You have to use common sense with those old diesels, though. If you run them at too high an RPM, well, diesels don't like that, and the cylinder heads might crack. Best to stay in the old diesel's sweet spot, maybe 4000 rpm tops and preferably 3500.
I presume that hood is welded to stay open, for convenience? I have to admire the owner's perseverance though, to get to 192K.
My father had an '87 Jetta when I was a kid. It did have some clutch and electrical gremlins, but was an overall decently reliable car. He did get rid of it the first time it crapped out after 100,000 miles though. I think it was 101 or 102K at most. I was with him. We were about 1.5 miles from home, and all the lights suddenly went on like a Christmas tree and the car died.
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
Manual 7 series, could work for a 'Transporter' dreamer.
Very clunky transmission--a lot of work to row it around. It feels very heavy to shift, and takes a fair amount of effort. It could get old. GREAT engine, though.
For price vs return, I think the little fintail and W126 there, if not rotten, might be the least offensive choices. Diesel Escort for unicorn value, too.
The white Eldo does look quite presentable, although I suspect it sat outside for a long time, given the build up of grime on the badging. However, I am a little suspicious - why no plates, in a place where plates stay with the car? It appears to have an eastern WA AAA sticker. For the money, and if you are into that kind of thing, probably worth a gamble.
I'm thinking that if we were to see that 81 Eldorado in person we would quickly walk away. " Something" doesn't look right. Is the trunk lid sprung or just not closed.
Not sure about "price vs. return," but for price per pound I'll vote for the couch on a cloud.
Problem is that I would want to drive it instead of storing it. If you have enough straight dry highway with no traffic around to cause any sudden braking or lane changing, then the cloud thing is cool.
All that if, if, if...equals "stored in garage..."
A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing.
With the MBs, you'll at least have a quality item if/when you get it sorted. The Lincoln seems like a fair value too, as they have presence, and I am sure the prices are negotiable.
I always liked the '72 Impala, and back in college, came close to buying a white convertible, for something like $2500. But, that one above just does nothing for me...especially not for $12,000! I do like the Mark V, although I've had too many cars over the years in too similar of a color. It's not going to win too many drag races with all of 159 hp coming from that 400...but then, you don't buy cars like this to race in! A friend of mine has a '78 Diamond Jubilee with the 460 that he's trying to sell I forget how much he's asking, but the sucker is gorgeous, fully loaded, and only has 21,000 miles on it.
That '76 Chevelle is really nice, too, but I'll echo what AB348 said...problem is, it's a '76 Chevelle! I wouldn't totally thumb my nose at one, but I also wouldn't pay that price for one, no matter how nice. And I'd probably prefer just about any other '76 GM intermediate to the Chevelle. Something about that engine doesn't look right, either. I know once upon a time, Chevy engines were sort of an orange-red, but by '76, weren't they all pretty much just that corporate grayish-black? Plus, I don't remember the Chevy red having that much orange in it. My '76 LeMans is just the generic charcoal/black, and once upon a time Pontiac engines were a light blue
The trunk looks misaligned, like it is open on the right but not on the left.
I remember these cars could have a power trunk closer - when I as a kid, a friend of my mom had an Eldo of that era, and the feature amused me. Maybe that's behind it.
Come to think of it, a friend of the family had an 81 Fleetwood when I was a kid, and the guy who owned it claimed the 4-6-8 rarely gave him issues - he had the car until the late 90s, and kept it immaculate. I can't remember what he sold it for, but now he's about 80, and drives a final year Ranger 4x4,
I'm thinking that if we were to see that 81 Eldorado in person we would quickly walk away. " Something" doesn't look right. Is the trunk lid sprung or just not closed.
I always liked the '72 Impala, and back in college, came close to buying a white convertible, for something like $2500. But, that one above just does nothing for me...especially not for $12,000! I do like the Mark V, although I've had too many cars over the years in too similar of a color. It's not going to win too many drag races with all of 159 hp coming from that 400...but then, you don't buy cars like this to race in! A friend of mine has a '78 Diamond Jubilee with the 460 that he's trying to sell I forget how much he's asking, but the sucker is gorgeous, fully loaded, and only has 21,000 miles on it.
That '76 Chevelle is really nice, too, but I'll echo what AB348 said...problem is, it's a '76 Chevelle! I wouldn't totally thumb my nose at one, but I also wouldn't pay that price for one, no matter how nice. And I'd probably prefer just about any other '76 GM intermediate to the Chevelle. Something about that engine doesn't look right, either. I know once upon a time, Chevy engines were sort of an orange-red, but by '76, weren't they all pretty much just that corporate grayish-black? Plus, I don't remember the Chevy red having that much orange in it. My '76 LeMans is just the generic charcoal/black, and once upon a time Pontiac engines were a light blue
ANDRE!!!! Good to see you here!
You should buy that Diamond Jubilee Mark! Beautiful cars!
Something about that engine doesn't look right, either. I know once upon a time, Chevy engines were sort of an orange-red, but by '76, weren't they all pretty much just that corporate grayish-black? Plus, I don't remember the Chevy red having that much orange in it. My '76 LeMans is just the generic charcoal/black, and once upon a time Pontiac engines were a light blue
1976 was the last year for Chevy Orange engine paint. In '77 they went to blue.
Spotted on Seattle CL is this dealer offered 1988 Mercury Topaz with over 200K miles (!) and priced at $1,999. I'm amazed at the land-of-the-lost vehicles that are still up and running (and for sale) in PNW.
A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing.
You should buy that Diamond Jubilee Mark! Beautiful cars!
Thanks, Isell. It is a nice car, but he wants $26K for it! I just found it online. Dunno how much he'd actually take for it, though. It's a gorgeous car, but not something I really lust after. If I was going to go hedonistic 70's, I'd actually prefer something like a '76-78 New Yorker Brougham, or maybe a '75-76 Electra. Not quite the same league, as they're not personal luxury coupes, but they were nice, big, comfy cruisers, and when equipped right, still pretty ritzy. And more comfortable, to me at least.
Spotted on Seattle CL is this dealer offered 1988 Mercury Topaz with over 200K miles (!) and priced at $1,999. I'm amazed at the land-of-the-lost vehicles that are still up and running (and for sale) in PNW.
Commenter claims it has the improved 2-row(?) IMS bearing that has only a 1% failure rate. Another person says drive it until it needs a clutch and then do both that and the IMS service.
Edit: SOLD SOLD SOLD for $11,000. Black on black does nothing for me in one of these but it seemed nice otherwise.
You should buy that Diamond Jubilee Mark! Beautiful cars!
Thanks, Isell. It is a nice car, but he wants $26K for it! I just found it online. Dunno how much he'd actually take for it, though. It's a gorgeous car, but not something I really lust after. If I was going to go hedonistic 70's, I'd actually prefer something like a '76-78 New Yorker Brougham, or maybe a '75-76 Electra. Not quite the same league, as they're not personal luxury coupes, but they were nice, big, comfy cruisers, and when equipped right, still pretty ritzy. And more comfortable, to me at least.
I would be very careful with New Yorkers of that era. With increased pressure to lower emissions and increase gas mileage they just couldn't get things right. Thermoquad carbs, Lean burn etc. Not a good time for ANY cars but Chrysler seemed to suffer the most. An Electra would be a much better choice!
Risky buy, and paid about $2,000 too much. The earlier the year and the lower the mileage, the higher the risk--so he has two strikes on him. Oh, and the clutch WILL go out at 80K.
If that ML really has 300K on it, that's pretty remarkable, and no doubt worn out. It lived its life.
The pair of Peugeots might be a heck of a deal for the right devotee.
Indeed. Parts are hard to find for Peugeots anymore. Problem is, you have to dig 'em out, tow them, store them, strip them and then dispose of the turkey carcasses somewhere. Might be easier to fly to France!
Comments
Manual 7er
Of all the things to restore
Unusual powertrain
Even more unusual powertrain
It comes with either a Vanilla Ice or Rico Suave tape
Clean looking cheapo W126
Minitruck
Not seen every day
"heavy duty"
Lots of tire
A certain generation with money
Kelly Blue book said something like 12 thousand value if its restored - and at least 20K to get there
How many miles will it last?
Couch on a cloud
A gift
Not yet a lowrider
"no real dings or rust to speak of" how can you tell?
Really?
For $68K??? There's an obvious reason for its rarity..
The '76 Chevelle is a remarkable original. Problem is that it is a '76 Chevelle.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
'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
Than there is the matter of the 4-6-8 engine.
Problem is that I would want to drive it instead of storing it. If you have enough straight dry highway with no traffic around to cause any sudden braking or lane changing, then the cloud thing is cool.
All that if, if, if...equals "stored in garage..."
That '76 Chevelle is really nice, too, but I'll echo what AB348 said...problem is, it's a '76 Chevelle! I wouldn't totally thumb my nose at one, but I also wouldn't pay that price for one, no matter how nice. And I'd probably prefer just about any other '76 GM intermediate to the Chevelle. Something about that engine doesn't look right, either. I know once upon a time, Chevy engines were sort of an orange-red, but by '76, weren't they all pretty much just that corporate grayish-black? Plus, I don't remember the Chevy red having that much orange in it. My '76 LeMans is just the generic charcoal/black, and once upon a time Pontiac engines were a light blue
I remember these cars could have a power trunk closer - when I as a kid, a friend of my mom had an Eldo of that era, and the feature amused me. Maybe that's behind it.
Come to think of it, a friend of the family had an 81 Fleetwood when I was a kid, and the guy who owned it claimed the 4-6-8 rarely gave him issues - he had the car until the late 90s, and kept it immaculate. I can't remember what he sold it for, but now he's about 80, and drives a final year Ranger 4x4,
You should buy that Diamond Jubilee Mark! Beautiful cars!
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
https://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/d/vw-passat-wagon/6473047730.html 4motion Passat wagon
https://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/d/1999-honda-accord-v6-coupe/6473733649.html V6 accord coupe. Only 133k
https://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/d/betty-big-red-2001-toyota/6473727061.html - 4runner. Needs ABS work and has rust on frame
https://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/d/2003-subaru-outback-legacy-hb/6460793775.html - V6 Limited Outback
https://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/d/2004-bmw-325-xi/6473695311.html - 04 3 series
https://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/d/1996-ford-bronco-58l/6473674992.html - since OJ is out
You should buy that Diamond Jubilee Mark! Beautiful cars!
Thanks, Isell. It is a nice car, but he wants $26K for it! I just found it online. Dunno how much he'd actually take for it, though. It's a gorgeous car, but not something I really lust after. If I was going to go hedonistic 70's, I'd actually prefer something like a '76-78 New Yorker Brougham, or maybe a '75-76 Electra. Not quite the same league, as they're not personal luxury coupes, but they were nice, big, comfy cruisers, and when equipped right, still pretty ritzy. And more comfortable, to me at least.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!
MODERATOR
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!
MODERATOR
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
What would all the money be on something like this?
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!
MODERATOR
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
Edit: SOLD SOLD SOLD for $11,000. Black on black does nothing for me in one of these but it seemed nice otherwise.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
https://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/cto/d/classic-nova-chevr/6465920101.html
I would be very careful with New Yorkers of that era. With increased pressure to lower emissions and increase gas mileage they just couldn't get things right. Thermoquad carbs, Lean burn etc. Not a good time for ANY cars but Chrysler seemed to suffer the most. An Electra would be a much better choice!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
BAT will send you down a rabbit hole in a hurry.
There are a lot of Porsches for sale at the moment. There is a Guards Red 944 for sale currently (hey, I could be Jake from 16 Candles!)
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!
MODERATOR
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
But, BAT does have some nice cars. I do like that stick shift Legend I posted earlier.
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!
MODERATOR
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
A Little Crunchy But Not All Over
Given the List of Needs, It Probably is a Total
Some Decent Sheet Metal There
I Wonder If You Get All the Stuff Inside?
Attacked By Children?
Even once-expensive cars are now throw-aways
Best Offer? How About $10 bucks?
Two, Two, for the Price of One!
The pair of Peugeots might be a heck of a deal for the right devotee.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart