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I know this correlates somewhat with the Ask/Tell thread for AI's recommend me a car. But I don't think a lot of the auto professionals I respect in AI always read or contribute to that thread. And since this is literally THEE most expensive decision of my entire consumer life - I wanted to bring my question into A.I. to get your guidance instead of getting some try-hards in Ask/tell just ridiculing the whole thing. I inherited some money from a family members passing. I can spend anywhere from 1k-15k if I really wanted to on something I loved. I've always driven classic cars, and had great success with them. Here are my previous rides in chronological order of purchase/driving. This should help inform you the types of vehicles I enjoy driving, and help you direct my final decision. - #1. 1971 Mach 1 Mustang Yellow fastback with black racing stripes. Dad bought me when I was 15, let me drive it with him for a year, and then when I got my license - my mother made my dad sell the car. I was heartbroken to say the least.  #2. Right after they sold it my freshman year of HS in 2001, they had to get something to replace the Mach 1 so I could drive to school. My dad bought me my second mustang - this time a brand new (at the time) 2001 manual Mustang GT. Also lightning yellow. Out of all the cars I've owned - I disliked this once the most. I realize I was a spoiled little brat being 16 and having my own new car paid for, but I was so in love with the Mach 1 - that the GT felt like a giant step down. I was still sad.  #3 Time for me to go to college. Dad decides to live his speed dreams vicariously through me by buying me a 1998 SN95 Mustang Cobra. ONLY 12k MILES! The thing was practically brand new in 2004 when I got it. This was a beautiful, radical, fast, attractive, manual, sports car. Out of all the cars I've had - girls in college LOVED the rio red cobra the most for some reason.  #4 The year is 2006, halfway through college. Small college town Savannah, GA, so I don't put a lot of hwy or any miles on the cobra. Had only 50k when I sold it to one of my best friends at school. Well - I got $2k cash, and traded cars. I lost out TOTALLY on the deal. The cobra was easily worth $15k at least at the time when I sold it. Instead, like a stupid star-struck college auto speed-freak, I go for what I Consider to be the most beautiful - and most certainly, the Rarest car I've ever owned. 1990 Saab Airflow SPG. One of 3 in the US with converted left hand drive. Absolute head turner - totally gorgeous unique lines not seen on any other classic - and with all the extra mods done too it for years before by my mate who owned it - The Airflow was pushing 380HP on the dyno. Only problem? A tastefully speed modded Airflow SPG in absolute perfect condition inside and out, from 1990, is not, lets say.... reliable. In the least. I spent more money fixing the car than I ever imagined, and half its life it was being fixed by a Saab Specialist in NC. Still, for the 2 years I had it - it's been my favorite car of all time I've owned.  Yes that is actually MY SPG airflow. From a photo shoot taken outside Savannah at the abandoned F1 track. #5 Finally after dropping about 20k into keeping the Saab running (my friend went a bit overboard with the speed mods, although all tastefully and professionally installed), I had decided it was too much of a money sink for me in college. I had also gotten a little tired of riding in Lowered, rough-riding suspension, sport cars. I'm a 6'3" bodybuilder and I didn't fit well into any of them. So what did I do? Did the same thing the Notorious B.I.G. did as he raps about in his song - "Bought the Q5 with the tech-9 by my side" . It was apparently the only large luxury sports sedan He could fit into. And boy was this mother fucker comfortable!!!! 1991 Infiniti Q45 with the GIANT, QUICK, Inifiniti made v8 block. I dropped it tastefully 3/4", put 20" BBS rims, tinted it out black, and threw in a sound system. I literally drove that thing around for 2 years SWEARING to my non-amused girlfriend I WAS just as good a rapper/entertainer as B.I.G. I wasn't. It was the same gf that cried when I sold the cobra - called me fkn insane for selling it/trading for the SPG, and now I'm following it up with a giant luxury land yacht. My purchases were really all over the place ===== But do you see a theme here growing? ======  #6 Completely restored, 14k mileage 1987 *lifted Chevy K5 Blazer in Blue with Chromed everything. Was a graduation present from my family for college grad. Ended up taking it on a 8 hour road trip, blew the head gasket in the middle of butt-gently caress nowhere. Got towed to some po-dunk, Georgia town with a shady tow lot. Couldn't reach them for months. When I finally did, they tried to hardball me into about 10k of fees to get it out. Because of this ridic contract signed indiscrimately without much attention at the time - I lost the truck to the tow yard. It was heartbreaking, lawyers were involved, it all sucked. To the average car enthusiast - seeing a 100% completely restored 87 K5 is a pretty rare sight. This seems to be everyone else's favorite car I've owned. Girls loved sitting in the back when we'd take the hard-top off to go to cruise Tybee beach. Too bad it took me and 4 friends to remove the 900lb (felt like) fiberglass top. This again is my actual K5 I owned -  #7 1992 Audi 200 Turbo Quattro. Again, totally restored - immaculate condition. Less than 150k original miles. Never once gave me a single mechanical hiccup whatsoever. Spent a lot of time modifying this one, and it was also one of my all time favorites. Someone wrecked into me speeding in my neighborhood, totalled it. Heartbroken yet again. Turbo, manual, inline 5, luxury vehicle? Yes please. Another rare hard model to find.  #8 Left Georgia and moved back to Texas. Decided to follow my familiar trend and find my next hot late 80s early 90s hot rod. Ended up going with a 1991 BMW 750iL Series. Wasn't nearly as nice as any other Euro luxury sedan I've driven. But it did have stylish looks, a wide rear end wheel base, and good mileage. Transmission blew itself up - would cost to much to replace so moved on.  #9 The Volvo Years. Met a few like-minded Volvo enthusiasts in the local FB VolVO club. Great group of local guys who helped me locate my absolute cherry first 87 Volvo Wagon. Race cams, intake, headers, full exhaust, BBS rims, shocks struts springs. Just an absolute blast to drive - and a real head turner. Yes, this was my actual Volvo 240 Wagon  #10 While I loved the wagon - everyone did - I wanted something quicker, sleaker, sexier, but still had a Redblock. So I upgraded to my holy grail. My 1992 Volvo 240 Turbo Sedan. This thing is spectacular in every way. Professional Euro tuning shop did the entire install, rewire, suspension, BBS wheels of course, lowered shocks strings struts, rare euro turbo dash gauges. Power everything. The list goes on and on. An absolute fkn blast to drive, and again a real head turner. Girls do like the wagons better though, go figure. Sold due to money issues at the time. Heartbeak. Yes, this was my actual Volvo 240 Turbo Sedan  #11. Here we find ourselves today! I have a 1999 Chevy Suburban 1500k in perfect mechanical condition, aesthetically clean inside and out, and runs like a champ still at 230k miles. Sometimes the Transfer Case Control Module will gently caress with me and not want to let me out of 4wd, but generally with a few gear shifts it clicks out. I don't like this car, I don't enjoy driving it, its horrible on gas, and the only thing it has going for it is its a nice powerful truck with MASSIVE storage capactity. It's basically a glorified work truck unless u have a brood of chillens. I only use it for my daily driving because I've been waiting to get the money to find my next brand used car. No picture because it's a fkn lame suburban that just looks clean I bought off my best friend's dad for 1.3k since they didn't have a boat to tow with it anymore. Real steal! Why did I just blather on my ego-trip about all the fortunate picks of automobiles I've had the pleasure to own and drive? To give you a taste of what my style preferences are. I'm addicted to basically late 80s early 90s Radwood type cars. Obscure, fun, objectively pretty, and numero fkn UNO #1 for me - RELIABLE. I'm not talking Volvo tank engines, or toyota 4runner unkillability - I'm just talking something that's not KNOWN to blow the gently caress up on you leaving a money pit in your bank accountant and a gf who no longer finds you as attractive as before you blew all your money on fixing all these stupid old cars you keep buying for no good reason at all" (her words, not mine. she can be harshfully truthful, but she is lovely). I'm stuck between 3 choices. The purposes of the vehicle will be as a daily driver. I will likely not ever or often take any road trips. Just in-city driving, some stop and go traffic, but mostly hwy miles. (big city San Antonio, lots of driving). Comfortability has never been a big issue for me, it doesn't bother me. Looks, uniqueness, reliability, and square fkn lines everywhere are apparently what turn me on the most. I will basically just be driving back and forth to work (carpentry job in which all my tools would fit in any of these trunks, I checked.) I don't go off-road or anything at all. Just need reliable, sporty, classy, unique, fun daily driver. I've narrowed it down to basically 3 different cars/trucks, and this is where I need help. I can't make a decision on what to buy to save my life. It just stressed me the hell out, and what should be a fun, enjoyable experience of researching new and different models I'm interested in has instead become a headache. I see SO MUCH I want, and for ONCE in my life - I have the money to get what I want. After a month of careful deliberation and looking at hundreds upon hundreds of ads - these are the 3 vehicles I'm considering. in no particular order 1. 1992/1993 Toyota Mr2 manual. Beautiful lines. Manual. Fun, skippy, cool as hell looking car. Toyota reliability. Ones I'm looking at all fall between 8k-12k for a nice condition one. I was very close to flying to Cali to pick up a blue one with the removable T tops.What do goons think of this as a choice?  Pros/Cons?But then I saw this... 2. My neighbors 1990 Mercedes Benz W201 190 E 2.3- 16v. It's a little dirty in the pictures simply from the road dust being done on the streets in our neighborhood right now. It's a stick, its under 75k miles, its still got perfect paint and clear coat - runs, starts, and performs like a God drat Michaelangelo masterpiece. This thing is HOT boys. Perfect interior, stick shift. Here's the wiki article which can describe it more than I ever could - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_W201 Only issue I have? Never worked on Mercedes Benz. But done BMW, audi, Volvo, Saab work before, so hopefully its similar in execution. Also - other than the wiki article, I don't know much about MB, 190e's, or even this apparently Souped up rare model. It's been sitting covered in his garage for years, and now he's taken it outside to do his yearly fluid changes and maintenance work on it. I saw it as I drove by - stopped and started a conversation with him, explained I'm looking to buy, and was quoted around 15k. Apparently - that might actually be a great fkn deal on this model with ONLY 75k on the clock! What do goons think of this as a choice?  Pros/cons?3. Finally, a early-mid 90's F250 or F350 7.6L Powerstroke Diesel. I love the square lines. The engine is literally bombproof, tons of utility, and gives me the ability to haul more stuff should I ever need too. I think these look fkn gorgeous in black. Looking at around 10-15k for one of these. Pros/Cons?  So given the qualities I like, the qualities I would use the vehicle for, and the overall enjoyment factor - what would goons recommend I look into? I literally love all 3 so much, I can't barely choose without anxiety. I could use some guidance. Cheers in advance.
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Jan 6, 2022 07:28
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man, this thread gave me whiplash. lots of cool cars, but i did not see some of them coming personally, i would go for the MR2. fun sports car, great lines, known quantity. seems like the AW11 would be more the style you describe. or like a wedge celica/supra however, it seems like the 190e is the one most similar to your other cars, and what you say you like. i dont know anything about them except we had one that got passed between a few members here. they just dont do anything for me, personally also, you know you can say "loving" here, right? lol
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Jan 6, 2022 09:20
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Do you actually fit in the MR2? The other two hold no appeal at all, the 190 is slow as balls and the pickup truck is, well, a pickup truck.
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Jan 6, 2022 09:33
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I have always wanted a 2.3-16. If you've driven it and like it, I think it will be pretty rewarding, different and unique, and a bit more "classic" than the MR2. SW20s are appealing to people who know, but they're not appealing to the general public like a lot of your other cars have been. If that's important to you, the 2.3-16 is better. Plus, it's actually boxy. The main downside is all the trim-specific parts for the 2.3-16. Parts are expensive and not necessarily widely available, although generally the cars are fairly reliable if properly maintained. The market is pretty nuts so if you do buy it it will certainly hold value if you ever want to move on and yes $15K is an insane steal for that car at this point assuming everything is in good shape.
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Jan 6, 2022 13:29
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op you should ignore everything else and go buy a Red Mazda Miata
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Jan 6, 2022 14:55
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I'd go with the Merc. All the Mercs I've owned were interesting to work on, and it was clear that they were build with the intention that repair would happen at some point. Mine were older, W123 chassis and before type stuff, but I don't think MB abandoned all that so quickly, and I know of that particular car (W201 190 E 2.3- 16v) to be particularly good and interesting. Additionally when it comes down to just living with it daily, that things gonna be a real peach.
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Jan 6, 2022 16:04
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Cross shopping a diesel F350 with the others is just 
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Jan 6, 2022 16:07
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lol oookay. all three of these are getting up there in age. SW20: Solid. Do not need a turbo to be tons of fun. I doubt you can pick up a clean one for 10k. W201 2.3-16. It'll have old merc problems however the harness shouldn't be one of them. They're teutonic cars however its more of a 1980s dads sporty-ish car. Not super hard to work on however some fasteners are "cheese grade" at best. Giubos are an absolute bastard without a lift. E: they're old and slow, even with the cosser head. Buy a boring 2.6 6 cyl and then go find a C36 engine to drop in. Even the 3.2 is a massive improvement over the heavy turd that is a 2.6. If you stick to four pot, drop the 202 kompressor engine in with its respective 6 speed manual. OBS 7.3. Lmao you won't get one for 10k unless its a rustbucket with 500 thousand miles and 2wd. It'll have all the issues of an old american truck with the tax of diesel ownership on top of it. The psd can be broken, btw. it'll drive like poo poo, ride like poo poo, stop like poo poo, corner like poo poo, and come with a litany of old truck issues. especially at 10-15 thousand in this current market OP I recommend a Red Land Rover Defender 90. They're easy to work on, feels like you're doing 200mph at 40mph, with a diesel somewhat reliable, and will keep your diagnostics skills sharp. 
cursedshitbox fucked around with this message at 17:16 on Jan 6, 2022 |
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Jan 6, 2022 17:13
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please do not do some insane engine swap on a stock 2.3-16 in good condition
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Jan 6, 2022 18:25
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Wasn't there a 2.3-16 that was passed between goons and coasts? I seem to remember Kimbo having something to do with it. E: How much are the australian GTOs going for these days? I haven't looked in years, but given OPs ownership history, that could be a dece option.
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Jan 6, 2022 21:51
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With that eclectic car set I feel like a Red BMW M1 might be the go here
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Jan 6, 2022 23:27
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Honestly this Black GAZ M1 would be a lot more practical than the BMW. (USER WAS PUT ON PROBATION FOR THIS POST) taqueso fucked around with this message at 00:21 on Jan 7, 2022 |
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Jan 7, 2022 00:17
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While an M1 is a cool car for sure, the ultimate German car is to this day, a Black Mercedes 560 SEC
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Jan 7, 2022 00:19
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I had an MR2, loved it but parts are hard to find and they’re getting old and annoying. Fits big people no problem tho, tons of room in that thing. The Mercedes is my personal favorite of your list, hands down. Off the wall suggestion that ignores your budget and probably other requirements: the new Hyundai EV looks like a loving Lancia, it’s super cool. I think it’s called the Ioniq 5.
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Jan 7, 2022 00:53
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560SECs are incredibly solid cars but I so wouldn't recommend CIS in this day and age to just anyone. a Black turbocharged Datsun 510 would deliver a superior engine management system with a bonus crankcase evacuating device. 
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Jan 7, 2022 02:13
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In my opinion while a Datsun 510 really is a beautiful classic car, you can't go wrong with a german hatchback with italian design credentials of the same era. OP should buy a Black 16v 1987 Volkswagen Scirocco
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Jan 7, 2022 02:23
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I assume I can fit in the MR2 at 6'3" 225lb. I only say that because I just about bought a 1986 Red, manual, Pontiac Fiero today. Took it for a test drive - yes it was like yoga trying to get in - but once inside it was still a nice fit. Very similar to my old Saab's cockpit. Thankfully, I came to my senses when I realized I was about to buy a Fiero then and there when I could wait 2 days and get an MR2 that looks 100x sexier. Ok well maybe sexy isn't the word most ppl would use to describe the 2nd gen MR2.... but I think it's still cherry looking good. Better than this same 86 fiero I looked at which to me looks like the Chinese knockoff version of the MR2. I will say this about them - redlines really high, and super rad interior. All great guidance from you folks - so glad i got a reality check. While the MR2 is simply gorgeous to me, fun to look at and drive, it just doesn't appeal to everyone. Now I'm not trying to be egotistic here and make everyone like me for what I drive - BUT - the MB my neighbor is offering to sell me has NO fading clear, NO mechanical issues other than a window that wont roll down, and it has the brand new AMG wheels which are insane. After a weekend cutting, buffing, polishing, and waxing - it will look EXACTLY like the one I posted above in the OP.  And only 76k miles as it turns out! (I went to talk to the neighbor again today about it). That's just unheard of. But sadly - he's asking 18k for it and not budging. I thought it was 15k the first time we spoke, but there's a language barrier as he's from Germany. AND ITS A STICK! The upside to the MR2 - toyota reliability, mileage, cool, fun. The blue colored ones are the best. THe upside to the MB - Looks like pure, total, loving class. It just screams 90's square lines dream car to me. Downside to MR2 - Pretty expensive for what you're getting which isn't much in the get up and go dept. No power steering. No fuckin clue how to work on a mid-engined vehicle. Downside to MB - I know nothing of MB engines or mechanics. This is really the only model of their's that's really charmed my pants off. I can't imagine parts are easy to find for this either. Can anyone speak to the 2.6-13's common issues? Are they mechanical, electrical, something else (or not maybe) entirely? I can't imagine it's that much more Unreliable than the BMW's which fall apart instantaneously from the 90s. I'm leaning towards the MB, but there were some other interesting suggestions in here yall gave me that fit my style too. That Datsun (never would've thought of that), the Defender, or even my friends BMW 8 series he's willing to sell me. And yes, I like Scirocco's looks too - but if I wanted a early 90's wedge, I would buy my old Audi 200 TQ's brother - The Audi Avant hatchback. SO - I'm still open to suggestions around my style icons. Just to be clear, I have more than 15k, I just kind of wanted to stick around that price point. So yes, you're absolutely right I was delusional to think I could afford a 7.3 without a gazillion miles. But if the MB keeps growing on me (I have to drive by it everyday omw home), I might just splurge and drop the 18-22k it would take to turn this thing into a showcar. It's already halfway there with the AMG wheels. Dennis McClaren fucked around with this message at 09:36 on Jan 7, 2022 |
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Jan 7, 2022 07:32
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I took some pics of the 2.6 - 13. I spoke to the neighbor today about pricing on it, taking it for a test drive this weekend once the street crews are finished in front of our homes. I found some pics of it, but do realize our street and all our cars look absolutely filthy with scum due to all the dirt/concrete/asphalt/tar/dust being thrown up by the road crews refinishing our new street. So that's why it looks so dusty. The hood closes just fine, the body is perfectly straight no dings or dents. He just left the hood open at an awkward angle while he was working under the Cosworth.   Dear God it is just so pretty for me to look at. Daddy wants. I feel like this is the type of car only Mike Tyson and Michael Jordan should be allowed to drive custom models of. There was so much dust/dirt from the road crews pulling up and putting down a new street/asphalt that it looks just filthy. I promise you when the dirt's not on there - it looks like a loving walking orgasm. Well to me at least. James Bond should drive this manual stick. Actually its so skillfully engineered with no bad angles that its almost like watching a perfect athlete show his talent when it drives. It's the type of car that looks like only Mike Tyson or Michael Jordan should be allowed to cruise in.He also mentioned it's Cosworth tuned and has their full Front to Back exhaust systems from headers to tails. And the Wheels, my god the wheels!!! I thought either my Saab's wedges, or maybe my Cobra R rims were the nicest pair of rims I've ever had on my rides (lots of BBS wheels in there too). But I think by far these AMG wheels are simply delicous to look at. I just want to spin them very very fast and religously detail this thing every weekend as a new hobby.  Just sex man There has been a slight wrench thrown into all these suggestions though. And it's quite fortunate for me, serendipitous even. While I was speaking to my neighbor with the MB Cosworth (btw he also has a 35k original miles 2003 Pontiac Firebird manual in black with those cool stock rims, and a 7.3 powerstroke Dually, and a VW travel bus, and a 2001 Chevy Camaro SS. So honestly as you can see, I'm quite jealous of Mr. Carter and I would very much like to own some of his shiny toys. But his neighbor, an elderly woman in her 70s, has a few cars of her own. One in particular we've both had our eyes on. She and her husband only drove it for one thing and one thing only - trips from San Antonio down to northern Mexico for vacation and back home. It was never a daily driver. It fits all the criteria of the Miata fanboy crowd - but in a taste and design I'm actually very attracted too. I kind of thought it was a girls car - but after she let me drive it around the block today... well I got some chills. Being SO low to the ground, being a convertible, and having a good paint job are some of my biggest virtues in my ride. So WTF am I talking about sitting in her driveway, no longer driven but once a year, and still under 100k miles? (albeit 96k). Well none other than a wicked sick Black on Black BMW z3 3.0 sport convertible identical to this..  I always forgot about it becuase the neighbors would keep it covered in the driveway, but the cover was off the last week and I happened to run across her today while she was leaving in their other car and I waved him down. Well it seems the wonderful collector Mr. Carter has like everything else in my neighborhood decided to steal another car I didnt even know I wanted. This guy has em all! TO be precise - I asked her if she would be willing to sell it to me (Yes, she would) === BUT === Carlos' friend who is there at the house frequently working on the cars with him had apparently already made it konwn to the older lady that he wanted to buy it. She said she would have to do her due dilligence and speak with Carlos about it before considering me making an offer. Excellent news! On my way home Carlos texted me and said his friend is going to pass on the BMW since he's looking into something else. Great victory for me! No check engine light on it. Exterior black paint is 7/10 but I can detail it back up to 8.9 likely, interior drivers seat has some tears. The wheels aren't exactly my favorite - I would probably have to drop a few thousand on some BBS rims. And the only other issue is the convertible top has about a 3in tear on the back see thru plastic glass of the conv. top. But these are all normal 20+ year old car small aesthetic issues that can easily be fixed. I didn't say cheaply (its a BMW after all), but I loved working on my 700 it was far easier than my Saab or my Audi 200. Two other seemingly fantastic plusses it has going for it - #1. They've been in their 60s/70s since theyve owned it originally from the BMW dealer here in town, and they drove it very carefully, slowly, and always took it to the dealership for all its routine maintenance. (that must have been as expensive as hell, and not to mention pretty ignorant) But they aren't car people - they just wanted something sporty to take their little trips in south of the border. But are you ready for the REAL kicker? the REAL reason I might pass over the rad MR2, the classy MB 2.6, or the truck for such a small car? Hold onto your seatbelts because you're going to need them - I'm going to (ok not for sure, but its likely) walk over to her house tomorrow after I visit the bank and receive the car title to this wicked little black joy ride for the Startilingly, shockingly, revolting almost - price of - ....rdy?.... only $3k! Working AC! No mechanical issues! Daily driver BMW thats funner than hell and with the nice 3.0 to back it up. I was ecstatic to say the least when she randomly threw that number out there and I asked her if she was sure because she could probably make at least double that easily on craigslist. She doesn't want to go through the hassle of selling it online and having visitors test drive it - so it looks like the lucky young man down the street yours truly is exchanging a measly 3 grand for a killer ride. Whats so strange is - I've always liked z3's, initially when they came out at first I thought they were wicked cool. But the z8 turned me off, and you just don't see many z3's around - so I guess I never really thought of it as an option. But it fits all my criteria outside of it being a newer car. But hey I aint mad at ya! Air conditioning, power everything, retractable convertible top, HiD headlights, and they put in a nice bluetooth screen for all their NPR mexico trips I guess. And yet - it would have never even occured to me if I hadn't just seen it randomly sitting uncovered this week while my neighbor lady was outside in her yard. Go team me! To be fair - I made it very clear to her about the actual KBB value of this model with under 100k in its condition and that she could do a LOT better than 3k. But she flat out refuses and says that's what she wants for it - so I'm not going to argue with her. I feel like I just hit the jackpot. It's not as classy as the MB.... but 3k man? I'll have enough leftover to trick it out tastefully with the BBS rims and all the other goodies I would have extra cash saved to continue restoring it..... (p.s. dirty little secret - The BMW M-coupe clown shoe has always and forever been my favorite dream car of all time. While technically I could go out and buy it , I just cant see myself spending 30k on a car. It's a big deal for me to spend 15-20k if I had to on something just perfect for me. But that just seems ridiculous in contrast to picking up the Z3 3.0 in mechanically sound condition for a freaking nickel. What's stopping me? Tomorrow's segment. You see - somehow miraculously I live within a 2 block radius of some of the coolest car collectors around. A viper on the street, a ferrari Gt something on the end of the block, one guy has a pair of blue and yellow matching new Broncos, and coolest of them all - the viper guy also has a DeLorean he drives weekly in the garage. Why aren't I preparing to go to the bank and to Auto Zone to get new BMW fluids to flush out after I start detailing it to death? Well, because, My intrepid A.I. storytelling friends - there is still one more. "THE ONE" some might say. "Why didn't you stop loving around and just buy it after he gave you the price? Why are you such an idiot for not buying that and selling it for 3x its value immediately? Are you off your meds or something?" These are the questions I swear will run through your mind when in installment #3 of the Brand Used Car Retention Saga continues tomorrow. You will be absolutely floored by what I'm about to show you. If you think the car's I've owned are somewhat rare and controversial - this Legacy vehicle I'm going to take pics of and post tmrw for you all will blow your bloody socks off. Wear two pairs of underwear. Just a little teaser - Similar to the BMW, I was quoted a price that is just saintly. Frankly - it makes little to no sense why he would offer me this incredible rarity at an even rarer gift like price. I know he's an intelligent man - both him and his wife are professors here in the city. And yet I feel like such a wonderful sinner for going for it. More pics and the reveal of my last possible choice tomorrow. Dennis McClaren fucked around with this message at 09:27 on Jan 7, 2022 |
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Jan 7, 2022 09:20
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monoblocs look dumb on the 190 
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Jan 7, 2022 14:59
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Dennis McClaren posted:
1. I don't care. Drive what appeals to you and your automotive ADHD. 2. Thats some original pre amg treatments... specifically the hood. The Hammer comes to mind. Don't cut on a w201 2.3-16 to imitate this. Run e-codes. that'll do. 3. 15-18k doesn't seem bad. Looking at the pictures, it explains why its kinda cheap in this market. Expect some maintenance debt. 4. Toyota reliability means fuckall when its pushing 30. They're incredibly good cars yes, things are going to break. They will be weird things. Weird things you may not be able to get parts for. You will need to get crafty. 5. 80s man, 80s! MB will sell you every single part for the car. You will pay a premium for it. 6. MR2s don't need power steering. They're magical like that. Mid engine entails some things are a pain in the rear end. Like coolant pumps. Generally there's enough room to work on it. I know a lot more about W11s than W20s soo. 7. I don't have first hand experience with the 2.3-16's engine itself however it is just a M102. I do have extensive experience with the platform that houses it. The dead window? start with the switch. Then the fuse. Carry an OVP relay. Run G-05 coolant. The car uses hitler fuses, most of your electrical gremlins start there. The locks are vacuum actuated. the pump and its assosicated lines can crap out. MB used a vacuum system well into the 2000s so parts are easy to find. (its under the back seat). The suspension system it rides on was pimped the gently caress out on every model into to the new millennium. This however uses an old school steering box out of a mercedes tractor rather than rack and pinion. No, its not a problem. Keep fresh fluid in the system and it'll not bite you. It uses an injection system called CIS-E. It likes fresh filters. If the pumps ancient, do that too. no, you don't have to drop a tank, its under the car. Its an an electronically controlled mechanical fuel injection system. It has limited to no on board diagnostics. Realistically you need at minimum three new tools. A pressure gauge, a digital multimeter, and an oscilloscope to keep it running great. Invest in some manuals specifically for that system. Some might be in German. Now's a good time to learn it. If this sounds like too much take it to a specialist you will gently caress it up otherwise. At the end of the day the 16V is still a M102 but with a different head. MB timing chains should have a keen ear on them. Its mostly a v8 (m116/117,etc) thing but if you hear rattle, its time to throw a new tensioner, guides, and chain at it. They're superior german plastics pushing 35. Mercedes engines of old take punishment but you gotta meet them half way. G05 like mentioned above, the right oil viscosity for the temperatures you're working with and changed within the intervals. Use genuine ignition system parts 8. Trust me when I say old diesels can dish the hurt. I just swapped a 7.3 on a side street mid road trip two months ago with snow inbound. It was awesome. 9. No monoblocks on a w201. Go for CLK wheels or something classier. Wall o words said, where were we? Since you seem to like MB and want to make a statement while also brushing against the diesel aisle, I suggest a Black Peopleeater's Limousine based on a W123 . 
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Jan 7, 2022 16:56
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cursedshitbox posted:Since you seem to like MB and want to make a statement while also brushing against the diesel aisle, I suggest a Black Peopleeater's Limousine based on a W123 . You sure about that recommendation? With the OP having owned the finest pre-Opel Saab 900 and clearly lusting for maintenance gremlins, this might be the time to branch out into the other Swedish make. How about a Black Volvo V70R? 
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Jan 7, 2022 17:20
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If we're talking wagons, I think we can all agree that the only correct choice is a Black Buick Roadmaster
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Jan 7, 2022 18:52
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Those are entirely too reliable outside of Optispark though. OP wants pain and gremlins. I suggest a black and silver ford f350 4wd diesel bricknose that can dole out electrical gremlins rivaling that of Italian cars while forever being in maintenance debt and still haul your friend's poo poo when they want to move. 
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Jan 7, 2022 18:56
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Lots going on in this thread…maybe you could pick between a Black or Silver LaForza pretty sure girls will love them   (USER WAS PUT ON PROBATION FOR THIS POST)
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Jan 14, 2022 07:45
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A black and silver Nissan 240Z would be a head turner.
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Jan 15, 2022 06:29
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I like the early W202 C-class AMG with the inline 6. Fairly reliable and a nice driver. (USER WAS PUT ON PROBATION FOR THIS POST)
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Jan 15, 2022 06:48
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