Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

roadburner

A friend of mine recently listed this car- a 1990 M3 with 150K miles on the body and less than 50K on the motor:



The original motor was modified a bit and went into a DTM replica M3 he built.
Here's the photo album.

stickguy

Well, Fezo and I think so.

Go giants!

fintail

Although my old German doesn't have one, sounds like a similar situation. You just shift it yourself.

akangl

What's football? :P

fezo

What's football? Lots of folks in Green Bay asking the same question.....

Loved the MPV!

Our best guess is that it is probably the starter or the head gasket, but we are not mechanics.

Classic!

akangl

Loved the MPV!

Our best guess is that it is probably the starter or the head gasket, but we are not mechanics.

Classic!

I read that ad and couldn't stop laughing. What a sense of humor! I need to think up a good ad to make the Escort at least *seem* like something someone would want to buy. Going to put it up for sale as soon as I get it back from the shop.

fezo

Let's see....

New head gasket for Ford Escort. Car attached. Brand new antifreeze....

stever

What's football? Lots of folks in Green Bay asking the same question.....

Loved the MPV!

I was sure you were talking about Eli. Oh, not MVP.

Won't be much joy on my block tonight (except for yours truly :shades: ). Probably more Packer fans here than Lions fans.

How about a $16k Model A? The Tudor Sedan Deluxe version. It went on sale before the Pack lost.

stickguy

Football is something a Giant kept toting into the endzone while a guy in green waved at him going by.

tjc78

a 1990 M3

That is a nice car, the engine bay looks pristine.

I always found it funny that the M3 and the early 90s Town Car used the same wheels (except for the centers of course)

fezo

Owner of that Model A keeps cars longer than you do. I did not think it possible...

roadburner

That is a nice car, the engine bay looks pristine.

The owner is an airframe mechanic; OCD doesn't begin to describe him.

I always found it funny that the M3 and the early 90s Town Car used the same wheels (except for the centers of course)

Yes, BBS(and BBS style) wheels were very popular in the '80s. My M6 had them as well...

breld

Love the new seats! I need to get a Dice adapter for the 540, after I get the radio pixels fixed. My dad, the soldering wizard, is working on that as we speak.

I just installed the Dice adapter (the "Silverline Duo") in my 530i last weekend. I don't consider myself terribly adept at all in these tasks, but with enough research on the internet, I felt comfortable running the wires from the trunk area to the front of the car. Did it all in about half an hour and so far, the unit works great.

fintail

Nice looking car, sometimes I get an itch for something like that, and it is worth barely more or even less than it was 25 or 30 years ago. Price is actually a few grand optimistic, too.

breld

Wife and I were without kids this past weekend, so on Saturday my wife suggested we go "explore" the car lots. Here are some of the highlights:

- actually had a lot of fun looking at used minivans. There's a lot of options out there for sub-$10k that would meet our needs wonderfully.

- stopped by a nice indoor dealer that specializes in German makes. They usually have a few wagons and maybe even a manual or two, but nothing that day. We did express our interest in a 3'er wagon, sport with a manual and left that info with one of the salesman, in case that rare bird turns up.

- took a closer look at the Veloster for fun (just wanted to see it in person, we didn't take it out at all). Wife and I both really liked the design.

- drove a Mini Countryman S (manual). I was very intrigued with it and even had felt a bit of regret over not considering it more prior to buying our GTI, but after driving it I actually appreciate the GTI more. But as a smaller "SUV-like" alternative, I like it. I'd keep it on the list for when we get a minivan and don't need the large 7-passenger SUV.

Anyway - a fun Saturday afternoon (which preceded a not-so-fun evening of football here in the Mile High).

rayainsw

My daughter [ 2007 MINI hatch ] was at the dealer Saturday - and really like the Countryman.
I have not driven one [ neither has she, with 80+KM on hers, it will still be a while ]
but I'd be curious about any further detailed impressions from your drive...
- Ray
I will test one here - when closer to her decision date...

breld

Well, as you'd probably expect from the Mini, it handled well and had more than adequate acceleration (S All-4 model). Most of the comparisons in my mind as we test drove it were versus our GTI - I didn't think the shifting in the Mini was as smooth, it had a harsher ride over bumps (even with the standard 17" wheels) and the interior overall, while fun and quirky, was not as classy and functional as the VW.

Having said that, I really like the styling and character of the car. There aren't too many four-door hatchbacks out there for us, much less with AWD, so I think it's great to have the option. You can get crazy with the options, but a nicely equipped S model with AWD can easily be had for low $30's. That's just a bit more than some GTIs and in-line with the Golf R. And it gives you the added character, exclusivity (if you care) and AWD security over the Mazda3's and Ford Focus's (Focii?).

I think I mostly liked the Surf Blue color with white top and racing stripes.

rayainsw

Thanks - it is quirky - among other things...
- Ray
Daughter liked the gray w/black & red interior...

qbrozen

so what did he list it for? (price, I mean, not reason)

kyfdx

$18K

houdini1

All that Model A needs is a John Deere logo on the door. Nothing runs like a deer!!

tjc78

$18K

:surprise: :surprise:

A little steep?

kyfdx

Beats me.. I see E30 M3s for sale from $13K to $35K.... The $13K ones are usually salvage title, etc...

I haven't really shopped them to see what brings what money at what level, but I'd guess he isn't way, way off on that one..

Too much for me... it's just a 4-cylinder...

kyfdx

Top of the line, low miles and high- (over-) priced...

3 M3s, all $35K

tjc78

I had no idea they went for that kind of money. Learn something everyday.

stickguy

Continuing my ongoing BMW search saga, I found a 2004 325i late last week (private sale off of craig's, in my own town). But, never heard back from my email (sent last Thursday).

Lo and behold, this morning I get a call from the guy. Turns out the craigs response emails were going into his spam folder. Duh.

so, have to see if there is a chance to look at it during the week. Considering I can't seem to leave the office before 7:30 might be hard. I mentioned Saturday, and he really seemed to want it gone before then. Even reposted his ad today, knocking the price down to $9,500 OBO (for a 2004 with 75K on it).

Original owner. On the downside, primary servicing facility seems to have been by a guy he knows at the pep boys, and some jiffy lube action. And it had a minor bump (per him) a year or so back that requried replacing some plastic. Will have to see paperwork on that.

so, not perfect, but worth looking at.

the big issue is likely to be trying to get it in for a PPI. That could be logistically impossible. So, it could require a decision based on my own talent (IOW, a gut feeling!) Though if cheap enough, might be worth the risk.

corvette

From the same dealer, you can have an E36 M3 for less than 1/2 the price and an E46 for about 2/3... I'm sorry, but I don't see the point. The E30 doesn't seem old enough to be a truly collectable car.

roadburner

The E30 doesn't seem old enough to be a truly collectable car.

The E30 M3 prices have pretty much bottomed out, and the nice cars are increasing in value. I've spent extensive seat time in all four M3 generations and I'd have to say the E30 is the most fun, followed by the E46, the E9x and the E36. In all honesty, the E9x M3 reminds me of my E24 M6, which isn't bad at all; it just doesn't feel like an M3.

roadburner

A 2007 Z4 M Coupe:



44,000 miles, $28,750.

kyfdx

I've given serious thought to one of those... The dealer I linked before has 3 or 4 of them.... (not that I would suggest buying from him)..

Just not sure I could live with it through the winter as my daily driver, like I do the E46...

nyccarguy

Yummy! I love it! Go for it!

stickguy

that one I like. Just needs a hole in the roof.

Of course, given the moon landscape nature of the roads around me (NJ) these days, I would be afraid to actually take it out. those tires and wheels look expensive!

corvette

Love the color. And the wheels.

breld

Beautiful. I hope it finds its way into your garage.

breld

Wife and I went to check out a 335i sedan at one of our local dealers last night. Mostly for kicks, but we were curious how much of an upgrade it would feel over her current 328xi. It was equipped much like her current 3 - premium, cold, sport packages, steptronic and it had the "oyster/black" interior which we love (virtually the same as the "lemon" interior in the current ride). It was an '09, so a year newer (facelift) and offered the engine upgrade and navigation.

Not surprisingly, the extra hp was really nice, but doesn't make up for the fact we really would like a manual in the 3. Expressing as much to our salesman, he brought up that they have a service loaner - 328i xdrive wagon, sport package, manual trannie, black with the oyster interior. Really? How does something like that end up in the service loaner fleet? Anyway, he's gonna let us know when it's available for sale. It's gotta be a '10 or '11, and probably doesn't have a ton of miles, so I suspect the price may be a bit too dear, but it's definitely something we'd consider.

anonymousposts

We've been looking around for a third car. We hardly ever drive the minivan now that we have the Tiguan. Looked at a Camry Hybrid but it was a bit too boring, even compared to an Odyssey. Found a 2005 TSX with 66k for $10,000. Good condition. Only downside is that it's an automatic, but in Atlanta traffic, that might not be as much of a downside as I think. I really want a 3-series but don't want to deal with the potential repairs and high maintenance costs.

stickguy

pretty nice beater!

That would work for me to replace my accord (needing an AT) but I am not finding them that cheap up here.

Kirstie_H

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laurasdada

Is anyone considering buying a new Saab. In the Boston area, offers of 35%-42% off msrp (the higher discount is for demos usually, but < 6000 miles). I'm toying with the idea of trading the 10 year old Lexus for a 9-3 SportCombi...

anonymousposts

We've had it checked it. It has a couple of minor issues .. needs a passenger door lock actuator (typical for this year Honda/Acura) and the airbag light is on as a result of a faulty seatbelt latch (already verified and is covered under warranty by Acura). If I buckle the seatbelt before turning the car on, the light does not come on. It also needs wipers and front rotors. Between the actuator, the rotors, and the wiper blades we will spend about $200. The car has relatively new tires and is otherwise well maintained. Non-smoker, clean title, etc.

We bought the Tiguan in the early part of November and it is already near 5,000 miles. We both agree, the Tiguan would be harder to part with than the Odyssey. Though we have no immediate plans to part with either one.

ateixeira

No warranty, orphan car, spare parts non-existent, ... you sure about that?

I remember when Daewoo left the USA the cars were more like half price, and they were still a hard sell. 35% off is not enough IMHO.

roadburner

I remember when Daewoo left the USA the cars were more like half price, and they were still a hard sell. 35% off is not enough IMHO.

My wife always wanted a SAAB, but she wouldn't buy one while the company was owned by GM. Today a SAAB isn't even on the radar. Heck, you could buy a 9-5 at 80% off and probably still get killed by depreciation. SAAB is dead and demand is just short of zero; the lack of warranty/parts/service simply nails the lid on the coffin.

stickguy

My neighbor recently got a new 9-5. Surprised me, since he is actually a car guy. I hope he at least leased it!

corvette

I doubt any finance companies will lease them now that the parent company is Tango Uniform. Unlike roadburner, I'd probably be a buyer at 80% off.

akangl

Hubby was headed home from work yesterday and sent me a text that the Civic was having isses. First thought was What?? The Civic?? I met him at the repair shop since he couldn't shut the car off or it wouldn't restart. Long story short the fluid I saw on the garage floor last week was battery acid. Apparently the battery cracked and leaked, it had 2 cells that were frozen solid (was -50 when hubby left work). I wasn't surprised, we've had battery issues off and on for the past few weeks with the car. At least it got him all the way back from work, 250 miles.

So, our wallet is $200 lighter after a charging system check, a whole lot of cleaning, and a new battery. First money we've spent on the car other than oil changes, not bad for 92k miles.

On another note......the disappearing antifreeze in the Escort is still a mystery and we are just watching it for clues.

ateixeira

she wouldn't buy one while the company was owned by GM

Ironically those are the only Saabs covered under warranty now.

A friend of mine just dropped by and asked if her 2006 Saab 9-5 can get parts. Her head unit broke, Navi and all.

I did a quick Crutchfield search. She was quoted a grand for a replacement CD player, but I told her it seems crazy to fix a now 6-year old head unit for a grand when you can buy a *much* better aftermarket head unit for $600-800 and have updated maps, bluetooth, Pandora support, etc.

Anyone familiar enough with Saab to know if it's double DIN? Is the harness fairly standardized GM stuff or what?

qbrozen

Or.... check out This Place.

I haven't had a full experience with them, yet, but read good things. Just last week, I sent them the DVD player from the wife's van. I'm awaiting news on its repair.

Story from the customer service rep is that I pay $285 and they'll either fix it or replace it for that price. It is $440 for a new one (best price I could find after much searching), so I went for it.

ateixeira

All the way in Cali, wonder how much the shipping would be, back and forth?

She's not the handy type, I doubt she could get the head unit out without a pro to help.

qbrozen

Well, sending it in a flat-rate USPS medium box cost me $10.

I'm kind of assuming the $285 I pay them includes return shipping. But we'll see.

stickguy

Reality is a place I try not to visit too often. Anyway, posted this on sales stories too, but in case some of you don't go there:

Given that I plan to look at a couple of used BMWS this weekend, I am getting worried that it really may be a bad idea. So please, talk me in or talk me out of it!

conditions: 1 is a 2005 with 92K, and the other is a 2004 with 75K. Both 325i RWD automatics. '05 at a VW dealer, '04 is a private sale (original owner).

Plan is to use as my DD for the next year (mostly local, maybe 7.5K/year now) and then let me daughter use it when she hits 17. So not getting a lot of miles.

I "know" a lot more than I can/will do these days (can talk the talk but not wrench the wrench) and there is a well regarded indy (BMW/MB only) shop 5 minutes away (charges $85/hour) that I would use for everything. I will do small stuff like change bulbs, do an air or cabin filter, etc.

one issue, may not have the opportunity to get either one there for a PPI.

So go at it. Should I jump in or run, Forrest run?

Oh, my other option would be something "safer" like a 2005ish TSX, Mazda 3 maybe. Something like that.

And budget is 10K or so tops.