it to a garage for a total going over before he would purchase it. You coulda poked a screw driver through the frame in 12 places.
It doesn’t have a frame. It’s a unibody. Now if you mean the engine cradle, that’s completely different, but those don’t usually degrade because that is up front, not behind the tires.
Boy , the Riviera name had along run.
From reading in Wiki the seventh generation Rivieras , ‘86 to’93 , were Unibody construction.
No frame.
You poked a hole in that story!
This is an 89 Riviera not an 88. I had an 89. The Facebook ad says it is an 89. That makes some of the authors information incorrect also because those facts are based on an 88. Sales for 89 were 21,189 compared to the 8625 for ’88. A much larger sales figure due to the more appealing rear end restyling in ’89.
Nice looking Riv. Had a 92 that was similar to this. Was a nice older car when I got it. As far as the engine goes it was a good driver but no mileage champ. 22 mpg was about it.
This car is not that bad compared to some of the mud baths advertised lately. These were nice cars four decades ago. Still a nice example but I don’t think he’ll get his ask.