Caprice engine swap?

[kevm14]

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/deta ... /overview/

Seller's Notes

USB Port, MP3- USB / I-Pod Ready, and Hands Free Calling. At Route 44 Toyota Scion, YOU'RE #1! ATTENTION!!! When was the last time you smiled as you turned the ignition key? Feel it again with this handsome 2008 Buick LaCrosse. This great Buick is one of the most sought after used vehicles on the market because it NEVER lets owners down. J.D. Power and Associates gave the 2008 LaCrosse 5 out of 5 Power Circles for Overall Dependability.

It is amusing coming from a Toyota dealership.

Anyway, this is by far the closest Super to me that has appeared yet.

It may not actually have the optional sunroof, which is surprising if true. $8k is also out of the price range.

More interestingly, there is finally a free Carfax that works.

https://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistory/p ... tner=CDM_O

In summary:
- Owned and operated in the southern New England area.
- First owner is reported as rental usage, for 7 months and 13k. It was then auctioned. That's interesting.
- It was sold certified in northeastern CT.
- Airbag computer/module replaced @ 29k
- Highly ironically, 4 months later: Accident reported
- Four wheel alignment performed, Front strut(s) replaced (accident repair?)
- Battery replaced, Brakes checked, Oil and filter changed, Relay replaced, Tire condition and pressure checked, Tires rotated @ 39k
- Front turn signal/parking assembly replaced, Headlight(s) replaced @ 44k
- Door lock(s) replaced/repaired, Exhaust system checked, Idler pulley replaced @ 50k
- Outer tie rod(s) replaced @ 51k
- Anti-theft/keyless remote(s) replaced @ 54k
- Maintenance inspection completed, Left door lock replaced, Steering gear replaced @ 59k (steering rack??)
- Engine wiring repaired, Internal transmission repaired, Transmission fluid changed @ 61k
- Maintenance inspection completed, Body computer/module replaced, Exterior light bulb(s) replaced @ 68k
- Maintenance inspection completed, Body computer/module replaced, Engine checked @ 71k
- Steering gear replaced, Tire(s) replaced @ 74k (steering rack again? hidden accident damage?)
- Maintenance inspection completed, Throttle body replaced @ 75k
- Maintenance inspection completed, Battery replaced, Oil and filter changed, Tires rotated @ 83k

That was just the second owner, who clearly got their money's worth on that CPO warranty. Wow, this is worse than the CTS-V1! I will need more data though as who knows how much of this was related to the accident. Or the 13k rental miles.

If you weren't laughing at the quote at the top before, you are now.

Sold to the 3rd owner with a little under 92k in mid-2014. To someone in the South Dartmouth/New Bedford area......

There is no repair history with the 3rd owner.

Well - there is no stronger warning sign than this ENTIRE history. Jesus Christ. Disaster all around.

I could still drive the car. It is about an hour from home. Only ~45 from work. The location would work alright as a round trip - work, to there, back home.

[kevm14]

Here is another one with a free Carfax: https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/deta ... /overview/

And it is a rare 09: https://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistory/p ... tner=CDM_O

Other than some weirdly short ownership history at the beginning, everything in here is textbook. No accidents, no weird issues. Almost exactly the same miles. Almost exactly the same price, too. No sunroof, either.

Looks sweet in black, too.

[Bob]

That Alabama one is nice. Probably super clean underneath too.

[kevm14]

Warwick!!

https://providence.craigslist.org/cto/6020325257.html

On the day I sold my Ranger. $8k is too high for me though.

[kevm14]

2008 buick super sport,,lacrosse v8 (warwick)
2008 BUICK LACROSSE SUPER SPORT WITH ONLY 85,000 MILES
ITS GOT A 5.3 V8 WITH 305 HP,AUTOMATIC,,POWER HEATED LEATHER BUCKET SEATS
POWER SUNROOF,,BURLWOOD DASH.18 INCH CHROME WHEELS WITH NEW TIRES,DUAL EXHAUST REAR SPOILER,,MOCHA BROWN METALLIC WITH BROWN INTERIOR
THESE CARS ARE VERY RARE,,FAST WITH EXCELLENT HANDLING BUT A LUXURY FEEL,,VERY CLEAN IN AND OUT AND RUNS LIKE NEW,,ASKING $8,000 OR BEST OFFER,,SERIOUS BUYERS WITH ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE CALL

Well at least this isn't a scam. Price is basically on par. Maybe a little better, though it is private.

The all caps annoys me. I do like the color combo. I could drive it I suppose and see if he is even negotiable at all.

[Bob]

$8000 is getting pretty close to the bottom end of the Epsilon II Lacrosse market so it better be good

[bill25]

I was also thinking it is close to Caprice PPV money...

[kevm14]

The thing is, it is way nicer than a PPV, and the PPV is only marginally faster (C/D got 13.9 @ 103). The Super pulls the same 0.84G and actually stops a little shorter from 70 mph. The PPV is bigger, and RWD, yes. They have almost the same fuel economy ratings. The Super is 400 lbs lighter.

The other thing to remember is $8k in a Super gets me a pretty nice example. $8k in PPV gets me....nothing at all, until I spend at least $9k or $10k and even then it is not going to be in as nice shape, I don't think. And I wouldn't pay $8k anyway - that's just the asking price. I don't know what my "number" is but it isn't $8k. For anything. At least not right now. So the PPV is out.

The PPV has potential to be an enthusiast platform while the Super does not. It has enormous engine and chassis potential. But I don't want a stripped down police car. Another way to look at it is, the Super is the W-body at the top of its game, and the PPV is pretty much Holden WM at the bottom of its game. As they shipped, that is.

I think the two cars serve a different function so I don't know that they can be directly compared. I would leave the Super stock, in the same vein as an E38 750iL or even something like an STS Northstar.

[kevm14]

Looking up the PPV specs I used this article: http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/201 ... est-review

June 2012.

Check out this last paragraph:

Still, you might wonder why we’re reviewing a car most of us will experience only from the back seat. It’s because this cruiser is a stalking-horse for Chevy’s next rear-wheel-drive sedan, which will wear civilian duds. It will be based on a new version of the Caprice’s Zeta platform, and it will be called Super­ Sport. It will also be the inspiration for the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup racer.

[kevm14]

A modified PPV doesn't really fulfill the un-intimidating backup car thing, either.

So I see a real place for something like the Super that I would basically leave stock. And potentially rotating in/out a bunch of stuff like that over the years.

But I could also see a longer term Caprice replacement plan which could be a clean Roadmaster, or, who knows, maybe a PPV if I decide that's what I want after all.

Yes, this is a 5 car fleet (still have the CTS-V).

The CTS-V fulfills another apparently weird niche: a nice car that I am very enthusiastic about, but that I leave stock and put few miles on.