Thinking buyin 1990 Brougham - Opinions please

[GenrlRodes]

Evening. I am considering the purshase of a 1990 Brougham with the 5.7 engine. The car has over 200,000 but owner says is runs well, aside of he believes that it soon may need a head gasket. My girlfriends brother says about $100 for the parts and labor would most likely me buying him a case of beer.

Body wise is overall good, two rust spots on driverside. Common areas. The worst body problem is that the back bumper is rather bad.

Interior is in good shape as well.

I am only considering this car for a work/winter/beater car to save on my current 90 Brougham D'Elegance from daily wear, since is just turned 45,000. He is asking $450, but I thought about offering, $250 or $300, since I know I will have to put a little money in it.

I need a little input. I had a 90 before with the 350 and it was overall a good car, stared to blow a little smoke when starting it, but otherwise it was great Caddy. Anything I should be looking for on this car?

Does have fairly new tires.

There is a picture of it on Craigslist...
http://rmn.craigslist.org/cto/1355519166.html

Thanks, Christopher

[csbuckn]

250/300 is a good price for anything running, you'll always make your money back. My opinion...you should definitly get that.

[Bro-Ham]

I agree w/csbuck - - go for it! That's almost free even if you have to put in a little blood, sweat, tears, and $$$.

[greencadillacmatt]

I say go for it! They are amazing cars (as you know), and you wouldn't have to feel bad about putting miles on it. I just got one with a blown head-gasket and it is great. I figured that it would be only about $100-$150 to get mine running again, and that one sounds in better mechanical shape. Cadillac For The Win!

[dirt_cheap_fleetwood]

I say its worth it as well. The only real issue with these is valve seals. That is what causes it to burn oil on startup. Mine does the same thing every now and then. It doesn't burn oil once things warm up a little but it may burn a little when you first start it.

[Aron9000]

Mine doesn't burn oil, but like any good Chevy engine it leaks oil. Its not a lot though, hasn't bugged me enough to fix it yet.

[Warren_R]

I'd think that $350 is a good deal, all else being equal. There are products on the market reputed to fix blown head gaskets for around $100 or so -- though your brother-in-law might be the best bet (even if he prefers an expensive import beer.)
Good luck & may your wheels always turn!

[Angry Matt]

If you've got the space I'd go for it too. Worst comes to worst and the motor goes, the front clip, dash and trim are worth the money you'll pay for the car.

[jayoldschool]

If I bought it, I wouldn't bother replacing the head gasket. Only a little more money, and less work, to swap in a used 350.

[GenrlRodes]

Thanks guys. Space is always an issue. One car garage, that houses the 65 Fleetwood 60 Special. I am hoping to store the 90 I have now at work. That is until I can build my dream garage to house my dream collection

[Stingroo]

Originally Posted by jayoldschool

If I bought it, I wouldn't bother replacing the head gasket. Only a little more money, and less work, to swap in a used 350.

Less work? <_<

[robb257731]

I'd go for it....if you just want it for a winterbeater, who cares if it has a little rust? Drive it in the winter, then part it in the spring.

[jayoldschool]

Quote:
Originally Posted by jayoldschool View Post
If I bought it, I wouldn't bother replacing the head gasket. Only a little more money, and less work, to swap in a used 350.
Less work?

Yes. Less work to swap an engine than to do a head gasket. Start making a list of everything you need to do for both jobs. I guarantee the swap is shorter.

[Stingroo]

So.. not to hijack this thread, but if that's the culprit for my car, would that be a viable option?