That 633 is tempting, "Metric Mechanic" is a long-time builder of BMW engines, a plus. But who know how it's been maintained, etc...at least it still has factory rims, makes me think it may have been owned by someone other than an 18 year old...
It looks like a bit of a rust bucket---I'd certainly check the shock towers and rear suspension points for rust on that baby. If so, throw the car away and keep the engine. The mention of having "panels" that need replacing suggest major problems to me. Car's not worth all that effort IMO. Maybe if it were an M6 or a really right 2002Tii or Baur convertible.
I like it. But, if you were my "client", I would politely say that, given your stated criteria, it is the wrong car for you.
OK, I would really slap you upside the head and call you an idiot. Or just let your wife do it!
Now, if you buy say the burgandy S70, and want this to replace the other toy, then you might make a case for yourself.
Still, even if you are comfortable doing the basic wrenching on that, the rust is probably a good enough reason to stay away. Unless you want your DD to spend the winter in the garage, while you work on your welding skills.
That would have to be a buy cheap, and run it until it breaks car I guess. Can't be any margin in replacing all the rotted panels and paiting it up. Better off going to CA and getting one without rot.
I have no idea if it REALLY makes that much power, I couldn't find hp specs on my quick look at the MM site. They do have some pretty big (4l) engines, but who knows?
its not AWD, though. If it were, I probably wouldn't be thinking about it. Want to avoid that added complexity, weight, and gas penalty this time around.
'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
Yeah, I'm pretty sure on that, too. It would be an XC, otherwise, I believe.
I didn't notice the moonroof thing, but that's fine by me. I don't like moonroofs. I wonder if it has power seats, though. It is also missing the cold weather pack (no bun warmers and no headlight washers).
I really really like the seats. That's one of the selling points for me.
'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
hey, that one even has a moonroof. I seem to recall that the early years ('93 being the first) had some issues, but they must have been resolved in the last 17 years!
I really wanted one of these back in the day, and seriously thought about buying the wagon version of this car (same color too) back in about '95.
i am going to take look at it on sunday. actually, i saw it the other day, on my way to fill up the fusion. my normal station had the pumps blocked off with temp metal fencing so i just kept driving until i got to the next station. traded in my F150 shortly after we started the family for a sedan, but i still miss having a pickup. so Andre, got any extra room in your garage? since all I have is fords, i would bring a cover.
2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
You're talking Volvos without me? Well I do have to weigh in.
1993 850: Absolutely, positively, avoid this model year, the first for the 850. Run away and don't touch it with a ten-foot pole! I used to own a '93 and had so much trouble with it. I was actually glad when it was totaled in a crash four years ago. The transmissions and electrical systems are the worst in a '93. Also, the power driver's seat cable will break, I guarantee.
1998-00 S70/V70: If you want simplicity, the '98s are the one to get. They don't have electronic throttle control and they're easier to work on. But the timing belt change interval is shorter: every 70k miles, versus 105k miles for '99-up Volvos. The GLT was indeed the light-pressure turbocharged model. It made 190 hp in '98, and 197 hp in '99-up. The SE, offered only in 2000, was just a gussied-up base 2.4 model, with wood trim and other niceties inside. This generation is basically a revised and improved 850.
Either a 99 or 2000 Disco could be very troublesome or could be perfectly fine.
The 99 would be the most likely to be troublesome and even more so if it was a series I disco. The SD discos in 1999 were Series I models while the SE and HSE were Series II.
The only advantage to the series I is that they all had center diff locks. When the Series II Discos went away they dropped the Center Diff lock till the last year in 2004. The 2003 and 2004 Discos are actually New Discos as they have 140 something different changes under the skin.
You can enable the Diff lock on a 1999 to 2003 Disco either with a wrench from under the vehicle or by a kit that adds a lever into the cabin.
'98 is lighter, too, which was the reason I picked it when shopping for my S70 T5 back in '01. And, actually, not ALL '98s have a 70k miles belt interval. They changed from a mechanical to hydraulic tensioner sometime during the model year. Unfortunately, there is no way to know for sure which you have without opening it up ... at which time you might as well change it anyway. Oh, and the belts are different sizes, so you have to buy both belts and both tensioners, then return the set you don't use. :shades:
SO, '93 is a bad year, huh? Damn. Guess that takes that off the shopping list.
And I never got a call back from the S70 guy. What the heck is with people listing cars for sale and having no motivation to actually sell the darned thing?
'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
I like both green ones, but would take the V70 if they were roughly the same.
with the miles, maintenance records would be very nice to see, but obviously you wont be getting those. So, a PPI by a volvo expert, and if that comes out OK, cross your fingers and pray.
Well, just ran the carfaxes. The blue '97 is the clear winner. All maintenance records are in the carfax because its been serviced by Keystone volvo since new! It did have a minor accident, but nothing worrisome.
The '98, on the other hand, has no service history in the carfax report and a non-detailed accident in Jersey in 1999. PLUS, it is at a BHPH lot and I found a few bad reports on that dealer online.
'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
BUUTTT... just found a darkhorse candidate. Few things wrong with it (typical stuff I'm familiar with), but might get it much cheaper. Its a '97 maroon over tan GLT turbo. Closer to home, too. I'll give more details as they become available.
'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
Arrrrggg... Seller won't be available till Sunday eve. Now, tricky part is, the odo is currently not working. Carfax doesn't illustrate this problem, and seller claims car was almost never driven by elderly parent the past several years (also illustrated by carfax), so the miles aren't far off and still very near 100k total.
It needs ABS module (~$200 rebuilt), and full fluid service. Pads and rotors (~$350). Kind of a weird thing, though, is that the seller's mechanic claims the service light is on because it needs coolant and brank fluid changed (~$160). Hmmm... my S70 never threw the service light for those things. Another weird one is that the mechanic told her tires need remounting and balancing. Huh? I'm wondering if its not a vibration and this was the given answer. I would suspect bearings in that case. And if all that is true, then, given the mileage, it also needs tie rod ends and spring mounts because all the 100k items have obviously been neglected.
All in all, I'd say it needs about $1k put into it. Huh. Maybe not such a bargain after all. Guess I'm driving out to PA today.
'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
still a better deal than the green one, since this has lower miles (although with the odo not owrking, will it have to end up being TMU? not that big a deal on an older, cheaper car though).
Plus, a dealer is going to be overly picky. I would like to see the actual report, to make sure they aren't leaving anything out!
I wonder if the "remount" was a type? Maybe they meant rotate? Why would you ever remount the tires?
And he did not say CEL was on, but service light. Any chance the Volvo has a "service needed" light? Again, something easy enough to check with a code reader.
The one missing item was the T belt service. Wonder if that was done? ALthough if you can DIY that one, just the cost of parts. Must be at least a $700 job for us less mechanically inclined types, right?
So, if you get it for close to the price and can get away with a full DIY service (tbelt, water pump, fluid change), pads and rotors new with a fluid change (DIY again, right?), with the mail order ABS rebuild (saw that on SS) and a tire balance, you are probably going to be into it for less than the blue one, with a bunch less miles, and you gotta figure the blue one will need some TLC too.
OH boy. What a day. Left the house at 9 am and returned at 9 pm. Headed out first thing to PA to see the green '97 turbo. Got sidetracked a few times along the way as we stopped at most dealers we saw along the way. Didn't find anything to test, though. Made it to the dealer by maybe 10:30-11. As seems to be the norm, the V70 wasn't as nice in person as in the pics. Still, not too bad.
Crawled underneath and saw the first indicator: oil. Grabbed my rags out of the car and wiped it all down and started it up. Problem 2: CEL. Followed by problem 3: pressure in the crankcase. OK, now I'm a bit concerned that we've got a clogged PCV system that has blown the rear main. Well, no new oil revealed itself underneath, so let's take it for a drive.
I was immediately impressed at how solid, quiet, and comfy it is. A very nice drive. But... it stinks. Probably a bad O2, hence the CEL, and now a bad cat as a result. By now, the AC should be ice cold, but no such luck. Dead AC. What's that? Problem 5 now? But, damn! This thing is fast!
Now we've got an internal conflict in my brain. Comfy, fast, roomy, practical VS mechanical faults. Tell the guy I gotta thing about this and price out some parts. He says he'll work with me on price and I can call and give deposit on phone if I decide to buy. His asking is $2695. I'm thinking $2k might be workable and leave me some room to repair it. BUT, in the end, I'm at least $3k into a 13-year-old station wagon with 155k miles. Tough call. But wait, there's more...
'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
Decide to make the 2-hour trip back to the east side of Jersey to check out that '00 SE. Call along the way to make sure its still there. Guy on the phone is less than pleasing to the ears and tells me the $3995 price I saw online is nonnegotiable. Huh. This wagon must be PERFECT! Almost needless to say, it wasn't. I didn't even drive it or talk to a salesperson. Scrapes, scratches, dirty interior, front lip that looks like it saw 5 curbs too many, something ripped out of the center console that required wires, which are now hanging out loose. If that's nonnegotiable, its a permanent fixture on his lot.
Drove in and out of lots along that route and here is where I ran into trouble. Not the immediate, painful, unnerving kind of trouble, but the kind that is going to keep me awake the next couple of nights. On this little, unassuming, privately owned lot, tucked away out of sight, was a blue E30 325i coupe. And, for some reason, I just had to peek inside. OH, a 5-speed. Huh. Geez, and look at that interior... man, that is REALLY clean. By this time, the owner comes over and starts chatting to me about it. Turns out he also has a fat stack of service records. Car has just 106k miles. The more I look it over, the more obvious it becomes that this thing is CLEAN! I mean, honestly, one of the best E30s I have ever seen in person. I could only find one dent of note on the car where the paint broke and there is some surface rust. Its not in a real obvious place. No rot to be found anywhere.
And, yes, I just HAD to take it for a drive. That was a big mistake. Good god what a fun car! I had no idea how handicapped my wife's is with the automatic. With the 5-speed, this thing is quite the little rocket.
SOOOO... we tried out the carseat. Forwards and backwards. We climbed in and out. We hemmed and hawed. Wife says its up to me. We can work with it, she says, if I really love it. Its my car, after all.
I made an offer, he rejected. I said I need to really think about it at the price he's asking.
Tell me, oh wise ones, what is this car really worth? That's my first question. The debate about whether or not its a wise move is on the table, too. But let's make sure I'm not going to overpay, first.
'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
You know the drill with BMWs. The cooling systems are their nemesis, so if it hasn't had a radiator, thermostat and water pump in the last 60,000 miles, you'll be buying them soon enough.
Also check for bad control arm bushings and of course, it's German, so test every electrical device and the climate controls.
the tach is probably easy enough, but the AC could end up being quite pricey. Wonder how far his desire to fix it will go?
lets see, if it is otherwise nice and clean, and the tach worked, I'm thinking they are asking 5, and you want to pay more like 3?
I like these, and if it really was clean, would probably write the check for 3K before I figured out if it was really a good idea or not. Hey, it's a BMW!
must be a saint, or really like you for some reason! I can't imagine my wife tagging along on an expedition like this. Especially if you had to bring the kids!
He's asking $3500. I offered $2800. I'm not sure where I came up with it. It just felt like the right number. He says he's all in at 35 and can't drop it.
Wife just found a similar one on Craigs for $1995 with 125k.
'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
The AC could easily cost $1500 if the compressor is seized and has contaminated the system with metallic debris. If it just needs a recharge, that means it has leaked out, so a recharge will only work as long as it takes to leak out again. Timing belts are due every 60K right? So....aren't we due again here?
I dunno--you can't expect the world for $3500 but the AC adds (or subtracts) from the car's value by at least 15%.
I would never pay his price without the AC being fixed and without double checking on timing belt needs. Those two items could kill you.
A car is now in my driveway, and none we have discussed up to this point. It came down to just wanting this to be over. My wife and son were just driving me nuts. Anyway, car was posted on Craigs on Friday. Wife showed it to me last night, we went to see it this morning. It drives, all electrics work, no overheating or any other serious problems so far, and its comfy. Since it was so cheap, I figured I'll just get it over with. I paid all of $1500 for a black on grey '91 190E 2.6 w/158k miles. Now the 2nd one of these I've owned.
The rest of today is being spent adding electronics to the Mazda5. I'm just here waiting for stereo removal instructions to download.
'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
funny thng is, i went over to see the truck i thought was in the ad and it was a different one. what a rat. i went back and looked up directions, they were close to the place i thought i was going to, but in a different location on the same street. maybe i will look at it next week. in looking at the ad again, i realized the pictures were taken at the VFW across the street from where I thought the truck was.
2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
The fact that the Focus needed a new clutch at 70,000 suggests that it was either driven hard, or the owner didn't know how to drive a stick properly. The Eiback suspension makes the first reason (driven hard) more probable than the second. That would be a deterrent for me.
Also, '00 was the first year for the Focus, and it had numerous recalls. If you were to make an offer on this car, you should make sure all the recall items were taken car of.
As for the other cars, you mentioned the drawbacks.
As I am sure you know, you just need to keep an eye on valve adjustments/oil consumption. I've also heard of a rare headgasket blown in that family of engine, but I don't think it is common.
Comments
So what did they do to get that much power? It must be forcefed, no?
Big question is: How many miles does it have?
Hmmm... maybe I'll email him. At least with the LSD, it could have some semblance of traction with winter tires.
'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
I'd say this is a parts car.
OK, I would really slap you upside the head and call you an idiot. Or just let your wife do it!
Now, if you buy say the burgandy S70, and want this to replace the other toy, then you might make a case for yourself.
Still, even if you are comfortable doing the basic wrenching on that, the rust is probably a good enough reason to stay away. Unless you want your DD to spend the winter in the garage, while you work on your welding skills.
That would have to be a buy cheap, and run it until it breaks car I guess. Can't be any margin in replacing all the rotted panels and paiting it up. Better off going to CA and getting one without rot.
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
It is all in txt speak.
Bet the kid doesn't have regular an ISP and does everything from his phone.
the bad
car has 2 little cancer spots on da quater panales thats fix abole
comes on stock rims not si's
The car has two little cancer spots on the quarter panels that are fixable comes with stock rims not the SI rims.
f/t lookin 4 a family car 92-2ooo civic 2 or 4 door or 4door tegs no da's
lookin 4 suntin stock or wit a lil work done 2 them
For Trade looking four a family car 1992-2000 Civic two or four door or four door Integra no da's(?)
looking for something stock or with a little work done to them.
Not sure what "da" is.
I am guessing that "da" is lingo for a Toyota (yoda?)
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2000 V70 SE
I dunno. Guess I really should go drive it.
'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
I think they ate tires and brakes at a rapid rate too.
'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
Like the exterior color, but not sure of th einsides. Also odd to see a non-leather car.
price for the miles, if the T belt, etc. was done, is probably fair if it is nice and clean.
deal breaker though is, from what I can tell on my monitor, no moonroof. And for me, no hole in the roof = no sale, and that is not negotiable!
the blue one from the shady guy in Linden would be perfect. Although this one would work fine if it did have a roof.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
DA is the model code for 89-93 Integras. Meaning he's looking for an Integra, but not the DA model, the newer one (94 up) is what he wants.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
GM, Ford, Rover, LIttle BMW i can do but thats it.
I didn't notice the moonroof thing, but that's fine by me. I don't like moonroofs. I wonder if it has power seats, though. It is also missing the cold weather pack (no bun warmers and no headlight washers).
I really really like the seats. That's one of the selling points for me.
'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
'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
Oh, the GLT was not a turbo car. Just the NA 5 cyl.
heck, unless it is a complete rat, has to be worth that much. A little elbow grease, and you could have a nice runner.
They also have 2 LR discos on the lot (a 1999 and a 2000). Not for the faint of heart, buying one of them from a cheesey used car place.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I really wanted one of these back in the day, and seriously thought about buying the wagon version of this car (same color too) back in about '95.
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
actually, i saw it the other day, on my way to fill up the fusion.
my normal station had the pumps blocked off with temp metal fencing so i just kept driving until i got to the next station.
traded in my F150 shortly after we started the family for a sedan, but i still miss having a pickup.
so Andre, got any extra room in your garage?
since all I have is fords, i would bring a cover.
1993 850: Absolutely, positively, avoid this model year, the first for the 850. Run away and don't touch it with a ten-foot pole! I used to own a '93 and had so much trouble with it. I was actually glad when it was totaled in a crash four years ago. The transmissions and electrical systems are the worst in a '93. Also, the power driver's seat cable will break, I guarantee.
1998-00 S70/V70: If you want simplicity, the '98s are the one to get. They don't have electronic throttle control and they're easier to work on. But the timing belt change interval is shorter: every 70k miles, versus 105k miles for '99-up Volvos. The GLT was indeed the light-pressure turbocharged model. It made 190 hp in '98, and 197 hp in '99-up. The SE, offered only in 2000, was just a gussied-up base 2.4 model, with wood trim and other niceties inside. This generation is basically a revised and improved 850.
The 99 would be the most likely to be troublesome and even more so if it was a series I disco. The SD discos in 1999 were Series I models while the SE and HSE were Series II.
The only advantage to the series I is that they all had center diff locks. When the Series II Discos went away they dropped the Center Diff lock till the last year in 2004. The 2003 and 2004 Discos are actually New Discos as they have 140 something different changes under the skin.
You can enable the Diff lock on a 1999 to 2003 Disco either with a wrench from under the vehicle or by a kit that adds a lever into the cabin.
SO, '93 is a bad year, huh? Damn. Guess that takes that off the shopping list.
And I never got a call back from the S70 guy. What the heck is with people listing cars for sale and having no motivation to actually sell the darned thing?
'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
And yet another. Likes twins separated at birth .... and a year apart.. er something.
OK, I can appreciate how nice it is, but don't ya still think that price is a bit excessive?
'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
with the miles, maintenance records would be very nice to see, but obviously you wont be getting those. So, a PPI by a volvo expert, and if that comes out OK, cross your fingers and pray.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
The '98, on the other hand, has no service history in the carfax report and a non-detailed accident in Jersey in 1999. PLUS, it is at a BHPH lot and I found a few bad reports on that dealer online.
'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
but for a beater, condition is probably more important. besides, they had 5 years to work the bugs out!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
BUUTTT... just found a darkhorse candidate. Few things wrong with it (typical stuff I'm familiar with), but might get it much cheaper. Its a '97 maroon over tan GLT turbo. Closer to home, too. I'll give more details as they become available.
'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
comes in handy having tools and knowing how to use them if you are dealing with old cars.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
It needs ABS module (~$200 rebuilt), and full fluid service. Pads and rotors (~$350). Kind of a weird thing, though, is that the seller's mechanic claims the service light is on because it needs coolant and brank fluid changed (~$160). Hmmm... my S70 never threw the service light for those things. Another weird one is that the mechanic told her tires need remounting and balancing. Huh? I'm wondering if its not a vibration and this was the given answer. I would suspect bearings in that case. And if all that is true, then, given the mileage, it also needs tie rod ends and spring mounts because all the 100k items have obviously been neglected.
All in all, I'd say it needs about $1k put into it. Huh. Maybe not such a bargain after all. Guess I'm driving out to PA today.
'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
Plus, a dealer is going to be overly picky. I would like to see the actual report, to make sure they aren't leaving anything out!
I wonder if the "remount" was a type? Maybe they meant rotate? Why would you ever remount the tires?
And he did not say CEL was on, but service light. Any chance the Volvo has a "service needed" light? Again, something easy enough to check with a code reader.
The one missing item was the T belt service. Wonder if that was done? ALthough if you can DIY that one, just the cost of parts. Must be at least a $700 job for us less mechanically inclined types, right?
So, if you get it for close to the price and can get away with a full DIY service (tbelt, water pump, fluid change), pads and rotors new with a fluid change (DIY again, right?), with the mail order ABS rebuild (saw that on SS) and a tire balance, you are probably going to be into it for less than the blue one, with a bunch less miles, and you gotta figure the blue one will need some TLC too.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Crawled underneath and saw the first indicator: oil. Grabbed my rags out of the car and wiped it all down and started it up. Problem 2: CEL. Followed by problem 3: pressure in the crankcase. OK, now I'm a bit concerned that we've got a clogged PCV system that has blown the rear main. Well, no new oil revealed itself underneath, so let's take it for a drive.
I was immediately impressed at how solid, quiet, and comfy it is. A very nice drive. But... it stinks. Probably a bad O2, hence the CEL, and now a bad cat as a result. By now, the AC should be ice cold, but no such luck. Dead AC. What's that? Problem 5 now? But, damn! This thing is fast!
Now we've got an internal conflict in my brain. Comfy, fast, roomy, practical VS mechanical faults. Tell the guy I gotta thing about this and price out some parts. He says he'll work with me on price and I can call and give deposit on phone if I decide to buy. His asking is $2695. I'm thinking $2k might be workable and leave me some room to repair it. BUT, in the end, I'm at least $3k into a 13-year-old station wagon with 155k miles. Tough call. But wait, there's more...
'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
Drove in and out of lots along that route and here is where I ran into trouble. Not the immediate, painful, unnerving kind of trouble, but the kind that is going to keep me awake the next couple of nights. On this little, unassuming, privately owned lot, tucked away out of sight, was a blue E30 325i coupe. And, for some reason, I just had to peek inside. OH, a 5-speed. Huh. Geez, and look at that interior... man, that is REALLY clean. By this time, the owner comes over and starts chatting to me about it. Turns out he also has a fat stack of service records. Car has just 106k miles. The more I look it over, the more obvious it becomes that this thing is CLEAN! I mean, honestly, one of the best E30s I have ever seen in person. I could only find one dent of note on the car where the paint broke and there is some surface rust. Its not in a real obvious place. No rot to be found anywhere.
And, yes, I just HAD to take it for a drive. That was a big mistake. Good god what a fun car! I had no idea how handicapped my wife's is with the automatic. With the 5-speed, this thing is quite the little rocket.
SOOOO... we tried out the carseat. Forwards and backwards. We climbed in and out. We hemmed and hawed. Wife says its up to me. We can work with it, she says, if I really love it. Its my car, after all.
I made an offer, he rejected. I said I need to really think about it at the price he's asking.
Tell me, oh wise ones, what is this car really worth? That's my first question. The debate about whether or not its a wise move is on the table, too. But let's make sure I'm not going to overpay, first.
'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
You know the drill with BMWs. The cooling systems are their nemesis, so if it hasn't had a radiator, thermostat and water pump in the last 60,000 miles, you'll be buying them soon enough.
Also check for bad control arm bushings and of course, it's German, so test every electrical device and the climate controls.
Comes with a 3-mo warranty, by the by. Suspension was perfect. AC was not working and tach was dead, but he said he'd fix both.
T-belt and all that goes with it done at 70k miles .... however, that was 13 years ago. I didn't go through all the records.
'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
lets see, if it is otherwise nice and clean, and the tach worked, I'm thinking they are asking 5, and you want to pay more like 3?
I like these, and if it really was clean, would probably write the check for 3K before I figured out if it was really a good idea or not. Hey, it's a BMW!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Wife just found a similar one on Craigs for $1995 with 125k.
'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 sure how well it will work for the winter, and it does seem like a lot better idea to get a 4 door, but you need to be using it!
I'm not really sure how easy it would be to live with an older car like this as a DD, especially toting little kids around. But I do like them.
and somehow I think if he is all in at 3.5K, there isnt a ton of money left to fix the AC.
At least if you finally nail down one car to be looking for, the search will be easier.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I dunno--you can't expect the world for $3500 but the AC adds (or subtracts) from the car's value by at least 15%.
I would never pay his price without the AC being fixed and without double checking on timing belt needs. Those two items could kill you.
The rest of today is being spent adding electronics to the Mazda5. I'm just here waiting for stereo removal instructions to download.
'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
what a rat.
i went back and looked up directions, they were close to the place i thought i was going to, but in a different location on the same street.
maybe i will look at it next week.
in looking at the ad again, i realized the pictures were taken at the VFW across the street from where I thought the truck was.
Also, '00 was the first year for the Focus, and it had numerous recalls. If you were to make an offer on this car, you should make sure all the recall items were taken car of.
As for the other cars, you mentioned the drawbacks.