There's been a Riatta (sp.?) on a used car lot for a few weeks, and I've been playing with the idea of buying it and fiddling around with it. Is this a foolhardy decision, or are these Buicks worth the time?

My cousin has three, two convertibles and one hard top. The 3800 engines are great, but some of the electronics have issues. The first generation anti lock brakes have a "funny" feel to them. They are comfortable to sit and drive them, like driving from an easy chair.

depends on the year.. remember they are an old hand built car with VERY expensive parts. crack the windshield its totaled. ABS light means at least $1000 worth of repair. I have a convertible and they are fun to drive but a hassle when they break.

quote Originally posted by Bruce: There's been a Riatta (sp.?) on a used car lot for a few weeks, and I've been playing with the idea of buying it and fiddling around with it. Is this a foolhardy decision, or are these Buicks worth the time?

Here's one I saw the other day, the older guy that owns it had a 3800 supercharged engine installed in it.





Every Reatta included a leather book containing the owner's manual and pen. In 1990 and 1991, a zippered owners folio was included. In addition to the owners manual, it also contained a "Craftsman's Log" with the signatures of the supervisors for the assembly of the car at the various craft stations, a pen, flashlight, and tire gauge, among other items. These slightly unusual items were an attempt to sell the mass-produced car as one built with individual care.

quote Originally posted by pontiackid86: depends on the year.. remember they are an old hand built car with VERY expensive parts. crack the windshield its totaled. ABS light means at least $1000 worth of repair. I have a convertible and they are fun to drive but a hassle when they break.

Not necessarily true. Could be accumulator ball, wheel sensors, etcetera and not necessarily the main pump unit. You are referring to a worse case scenario. There are other cars that have the diabolical Teves ABS system too, you know. Windshields are not cheap, true but that's why some either claim it on their insurance or they get a used one from a PNP. Best Reatta to get is a 91, especially the vert if you can find one. And lastly, parts are not VERY expensive as you indicated. Some parts are getting pricey like windshields, abs wheel sensors, headlight switches, etc but there are many GM parts common to the 3800 and to the E platform which it is based. (ie Riviera )
Kit

The electronic dash board can be very troublesome. Check the Riata forums for the details.