As I continue my (fruitless) hunt for a manual transmission wagon, I look at land barges like this 1988 Pontiac Safari wagon and wonder how cross-over vehicles hold greater appeal for shoppers over a sleek long-roof. This Safari wagon has the rear-facing third-row seat and seemingly acres of space inside, along with a 22-gallon tank for long-distance road trips. Find it here on craigslist in Oregon for $2,450.
Obviously, the Safari was one of several “twins” across GM’s lineup for station wagons that differed in name only. The seller notes that this example has 109,000 original miles and 49,000 miles on a replacement engine. The body appears to be rust-free and the wood trim looks quite presentable – if not handsome – against the white paint.
The interior is even better, with unmarked cloth seats across all three rows (there’s room for eight passengers!). The seller notes the Pontiac comes with a few options, including AM/FM cassette, cruise control, cornering lights, and a power driver’s seat. It is also equipped with A/C, which the seller, of course, says “needs a recharge.” By the way, thanks to Barn Finds reader Miguel for the find.)
The fresh eight-cylinder motor comes with paperwork validating its recent replacement. The seller claims the Safari is quite dependable, having just driven it daily for several weeks. While these were hardly economical, I don’t think it gets any better for a road-trip machine than a cavernous station wagon with a parts network so robust that you can drive practically anywhere with a good level of confidence you can find the part you need in any local junkyard.
I like! New alternator :-). Ready to drive home, Jeff!
Jeff here’s one for ya! It’ s a HOOT! to watch this 5 speed wagon race.
I love big wagons too.
@C.Jay thanks for the post and kind words! These wagons are just so darn versatile.
Nice looking wagon! I’d drive it for a while as-is, then do an LS swap with a 6-speed. But keep the appearance stock, of course.
How can anybody pass up a wagon in this condition for this price?
Also it is brand new again as it only shows 9000 miles on the dash.
How can this wagon NOT be worth $2450?
If I was closer, I’d have it in my driveway! Can NOT possibly go wrong with this car at that price.
I owned the same car for 7 years. Traveled cross-country. Very secure and comfortable car
I’d DEFINITELY say for $2450 it’s an Early Black Friday Bargain!!!!! ;-) Especially with the low mileage motor and all the options……
Get rid of your Vans, stupid SUVs and jump on this car. Endless usage for anything you have to do and a great cruiser.
I like this. We had a1985 Olds wagon marron or maroon velour cloth that was my wife’s favorite vehicle. I sort of think our 2017 Subaru Outback Limited WAGON is its descendant. :)
“This posting has been deleted by its author.”
Someone thought it was a good deal.
There’s nothing like a big wagon. They have always been fun and big enough to take what ever you want with you (
including a car trailer).
I own 1987 Oldsmobile custom cruiser station wagon over 12 years with 69000 miles. Sweet wagon, comfortable and …… large. Drive only summers from Detroit to Orlando, st Loius,, Milwaukee, New York, Tucson
Made over 60.000 miles with ZERO problems and no……recalls.
Average gas millage between 17-20 mpg.
This price for Safari is a cheap cheap worth every penny.
I will never sell my car for this price.
60,000 miles out of the first engine…
Let me unload our bullet proof Toyota’s and hop all over this thing.
I own 1987 Oldsmobile custom cruiser wagon. In present time 120,000 miles – perfect car with average 18.5 mpg hwy
Nothing better will replace this vehicle.
This price is cheap / very cheap.
If I will looks for another station- this car will be in my garage already.