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Project Cars--You Get to Vote on "Hold 'em or Fold 'em"

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  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,407
    My rent fell by 15% at my last lease - so I am getting by pretty cheap now. Even though this place is no palace, it's cheaper than any mortgage, and I won't be 20K upside-down in a year. If I know I am going to be in the area for the long term, I will look...in maybe a year when I suspect the bottom will be reached.

    A lot of old cars are cheap and fun, so you'll be able to find something even if being attacked by a mortgage :P
  • gsemikegsemike Member Posts: 2,412
    Your rent went down? Where do you live? I think rents here on Long island have been pretty resilient despite the drop in house prices.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,407
    Suburban Seattle. It's a correction no doubt, as prices were rising just as fast for a few years. Now with the weaker job market, demand has lessened too.
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,715
    don't see too many stock ones

    lead sled - cadillac style

    the big hurt

    afraid to ask what a WP service is

    what is wrong with me, i am starting to like these

    kinda cute, but not for me

    this left a mark

    looks good but pricey

    heh heh
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    Eclipse - Nice, but really worth that much? Probably not

    MB S600 - The owner has done all the investment, why not buy it and run it until it dies?

    WP - Water pump. Gotta believe that will cost an arm, leg, and a first-born child.

    Volvo wagon - Me, too; there is something appealing about the looks of these

    Porsche - Me likey as well, but how much $$$ to run?
  • boomchekboomchek Member Posts: 5,516
    Volvo wagon - Me, too; there is something appealing about the looks of these

    I liked the boxier 740 and 760 wagons better. Something about their Ikea style simplicity.

    2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX

  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,407
    Another "bulletproof" W140, surprise surprise. So many of the owners of those cars who bought them to pose think they have an armored version. It is not, I have no doubt. I also don't trust the quality of an old MB with that crappy mirror tint on the windows, but the W220 S600 wheels are a nice touch. I don't trust the stories told by the seller on that one.

    Does the water pump service on a 928 involve pulling the engine or something?

    I like the high tech HVAC display on the 3000GT.
  • jrosasmcjrosasmc Member Posts: 1,711
    I can offer some comments concerning that '99 V70. My mother has the sedan version (S70), and trust me, they are excellent, reliable cars IF you are very diligent about the maintenance. Unlike the 240s and 740s of yesteryear, the newer FWD Volvos are not that tolerant of abuse and neglect. Timing belts must be changed every 70k on the dot, flame traps have to be cleaned each year to ensure that the rear main seal doesn't leak (weak point on these cars), ABS modules are a little fragile and tend to give out sometimes, and some other things that would take too long to describe here. But overall, the classic Volvo durability is still there.
  • ghuletghulet Member Posts: 2,564
    ....is the V70 wagon not 'boxy' (I can think of no other adjective)? Uh, jrosasamc, I take it those comments re reliability apply to 850s as well.....I just looked at a '97 wagon (base, stick, 160k miles, cloth seats) that's a little under $2000; kinda tempting, but I also have a friend with an older ('92) Celica for $1000. I only buy old beater cars, I don't drive to work and don't really need one.

    As for the C70 convertibles....are they decent? $7k seems cheap for a car that was $40k+ when new, even if it was ten years ago (see BMW convertible prices for comparison). My neighbor bought his wife a brand-new one exactly like that for her 40th birthday back then....must be nice.
  • srs_49srs_49 Member Posts: 1,394
    The '55 Caddy reminds me of "Driving Miss Daisy"
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,326
    the S70s were basically updated versions of the 850. Sturdy cars, but "stuff" goes wrong as they age. Having a servie history is a very good thing, and at minimum, get a Volvo expert to go through it carefully.

    For your price range, and with those miles, you are probably better off with the Celica if you don't need the cargo space of the wagon.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Waterpump on the 928 requires removal of the entire front part of the engine including complex timing belt---figure $2000 if you're lucky for the whole job. It's one of those "while you're in there" kinds of things. If his list of "recent work" is correct, he's already spent $5000 on the car and is probably financially exhausted at this point and can't go for the WP. I know this feeling.
  • lemkolemko Member Posts: 15,261
    If I were reckless and self-destructive enough to buy that so-called "bulletproof" S600, I'd ask him if I could first shoot at it with my .45 ACP before I believe his claim. If he refuses - no sale.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,407
    The unwashed see the thick double paned side windows on a W140. and think it means they have an armored car. I'd say a bullet should do the trick, free education.

    Regarding the Euro claims of the owner, I have seen grey market W140 come in via Florida, where apparently it takes nothing more than a computer and a printer to make a car eligible for licensing. I'd like to see that guy take it to California.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,407
    What's not to like? :P
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    What's not to like is that you should probably do the 928 water pump and timing belt every 30,000 miles, or you're playing dice with the car.

    To give you an idea of the importance and volitility of a timing belt in a 928---there's even a separate warning light just for timing belt tension.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,407
    Drive it 3K miles/year, then it's no big deal :shades:
  • lemkolemko Member Posts: 15,261
    I remember those huge early 1990s Benzes when they were new. That glass makes the car really quiet inside but is about as bulletproof as the double-paned windows on your average house.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    It would be a shame to count on your bullet-proof glass only to find it was merely sound-proof. :P
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,268
    Not like the rubber will deteriorate with age or anything. :) Although my mom's Volvo specifies 14 years (!) or 105,000 miles for timing belt and serpentine belt replacement.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,407
    Timing chains are the way to go. Keep the oil changed and they should live a long time.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,407
    I remember when those cars came out...I sent a request off to MB and I received a promo VHS tape about the cars. I still have it somewhere. I really liked those cars when new, then didn't like them when the posers discovered them...but now a nice one is hard to find. In Germany they are almost seen as a special interest car today, as so many have been exported to the east - they are actually less common than older cars.
  • boomchekboomchek Member Posts: 5,516
    I have a VHS tape of the first generation Lexus GS when it came out in the early 90s. I sent for one and got it through the mail. They also offered to come and pick me up for a test drive. Little did they know I was a 15 year old back then.

    As for that generation S Class I still have a their large brochure with my stash. I was impressed by both the brochure and the car.

    2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX

  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,407
    I saw two of those early GS in trafic the other day. I always thought those were nice looking - which means of course they weren't an in-house Lexus design.

    I remember I got a brochure with that video too, and it came in a fancy folder with the MB star embossed on the cover. I wonder if it has survived, must be in my mom's attic.

    I remember when I was about 11 or so I sent away for some Caddy promotional material...I think for the Allante, and they kept sending me offers about financing and test drives. I always got a kick out of that.
  • boomchekboomchek Member Posts: 5,516
    From what you've told here, it sounds like your mom's attic has some car collector type treasures in there. If you ever need help getting rid of the stuff, I'd be happy to take it off your hands! ;)

    2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX

  • lemkolemko Member Posts: 15,261
    ...the very nice brochure for my 1994 Cadillac DeVille. That was an all-new design that year. I also have both the small and large brochures for my 1989 Cadillac Brougham.
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 16,932
    I keep them too lemko. I have brochures for the last five cars I owned. In addition I have purchased some off Ebay for those lead sleds I love!

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic

  • lokkilokki Member Posts: 1,200
    I still have the original NSX brochure never opened - it's actually a small hardbound book...

    But I don't think anybody cares about the NSX enough to make it worth selling... :mad:
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,407
    Crap collector treasures anyway...some mainly 90s era automobila and some broken down toy cars. There will come a day when it needs to be cleaned out...maybe I'll invite you down to take some souvenirs ;)
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,407
    I bought brochures for my W126 and C43 on ebay - very little money for each. I included them with the car though.

    I bought one for the E55 too, something like $8. The fintail came with a pile of original paperwork, I have a couple brochures and other junk.
  • lokkilokki Member Posts: 1,200
    8K98Z3M128K?
    (God you understood that? You're a hopeless car nerd)
    http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/ctd/1275091796.html

    Somebody's been to the movies
    http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/1275067739.html

    What's wrong here?
    http://dallas.craigslist.org/mdf/ctd/1274914219.html

    If money common sense really were no object
    http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/1272656734.html
    http://dallas.craigslist.org/ftw/cto/1266381285.html
    http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/1263752337.html
    http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/ctd/1263024129.html
  • boomchekboomchek Member Posts: 5,516
    What do you want for it? I'd be interested at the right price ;)

    2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX

  • boomchekboomchek Member Posts: 5,516
    I'd love to. Kep me in mind, For some reason I like non collectible stuff too. I kick myself for throwing out Ford Escort and Tempo brochures from the early 90s. I'm crazy enough to keep stuff like that. :blush:

    2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX

  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    2005 Corvette--nothing's "wrong"--if anything, the car is overpriced. I wouldn't give you $15,000 for it given that it's totally illegal to drive, not smoggable in any state with such laws, and probably had the stuffing's beaten out of it. Even a stock clean low mileage one is barely worth what he's asking for a "[non-permissible content removed]".
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,407
    I wonder if anything from my mother's old Tempo is packed away. I am pretty sure all of the paperwork went with the car when it was finally sold 10 years ago, but who knows.

    I know packed away somewhere is an owners manual to a 71 Chrysler, owned by my grandpa before I was born, that was given to me when I was a kid. It might need a good home too.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,407
    I swear those Corvettes have Malibu steering wheels.

    I like that turbo E23...very easy to find parts for it no doubt.

    Silver arrow could be a good car...kind of miled up for my tastes, and I don't like the dopey interior nor the aftermarket wheels...but a lot of car for the money anyway, and it's from the final production run.
  • jlflemmonsjlflemmons Member Posts: 2,242
    Somewhere I have an original 1970 Oldsmobile W30 442 brochure. This was the monster year for 442. 455ci, 500ftlbs torque, and a horsepower listing that was completely bogus. The brochure lists 385hp, but the car mags never found one that dyno'ed at less than 420. :surprise:
  • ghuletghulet Member Posts: 2,564
    ....my uncle had one of those, convertible (blue w/white interior and top, automatic and loaded); I'm sure he kinda wishes he still did (as do I).
  • gsemikegsemike Member Posts: 2,412
    Overpriced by a mile Parts car

    Much more like it Wagons are in now, but still not going for major bucks. You could never come out in the black on that 70

    This has to be a crazy price

    Not clear if this is an SS or not

    Could be reasonable if it looks good in person

    Lotsa bodywork

    Calling it a muscle car doesn't make it so

    If he is the original owner, then he must know where the bumper is
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,407
    Wagons can be cool...I wish my dad had kept the 60 Ford Country Sedan he had in the 90s.

    I don't know if "evolved" and "Ford Elite" should be on the same page :P
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,326
    SOmeone should have some clue (Ahem, paging Mr. Shifty). At least from the ad, it looks about as nice as one of these can. Also a plus IMO to have the manageable engine. A 427 must be flat out scary.

    http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280375230102&fromM- akeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:top:us

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • andre1969andre1969 Member Posts: 26,022
    I don't know if "evolved" and "Ford Elite" should be on the same page

    "Degenerated", maybe? :shades:

    Actually, I preferred the more humble Torino back in those days. And as Gran as a Torino could get, especially with those brougham packages and such, IMO it makes the Elite sort of redundant.

    But, I guess the same could be said for other cars back then. The Monte Carlo really wasn't much nicer inside than a Malibu Classic coupe...but at least the styling had all those pretentious styling cues to let you know, without a doubt, you were getting a "better" car! :P
  • boomchekboomchek Member Posts: 5,516
    87 Firebird. First he writes 5 speed, and then he writes 4 speed auto. :confuse: V6 engine with unverified mileage, not even original, and car needs paint and upholstery, and he wants $9000? Seriosu buyers? Wow, what a dreamer.

    He'd be lucky if he gets $1000 - 2000 for it.

    2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX

  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,407
    I don't think many of the "elite" drove those cars, either. Kind of like the Celebrity.

    I think the Torino lost its way after the type shown in 'Gran Torino'. The 70s took over, and not in a good way.
  • texasestexases Member Posts: 11,105
    Yep, that 2.8l v6 really puts the 'muscle' in 'muscle car' :sick: :lemon:
  • lokkilokki Member Posts: 1,200
    This car was on the same assembly line as the ferrari and is made by the same company. Well........OK.... kinda
    http://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/cto/1266439338.html

    Restored so much as to be unsellable?
    http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/1257513285.html

    And more so (for less money)?
    http://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/cto/1272595347.html

    There are dreamers and then there is this guy
    http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/ctd/1279414358.html

    The (Blank) was created in Giorgetto Giugiaro's Italdesign studio in Turin, Italy. The Italian influence shows.....
    http://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/ctd/1278146254.html

    A find for Fintail's garage?
    http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/ctd/1281513128.html

    And one for Andre's too!
    http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/1279620271.html

    This is quite possibly the rarest Fairlane in existence
    http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/1278530012.html

    This is why we can't all have nice things... because some of you will do things like this: http://dallas.craigslist.org/ftw/ctd/1280966702.html

    Not how I would have advertised this car, but I guess I understand
    http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/ctd/1279416693.html

    I AM ONLY GOING TO HAVE THIS FOR THIS PRICE UNTILL HE SELLS HIS ATV SO WHEN HE SELLS HIS ATV MY PRICE WILL GO UP AGAIN.
    http://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/cto/1276825580.html
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Oh well, yet another Shelby Cobra replica, one of about a gazillion out there, with the usual gazillion Carroll Shelby signature, which adds about $5 to the price.

    I'd say the prices for these things depend a lot upon:

    1. What engine
    2. Who produced the kit
    3. Who built the kit
    4. What options are are it.

    My impression is that the cheaper kits, already built, with small blocks could be bought turn key, in used condition for under $20K. The kits that are built fresher and newer, maybe $25K, and the big block stuff from the kit builders with the best reputation (like ERA ) in the mid $30Ks.

    Some guys sink 50K-60K in their kits but never see that come resale time.

    I like the Kirkham kits because they are aluminum, not glass.
  • texasestexases Member Posts: 11,105
    Are 190SLs worth $67k? I just can't imagine that - pleasant, slow, nothing much to get excited about, $67K???
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,326
    well, from the ad, Shell valley (?) built it, it has a 302 carb motor, and what seems to be plenty of goodies. Oh, and all new parts, so no downer '79 mustang stuff (thank goodness, another one saved!)

    Kit maker not specified.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Yeah, 190SLs are worth that and MORE....but they have to be exquisite, totally correct, and professionally restored to bring that kind of money. Your run of the mill local garage restoration is not going to bring that sort of money.

    On the other hand, this is 2009, and $67K is mighty mighty strong money. This car would have to be concours and capable of 95+ points in a national meet.
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