1999 Chevy Lumina w/60k original miles for $1,800...would you buy?

[Bird's_Garage]

They've always seemed like the definition of grandma car, even when they first came out. I know I'd steer clear of it, along with basically all GM cars of that era (trucks are a different story.)

As a side note: my dad was a deputy in our small county in the 90s. Back then they ran Caprices. They usually ordered the base 4.3 V8 Caprices, but accidentally got a 9C1 with the LT1 when he was up for a new car. He totaled the car out responding to a call a couple years later and guess what they ordered for him as his punishment? A Chevy Lumina. I think his had either a 3.4 or 3.8. It was the first and last Lumina the department ever had. It couldn't handle police car duty.

 

[HankHill]

I just remembered that my grandfather had either an 98 or 99 Buick Century had the 3.1 motor in it. Two intake manifold gaskets, oil pan gasket, coil failures, thermostat housing cracked, and many stumbling and drivability issues solved with new sensors.. I think it needed a new MAF one time, that would be the only time I have ever heard of a MAF failing. In over 30 cars and 27 years, I think that was it. Suspension issues also, guessing cars were the same.

 

[Rmay635703]

I would say maybe, but only because this market is crazy and I had made some good memories with mine.

I had a 2001 Lumina for about 4 years. I had to replace the first transmission at 55k, the second made it to about 130k, then I got rid of it. I

My father always swapped in a manual if the transmission on a GM car died, then the transmission would last until the car rusted apart

 

[Chris142]

$1800 is about 4 car payments today. If it lasts more than 4 months you win

 

[csandste]

In this market, don't even ask.

 

[RooflessVW]

In a heartbeat. I'd offer $1,500. A good deal can always be a little better.

 

[14Accent]

Definitely worth it. the W-body GM's were absolutely rock rock solid cars, other than a few issues that affected a wide range of models other than the Lumina.

At 60k, you'll get many many years of service out of that car once you invest a few bucks into preventative maintenance.

 

[clinebarger]

If it has a 3800?.....Absolutely.

 

[BlueOvalFitter]

I would buy it.

 

[AZjeff]

In a heartbeat. I'd offer $1,500. A good deal can always be a little better.

From a widow? And you're saying it's a good deal as priced. Nice.

 

[Lubener]

I would buy it expecting to do some further mechanical work on it. Having 60k miles doesn't mean too much, it's still a 23 year old vehicle with old car problems.

 

[K-Man]

+1

+1 again

 

[partspro]

If it runs, yes.

In a heart beat, nice find

 

[RooflessVW]

From a widow? And you're saying it's a good deal as priced. Nice.

You going to give her $2k because you're a good guy?

Get off your high horse.

 

[THORROMIG]

Take it for a good test drive, make sure the engine & tranny come up to temp. While your out, take Granny for eggs & bacon.

 

[AZjeff]

You going to give her $2k because you're a good guy?

Get off your high horse.

No horses around here but not going to deal down a recent widow. If it was obviously a low asking price I might. Different morals.

 

[dbias]

I drove a lumina v6 city car as fire marshal for years. It was the mayors car initially and handed down to the fire department. It ran great even on decades of motor pool maintenance. It looked as good as it could with police department spec gator backs on it.

 

[atikovi]

In this market, don't even ask.

Why is everybody commenting about the market? The chip shortage and lack of new cars is only raising the prices of later model used vehicles. People shopping for a 2016 or 2018 model wont be looking at a 1999. The amount of price inflation on older cars is minimal. A clean 23 year old 60,000 mile car that sells for $1800 would have sold for $1800 five years ago just as well. I have at least that much in my 95 Buick Skylark with twice the miles and expect to get a good bit more for it.

 

[Nick1994]

Why is everybody commenting about the market? The chip shortage and lack of new cars is only raising the prices of later model used vehicles. People shopping for a 2016 or 2018 model wont be looking at a 1999. The amount of price inflation on older cars is minimal. A clean 23 year old 60,000 mile car that sells for $1800 would have sold for $1800 five years ago just as well. I have at least that much in my 95 Buick Skylark with twice the miles and expect to get a good bit more for it.

It absolutely is driving up prices for old beaters.

In 2015 I bought my Camry for $2100. If I put it under a tarp and left it to sit since then until now, washed it, i could probably get $3,000-$3,500 7 years later.

 

[CKN]

From a widow? And you're saying it's a good deal as priced. Nice.

Yep. Unbelievable to offer a widow even less on a good deal.