Oldsmobile 442 vs Buick Grand National?

[bwalt12]

Hey guys, Im almost 16 and have narrowed down my choices for a first car. Ive done alot of research and i thought'd i'd ask the people, Which one of these two cars are better quality wise, and reliability wise? my relatives have owned both of these cars and both loved them.

[realitycheck]

The Grand National is probably gonna be a little less hateful on gas. The 442 is prolly gonna be a little less hateful on breaking stuff.

[Rudy_kazootie]

The main difference is the 4-4-2 was introduced in 1964. The Grand National didn't arrive until the early 1980's. Way different vehicles. It would all depend on what style and drivetrain you want. The early 4-4-2's are worth more with a few exceptions. Read up on both and then make an educated choice.

[Firebird]

The grand Nationals were not known for longevity. It wasn't that they're not good cars, they are. It's just that the way the old style Buick oil pump was made, it simply doesn't last forever.

A small block Oldsmobile, however, does last forever. But if you overlook that one difference, they're pretty much identical cars.

A 1980's 442 is going to probably be much, much, much, much cheaper, so that's going to be a consideration.

[Buffman]

a 16yr old wanting one of those. Id say get yourself a econobox; beat the hell out of it, like most any 16yr old will, and then when you've grown up and learned to appreciate vehicles, then get something nice. I'd rather go for a GN.

[LARRY70GS]

If you are talking about the 1986-87 GN and 442, there is no comparison power wise. The GN will eat the 442 alive. At 16 years old, a GN is not a good first car for you. You can get into a lot of trouble with that car.. 99.999999% of safe driving is experience, and you have none. I'm not trying to put you down, I'm trying to help you make the safer choice.


There is nothing wrong with the Buick oil pump. They last if you change your oil. There are a lot of people who have no clue about how to take care of a car, and they don't care. If you maintain the car with regular fluid changes and keep it in a good state of tune, it will last. If you beat on the engine when it is cold, and not up to temperature, you can shorten it's life. I can't believe what some people do to cars, and then expect them to last forever.

[m/w]

Hear hear larry i agree 120% my old buick had well over 100000 miles on it be fore the engine went south, as a friend of mine once said "oil is cheap" . Like larry said walt let the buick get to operating temp 1st before u take off & it'll last a long time & dont Be cheap on oil changes, in my455 i change oil every 1500 to 2000 miles & use either lucas or power up or gm eos . the oil supplement of choise is powerup when available .later bake