It can be very easy to dismiss cars like this 1994 Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon. Some people will even question whether it could be classed as a classic. The reality is that this vehicle is now 26-years-old. Couple that fact with the demise of the full-sized wagon in the new car market, and that makes a pretty strong case for this to be classed as a classic. The fact that it has survived in such good condition will undoubtedly help its cause. It is now looking for a new home. You will find the Buick located in White Marsh, Maryland, and listed for sale here on eBay. There are at least 13 people who seem to like this Roadmaster. They have submitted a total of 23 bids on the Estate. This bidding action has pushed the price along to $4,805 in what is a No Reserve auction.
The Buick is finished in Medium Adriatic Blue and features woodgrain inserts. The overall presentation is impressive, with no signs of any apparent dings or dents. It is a relief to find that the wood grain appears to be free from damage. If this ever needs replacing, then getting a color match can be something of a nightmare. Many owners find that it is better to replace all of the vinyl to maintain the match if damage does occur. Alternatively, some owners choose to remove it altogether. Making the Roadmaster even more interesting is the inclusion of a Moonroof. This would make the Estate feel very open and spacious and would reduce the chances of it feeling claustrophobic. The Moonroof features a retractable shade, which would help to keep things cool if the sun becomes too aggressive. The owner provides a great selection of photos, and they show that the Estate is a rust-free classic. The roof racks add a level of versatility to the Buick, especially if the 3rd-row seats are in use. It does provide an alternative spot for carrying luggage in those cases. Otherwise, the glass looks good, there are no issues with the exterior chrome or trim, while the factory alloy wheels appear to be free from any apparent damage.
The Roadmaster Estate is a big car, and at 4,572lbs, it’s also on the heavy side. That means that it requires a decent engine if it isn’t to be considered to be a slug on the road. Buick helped things along by slotting a 350ci fuel-injected V8 under the hood. This engine produces a relatively healthy 260hp, which finds its way to the rear wheels via a 4-speed automatic transmission. Usually, performance figures aren’t that important for vehicles like this. However, this combination allows the Roadmaster Estate to storm through the ¼ mile in 16.6 seconds. When you consider this classic’s combination of size and weight, that’s not in the least bit shabby. The owner claims that the Roadmaster has a genuine 72,000 miles showing on its odometer. This would appear to be confirmed by the CarFax report that is included. Frustratingly, the owner does not indicate how well this wagon runs or drives. He does say that it can be driven and enjoyed as it is, which tends to suggest that all is well mechanically.
If you fancy hauling the family cross-country in comfort, then it would appear that this Estate can accommodate that need. Probably its most important attribute is the fact that it has the versatility of 3rd-row seating. That means that it can seat seven people in comfort. That additional row doesn’t miss out in any way, because all of the seating is upholstered in soft and supple leather. Overall, there is not a lot to be critical of inside the Buick. The wheel rim is showing some wear, but the fact that it is so visible is typical of colored wheels from the 1990s. One interesting flaw is the fact that some of the knobs are missing off the factory stereo. Sourcing replacements shouldn’t be an issue, and I don’t understand why the seller hasn’t done this. There is some wrinkling of the leather on the driver’s seat, but it still presents quite well. As well as the luxury of leather, the interior comes equipped with dual airbags, climate-control air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power front seats, cruise, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM stereo radio and cassette player.
If you are searching the new car market for a vehicle to haul the family in, then the reality is that you are now pegged to owning an SUV. I won’t criticize these vehicles, because they do serve their purpose very well. However, not everyone wants an SUV, and that creates a problem. It is highly doubtful that we will ever see any American manufacturers offering a full-sized wagon in their product line. The sales volumes simply aren’t there to justify the development costs. That’s where vehicles like this 1994 Buick Roadmaster Estate fit into the equation. It isn’t a new car, but its condition is extremely good for its age. There are no rust issues, and the drivetrain offers the promise of years of reliable service. It is also capable of swallowing the largest family in a high level of comfort. Since you can’t buy a new one, that could make this Estate a very promising option to consider.
Nice one. Your comment about it being 26 years old is right on the money. Makes sorry I didn’t hang onto my 82 Buick Regal wagon back in 90! I unfortunately have to drive an SUV to haul the grandkids around, but I’d much rather be driving this. Unfortunately on my retiree income, that’ll never happen.
Interesting how I never thought much of them when they were new and now, I think they’re great looking!
msheiner – I knew exactly how cool they were during their production. In 1994 my parents bought a low mileage Caprice Classic and it was awesome.
I loved that car and, after my ’87 Plymouth Colt blew its engine in 2000, I got to use the Caprice for the remainder of that year (my senior year of college). I would love to get the chance (not at this time) to own a nice example.
That LT1 Rocks that 2.5 Tons, bar none!
In Medium Adriatic Blue and with a moonroof this has to be a rare one. Lots of White, Driftwood and Maroon ones. I would assume there were very few takers of the moonroof in a family hauler
“The moonroof would reduce the chances of it feeling claustrophobic.”
Hardy har har, you’ve clearly never been swallowed up by one. Like the whale swallowing up Geppetto.
I regret selling mine.
I beg to correct…the glass is called a Vistaroof, not a moonroof, and is fixed in position not retractable. The Limited wagons got the roll out shades to help block heat. It may have been an option on the base Roadmasters.
THey will never build a car with a frame, so a large wagon is definitely out. They will never build a car with frame so a big luxury car is forever out. Few SUV’s today are large and have a real frame and can haul or tow. This would make a great car. The 96 version has the Corvette LT-1 and dual exhaust.
According to listing this 94+ wagon has an LT1. The wagons had LT1s prior to sedans.
I would suggest not trying to tell my 1994 Roadmaster Limited Sedan it does not have the LT1. All ’94/5/6 had the LT1.
Bull!, you dont need a full frame to build a wagon, multiple wagon options are avaialble but nobody on this side of the pond is buying.
Mercedes E-class wagon is a good example:
The base version has 370ftlbs of torque and its rated at nearly 5000lbs towing.
Uh and it does 0-60 in 5 seconds flat and low 13second quater mile.
No why in hell would anyone want a full frame in it?
Heck even hondas now tow 5000lbs (rigeline and pilot) so you should reevaluate your thinking
And how are big luxury cars forever out? Out of where? I see a milion of them every day…
Back in the 90’s when these were new one of America’s worlds richest men drove one daily.. George Joseph the founder of Mercury Insurance..he had a white one and drove it to the Brea, CA office.. I would see him.. wanna roll like a Mogul this is what you drive..
This is a nice one, albeit with some trim issues (radio knobs. wheels centers) I regret selling my first ’94 RMW that had over 225k miles and left some Ram owners w/Hemi shaking their heads. I then bought another ’94 RMW that was tastefully customized only to learn it was full of bondo under that nice custom paint. Great cars, but not in the same class as any MB?BMW or Asian wagons. Much rather drive this than any SUV or Crossover (I call them tall wagons).
i really dislike no reserve auctions. Call the seller and ask him/her what they want for the car. If they are not on another Planet, buy it. You won’t be disappointed.
Great cars. Outstanding write up.
Numerous good quality pics.
Surprisingly economical for what many consider a tank. Highway figures in the mid to high 20 mpg range not uncommon, while cruising in supreme comfort. Inexpensive maintenance (optispark not the nightmare many like to propose) and huge forum/enthusiast support. Affordable performance upgrade opportunities abound – from mild to wild.
Real hard to go wrong on these.
This one appears to be a nice one that is also equipped with the Towing Package which is transformative, adding a huge amount of HP parts. She deserves a closer look for sure.
This is a tow package car as evidenced by the mechanical fan. I have a ’95 Limited tow package wagon and we will celebrate 200K miles this year. She has every option Buick offered in 1995 except the block heater and I bought her an NOS block heater just to have all the boxes ticked. The leather in the Limited is superior to that in the Cadillac Fleetwood in quality. I have a ’94 Fleetwood as well. The Roadmaster Limited is definitely a Cadillac in drag! Tow package cars came with external transmission coolers and the posi rear axle plus a host of other little things that make the car an excellent performer. It begs for suspension mods, Bilstein shocks, Air Lift bags to replace the rear air level shocks & onboard compressor. They also happen to get outstanding mileage if you have a light foot. I could go on and on…very nice car.
Tyler Hoover of Hoovie’s Garage on YouTube needs to buy this ASAP
Nice road hauling Wagon. Never cared for the mini vans.
I still have my 94 and love it!! Looking forward to pulling the camper up north soon, always have the only one in the campground and It always draws a crowd!
draws a crowd!
A set of cat backs and some Tri-y Headers will really wake up that LT1.