Greetings all. I come to you this evening in search of a new to us vehicle for the wifey. We've been scouring craigslist the last couple nights and I figured I'd check here as well just in case somebody had something sitting out back (pun totally intended) that they'd like to get rid of. We're definitely interested in going with another Subaru if the deal is right. However, also would be willing to get something else, too. Must note, like myself, she's got a particular sense of taste when it comes to vehicles, so I'll get into that in a second. Onto the list of demands... 1. Must be a stick. She's cool like that, and I'm in full support. 2. Ideally not a total rust bucket on the outside, nor trashed on the inside. I'm sure price will help dictate both of those areas. Also not opposed to something that needs a little work (clutch/timing type things?) if the price is right. 3. If we go with another Subaru, I'd have to seek suggestions from the congregation here as to what would possibly be the best fit. We've got an '03 WRX wagon and a '95 Legacy wagon currently. I'm not even close to ready to deal with another turbo car's issues, nor do we have the budget for it right now. I wouldn't say no to another Legacy wagon if the price was right, but we'd both rather have something "different" than both of the others, just for the sake of not repeating. I'm thinking maybe an Outback (for the nicer feel?) or dare I say a Forester (for a little extra room). She doesn't have a preference of sedan or wagon. 4. If not a Subaru, some of her favorites as far as looks goes are Dodge Omni's, AMC Eagle wagons/Pacers/Gremlins, etc. Pretty much anything late 70's early 80's, especially with plaid interiors and/or wood grain on the outside. Her all time favorite so far that she's owned was her '93 Ford Tempo, 2 door 5 speed. She'd probably pay a hefty finders fee for a clean one! 5. Please keep in mind I'll most likely be the one that does any maintenance on whatever we end up getting. Having done a motor rebuild in the WRX and clutches in both cars now, I'm a little more comfortable in the Subaru world as of right now. Also really digging the AWD (OMG) and stick factor in the winter. 6. Max budget range for an immediate purchase is something like 2-3 grand. Obviously would like to get a stellar deal but can come up with a little more too if it was the right situation. Thanks for reading this whole mess. Appreciate any help in finding something to add to the family. Will definitely be willing to provide a finders fee via money or adult beverages.
PM'd! Should note, looking for something that's daily driver worthy. 20 minute or so commute. Nothing wrong with the WRX, I'm just trying to limit our miles during the winter as to keep it out of the MN slop and try to preserve it as long as possible.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/AMC-Gremlin...a44b7c15:g:CjwAAOSwo0JWQL2l&item=191734971413 Not a wagon, but: http://www.ebay.com/itm/AMC-Other-s...f55f2a88:g:n8AAAOSwcdBWQ-mn&item=231749921416 Is your wife in her fifties or sixties, or did you mean to say "mom" rather that "wife"? Those are some eclectic automotive likes.
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ank/cto/5292201550.html Cabriolet if she is only driving it during the winter http://stcloud.craigslist.org/cto/5300089669.html MK2 jetta, very clean (I actually know the guy who owns this one) http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/wsh/cto/5279484579.html fuel issues are probably the out of tank fuel pump or the CIS needs to be dialed in.
You made the mistake of not reading the OP. Which I'll use to my advantage the next time you stay the night and sign the NDA.
She seriously thought it was the greatest thing ever. 2 door, 5 speed, and looked "cool". She's got grand plans to find a mint one someday and have me paint it for her how she wants. Your guys' responses are awesome. I can't explain her taste, other than that I think it's awesome. Definitely found a good one.
Given her Tempo 2-door love, what about the same thing in a newer version -- like the Escort ZX2 http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/dak/ctd/5283560240.html http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/wsh/cto/5311509407.html http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/cto/5311262738.html
Actually forget that, there's a red Focus SVT two-door hatch with 187k listed for $3k; high-rev 175hp with a six-speed, 17" wheels and sport suspension http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/dak/cto/5306522898.html
Not sure how this tagging thing goes, but I'll give it a whirl. @EricS @idget my apologies for the tag, as I'm not going for an attention whoring thing, just want your input and figured this might go unnoticed. Anywho, sounds like the wife and I may be going to look at an '01 Forester L on Saturday. Not sure the motor yet, but 5 spd w/ 140k miles. Salvage title due to some front suspension work in the past, as told by owner. Salvage title doesn't scare me as our WRX has one. Also, they said they bought it in 02 with the salvage title and have owned it this whole time. So whatever the issue was, it obviously can't be that big of a deal mechanically. They're asking $2k. Seems pretty reasonable to me based on my recent Craigslist comparisons. Yay or nay? Also, is there anything major I should know about these specifically, good or bad? Also, is there any surefire way to tell if timing and head gaskets have been done so I don't get lied to? I know you can kinda tell by the condition of where the heads meet the block as if somebody was in there. Timing probably isn't the biggest deal, as I can do that myself. Really just would have to pop the cover off and inspect the belt, right? Again, thanks for any insight. I'm comfortable with a wrench in my hand but still not the greatest with all the ins and outs of these things as far as what to look for.
For the mileage and price, I thought it might be too good to be true. But did get a response to my email from what seemed like a legit human. Guessing the salvage title kinda affects the price, so hopefully all is well.
My Ford probe? Manual, leather power seats with power lumbar and bolsters that work well, clean interior, slight rust issues... But! New since I bought it: Timing belt Belt Tensioners Idlers Power steering pump Exhaust from in front of the flex pipe all the way back All four struts and mounts New loaded brake calipers at all four corners Rear endlinks Ball joints Tie rod ends Head unit and speakers plus powered sub Needs: Winter tires Front end links Something makes noise at idle when the ac compressor is on, but everything works Issues: Rust across the top of the windshield and on top of the rear quarter windows. It has been covered with silicone and doesn't leak. Small rust spot on the a pillar Rear wheel arch starting to surface rust in a small spot Silly paint job with racing stripe. I would make a good deal for a MnSubaru member
This is where her and I differ. I found that the other night. It's beautiful. She loved it. I said it's not realistic as a daily driver cuz I wouldn't let her drive something that nice in the salt. She gets pissed saying it's just a car, I say it's not gonna look that nice much longer when you run it in the winter.
Foglights have also been replaced, and wired (properly with solder and wrap) to turn on independent of headlight, headlights are also new Sylvania silverstar sealed beams. I fixed some janky ass wiring too, turn signal harness, as well as in-dash wiring. Po wire in some **** garbage alarm and had live wires under the console. All of that was fixed.
re: the HG. Yeah just visually inspect it. The patina will either match the adjacent heads/block or it wont. Budget ~200 if it looks original (master gasket kit and head studs). For the tbelt, check the paint markings on it for appx age as well as overall condition (dry rotting in the grooves, guide marks/scoring on the surface). Yeah, bring a wrench and pop one of the timing covers off real quick if you can. Figure another $300 if you need a belt kit and wp. Otherwise if it's not knocking and the frame isnt rusted out, not a terrible price. Bet you could knock a couple/few hundred off to cover TTL given the marked title.
As usual, sheen's got you covered (lol), the only thing I'd add is that a timing belt that looks visibly bad is bad, but that a timing belt that looks visibly good may not be good.
How much and where...!? Looked at this one today: http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/cto/5308190434.html First thing he told me was the clutch was starting to go. Then asked about timing and heads and he said no, they haven't been done, but everybody that emailed on it asked the same questions. Checked the oil before starting it even and it was black as night and way overfilled. Plus a few nasty patches of rust around the windshield. Didn't even bother starting it. So the search continues. One plus is we're both kinda on board with that body style of Forester now. Seemed like a good, functional size.
Since it is not street legal, wife would have to work at home...and if that is the case, no car of any kind is needed.
