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USED European Luxury Cars (pre 1990)
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I borrowed my father's diesel Rabbit pickup a few times and discovered I was driving it foot to the floor without realizing it. Whenever someone tailgated me I just gave him a blast of diesel smoke.
Also, the thing is bullet-proof. Rain, snow, mountains, heat, day, night, ruts, bumps, gravel, dirt, wind,....it just doesn't care, it just keeps chugging. And it's got good heat, a/c, stereo, sunroof, comfy seats and one of those long-range fuel tanks (35 gallon).
So the operating costs, between needing repair quite infrequently and the economy of the diesel (feul isn't cheap in California, but it delivers a solid 25 mpg, which is great for such a big car), are very low as well.
It's a great working car, but certainly not for everyone.
No, VWs weren't body on frame as I recall.
That being said, they arent worth much more than an S500.
How much $$ can ya get it for?
Bill
'84-91 5000/100/200; '90-94 V8 Quattro; '92-'95 S4
I would assume this car is 'spensive to keep up, but probably not a whole lot more than the S500 (though you were warned about fuel consumption). Maybe I'm wrong about upkeep vs. S500 (anyone?). In most neighborhoods, you will not see another, which is kinda nice.
94.7hp (And its not running quite right either...) at the rear wheels. I was surprised!
Bill
Geez, imagine if I dynoe'd my 300 diesel!
Bill
I guess If I'm going to have a bothersome Euro car, it might as well be fast (my 900S is bothersome but not at all fast).
BMW 533i--one of the universale caveats of 80s BMWs is cracked cylinder heads, so any old BMW that isn't running quite right, needs to have this potential problem investigated. If you see any signs of overheating (rusty stains under the hood, corrosion and staining on the outside of the radiator, filthy coolant) I'd be wary. A rebuilt cylinder head can cost more than the whole damn car!
Other than that, mostly you face the obstacle of what to do if something big goes wrong. Generally, these cars are so expensive to repair that if you lose a major component (engine, trans, differential, body damage) you might as well junk it.
Any older German sedan is fine to buy if you are willing to walk away from it when it breaks; otherwise, you are throwing money down a hole. Ultimately, all older 4-door BMWs, Benzes Audis, etc, are going to the recycler, so don't ride these down to the bottom. Buy the good ones, use 'em up and enjoy them. They can give a lot of miles and enjoyment if you pick a good one, since the build quality far surpasses and Japanese or American product of that time period.
My mom suggested I get a Toyota Cressida instead. They're actually comparable cars in many ways. This car actually had a minor status as a "cool car". It was sort of the Japanese Mercedes 300 when it came out in the 70's. I still see many of them running around looking very good still. I saw an 1987 wagon model on a car lot for only $2000 and the interior was amazingly solid - in fact it was easily the best car I've seen in terms long-term Japanese build quality. I really wanted this one!
I put over 100K on a 1984 Stick. Drove the heck outta it too..
What goes wrong (Aside from the obvious):
Front suspension bushings.
STOCK Tires are the sucky and very expensive 200-60VR390 Michelin TRXs. It ought to have 15" Wheels.
AC system is decent, but they are usually broken. The condensor (Little radiator in front of big radiator) tends to leak.
Bill
Here's another strange one. My brother's ex-girlfriend is considering buying her uncle's '83 (4-speed, fortunately) Mercedes 240D (with 120k, in excellent condition) to replace her Ford Festiva. I hate to say it, but I don't know which has worse acceleration, but I'd almost bet the 240. I realize the Benz is durable, but can this be considered a practical daily driver (in Chicago)? Do they need much maintenance, and when they do, is it expensive? Oh yeah, she's still in college and the price is $3500. I can't help but think she can find something a bit more suitable in that price range.
Yeah, it's a dog on acceleration, although being a 4-speed might help a bit. I trust she is an alert driving because she is going to have SUVs breathing down her neck unless she mashes the pedal to the fuel and KEEPS in there all day.
No, they don't need lots of maintenance, but they need someone who is very diligent about fuel additives and filter changing. If she's a klutz with cars, a 240D and her are a deadly combination. If she's really on top of it with her cars, no problem, it will probably serve her well.
Oh, yeah, diesels really HATE to run out of fuel, so please inform her that is an absolute no-no. And use Redline cetane booster and injector cleaner in every tankful.
Jason
Seriously though, if you are very attentive and epoxy that gas pedal to the floor (don't lose revs, stay in the right gear, speed up for hills), you can get by. And if you are in Iowa or such, generally no problem. But places like Colorado, forgeddaboutit!
On another note, I saw a *really* clean '82 BMW 528e yesterday (it had the '82-only BMW/BBS wheels). I know this car isn't much fun, either (compared to the 533i especially), but it's kind of cool looking.
64 Beetle
81 Scirocco
83 GTI
85 Jetta GL
85 Golf GL
89 Golf GL
91 GTI 16v
I think that makes me fairly qualified to comment on the build quality of '80s Volkswagens, no?
Of those, the Scirocco probably had the best build quality (built in Germany), the Golfs and Jetta had suspension and electrical problems, and all three had at least one door that wouldn't open from the outside.