Full-size station wagons were still holding on at GM in 1993, although by this time, the popularity of minivans had taken a toll on their sales. I totally understand the practicality and appeal of a small van or an SUV for moving families around, but there’s still something charming about an old-school wagon, especially when it’s got the third row seat facing backwards. This 1993 Buick Roadmaster Limited here on Craigslist has reportedly been maintained flawlessly, and I have to agree with the seller’s analogy that it’s somewhat of a rolling couch! This one’s located in Sacramento, California, and comes with an asking price of $8,500. Reader Mike likes this wagon as well, and we’d like to thank him for finding it and sending us the tip!
The story goes that a mechanic with a mindset for perfectionism was the former owner, and this Buick was obtained from his estate. This guy was no beginner either, as the seller mentions that his wrenching began in the late thirties and lasted all the way until 2023. Besides his skills in keeping a motor running well, he also had a knack for protecting the outside of his vehicles, as the exterior shows no obvious dents or corrosion. To be over 30 years old, the original paint has held up well. Even the simulated woodgrain siding still presents nicely overall, with those wire wheel covers a step back in time when they represented pure luxury.
For its final three years of production, buyers were treated to an LT1 V8 under the hood, the same engine base engine that could be found in the Corvette. Unfortunately, this was not the case in ’93, as all Roadmasters were equipped with the LO5, which produced 180 HP. However, a positive tradeoff here is the mechanical skills of the previous owner, so this one’s probably received frequent maintenance by someone who likely knew what they were doing. The seller describes this wagon as an honest and reliable driver, and also mentions that it qualifies for a lower insurance premium than the 1994-96 models. Given the opportunity, I think an LT1-powered example would be my first choice, and I’ll save up some extra funds to cover the policy difference!
The interior also appears to have been well-cared-for, and looks less used than the nearly 100k miles on the odometer would indicate. The air conditioning was updated to accept R134a refrigerant a while ago, but it’s not blowing cool right now, with the culprit believed to be a faulty O-ring. Overall, this seems worth considering if you’re in the market for a full-size woody wagon from the days of yore. I just wish it were one year newer and had the LT1. Any thoughts to share regarding this 1993 Buick Roadmaster Limited?
Great car, but why would a perfectionist mechanic pop-rivet or screw the rubber side moldings on? Pull the rubber off when it begins to let go, clean it up, buy the 3M double-faced tape, and repair them correctly. No big deal, I did it on my 1992 and my 1995 Bufords.
I’d at least paint the rivets/screws black, so that they wouldn’t stand out! :-)
I had a ‘91 and the rubber routinely ejected itself. JB Weld held it. The 305 is definitely less an engine than the LT1, but it got the groceries in comfort.
Another Beige Betty hits BF!
Love these cars. I remember driving a ‘92-‘93 with an 350 and remember how effortless it felt, even as a non-LT1 car. The 305s with the standard axle ratio was another story. Amazing how an engine can make a difference.
As a side note, I miss champagne beige cars, though it was a blah color back then. How times change.
I have always liked these wagons and this looks like a well kept car at a very reasonable price. I will take this and The VW speedster for my ever growing bucket list along with a 12 car garage.
steal at that price
Seems like these, and Caprices, were favorites of cab companies for years as long as they could source them. This wagon would seem ideal in role as an airport taxi.
Pop-riveted rubber moldings were the first things noticed when seeing the listing. OUCH !! I picked up a ’95 a few years back with loose or poorly repaired (glue) moldings. Complete removal, cleaning and replacing with 3M VHB is the only way to go.
Lovely looking car. I like the front end appearance more than that of the Roadmaster sedan.
The seller sounds like a car salesman, but everything he said is TRUE. The 94 to 96 cars are over rated as far as the LT-1 engine is concerned. Yeah, more powerful, etc, and of course the 96 Collector’s Edition everyone wants. But no one wants a car with that stupid Opti-Spark and the problems. The oil cooler line rots out, no longer available from GM, only cheap China junk.This car is from California, not rotted like East Coast junk. Wish I had room for this beauty. I would not let this sit outiside in NE PA, where I live. And all this fuss about a screw. If the guy started working in the 1930s, he was pushing 100 by 2023. Most people I see today one third his age can’t even put air in a tire.
I would just paint the rivets black and forget about them. It’s a 32 year old wagon that is credit card money. Don’t sweat the details.