With no evidence that local manufacturers plan to introduce a full-sized Station Wagon into their model range, it falls upon classics like this 1996 Buick Roadmaster Estate to bridge the gap. As compromises go, it isn’t a bad one. It offers its new owner impressive interior space, plenty of creature comforts to make life on the road pleasant, and a V8 delivering excellent power and torque. The seller has listed the Roadmaster here on Craigslist in Lawrence, Massachusetts. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting a classic Wagon that could be yours for $13,900, although it appears the seller may consider reasonable offers.
It was a blast from the past in 1991 as Buick reintroduced the Roadmaster to its model range. The badge had spent over three decades in the wilderness, although its revival would prove far shorter than the company anticipated. Initial sales were strong, with the Estate proving a popular addition in 1992. However, the jig was up by 1996, and the Roadmaster ended its production run as sales numbers decreased to a point where continuation was no longer financially viable. The first owner ordered this Estate in Light Driftwood, and its presentation is extremely tidy for a survivor. There are no significant paint or panel imperfections, and there is no evidence that the faux woodgrain is deteriorating. The plastic is in good condition, and the glass moonroof adds to this Wagon’s appeal. The wheels and glass are in first-class condition, ensuring that this Roadmaster will receive nothing but positive comments wherever it goes.
The first owner dug deep into Buick’s toybox when ordering this Estate because it features airbags, leather trim, air conditioning, power operation for the windows, locks, front seats, antenna, and mirrors, cruise control, a tilt wheel, and a premium AM/FM radio/cassette player with Dolby Noise Reduction. The only aspects of this interior deserving criticism are the wheel which exhibits typical rim wear, and the front carpet, which looks slightly dirty. Otherwise, the leather looks clean and soft, the dash and plastic haven’t deteriorated, and the rear cargo area is free from the seemingly inevitable physical damage found inside many family Wagons. The cargo area is one of the interior’s strongest points, providing room to carry some pretty large items or a mountain of groceries or luggage.
Powering this Roadmaster is a fuel-injected 5.7-liter V8. It is the LT1 version that first appeared in the Corvette two years earlier and will send an impressive 260hp and 335 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a four-speed 4L60E automatic transmission. The driver’s comfort and occupant safety are enhanced by the power steering and anti-lock brakes. The Wagon’s acceleration will be excellent for a vehicle of this type and, with the ability to return better than 20mpg on the open road, it is the ideal weapon for anyone considering cross-country family adventures. The seller doesn’t make outrageous claims regarding the odometer reading, with the Estate having 133,000 miles on the clock. It has only covered 2,000 miles since receiving a transmission rebuild, and the V8 would sound sweet exhaling through a dual stainless steel exhaust. This Wagon has been meticulously maintained and is a turnkey proposition for its new owner.
Buick faced no genuine local competition in the full-size Wagon market by 1996, but this didn’t help to improve dwindling sales. From a high of 11,019 in 1992, the tally had fallen to 8,962 in 1996 as buyers turned their attention to alternatives like SUVs. The company discontinued the entire Roadmaster range at the end of that model year, marking the end of an era. This one is a gem that appears to have been maintained appropriately and treated respectfully. It should also offer its new owner a comfortable and luxurious motoring experience. If a Station Wagon has been on your Wish List, this Buick deserves more than a passing glance.
Used to love when these came in the shop for service,tune up, brake job,etc. Needs at least 30 minute test drive,put in D let it shift on it’s own cherps tires to second
Alabama Dept of Forensic Sciences drove the Caprice version in the 90’s, remember getting passed by one on the Interstate that had to be doing 120
There was a quirk with these wagons in the sense that this used the Chevrolet Caprice front clip instead of the Roadmaster front clip.
The Roadmaster Estate Wagon pre-dated the Roadmaster sedan by several years, and both the Oldsmobile and Buick wagons used the Caprice front clip with a make-specific grille to differentiate those models from the Caprice wagon, since neither Olds nor Buick had a B-body at the time. I always thought that Buick missed the boat by not going with the Roadmaster sedan front clip on the wagon when the sedan was introduced. The only “new” parts that would have been required to do so would have been left and right woodgrain appliques and surround moldings that fit the sedan fenders.
I had a 1991 model with the underpowered 307 engine and it is still my favorite car of all. It taught three kids to drive and had 268,000 miles on it when I sold it to a guy whose wife needed something to haul four kids and two Saint Bernard dogs around town. I’d like to think it’s still chasing groceries somewhere. This one has obviously had good care because the rubber strips are still there. Good luck finding the right glue when they start to fall.
This generation was a p poorly designed, bloated, full-size General Motors product. It’s no wonder that they couldn’t sell anymore full-size vehicle’s. The things were wallowed down the road, were underpowered, and not fuel efficient. Additionally, the design was elephant like. There was no character in any of these no matter the division. When you compare this last of the Buick station wagons to prior generations, there was a lot left to be desired. General Motors is now nothing more than a Chinese serving American company. The last thing that they want to do is design an automobile for the American market. But they’ll do it for China. Wow!
You made a few interesting points. However, these did NOT wallow down the road, had acceptable power to weight ratio and delivered excellent fuel economy! It is quite clear you have never owned or driven one! The last of the RWD sedans and wagons from GM & Ford provided ample performance and stellar economy, my 94 Lincoln delivers 24-27. These are not 2 seater sports cars.
I second that, Bill. I’ve owned two, a 1992 and a 1995. Both were great cars.
Give me the cleaner, squarer, and more dignified lines of a 1979-1989 Mercury Colony Park station wagon, instead. I stop at ’89 to avoid those air-bags in ’90-’91 models (which, in the case of this Buick, we’re not an “accessory” — they were a government mandate beginning in 1990, I believe).
Well, it’s been on CL for 22 days, so you may be able to talk the seller down a bit, considering they did mention BRO.
I grew up in that area, and Lawrence may be a turn off to some, but based on the map, it’s in a nice section, near Mount Vernon Street, the south side, near Andover, where I grew up..
I had a 94 Caprice version…flew to Texas from Ohio…bought it…spent 3 weeks in Texas then drove it home…about 22 mpg cruise control across the flat lands…great driver. Drove it as a Dalit driver another year and sold to a guy 5hat had 3 others..weak point on those was the funky gauge panel…it came with a spare