$5,000 Challenge
Hi, my name is Chris Hafner, and I'm a used car listings addict. I've been a compulsive used-car listing reader for the last 15 years; and I'm ashamed to say that I read them even when I'm not shopping for a car. In this way I'm similar to the people who are addicted to online dating sites--the used car listings offer a breathtaking diversity of cars, each with their own look, their own story, their own intoxicating sense of possibility.
One of the things I do for fun on a weekly basis is run through the listings and find which car I'd buy that week for a given price range. Yeah, I'm not particularly well-adjusted.
Anybody else want to join me in this compulsion? I'll set a price cap of $5,000 this time--anybody who wants to participate, just find the car you'd buy from your local classifieds and either put it in the comments thread of this post or use the "E-mail Car Lust" link at the top-right of the blog. I'll compile them in a post on Friday comparing our finds.
And if nobody else is interested, well, I'll just continue my lonely life as a used-car listings addict.
--Chris H.
Mochi Mochi on April 21, 2008 at 11:18 AM
It's like some kind of virus!!!! I've been infected and now I can't stop. It all started with a look see at Porsche 914s and VW Squarebacks. Now it extends to early 90's Hondas (civic si, preludes si, integras - it's still a honda, and del sol si). I also scan the occasional MR2.
I'll send in the sightings, but don't post them until I know I'm not going to buy them!! It makes no sense for me to buy a second car. But the idea that I could, and that it would not be much more than a couple of grand is so enticing that I keep looking and lusting for these rides.
ok - I'm in.
Chris Hafner on April 21, 2008 at 11:50 AM
This isn't my choice, but given the conversation about 4WS Preludes, I thought this might be relevant:
http://seattle.craigslist.org/oly/car/647010962.html
Cookie the Dog's Owner on April 21, 2008 at 11:50 AM
In the Cleveland Plain Dealer classifieds:
JAGUAR 1985 XJS Cpe MINT V12-roof, red w/ blk leather, no winters 43k new Pirellis $4950 perfect
--might be a lot of fun between major mechanical failures--
In the Akron Beacon Journal:
'92 ACURA Vigor [(badge-engineered 4-dr Accord)], only 127K, service records, auto. Must sell. $2950.
--With the $2,050 remaining in the budget, do some performance and handling upgrades and make it into a BMW-killer--
Finally, from the Avanti Owners International website, from a couple of years ago:
1963 Avanti R2 for sale Project car The car is complete with no accident damage. comes with new hog troughs [(steel "torsion boxes" that mated the fiberglass body to the chassis)] to install. Has power windows and 4 speed. Gold outside fawn interior. The car runs. It just needs a complete going over. The only items missing are: the original steering wheel, steel wheels, and the battery tray. The wheel covers are with the car. Price $5000
--The "R2" had a Paxton supercharger, and was the world's fastest production car in the 1963 model year. If the description is accurate, it was restorable to show car condition. I want one.--
David Drucker on April 21, 2008 at 12:00 PM
I've been reading the local and not-so-local car classifieds since the late 1950s. When I lived in Scarsdale, in the '80s, they were always pretty exciting. Here in Endicott, NY, not so much. But I will pore through them in the hope that someone, this week, will offer something other than a clapped-out F150, Blazer, or Malibu. Stay tuned.
Rob the SVX guy on April 21, 2008 at 12:07 PM
I found two Mitsubishi Galant VR4s for sale in my area, for around $2500 each, and I found a 1991 Dodge Spirit R/T for $2000. I also spotted a 1997 Dodge Neon ACR in Nitro Yellow Green for $800.
Man. What fun. If I had a garage I'd have so many sweet little cars.
@Cookie: About the vigor: AVOID! RUN! RUN AWAY! Sorry, I used to have an accord of that generation, it was completely awful. Main reason? Bearing over hub technology. Yep. In order to change something as simple as a brake disc, you need to disassemble the front suspension and get the rotor pressed off the knuckle, which usually destroys your wheel bearing. Honda screwed up bad. I couldn't wait to get rid of that car.
David Drucker on April 21, 2008 at 12:19 PM
OK, nothing interesting in the local paper, but the interweb is always good for some fantasizing. In the space of five minutes, I found two cars that I wouldn't throw out of the garage for leaking oil.
The first is an ebay 1981 Mercedes-Benz 380SL, with a buy-it-now of $4995: http://tinyurl.com/3pzoqw. The description (copied-and-pasted here) doesn't mention whether the cam chain had been replaced with the more reliable double-race kit used in later examples, but with 170K on the clock I'd guess that it had. Beyond that, there's nothing tricky or complex in the 107 two-seaters. I've had a couple, both from the 70s, and they're wonderful do-everything vehicles. My wife and I used to go camping -- dirt roads and all -- in ours.
eBay Description: This is a Classic 1981 Mercedes Benz SL380 Two Top Roadster. This SL380 has the small V8 engine and automatic transmission and has just over 170,000 miles on it. It is in very good condition and will only appreciate in value, as these older SL's are getting harder to find. Paint appears to be original , and looks good from a few feet, but some areas are sun damaged. Hardtop is in very good condition. Soft top is also in good condition. Top has no rips or tears, but plastic windows are sun damaged and cracked. This car has later model Mercedes 16" wheels and tires in good condition. Interior is in good condition for a 27 year old vehicle. Seats may have been recovered. Driver's seat is showing some wear. Carpets and door panels are in good condition. Engine runs great and has plenty of power. Transmission shifts smoothly. Car handles very well at high speeds. It is a bit cold blooded when first started, but runs nice once it is warmed up. Power windows and radio work like they should. This is a great chance to own a classic Mercedes Roadster at a great price.
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And here's a 1982 240D four-speed for $3650 (because I know how to double-clutch). It has barely enough power to pull the cap off a bottle of Bud, but I still love it. The description comes from the seller's (Vintage Sales, Cincinatti) web site: http://tinyurl.com/4nbh27
Delivered new in California and spent most of its life out West, 170K, 4-speed stick shift, sunroof, windups, power locks; absolutely straight body with a recent repaint (Carfax is clean), decent interior (the Tex seats have a few minor & repairable cracks and the dash has a few also, an Accuform dash cover will snap right in). Mechanics are good, motor is very peppy (for a 240D!), tranny has some wear in the 2nd gear synchros (rakes on the 3- 2 downshift, but not on the 1-2 upshift), cold AC, 4 Michelins are about 1/2 tread. Good car - and the ultimate in bulletproof transportation! $4650 includes repairing the 2nd gear synchros in the transmission; $3650 if you want to skip that (really doesn't have to be done, discuss with us "why not')....
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Me again. Since this exercise runs through the week, I'll probably wind up shifting moods a couple of times, and will post "finds" that reflect those changes.
hunter in CLT on April 21, 2008 at 12:40 PM
Not having any money in the bank, and badly wanting another roadster (I had to sell my '99 two years ago), you can imagine how my heart broke upon seeing this last week:
http://charlotte.craigslist.org/car/643542458.html
$2700 for an absolutely mint 1.6L Miata with low double digits on the clock? Hell yes, even if it *is* red.
And with a $5k total budget, the things one could do...
James on April 21, 2008 at 01:38 PM
I have the same disease, constantly perusing car ads and "helping" friends find cars.
Here is my submission for the contest:
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/car/650706343.html
where else can you find purple on purple leather for under $5K?!?
OldCarGuy on April 21, 2008 at 02:02 PM
I’d be really tempted to look at this:
1979 RX-7, original owner, 99K miles, $2,499.
http://cars.ajccars.com/Autos?property=AJC_V1&tp=AJC_V2&classification=autos,transportation&temp_type=detail&tl=2&ad_id=167949314
For towing all those project cars home, you could always use one of these:
1981 Chevy Suburban, 454, A/C, towing package, $2,250.
http://cars.ajccars.com/Autos?property=AJC_V1&tp=AJC_V2&classification=autos,transportation&temp_type=detail&tl=2&ad_id=168022280
Mochi Mochi on April 21, 2008 at 03:01 PM
67? Mercedes 250s - this is looking pretty sweet to me - but I think this is a 70's car.
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/car/648380998.html
I'd drive it.
Mochi Mochi on April 21, 2008 at 03:09 PM
No - it is Mercedes from the 60s - the styling switch over happened in 67 - apparently. Here are a couple of nice ones... a 68 and a sweet little 69 for $2K
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/car/642872729.html
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/car/644864586.html
David Drucker on April 21, 2008 at 05:13 PM
Mochi Mochi: Those W108/109 MB sedans are pretty wonderful; and they can be real money pits. The ones you've highlighted are the simplest of the lot, mechanically and electrically. If the rust is under control, any of the three would be welcome in my garage.
My own W108/109 experience has been with the 3.5, 4.5, and 6.3 liter V8 models, each of which was its own exquisite nightmare. One day I'll submit an "our cars" piece on one of them.
Zarba on April 22, 2008 at 07:36 AM
David Drucker:
I have a '72 280SE 4.5, inherited from my wife's grandma. With the exception of the HVAC controls (those old rubber levers break) and the A/C components (never used), it's been great. Of course, Grandma kept it serviced, and it only has 44K on the clock.
Pass anything but a gas pump...
Spanno on April 22, 2008 at 03:30 PM
You have one hour to buy this 1972 American LaFrance fire engine.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1972-ALF-COLLECTORS-MODEL-Fire-Truck-Fire-Engine_W0QQitemZ300215814569QQcmdZViewItem
Sorry, pump doesn't work.
David Drucker on April 23, 2008 at 06:08 AM
Zarba:
A '72 V8 with 44K? You're one lucky Zarba!
The official fix for the heat/vent controls calls for replacements to be installed from behind, which is a costly PITA. I've seen ads for a kit that lets you do the job from the front, but can't vouch for the results. Does your heater blower work? Replacing it is an eight-hour job, and that's if the mechanic has already done a few, and knows the tricks.
The A/C on this car is pretty simple. The compressor is from GM, and the rest of the components are pretty generic and easy to get at.
Enjoy!
Mochi Mochi on April 23, 2008 at 11:24 PM
Friends: I need your help. I went on a car date this evening. The whole online dating analogy that Chris mentioned is so apt. So I've been looking around. I found a nice 1992 Integra GSR - stock - not chopped up or modded. No signs of rust. No indication of accidents. The asking price was $3900. Body is clean. Everything works ok.
Here's the breakdown of negatives. Original teal metalic clear coat on roof and hood is flaking off, base coat of paint is solid but needs to be stripped and painted (no biggy but I'm not a huge fan of that early 90's teal color - a new paint job would be nice - it is the original paint).
Speedo cable needs lube. Front passenger caliper needs replacing - again not a big deal I would put on a big brake kit anyway.
Windshield has a crack - needs to be replaced.
Wheels and tires - eh - nothing great. They have lots of tread. A possible slight out of round - or bad tire pressure. Who really cares. I noticed a little instability and a slight drift over some surfaces. Could be a hokey shock - could just be the tires - I checked the pressure after the test drive and they were all at completely different pressures - ranged from 23 psi to 30 psi - too low and uneven.
The clutch is very stiff - supposed to be new - if so it needs lube. Also the shifter... not smooth and light like my civic. I'm guessing the linkage needs adjusting, lube and/or replacement. Getting into 5th took a bit of muscle.
Engine makes good power and revs really high. But I'm not blown away by the power. It feels restricted. But the engine is an A17 and looks clean. Though there are some signs that there was an oil leak at some point in the past. They did a rebuild 30k ago I can get the paperwork. The car has a total of about 160K on the body. Driver's seat has some wear - a small hole.
The frame is solid and taut. No squeeks or major rattles (except for the speedo). Like I said - no signs of rust or accidents. Undercarriage looks pretty clean. I'm getting the vin and checking the history tomorrow.
Overall this is a nice car that could be made into a good little rocket. I'm not crazy about the power steering, and I'd probably need to convert it to manual steering. The power assist combined with the vague tires is a problem. When I got back in my Si I the feel of the road was so welcome.
The interior is clean from what I can see. Power everything works well - sun roof is great - motor is strong.
So now the final problem. The car smells like a stuffy old hotel room. The ones where they use strange deodorizers that kind of stink and make you feel like taking a shower. I've never tried to get a smell out of a car. Do you have them steam cleaned? What?? I'm guessing that one of the drivers smoked and they tried to make the car smell better by using a cheap carpet cleaner.
This reminds me of a girl I went out with - once. She was cute. Not a knock out, but cute cute enough to kiss. But her breath! Oy! Not good. There was never anything because of that problem. Smell counts in my book.
When I got my SI it was clean and fresh and it still is. It is so much edgier now than it was when I drove it, but it always felt great. This car feels ok - not amazing but pretty good for a car that has some age and has been owned by average people. I could make this GSR a hard edged driving instrument - bring it up to the standards of my SI. But I loved the SI from the moment I drove it. This is a good car with potential - a paint job and some work could bring it to a really good place. But there's that funny smell, and the fact that I did not feel any huge "love". Of course I don't need a car right now - I'm not desperate. The reason for looking at all is based on the idea that I'd like to have a back up car, a project car, and a car that is rust free for a long future. And the reality is that comparing anything to my SI is really hard. But I remember that when I got the SI I just wanted some temporary cheap transport... I had no idea I would fall completely in love.
Now! the twist. I offered $3000.00. They came down to $3300 from $3900. So its affordable and a reasonable deal for a car with a nice straight rust free frame.
This is the first car I've gone to see in person because it was the first one whose ad met my criteria. If I were coaching a friend on dating a girl I'd say "man, this is your first date, you have any reservations walk away and do a little more dating. See a few more girls before you get serious". Buying this car would be like getting serious after the first date.
Gentlemen. I need your advice. Walk and keep looking - or buy it and find a good cleaner?
Brian on April 24, 2008 at 12:30 AM
Nothing too exciting in the local paper, but on Anchorage craigslist there's this thing:
1987 Porsche 924S - $4200 (Anchorage)
http://anchorage.craigslist.org/car/641177342.html
1987 Porsche 924S, basically it's a 944 in 924 clothing. I'm not terribly excited by it, but I was completely Porsche-less I'd consider it. There are a couple of 944s but they're each a hair over $5k.
This is the real cool one tho:
1974 Datsun 260Z - $750 (South Anchorage)
http://anchorage.craigslist.org/car/652632809.html
"Complete . Running when parked 12 years ago . Good title "
Good title! Well it's nice to know there's SOMETHING on it that still could be considered "good." I'd totally buy this one if I didn't have 2 other freekin' sports cars already. It's a disease!!
OldCarGuy on April 24, 2008 at 07:57 AM
Mochi Mochi: I'd walk. There's plenty of fish in the sea. That one just doesn't sound very special to me.
Rob the SVX guy on April 24, 2008 at 08:48 AM
Mochi: Price is way too high. I realize that it's a rare integra, the rarest of the GSRs, but honestly, who cares. Rarity and exclusivity isn't what you're after anyway. A decent paintjob will cost you about $2500 at the minimum, and a new windshield is another $200 at least. The speedo cable is an easy fix, and the caliper can be had cheap, it's probably just the sliding pin is a little seized, if you take the bolt out, wire wheel it, and apply some new grease it will most likely work just fine. Big brake kits are overkill for vehicles this small, instead a better use of your money is just to get some decent rotors, and nice pads. Something like Axxis Ultimates, Metal masters, or EBC Greenstuff. Throw in some nice brake fluid and bleed them and it'll stop amazingly well.
The engine is a b series, DOHC, not a series. It's a stroked version of the B16. It's ... nothing special. It's okay. The fact that they had to 'rebuild' it makes me nervous.... it shouldn't have needed one. One of my hondas has 264,000, the other has 158,000 and both run fine. The shifter bushings sound worn, that's okay, you can get some poly bushings instead. The smell, I'm almost 95% sure, is due to the air conditioning. Some people use the A/C until they get somewhere, and turn the car off. The problem is the cold exchanger thing inside the dash gets all sorts of condensation, which then starts to mold. If you make it a habit to turn the A/C off and just blow air on it the last few minutes of driving, you can prevent/stop this smell. Also, if they were a smoker, just remove the seats and get a carpet cleaner and vacuum the carpet and seats. It'll make a huge difference.
I'm not going to say buy it or don't but I will say that I think $3000 is still way too much for this car. If it had perfect paint.... $3000 still seems a tad high given the windshield, speedo, smell, and shifter. If it had perfect paint, $2500 seems fair. But it doesn't. It seems like the seller knows how rare those GSRs are, and if you aren't totally set on a super rare GSR, just get something else. If you do like the car (it does look cool), talk him down a lot, or get one somewhere else.
Amy on April 24, 2008 at 07:37 PM
I'd have to investigate a '68 VW Karmann Ghia with 73K miles for $4,500. Most likely a money pit, but I'm used to that; my daily driver of 12 years is a '72 BMW '02.