This time, it's serious - Tire time @ Post 131

  • Thread starter Thread starter Jim Prower
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I kinda need to know what could go wrong with it, how much it'd cost to fix, and how much to insure. I know brakes are something I almost always have to get for a car, and the clutch on this one, too. Might ask over the phone what else it needs if I look into it further. Burning oil is probably a turn-off.

That, and I definitely want working air conditioning.

Event
Id stay at 80mph going from chicago to champaign and back for the entire trip, even going past cops, and I never got pulled over. I could see speeding through the tiny towns on state highways, but not on the interstate.
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See, that's up north near Chicago and all that. They don't give a damn. State and local highways are far better patrolled. If you'd driven through Metamora, you'd definitely have had to pay them.
 
Jim, the issue with the E30s is they are starting to demand more than they are actually worth, thanks to the StanceWorks crowd and younger people starting to take an interest in them, much like what happened to S13s and the AE86. I'd look at the E36's more so, as they have newer suspension designs and tend to be a bit cheaper when they are clean.

That 98 328i sounds like a reasonable deal, provided the interior and paint are molested. The motors are fairly solid, as are the whole cars. The only real issue is the suspension bushings need replacing at about 70k mile intervals. Nothing too serious but it is a bit of work, just because bushings are a PITA to get out.
 
So...$1500 is too much for this one?

One of the things about this area is that we're a little behind the times when it comes to the prices of imports - this is V8 country. In fact, you can't find an AE86 outside of Chicago.
 
Jim Prower
So...$1500 is too much for this one?

One of the things about this area is that we're a little behind the times when it comes to the prices of imports - this is V8 country. In fact, you can't find an AE86 outside of Chicago.
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The 318i is the cheapest 3 series of that time frame. And he says it is showing rust, which means Fair value at best from KBB... which is $800 dollars, and who knows how the interior is. The 325i you linked with the molested interior and some rust is only a smudge more, but is a lot more car in my opinion. Though I'd not buy either as once surface rust is showing on a car, who knows how much is under it, etc.
 
Have you thought about looking around Chicago for a car?

It might be a bit farther but you'll find a much bigger selection, and the cars will probably be maintained better.
 
Uh, no. Not gonna deal with anyone up there. Don't wanna get into the bad part of town.
 
Jim Prower
Uh, no. Not gonna deal with anyone up there. Don't wanna get into the bad part of town.
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So don't go to the bad part of town? Chicago is a rather large place last I checked...

I mean, I drove to Portland to get my M3 (6 hour drive), my friend drove to Seattle (4 hour drive), and another flew to San Diego (few hour flight, day of driving back).

You'll often find better deals and a far larger selection of cars if you go to civilization.
 
Eh, maybe...maybe St. Louis. I dont' trust Chi-town further than I can throw it. To explain why would get way off topic.
 
Jim, am I right in thinking that 3-series wise you guys in the states got the E36 Compact with a straight six? If so, might be worth having a look, if you can find one.

I can't see the Impreza you mentioned being too bad either, even if it's a bit thirsty you guys still pay a pittance for gas so I can't see it being too hard on your wallet. Not to mention I'd expect the insurance on them to be more favourable than their equivalents in the UK.

One thing is confusing me though, your budget. You're looking at 4k used, or 15k new, and yet you've also been looking at a few cars around the 1k mark. What do you genuinely want to spend? I'd second Joey's idea - find a halfway between your new and used budgets and get a good used car. Ypu'd probably be able to get finance but it'd be less than buying a new car, and yet you'd still have a pretty good used one to show for the extra outlay.

Then you really could get a good 3-series or Impreza, or similar.
 
Used would be paid for in whole at time of purchase. New would depend on me landing this job and working my budget to see if I could afford one.

I really need to land this job, first, before I actually settle on something. I need to know how much I'll be making.

The other thing is that i'm a complete and total scrooge. Low prices entice me.

Lemme put it this way: Student loans should come to about $250/mo. Rent, because I'll be moving out if i get this job, and other living expenses could be as high as $400. I have $7000 in the bank right now, in my checking account. I have a mark against my insurance still, so newer luxury cars like the E36 are probably not good. So, until I get an offer, I don't really know how much I'll have to spend.

The $1,500 Camry could probably do everything I need, but not much I want. Thing is, I'm not sure at this point I DESERVE what I want, only what I need. and what I need is something that'll keep me cool in summer, warm in winter, and will do 65 without sounding like a horde of angry bees. That's all I need.

EDIT: Talked it over with parents over dinner. At this point, without changing job, budget is $3K absolute tops, with cheaper being better. Also, there's a Fiero for $2k about 15 min from home. I have the day off tomorrow, (Currently working part-time) I'll check it out. The guy selling it has a '31 Chevy, so, maybe that's a good sign.

I mean, come on. Speakers in the headrests. Besides, this is a car I've looked at before and done lots of research on. I kinda know the caveats.

((Searches for an AW11 at the same time))
 
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Jim Prower
The other thing is that i'm a complete and total scrooge. Low prices entice me.
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Low price does not always mean good. Case in point, I paid $1,300 for my car that had a water pump fail on me a week after I bought it. Then the input shaft bearing in the trans started going out. Bent steering rack mount means I can't get it aligned yet, and I had to replace a broken motor mount this week at the sum of $60.

Watch out for them cheap cars.
 
Heh, I've dealt with cheap cars all my life, I know what to look for. The Nova was a grand three years ago...or maybe four. I don't really remember just how long I've had it...

I usually expect the following to be replaced soon or immediately after purchase:
Brake Pads
CV Joints
Exhaust

http://peoria.craigslist.org/cto/1734724461.html I wish the seller had more info on the engine on this one. Would the VW expert please step forward? My dad knows his way around VWs, too, which is a definite plus.
 
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My first thought was the BMW 318i, but I see that has already been mentioned. It appears as though they are surprisingly reliable, and apparently fairly easy to work on. Strange. I'll have to consider one for myself...

...All things considered otherwise, I'm pretty sure that some random searches on Craig's List would turn up some decent things. Frankly, there is nothing wrong with your basic econobox as long as you've got it hooked up to a manual gearbox. Something like a Ford Focus ZX3/5 or a VW Golf (MKIII) would probably be easy to come by at a fair price.
 
I'll second the Focus nomination. I'm on my 3rd and am VERY pleased and happy with them. Great little cars.
 
Jim Prower
The $1,500 Camry could probably do everything I need, but not much I want. Thing is, I'm not sure at this point I DESERVE what I want, only what I need. and what I need is something that'll keep me cool in summer, warm in winter, and will do 65 without sounding like a horde of angry bees. That's all I need.
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This is the thought process I went through last Summer when I was looking for a new car. I dismissed the idea of getting something like an MX5 and started looking for sensible stuff like VWs and Civics.

And then I bought an MX5.

In other words, by all means shop around for cars that'll last you until you afford something better and more interesting, but don't let it stop you buying what you actually want when the right car comes up.
 
Not so serious...

http://peoria.craigslist.org/cto/1768886405.html

Anyone want a Model "A?"

Back to serious, I've shot the seller of the Jetta above an E-mail, asking more about it. I expect that, looking at getting it, It'll probably need a timing belt, I'll have to look at other bits, too. Seller clams to have a fresh clutch in it, that's good.

EDIT:

http://bn.craigslist.org/cto/1766816178.html

Think I could fix the brake line? Main question - if the brakes were bad, what else is wrong with it?

EDIT 'GAIN:

Jetta's sold. Cross that one off the list. I'll take a look at that Fiero after lunch.

EDITEDIT:

Fiero = Nope. Headlight won't flip up, paint's cracking, no rust, though. But the deal breaker is that the car is a 4-cyl, auto.
 
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Actually, In Washington, 15 miles away and across the river, but, yeah, I know that town.

The Celica four-trac is worse than I expected - it showed up on E-bay, and that description was the killer. It's been re-sprayed and the odometer's been turned back, which I assume happened some time in the mid '90s.

I found an 86 (supposedly gently driven (!)) in perfect condition...in a chicago suburb. on the west side. For $2500.

I dunno...I just dunno. Would it be proper to ask if they'll drive it down here so I could take a look at it?
 
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Rotary Junkie
http://peoria.craigslist.org/cto/1768876410.html
http://peoria.craigslist.org/cto/1749577863.html

Escort for what you "need", Conquest kinda for what you want. :p
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Where did you find a Conquest? More importantly...HOW? The only thing that bugs me is that it's not virgin, which means it may have had the snot driven out of it.

astrosdude91
How about an Infiniti G20? My friend owns one, and he really enjoys it!

I found one in Paxton for you. It's a 1996 model, and it's less than $2k. Check it out if you are interested.

Here is the Craigslist ad.
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Not bad...My only problem will be resisting the urge to buy JDM/EIM "Primera" badges...

*faves link*
 
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I'd say go for the 2nd gen G20, looks worlds better. But can't go too wrong with the SR20...
 
Sorry but $3700 for a car with 230k miles on the chassis, Florida car or not, is nuts.

I don't care how well it's been maintained, it's a near as 25 year old car with high overall mileage.
 
+1 $3,700 better mean the car has less than 50k original miles for that price. And I'd avoid the Conquest unless you want to spend some $$$ refurbishing it because it is likely ragged the F out.

How's this:



2004 Subaru Forester XT, used but still awsome!
 
They're all overpriced, logically speaking. Can't say I agree with it, but that's how the AE86 market is, and many others like me who they are worth the money to. A 50K mile AE86 GTS is usually listed around 10K give or take. Don't like it? Don't buy it, they clearly aren't for everyone.
 
Mhmmm... G20... SR20, so lots of potential for power... and no ECU-based speed limiter... so lots of potential for tickets...

I'll take the Forester, though... cramped rear seat, but lots of luggage space, nice engine and you can use Subaru performance parts for that. I've seen them built up, and they're awesome sleepers.
 
niky
I've seen them built up, and they're awesome sleepers.
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Totally, which is why I wanted one so bad when I was shopping two-ish years ago now.* They look good in that body style, the mechanicals really cannot be faulted, so the only wiggles end up being that you could have bought a WRX Wagon instead.



* Whoah. I've had the Celica for two years now as of this past weekend. Time flies.
 
Troux
BUy my Corolla for $3700. Lots of fun, VERY reliable, cheap as all hell to maintain, and 32+ MPG if you aren't going all d-spec on it.
http://tampa.craigslist.org/hil/cto/1713759854.html

Fly on over and drive it home! By the way, by cheap, I mean CHEAP. Got new front rotors and remanufactured calipers - both sides, with new pads - for a total of $70.
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No. Drive it here. and no more than $2500. Which happens to be the price of a lower-mileage 86 in Chicago...

http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/cto/1768983797.html

Noted it's the 4A-C...Okay, $3,000, but not a penny more! unless the others in the Forum can talk you down more. Or we can say that covers your delivery fee and flight home from Peoria International.

Forester: It's a serious consideration if I end up making enough a year with this new job, but right now I need to focus on $2500 or less.
 
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