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Grandma’s Survivor: 1987 Buick Century Estate Wagon

This clean 1987 Buick Century Estate Wagon brings back some fond memories for me, as my grandmother owned the Chevy-badged twin for many years before converting to Volvo’s ubiquitous 240 estates. This Buick likely belonged to someone else’s grandmother, somewhere, as it has all the hallmarks of being driven gingerly and infrequently at best. Find it here on EBTH.com with bidding at just $325 on what looks like an obscure auction site. 

The Century is located in Towson, Maryland, and was spotted by Barn Finds reader L. Fish. The interior is surprisingly clean, not only because it’s tan in color but because the mileage isn’t crazy low at 78,234. Now, it’s certainly low for the year, but the condition looks more like what you’d find inside a car with 50,000 miles or less. Grandma-owned, for sure.

Out back, this Century is equipped with a rear-facing third row seat and more pristine fabric. A first-aid kit is also included, and makes me wonder if Buick offered these kits as an option, similar to Mercedes and its W124 estates. The seller lists some very basic details about the Century, which amounts to some minor cosmetic quibbles and that the car was running at time of cataloguing.

Of course, you can’t ignore the classic woodgrain trim this Century came standard with, along with many other domestic products of the era. Wire-style hubcaps were another common fixture, all included to drive the impression of owning a vehicle with luxurious features. No matter what we thought of them then, this Century looks like one of the nicer ones left.

Comments

  1. Avatar Maestro1

    If this Buick has the V-6 engine somebody should buy it. Many miles of good motoring left. Timing chain at 120,000 (conservative estimate). Meanwhile, jump on it.

    Like 4
    • Avatar Howebrad460 Member

      It jas a v6 but of the less desirable 2.8 chevy derived variety. Acceptable engine but not great like the 3800 buick v6

      Like 5
  2. Avatar Miguel

    66 pictures and none of the engine.

    That is odd.

    I don’t remember the 2.8 being available in the Buick.

    Like 1
  3. Avatar farley

    I had a 1990 had 3.4 liter V-6 was great on gas even when it got to 185,000 miles on died one cold winter night motor broke some thing never took apart sold to junk yard for 300 bucks

    Like 0
  4. Avatar GliveCo

    Would it not have the 3300?

    Like 1
  5. Avatar Kenneth Carney

    Of all the GM FWD platforms, it seems
    that Buick is the only one I can really
    stomach–at lrast from this time frame
    to the early 2000’s. Seems they got
    their act together and FINALLY got
    most, if not all of the bugs out of the
    platform that made them real POS
    from 1980-86. Like this one as much
    as Mom’s ’01 LeSabre Custom sedan
    with just over 200K miles showing in
    that these damned thimgs are bulletproof. Even if it is a 2.8, you could
    still rack up the miles with confidence
    knowing that you could swap it out for
    the bigger, and much better 3800 engine
    when the original mill once it finally gives
    out. Would love to put Sis in this one as
    I wouldn’t have to worry about her over
    paying for a broken-down used car here in Florida. With the bidding now at $655,
    I’ve got a little time to figure out how to
    get it here before I pull the trigger and
    make a bid.

    Like 1
  6. Avatar Fordguy1972 Member

    These were nice cars for the time and quite popular as were their corporate siblings, the Olds Cutlass Ciera, Pontiac 6000 and Chevrolet Celebrity. My first wagon was an ’84 Cutlass Ciera which I found it to be a very good car. Comfortable, roomy and practical with desirable options like A/C and power windows. As an intermediate, it made more sense to me than the land-barge, full-size wagons. It really started me off with my affection for wagons, having then moved on to two Taurus wagons, a Sable wagon and finally my current Dodge Magnum.

    This Buick looks like a really nice car and as GM’s top-line wagon, it is well-optioned and seems to be in very good condition. With only 78k showing on the clock, there’s lots of life left in it. Seems like it will sell for a good price, too.

    Like 0
  7. Avatar charlie Member

    Great cars, except on some, the rear windows did not open, but, if the AC worked, it did not matter.

    Like 0
  8. Avatar connbackroads

    Rock Auto says that it came with either a 2.8 or a 3.8.

    Like 0
  9. Avatar David Rhoces

    lots of miles left on the old girl …great grocery getter / dog hauler …. if u get a couple of yrs out of her … u r ahead of the game

    Like 1
  10. Avatar David S Betz

    I went and looked her over (2 blks away) .. clean car and i love a wagon.. but with bidding up to $825 with 69 bids.. will sell for more than its worth

    Like 1
  11. Avatar L.Fish

    This car belongs to my mother. It has the 2.8 V6 with the 4-speed overdrive automatic. It’s a great looking wagon that always gets a thumbs-up!

    Like 1
  12. Avatar Vance

    Would be a great winter beater for sure, and with proper care would give you years of service. Ugly and blase but dependable with plenty of pedal in the 3800. Good buy for somebody.

    Like 0
  13. Avatar L Fish

    The car got 102 bids and sold for 2655.

    Like 2

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