It was 19 degrees here in Birmingham this morning. I covered up well and I was fine coming into work. On the other hand, when it is in the high 90s during the summer, I get to a point where I can't take off any more clothes.
Being naked is still too hot at 105 degrees. And you risk a nasty sunburn.
Not me - I think we got off on this thread talking about shopping Craigslist. I don't like the way old cars drive. Almost took a flyer on an well used Miata a couple of years ago and it would have taken a lot of elbow grease to get it looking smurfy. That T-Bird has zero interest for me.
Old cars are like dogs and kids. Fun to play with for an hour or two so long as you aren't responsible for their care and feeding.:shades:
To each his own; our 1975 '02 has been a blast. And when something does break, parts are very easy to get(thank you, BMW Classic). Better yet, I don't need several hundred dollars worth of diagnostic equipment to find and/or address the problem.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
My fintail is great fun to drive too, reliable, not too thirsty, and is a lot cheaper to fix than moderns.
But that T-Bird might be annoying to some. It's going to have a 390 or 428, so single digit city mpg. They have a rep for eating up front suspension components. Low restored values make fixing one up a gamble. But, they are stylish and cruise along nicely on straight smooth roads.
Can't wait to find another '73 VW Bug like the one I drove to Alaska (or even better, a Karman Ghia). Fun little go karts, easy to fix, lots of parts.
I'm sure I can find one with the safety cage and stability control and air bags that are all still functional. :P
Plenty of newer cars are cheap to own and a blast to drive and offer modern safety features.
I always cringe when I read about someone driving a 60's Mustang with the Pinto gas tanks. Hopefully by now most everyone restoring those knows about the tank replacement solutions.
You called it right on that T-Bird. Few cars handled worse than they did and they ate front end parts. They were so front heavy.
They also had vacuum lines everywhere and electrical glitches even when they were new.
But, yes, they did have a certain allure to them and they would glide down the road in a classy manner. I prefer the 65's the best and actuallyu wouldn't mind having the right one.
While living in Boise a guy my age tracked down an older Bug like he had driven in his twenties. Got in a low speed accident and died. :sick:
But I know what you mean - a HS classmate got a Bug for a graduation present in '70 and promptly wrecked it and died. I had three or four of my own Bugs after that, never occured to me that my number could be next.
The idea of getting one now is fun but the reality is something different.
While I'm thread crapping in here, this story from The Truth About Cars will make you think twice about window shopping on eBay:
I drove a Beetle in HS .. ours was a '65 with the ubiquitous (for CA) "Baja" kit. Hated that car. Left me stranded several times, usually far from home.
After I graduated, it was handed down to my sister. Miraculously, my dad, uncle and cousin found the time to upgrade it from 6-volt to 12-volt and she never had a problem with it.
Since it's a fairly loaded 2010 model, I would expect to have Comfort Access, and I don't think that one does. A ton of money for a three year old car, but the miles are low. Love the color, too.
My girlfriend in high school's parents had a VW bug and a Karmann Ghia. Loved those. I remember riding down to the shore (where I live now - then a 2 hour drive) in the back seat of that Beetle. I don't kow that I'd want my daughter in the back seat of a Beetle even if I was driving but I suppose...
Years later I was carpooling with a woman that had a 63 bug with the giant sunroof. The sunroof was great but that was the slowest car I've ever driven!
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
The worst used car I ever sold was a very nice (Millenia) that I sold to our next door neighbor. Our shop had declared the car to be in great condition, and it was! Thankfully, he bought en extended warranty. That car did one thing after another including a transmission failure.
Buing a car through Ebay is risky and it's kinda hard to feel sorry for someone who paid thousands of dollars less than the market value.
Car Fax can be a total joke. They constantly report possible odometer fraud and "accidents" that were nothing more than a key scratch.
I'm sure that VW did "come that way" but all of those a/C units were dealer installed.
Hanging a A/C unit on that already overstressed little air cooled engine was a horrible thing to do. On the freeway when the compressor cycled, the car would slow down by at least 5 MPH. The old German mechanics would just shake their heads in disgust.
Actually, I liked driving old beetles. You had to be paying attention and you had to be in touch with the car.
They were crude, simple and they had a certain feel and charm that is hard to describe.
Supposed to meet the buyer for my Accord in a couple of hours to swap title for money. Took a few days for her insurance settlement to arrive. So with any luck I should have my garage spot back (man, I hate parking outside in the winter).
of course, we all know what that means. Time to shop for the spare car that I will need in December! It will give me something to do over the summer, looking for that special toy/oddball/"what the heck did you just buy" that only I could love!
Actually, even though the Volvo is nice, and will be perfect for my duaghter, I really, really want a BMW for myself, but now I cna keep an eye out for a stick.
Time to shop for the spare car that I will need in December! It will give me something to do over the summer, looking for that special toy/oddball/"what the heck did you just buy" that only I could love!
So, what are your parameters?
Manual transmission - obviously 2 seats or 4? Droptop, coupe or sedan? Budget?
Is there a short list of cars you are interested in?
You just know that your friends here in CCBA will be kibbitzing every step of the way.
Didnt know until it was too late, but my dentist called me asking about Q5s & X3s. He's got an '02 A4 3.0 Quattro w/ Automatic. Only 40,000 miles. Never had one single issue with it. Back seat never been sat it. Pampered & babied. He sold it for $7500.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
pretty broad at this point. I am tempted by a 2 seater (logically a convertible) but will probably go with 4 seats, even if the rears are nominal.
Stick most likely, but depending on what it is an AT can be in play.
age is flexible, but I can't see going too old, so figure most likey 2000+? Though something late 90s will still get a sniff.
Budget is up in the air, but figure on "low".
things I like? BMW 3 series obviously. And the Z3/Z4. outside of Bimmers, I am wide open. A Celica? Mazda? Subaru? maybe an RSX (Acura). a Civic Si bread van.
I did a quick autotrader search of all coupes & convertibles with manual transmission within a 200 mile radius of my house in Stamford, CT. Price cap I used was $12,000.
I was looking at thhe BMWCA classifieds at one point. Some nice stuff in there.
Not sure I would want to go all the way back to an E30. A 36 maybe.
And NY, summit is the opposite end of the state, but it looks like a nice one. Very wealthy area, so good place to go for a private sale on a toy like that!
Oh I know that; this car did have a lot of the pricey work covered over the past few years- the nitrogen spheres and the timing chains, to name two. And it doesn't have a slushbox- a BIG plus. Satch Carlson once told me he'd still have his SM if it hadn't had "that $@#$$ automatic transmission." :P
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Nearing a week with this Miata already. Its been sunny and in the 60's most of the week here in Oakland, so the hard top has been down a lot already. Really fun to drive; it just feels more agile than the Z3 I had. Plenty of power. I sense the beginning of a beautiful friendship...
The GM of the local Toyoya dealer is moving in across the street from me. My wife has already been commenting about all of the different cars he has been driving. She knows this will be tough for me. In 2008 I commited to my family that I would buy 0 cars, and I made it! For 2009, 2010 and 2011 I have managed to only buy 1 car per year. My neighbors are pretty boring car wise, so that has helped. This guy is really going to test me...I've already had the itch this year.
2011 Toyota Camry, 2014 Jeep Wrangler, 2017 Honda Civic Coupe, 2019 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid XSE, 2021 Toyota Tundra, 2022 Toyota 4Runner, 2022 Tesla Model 3
buyer for my Accord finally got the money in hand and came bu tonight to take it away. So, back down to 2 at the house (I don't count the Acura since my son has that away at school, so I don't even consider it mine anymore!)
at least I can get the Volvo in the garage again. I hate parking outside overnight.
still getting used to the new wheels. Has a nice stereo (front and rear equalizers, center channel with surround sound). Have to play with all that one of these days.
Got gas so had first MPG check. Mostly putting around town, with a short highway run. Calculated 23.3 (trip computer said 22.6, so close). Though the gas gauge seems to be about 3 gallons pessimistic (though unlikely will ever run out of fuel!).
but, already getting that urge to look again. Volvo is a nice little car. will be perfect for my daughter, but not likely to cause me any angst when it comes time to hand it down!
Comments
+1 on that!
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
Being naked is still too hot at 105 degrees. And you risk a nasty sunburn.
Unless they live in Arizona where the heat doesn't matter because it's a "dry" heat and it only last's three months!
All the more reason to car shop in ID or AZ or NV. You could probably take a Michigan car to Palm Desert for a year and bake the rust off.
535 wagon
It strikes me as a pretty decent deal for what it is - but of course, it's still a big chunk of change, and it's far away (which is a good thing).
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
Old cars are like dogs and kids. Fun to play with for an hour or two so long as you aren't responsible for their care and feeding.:shades:
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
But that T-Bird might be annoying to some. It's going to have a 390 or 428, so single digit city mpg. They have a rep for eating up front suspension components. Low restored values make fixing one up a gamble. But, they are stylish and cruise along nicely on straight smooth roads.
Very nice guy and definitely an enthusiast - so exactly the type of buyer we had been waiting for.
Nice to find a home for a car we were hardly driving.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
Point well taken, so I take all back.
Can't wait to find another '73 VW Bug like the one I drove to Alaska (or even better, a Karman Ghia). Fun little go karts, easy to fix, lots of parts.
I'm sure I can find one with the safety cage and stability control and air bags that are all still functional. :P
Plenty of newer cars are cheap to own and a blast to drive and offer modern safety features.
I always cringe when I read about someone driving a 60's Mustang with the Pinto gas tanks. Hopefully by now most everyone restoring those knows about the tank replacement solutions.
They also had vacuum lines everywhere and electrical glitches even when they were new.
But, yes, they did have a certain allure to them and they would glide down the road in a classy manner. I prefer the 65's the best and actuallyu wouldn't mind having the right one.
Funny, how we didn't worry about safety in those days. I remember driving my VW bugs never even thinking about the fact they were death traps.
10 gallons of gas in your lap, no crumple zones, a lousy lap seat belt.
A strong side wind would put you in the next lane.
I'm knind surprised you would want a '73. By that time, the smog regs were closing in and they had those ugly 5 MPH bumpers.
Most VW "people" consider the 67's to be the very best year but I think I would rather have a 70-71. As long as it didn't have an Auto Stick!
But I know what you mean - a HS classmate got a Bug for a graduation present in '70 and promptly wrecked it and died. I had three or four of my own Bugs after that, never occured to me that my number could be next.
The idea of getting one now is fun but the reality is something different.
While I'm thread crapping in here, this story from The Truth About Cars will make you think twice about window shopping on eBay:
eBay Escapades: How To Be A Small Time Car Flipping Crook
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
My Mom had a Beetle with Auto-stick and factory A/C. She always talked about how much she loved that car.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
After I graduated, it was handed down to my sister. Miraculously, my dad, uncle and cousin found the time to upgrade it from 6-volt to 12-volt and she never had a problem with it.
Sheesh.
Amazing he went through all of that. Probably cost him more in time, effort, and driving than it was worth.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Years later I was carpooling with a woman that had a 63 bug with the giant sunroof. The sunroof was great but that was the slowest car I've ever driven!
Buing a car through Ebay is risky and it's kinda hard to feel sorry for someone who paid thousands of dollars less than the market value.
Car Fax can be a total joke. They constantly report possible odometer fraud and "accidents" that were nothing more than a key scratch.
Yet, they often miss this big things.
What a gutless wonder THAT car must have been!
No sch thing as "factory" A/C in those. All were dealer installed.
These took a tremendous toll on those little engines and should have never been allowed. I had a '69 with A/C and it was terrible!
I've only driven a Beetle (not hers) one time and that was enough. I think the one I drove was a 70 and it was manual.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
Hanging a A/C unit on that already overstressed little air cooled engine was a horrible thing to do. On the freeway when the compressor cycled, the car would slow down by at least 5 MPH. The old German mechanics would just shake their heads in disgust.
Actually, I liked driving old beetles. You had to be paying attention and you had to be in touch with the car.
They were crude, simple and they had a certain feel and charm that is hard to describe.
of course, we all know what that means. Time to shop for the spare car that I will need in December! It will give me something to do over the summer, looking for that special toy/oddball/"what the heck did you just buy" that only I could love!
Actually, even though the Volvo is nice, and will be perfect for my duaghter, I really, really want a BMW for myself, but now I cna keep an eye out for a stick.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
So, what are your parameters?
Manual transmission - obviously
2 seats or 4?
Droptop, coupe or sedan?
Budget?
Is there a short list of cars you are interested in?
You just know that your friends here in CCBA will be kibbitzing every step of the way.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/carsforsale/bmw/isetta/
:shades:
Stick most likely, but depending on what it is an AT can be in play.
age is flexible, but I can't see going too old, so figure most likey 2000+? Though something late 90s will still get a sniff.
Budget is up in the air, but figure on "low".
things I like? BMW 3 series obviously. And the Z3/Z4. outside of Bimmers, I am wide open. A Celica? Mazda? Subaru? maybe an RSX (Acura). a Civic Si bread van.
whatever it is, not too large.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
:surprise:
We have this 2000 Honda S2000
This 2003 Audi TT Roadster
A 1997 E36 328i Sport Package Drop Top
A 2003 Z4 Sport Pkg Grey w/ red leather
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Blue 2000 BMW Z3
Supposedly these Porsche 944 Cabriolets run forever and a day. AT least the coupes do.
2001 Z3 3.0i
1987 Porsche 944 TURBO
Spending other people's money is lots of fun!
The black/Black Z3 is a private seller in NJ, not sure how far from you, but that might be a damn good car.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Not really; good Isettas will bring $30,000 or more all day long.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
Not sure I would want to go all the way back to an E30. A 36 maybe.
And NY, summit is the opposite end of the state, but it looks like a nice one. Very wealthy area, so good place to go for a private sale on a toy like that!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Budget will probably be more in the 6 range, but that depends on whether I can snake my wife's "upgrade" and keep her in the minivan a while longer!
If I play my cards right, I might be able to finagle my way into a late E46 while she keeps the van another 6-12 months.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Way kewl, and an expert 'troon repair/restoration shop is only an hour away from my house.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0 / 03 Montero Ltd
That gearchange looks very interesting.
at least I can get the Volvo in the garage again. I hate parking outside overnight.
still getting used to the new wheels. Has a nice stereo (front and rear equalizers, center channel with surround sound). Have to play with all that one of these days.
Got gas so had first MPG check. Mostly putting around town, with a short highway run. Calculated 23.3 (trip computer said 22.6, so close). Though the gas gauge seems to be about 3 gallons pessimistic (though unlikely will ever run out of fuel!).
but, already getting that urge to look again. Volvo is a nice little car. will be perfect for my daughter, but not likely to cause me any angst when it comes time to hand it down!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
perfectly equipped, but man, that thing is overpriced.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.