1991 Chevy Caprice

[GMTruckGuy74]

I asked in the tech section a question about a coworker's 1991 Chevy Caprice not too long ago.

http://www.cheersandgears.com/forums/index...showtopic=10943

John wanted to get it fixed so that his newly-licensed son would have a car to drive. Well, his wife didn't want him to drive the Caprice, so they went out and bought a new Honda Accord (for the wife, not the son!). The son will now drive a 2001 Impala. John is thinking of donating the car to the American Red Cross motor pool (local one that resells donated cars to raise cash) or some other "donate your car for a tax break" place.

Now my question is should I offer to buy it? I don't need a 4th car, but I do like the looks of the 1991 Caprice and have always wanted one. If I were to buy it, I'd use it driving back and forth to work, saving mileage on our leased Envoy. However, the battery-draining issue will need to be fixed and I don't want to get into a money-pit kinda of deal.

So, I'm going to ask for your opinion. I don't think John got rid of the car yet, but if you care to voice your opinion, do it soon!

[Northstar]

I guess if you really want it and he'll give it to you on the cheap, it'd be okay, as you wouldn't have to invest in it if it ended up needing a lot done. Personally, I wouldn't go for it, but that's just me; I have no interest in a vehcile that large.

[DBeaSSt]

I say buy it. But then I'm a tad biased so you probably should ignore me.

If you do buy it. There are quite a few online resources for repairing/maintaining the last gen b-bodies.

[ocnblu]

Buy it. But get rid of the Sky. :AH-HA_wink:

[Guest YellowJacket894]

I'd say get some new rear-quarter panels and some Impala SS trim and go for it.

I love the last generation B-Body, but I'm not much a fan of the pre-MCE rear fenders.

Edited September 7, 2006 by YellowJacket894

[ocnblu]

I remember going to the '90 Baltimore Auto Show. There, in the Chevrolet section, was a white '91 Caprice. I was captivated. The trunk was loaded down with brochures for the show, so the car was "lowered". I remember thinking it was such a bitchin' blend of 50's Americana (with the covered rear wheels) and 90's aero efficiency.

I admit I prefer the open wheel arches of the later Chevy Bs now (although they are a bit odd-shaped if you look closely). The early cars appeared to have such a narrow rear track. Citroen, Hudson or Nash-like in proportion.

[Guest YellowJacket894]

I also loved the fact the gas cap was under the license plate and the speedo was digital.

I wish GM would've kept the car around for another four years.

[capriceman]

my 91 didnt have digital gauges. hmmm.. then again in 91 i bought it for 9,900 with 20 miles on it. so its was pretty bare bones sedan. power windows locks, cassete, and air and cruise. too bad some one ran a red light I should of fixed it. but i didnt want to deal with it.

They are great cars how ever they are slower and are more loose and floaty then the previous verison like my 90. there a tank tho can kill them. Parts for them if you are a junkyard shopper are basicly nothing. but some of thos electronics can be pretty pricey from the dealer. I dont know how much he wants but with market value nearing 3,000 grand for them over here offer 1,500 or less.

I know he wouldnt listen to some guy over the internet but Red cross is pretty crooked now. to many hands in the cookie jar. I would rather see him giving it to Purple heart. but thats my opinion. you do get a federal tax relief too if you donate it to them.

[GMTruckGuy74]

Thanks for the replies everybody.

Ocnblu, get rid of the SKY Are you crazy!?!

Much like you, I remember seeing these cars at the Philly Auto Show back in 1990 & 1991 and thinking what a great looking car - even when everyone else was calling the design an "upside-down bath tub". The LTZ model was MotorTrend's car of the year and was on the cover of its magazine. And a neighbor purchased a maroon '91 LTZ, so I guess this car just really has stuck in my mind over the years.

I guess the real reason that I'm considering it is that John mentioned donating the car and getting the $500 tax credit. As he was sayaing that a thought immediately came into my mind - I'd rather buy it from you for $500 than seeing it given away! And then of course it stuck in my head the rest of the night and all of yesterday But if he were to sell it, would he sell it for $500 or would he want more? I'd be specific that I'd be very interested in buying it for $500

I love the last generation B-Body, but I'm not much a fan of the pre-MCE rear fenders.

Actually, I liked the new rear fenders at the time they debuted in '93, and they really make the design on the '94-'96 Impala SS models standout. But I really like the look of the '91-'92 covered rear fenders on the non-SS models more.

I'm assuming his car looks like this (he said it was maroon, don't know if it's a Caprice, Classic, or LTZ model yet):

Anyway, I think I'll strike up the conversation with him today to see what he thinks. I'll update you guys if I have any more info to share.

Edited September 7, 2006 by GMTruckGuy74