Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

stickguy

So, my current obsession for the next car is some sort of PU. Probably because I actually have a ST need now (just finished moving our daughter, and next week will be going to see our son's new house). We have an assortment of stuff to take up to him, and a PU would make it vastly easier!. Idea in early incubation stage. No clue if anything will come from it though.

28firefighter

Why not look for a cheap late 90s Ford Ranger for your needs now. Could probably run it cheap and sell it for what you buy it for later...

fintail

Fuego is cool, I remember I had a thing for those when I was a little kid, I even had a promo poster of one. I wouldn't buy one today, but cool to see one surviving in decent shape - a car that was likely "dangerously unreliable", and few survived.

Funny BaT car for me is this - someone ordered a top of the line car in the same paint code used in Germany for taxis. And it was actually sold new at my local dealer.

Michaell

fintail said:

Fuego is cool, I remember I had a thing for those when I was a little kid, I even had a promo poster of one. I wouldn't buy one today, but cool to see one surviving in decent shape - a car that was likely "dangerously unreliable", and few survived.

Funny BaT car for me is this - someone ordered a top of the line car in the same paint code used in Germany for taxis. And it was actually sold new at my local dealer.

I like that!

omarman

Same Fuego listed on CL in May 2019. I remember the line about "never used in a movie" in the seller's text. Same 129k miles too. Happy birthday to the firm price!

qbrozen

explorerx4 said:

That guy 'Had to have it', so I'm glad to let him keep it.

I imagine the "had to have it" driving force expired right about the time he showed it off to his last friend or family member who had never seen one before.

fintail

I've also seen a 560 SEL in that color, along with a few cars from lower in the hierarchy. The color was not often chosen on this side of the pond, or even there for non-taxi use.

Michaell said:

Funny BaT car for me is this - someone ordered a top of the line car in the same paint code used in Germany for taxis. And it was actually sold new at my local dealer.

I like that!

ab348

fintail said:

Funny BaT car for me is this - someone ordered a top of the line car in the same paint code used in Germany for taxis. And it was actually sold new at my local dealer.

"Ya, this color is the most popular choice for Mercedes-Benz buyers in Germany!"

According to the comments, the original owner was NBA star and former head coach Lenny Wilkins.

graphicguy

roadburner said:

"Do I feel lucky?" Well, do ya, punk?

Not even the turbo version, as best I can tell. There’s a reason that dog has been on the market for so long.

explorerx4

@omarman,
"Never used in a movie". I guess the screenplay about the main reason Renault left the US market got binned.

roadburner

graphicguy said:

roadburner said:

"Do I feel lucky?" Well, do ya, punk?

Not even the turbo version, as best I can tell. There’s a reason that dog has been on the market for so long.

Later Fuegos had an optional 2 liter OHC motor IIRC. Almost as strong as the turbo but a bit more civilized. When we started dating my wife had a 1981 R18i; it was a hoot to drive, but repairs were more frequent and more expensive than the equivalent work on the Bavaria.

stickguy

28firefighter said:

Why not look for a cheap late 90s Ford Ranger for your needs now. Could probably run it cheap and sell it for what you buy it for later...

well, when did need come into this? But that could be a viable option. will see how things look next year when I have an opening in the fleet. A big plus to that would be it gives me a good excuse to get a sports car to pair with it!

isellhondas

I've been gone awhile. anyone know if that gal from Alaska, akangl something like that is still around? She used to buy a different car almost on a monthly basis!

stickguy

she floats through occasionally. Was active just a couple months ago I think supplying some updates. Still going through cars at a rapid pace!

cdnpinhead

isellhondas said:

I've been gone awhile. anyone know if that gal from Alaska, akangl something like that is still around? She used to buy a different car almost on a monthly basis!

Hey, welcome back! AKANGEL was posting several months ago, but not lately.

isellhondas

ok thanks. She never failed to amaze me.

oldfarmer50

28firefighter said:

Big fan of this:
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1994-acura-legend-5/

Sorry, I don’t see it. $10k+ for 140k miles? I know you guys like the old Honda stuff but I don’t get the value.

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

since I am down the rabbit hole anyway...

I absolutely love this. My favorite big truck. Could be a fun piece to have as a semi-practical toy.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1992-ford-f-150-5/

hey, the highly sought after manual trans RWD E46 wagon! this one, with some extra forced induction beans. I do like it. Just need to put 17's back on it. Seems pretty well sorted.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2001-bmw-325i-touring-4/

Another nice looking toy. I looked at one just like this back around that time. Slightly quicker than the 68 HP Colt I was driving at the time. Just could not quite justify it as the primary family car. But this one looks really clean.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1990-ford-mustang-lx-5-0-6/

and finally, one more of the cars on my list of things I really wanted but never got back in the day, and now can't afford or never will! This one looks well done. Pretty much perfect set-up. I would just swap out the wheels for minilites, and less ugly seats and steering wheel inside.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1970-datsun-510-26/

I like the 2 Fords. The local radio station has a trading show sort of like an on-air Craigslist. This morning an old guy called in and listed a 1992 F-150 extra cab for $500. Probably not as clean as that one but I’m find of that generation. My ‘85 F-150 was indestructible.

That Mustang looks beautiful. Low low miles but it’s been enjoyed.

qbrozen

isellhondas said:

ok thanks. She never failed to amaze me.

Latest updates had her sitting tight for quite a long time, which is why I think she stopped coming around. In any case, @breld ’s exploits make her look like a piker.

corvette

explorerx4 said:

Haircut is going to be one person allowed in at a time(small place), take a number and you go in when your number is called.

I got a haircut Saturday and they did the parking lot waiting room thing. The front door was locked. Looked like they were at about 20-25% capacity and everyone I saw was wearing a mask. My stylist is only working four days a week. She was able to book me my next appointment, four weeks out.

Michaell

Looking for reliability...

https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/61503/honda/x/looking-for-the-most-reliable-used-car-i-can-find-between-10-and-15k#latest

corvette

breld said:

...I was able to get in them too - there’s a certain level of fitness required to maneuver in, but once you’re in I thought it was quite comfy.

I'm afraid I'd have the same issue I had with the Mustang... I could get in just fine, but staying in for more than a couple hours cramped my knee up. Something about my left leg being parallel to the floor, I think.

corvette

The Venza looks like they went pretty large with the grille, as well. I always liked the first gen, as I thought it had a nice interior than the Highlander. Should compete with the other midsize 2-row CUVs like the Ridgeline, Murano, Edge, Blazer, etc... It's strange that they are going with e-AWD for the Venza (and that it's standard equipment), as the RAV4, Camry, and Avalon have a driveshaft when equipped with AWD.

stickguy

odd moment today, I got next to a gen 1 Venza on the way to the superemarket. Then saw it in the parking lot. Bright red. Looked super clean.

oldfarmer50

28firefighter said:

Why not look for a cheap late 90s Ford Ranger for your needs now. Could probably run it cheap and sell it for what you buy it for later...

That actually might not be a bad idea. This one almost seems too good.

https://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/d/ventnor-city-2004-ford-ranger-atlantic/7132837942.html

qbrozen

So I came across this super clean looking 2004 Cayenne Turbo with 100k miles. It is all the way in CA, but under $10k. Private party seller who claims it is a 1-family car since new. So I message him asking about the coolant pipes. He has no idea. Was not aware of the issue and no clue if ever replaced. Huh? So you have had since new but don’t know the service history? Hard pass.

stickguy

seems pretty clean. But I can't stand an extended cab compact PU with RWD (well, the Nissan is OK, but not Ranger or Tacoma). They are just weird looking to me. Too low for the length. the 4WD at least sits hire and seems better proportioned. and of course, needs a 5 speed!

the irrational side says get a RWD Ranger Xcab step side, raise it a bit, and shove a Mustang GT drivetrain in. I am sure it will fit.

28firefighter

RWD makes it even cheaper to maintain. I’d want a manual trans though.

stickguy

qbrozen said:

So I came across this super clean looking 2004 Cayenne Turbo with 100k miles. It is all the way in CA, but under $10k. Private party seller who claims it is a 1-family car since new. So I message him asking about the coolant pipes. He has no idea. Was not aware of the issue and no clue if ever replaced. Huh? So you have had since new but don’t know the service history? Hard pass.

where in CA? Though while it might be a flipper, entirely possible it really is a well to do family, that knows nothing about the car. Just take it in when it has to be fixed, and let the dealer handle it. Would certainly help if they could get the service history for you.

I know my sister is a great person to buy a car from. Get perfect care, everything it needs, and I know if you asked if a certain fix was done, she would have no clue. Standard answer is "service now light went on, so I took it to the dealer and did what they said it needed". Though she was driving Acuras, so that was easier to swallow than on a Porsche!

qbrozen

stickguy said:

qbrozen said:

So I came across this super clean looking 2004 Cayenne Turbo with 100k miles. It is all the way in CA, but under $10k. Private party seller who claims it is a 1-family car since new. So I message him asking about the coolant pipes. He has no idea. Was not aware of the issue and no clue if ever replaced. Huh? So you have had since new but don’t know the service history? Hard pass.

where in CA? Though while it might be a flipper, entirely possible it really is a well to do family, that knows nothing about the car. Just take it in when it has to be fixed, and let the dealer handle it. Would certainly help if they could get the service history for you.

I know my sister is a great person to buy a car from. Get perfect care, everything it needs, and I know if you asked if a certain fix was done, she would have no clue. Standard answer is "service now light went on, so I took it to the dealer and did what they said it needed". Though she was driving Acuras, so that was easier to swallow than on a Porsche!

I get that and, yes, West Hills. But, like you said, I’d expect him to be able to say “I can find out,” at the very least. And do people, no matter how wealthy, forget their car having a coolant leak? Or the service advisor saying “hey, this will take a while, we gotta take the manifold off, etc.”? Just seems like a big enough deal to me. The other choice is that it never came up and was never done, which is also bad news, so not interested either way.

And, honestly, if you are so well off you don’t worry about your Porsche services, would you bother trying to sell an ~$8k car yourself? Imagine the riff-raff coming into your driveway! Heavens!

stickguy

28firefighter said:

RWD makes it even cheaper to maintain. I’d want a manual trans though.

exactly. and a big reason that If I was looking for an older/cheaper car with AWD was an option, I would stick with RWD or FWD (depending on the other option!). So a FWD Volvo, RWD PU or BMW

stickguy

I am surprised they are even bothering to talk to you about it, since you are 3,000 miles away! Could explain lack of interest.

corvette

oldfarmer50 said:

28firefighter said:

Why not look for a cheap late 90s Ford Ranger for your needs now. Could probably run it cheap and sell it for what you buy it for later...

That actually might not be a bad idea. This one almost seems too good.

https://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/d/ventnor-city-2004-ford-ranger-atlantic/7132837942.html

Four banger extended cab, 2WD, automatic, no cruise control. Four strikes! 😂

28firefighter

If only I had garage space. Even with the rebuilt title.

https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/d/seattle-ix-touring-e46-awd-5spd-low/7133643544.html

qbrozen

stickguy said:

I am surprised they are even bothering to talk to you about it, since you are 3,000 miles away! Could explain lack of interest.

I didn’t mention my location

ab348

Rangers are pretty crude vehicles. I've known several people who have owned them and the driving experience is in no way fun - noisy, buckboard ride, few amenities. It is for hauling stuff, nothing more. Also they have a bad habit of rear frame rust in the salt belt so inspect carefully.

nyccarguy

28firefighter said:

If only I had garage space. Even with the rebuilt title.

https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/d/seattle-ix-touring-e46-awd-5spd-low/7133643544.html

Unless you are going to pay @qbrozen's airfare/hotel or ship it to @roadburner's BMW dealer, that $3,750 is going to become $6 - $7K very quickly.

stickguy

28firefighter said:

If only I had garage space. Even with the rebuilt title.

https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/d/seattle-ix-touring-e46-awd-5spd-low/7133643544.html

well, I like the sport package and 5 speed on it. other than that, a lot of negatives. Interesting that it supposedly has a clean Washington title, but was totaled in SC 3 years ago. The title issue at that price, if there is good paperwork (and pictures) on the repair, would not actually bother me since at that price point does not take much to total a car. a front crunch is not a big deal. Usually.

but it seems to have an awful lot of needs, some expensive (like the clutch), and I bet there is going to be a bunch of "while you are in there" action. Likely going to be pretty pricey if you can't/won't do it all yourself.

silver over black a downer (though seems that 1/2 of them were that combo back then), and of course, would be way better with RWD!

yet with all that, still likely a fun car.

stickguy

ab348 said:

Rangers are pretty crude vehicles. I've known several people who have owned them and the driving experience is in no way fun - noisy, buckboard ride, few amenities. It is for hauling stuff, nothing more. Also they have a bad habit of rear frame rust in the salt belt so inspect carefully.

I am sure they are. I have never actually driven one. My 1990 Nissan (Xcab, RWD, 4 cyl 5 speed) drove just fine though. At least as I remember it, possibly my standards have changed! and sadly around here, all the trucks seem to suffer from frame rust. Including (maybe especially) Toyotas!

If I really want a truck, most likely the better move is trolling out a cheap lease on a new one.

tjc78

The S10 was the better driving truck in that era IMO. I really liked mine, the perfect second vehicle and in V6 2WD setup pretty quick for what it was.

breld

28firefighter said:

If only I had garage space. Even with the rebuilt title.

https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/d/seattle-ix-touring-e46-awd-5spd-low/7133643544.html

Seems like an honest ad and I’d say an honest price. Of course it’s gonna have needs but for what it is I think they’ve taken that into consideration with the asking price.

I’m curious whether the E61 that’s mentioned and makes an appearance in the pics is also a manual.

corvette

tjc78 said:

The S10 was the better driving truck in that era IMO. I really liked mine, the perfect second vehicle and in V6 2WD setup pretty quick for what it was.

The 4.3 in those drove well. The 2.2 liter four banger was wheezy and underpowered, even for its era.

ab348

stickguy said:

I am sure they are. I have never actually driven one. My 1990 Nissan (Xcab, RWD, 4 cyl 5 speed) drove just fine though. At least as I remember it, possibly my standards have changed! and sadly around here, all the trucks seem to suffer from frame rust. Including (maybe especially) Toyotas!

If I really want a truck, most likely the better move is trolling out a cheap lease on a new one.

Yes, I would agree. I was driving past the local Toyota dealt last week just as they were taking delivery of a new shipment of replacement Tacoma frames. They usually have 5 or 6 stored out back and another 4 were being delivered that day. Business of rusted frame replacement must be brisk.

kyfdx

28firefighter said:

If only I had garage space. Even with the rebuilt title.

https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/d/seattle-ix-touring-e46-awd-5spd-low/7133643544.html

The holy grail is the RWD wagon with a stick. Hen's teeth

28firefighter

@breld - kind of my thought; honest ad and an honest price because as @kyfdx said, it is hen's teeth.

My guess is someone will take that thing and do a swap - either make it a ZHP wagon (seems to be popular) or an M3 wagon.

corvette

ab348 said:

stickguy said:

I am sure they are. I have never actually driven one. My 1990 Nissan (Xcab, RWD, 4 cyl 5 speed) drove just fine though. At least as I remember it, possibly my standards have changed! and sadly around here, all the trucks seem to suffer from frame rust. Including (maybe especially) Toyotas!

If I really want a truck, most likely the better move is trolling out a cheap lease on a new one.

Yes, I would agree. I was driving past the local Toyota dealt last week just as they were taking delivery of a new shipment of replacement Tacoma frames. They usually have 5 or 6 stored out back and another 4 were being delivered that day. Business of rusted frame replacement must be brisk.

I thought the replacement program for those ended, or maybe that was just in the US? And that they totaled out a lot of them rather than replacing the frames?

ab348

I don’t know what the deal in Canada on those is, @corvette , but the sheer number they have done here boggles the mind. I wonder if this dealer is providing the service on behalf of many Toyota dealers in the larger area.

stickguy

tjc78 said:

The S10 was the better driving truck in that era IMO. I really liked mine, the perfect second vehicle and in V6 2WD setup pretty quick for what it was.

At this point, if I got a used truck, more likely to be a Colorado. I like the Nissan too, but those oddly are also crazy expensive used!

stickguy

28firefighter said:

@breld - kind of my thought; honest ad and an honest price because as @kyfdx said, it is hen's teeth.

My guess is someone will take that thing and do a swap - either make it a ZHP wagon (seems to be popular) or an M3 wagon.

Seems like they already largely did. Lots of ZHP pieces lusted, and the supercharger to juice up the HP!

28firefighter

Looks like it sold already!