There seems to be little chance that domestic manufacturers will resume production of Station Wagons in the foreseeable future. Therefore, customers must either rely on imports or search the classic scene for something to fulfill their needs. If you fall into that category, this 1992 Buick Roadmaster Estate deserves a close look. It recently emerged from another estate, having been the pride and joy of a late classic enthusiast. It presents extremely well, and when you add the smooth V8 and third-row seating to the equation, it is easy to see why this Wagon has generated so much interest. The seller has listed the Buick here on eBay in Ashland, Kentucky. They set their BIN at $8,900 with the option to make an offer.
After a thirty-three-year market absence, Buick released the new Roadmaster in 1991. Initially available only in Estate form, a Sedan joined the party in 1992. Our featured Wagon rolled off the line that year, ordered by its first owner in Code 16 Bright White with the faux woodgrain providing a striking contrast. The seller indicates that it recently emerged from the estate of a long-term owner, and its presentation reflects a life protected from the elements. The paint is crisp, and the panels are straight. However, the woodgrain is the star of the show, exhibiting no evidence of major deterioration or faults. The garage-kept history has protected the Estate from rust, while the trim and glass are excellent. The aftermarket wheels won’t appeal to everyone, but I think that they suit this classic’s character.
The Roadmaster Estate’s mechanical specifications evolved during the production run, with the first-year examples featuring a 5.0-liter V8. However, 1992 brought the 5.7-liter TBI V8 to the party, delivering a relatively healthy 180hp and 300 ft/lbs of torque. Those figures represented a significant boost compared to 1991, making the Estate a more effective load carrier or tow vehicle. A four-speed automatic transmission handled shifting duties, while power-assisted steering and anti-lock brakes were standard fare. This Roadmaster’s engine bay is spotless, and it doesn’t flatter to deceive. The seller states that it drives as nicely today as it did when it left the lot. That makes it a turnkey proposition that is primed for family adventures.
The 1992 Roadmaster Estate can easily be considered an extremely comfortable family Wagon. Air conditioning, power windows, power locks, cruise control, and a tilt wheel were standard equipment. This beauty pushes the boat out with its six-way power front seats, Twilight Sentinel, and third-row seating. The Wagon is consistent, because the interior presentation is well above average. The Red cloth on the driver’s seat exhibits some stretching, but there is no evidence of wear or other problems. The carpet is clean, the dash is excellent, and the only visible aftermarket addition is a modern CD player. The lack of physical damage in the back seat and cargo areas suggests this Estate has been treated respectfully throughout its life.
The rise of Minivans and SUVs effectively sounded the death knell for domestically-produced Station Wagons. There is no indication that manufacturers will reverse their decision, because developing a Wagon for a relatively small market segment doesn’t make economic sense. It falls to classics like this 1992 Buick Roadmaster Estate to fill the void, and it does so gracefully. Its impressive presentation and versatility have resulted in a Listing View tally of 288, with 36 people adding the Buick to their Watch List. The seller’s price looks extremely competitive, which is why I believe it will find a new home fairly quickly. So, does this “estate Estate” tick the boxes for you?
Great looking wagon. Wheels gotta go.
Was the ‘90s Roadmaster the last of the great senior Buicks? I think so.
I had one of the sedan versions and a mid 90s Cadillac Fleetwoods whichvI am looking to buy again now. The last of the big roadmasters wagon or sedan were the end of an era of amazing comfort combined with a great handling powerful ride far unlike the puddle jumping small square bathtubs we have been forced to buy. Ill take an old well kept one like this any day
nice wagon poor wheel choice. really makes it look ghetto.
I am the oldest of four children, so my childhood was spent in a Station Wagon going somewhere. My comment/question is on the first sentences, not the beautiful Buick. Why are all the very popular SUVs that look a little taller, but function the same, not a Station Wagon? I currently enjoy a Ford Flex Limited AWD which fulfills the function of a Station Wagon very well. The only unpaved surface it has traversed is my gravel driveway.
Great question. I would also like to add is why is just about all vehicles are four wheel drive I live in Florida where about 99% will never even have the need for 4WD. Now there are other states where 4WD is needed but again how many will never need or use it.
They use more gas…. figure it out it’s not that hard.
Having owned a Roadmaster wagon with the LT1 and 4L60 transmission combo, this wagon is the version to get. If you want more horsepower it’s a tried and true SBC and the sky’s the limit. The trans is also way more stout than the replacement 4L60, with some mods can handle a ton more.
The 2nd Gen LT1 is a complete nightmare to owe in this day and age. The OptiSpark distributor is no longer re-manufactured properly and only available through one or two trusted sources rebuilt. Be prepared to pay a pretty penny for them.
Replacing the Optispark is a “fun time”, it’s on the front of the engine under the water pump. When the water pump fails it takes out the distributor. Whoever thought this was a good idea needs to be taken outback Old Yellar style. Oh did I mention the water pump seal is prone to damage during installation do to it’s design . . .
Spark plugs are near impossible to get to as are the wires. The final capper is the 4L60 AKA 4 L Slippy! The sun ring inside this auto is known to spontaneous fail leading to a full transmission rebuild.
I really loved my wagon but the issues dealing with the LT1/4L60 combo were plainly not worth it.
Had I known would have selected this wagon with the “lesser” engine/trans combo.
You saved me a Bunch of typing DG…. agree 100 proof,🥃 percent
Thanks RW! Wish I had known before heading into a money pit :(
Love the kidney bean wheels
I want a 92 wagon that looks like a Woodie (Surf City here we come)
She looks very cherry, shes an oldie but a goody (Surf City here we come)
Theres a 2nd backseat facing the rear window
350 V-8, plenty “Get Up N Go”
Dah Dah Dah Dah (Excuse me Jan & Dean)
If you are old enuff to get this post you are “Old Enough”.
I want to strap a couple surfboards with 3 skegs each to the roof rack on this RoadMonster and cruise the East Coast from Myrtle Beach to Daytona.
WHEN YOU GET TO dAYTONA GIVE ME A SHOUT ID LIKE TO SE THAT WAGON HAD A BIG ROADMASTER IN THE DAY iM LOOKING NOW FOR ONE OR BETTER YET A 96 CADDY FLEETWOOD WHICH I ALSO HAD
I want a 92 wagon that looks like a woodie (Surf City here we come)
She looks very cherry, an oldie but a goody (Surf City here we come)
Theres a 2nd backseat facing the rear window, 350 V-8 plenty “Get Up N Go”. Excuse me Jan & Dean.
If you are old enuff to get this post, you are “Old Enough”.
I want to strap 2 surfboards to the roof rack and cruise from Myrtle Beach to Daytona and I dont surf. Love this “Woodie”
I want a 92 wagon that looks like a woodie (Surf City here we come)
She looks very cherry, an oldie but a goody (Surf City here we come)
Theres a 2nd backseat facing the rear window, 350 V-8 plenty “Get Up N Go”. Excuse me Jan & Dean.
If you are old enuff to get this post, you are “Old Enough”.
I want to strap 2 surfboards to the roof rack and cruise from Myrtle Beach to Daytona and I dont surf. Love this “Woodie”
This car belonged to my late friend and neighbor. What the seller missed is that the woodgrain is AIRBRUSHED on. Done by nationally known local pinstriper Darrin Allen.
I knew it looked too good in the pics to be factory applique.
it looks weird with big grain marks the original was not nearly like that picked up on it immediately
I knew it wasn’t factory, way better detail. One gorgeous wagon.
I thought he was trying for “burled walnut”.