lippy 918 #1 January 31, 2003 Looking for some advice here. I haven't owned a vehicle in five years, and am gonna buy something in the next couple of days here. I don't even know what kinda shit I should be checking out in an older (mid-80s) car. Who's got some tips?I got nuthin Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jessd 0 #2 January 31, 2003 Don't buy an 85 Mercury Grand Marquis - that was my first car. It was like driving my frigin couch down the road. That's the only suggestion I have...unless you were going to buy newer. I would suggest a Celica...but I hate driving it in the snow. "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away..." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
phatcat 0 #3 January 31, 2003 Mid 80's???? Why so old? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkydiveMonkey 0 #4 January 31, 2003 Mazda 626 - solid as a rock - trust me ____________________ Say no to subliminal messages Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
akaGQ 0 #5 January 31, 2003 Two things to do from the sart or three better yet... 1) Look up the model of the car and such and find out what recalls have been announced for the car and see if any or all of them have been made. 2) Get the VIN off the car and pull a car fax to see if its been wrecked and such to help out with future issues. 3)Get a BlueBook and look up the price of the vehicle in order to haggle the salesman when you goto purchase your car. Gives you some ground to stand on so you dont get fucked in the ass with no lubrication. 4)When you goto the lot tell the salesperson your browsing not "Just Looking" this is a key response buy most people and they will be on you like flies to you know what.- GQ ... it was the love of the air and sky and flying, the lure of adventure, the appreciation of beauty ... -Charles Lindberg Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lippy 918 #6 January 31, 2003 QuoteMid 80's???? Why so old?Cause I can't afford anything newer. What's that you say? Finance??? Then I'd have to put full coverage insurance on it, which I definitely can't affordI got nuthin Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
phatcat 0 #7 January 31, 2003 QuoteCause I can't afford anything newer. What's that you say? Finance??? Then I'd have to put full coverage insurance on it, which I definitely can't afford I understand that completely, but you should still be able to go a little newer (early '90's), and still get something for a good price. Good luck - I mean it - I know how it goes all too well. Cars are a bitch. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jessd 0 #8 January 31, 2003 If your driving record is decent full coverage should not be a big deal. I pay about $800/year for full coverage on my car. I know some people who pay more for basic. "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away..." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stacy 0 #9 January 31, 2003 i'd look for a big trunk. easier to hide bodies, and can double as a cooler. see attached. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dterrick 0 #10 January 31, 2003 Roger, 2 Words... Honda Civic. 88-91 Civic Si kicks ass, nevermind the 'gotta have new' set. Half the Winnipeg sports Car Club drive them as their dailies since they're cheap, they've got GREAT suspension and brakes, get FANTASTIC fuel economy, cheap to insure, very easy to Rice up (if you're so inclined). Don't let the "Alberta Gun Rack" club sway you into a truck unless you do a lot of gravel or winter travel ... Set of Michelin Arctic Alpins and rims is about 6 hun and will get you through almost anything. Takes only 200 watts of front stage and sub to blow your ears out at highway speed. Lots of $'s left for jump tix. VERY easy to fix and swap drivetrains. PM for more... I've got sportscar club contacts throughout Western Canada Dave race? who me? Life is very short and there's no time for fussing and fighting my friend (Lennon/McCartney) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 2,991 #11 January 31, 2003 Yeah, I had an 87 Honda CRX Si for about eight years. Best car I ever owned. Could hold its own on the road (high power/weight ratio) and was indestructible. I put 160,000 miles on it before I retired it for a Mazda MX-3, which wasn't as much fun (or as versatile.) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lippy 918 #12 January 31, 2003 Very nice pic Stacy, reminds me of home. Dave: I ain't buyin a truck, need something good on gas. I was looking for a Civic hatchback, found one in Calgary but i can't get there...I don't have a car There's an accord here in town I'm gonna go check out tomorrow though. Luckily I know a mechanic who'll do a safety inspection for a case of beer I got nuthin Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
johnny1488 1 #13 January 31, 2003 good: Any honda after 88 Any vw after 84 Any gm car after 88 stay away from ford, hyundai, chrysler before 94 dont get too spooked. Look for a clean car and motor. Look for a car that looks like its been cared for. Ask for maintenance records. My opinion from 7 years of being a mechanic Johnny --"This ain't no book club, we're all gonna die!" Mike Rome Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skyboyblue 0 #14 January 31, 2003 ford pinto. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freefallfreak 0 #15 January 31, 2003 Go for a pick up...they can double for many occasions... FFF Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JJohnson 0 #16 January 31, 2003 Get something big enough to have sex in, it'll save money on expensive hotel rooms!JJ JJ "Call me Darth Balls" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gawain 0 #17 January 31, 2003 QuoteRoger, 2 Words... Honda Civic. From my own experience, I agree 110%. Any Civic, or Acura Integra from 89-99 will serve you well. Just change the oil. Personally, I wouldn't look for models that old. I would start looking at the 96-99 range for two reasons, much wider availability, still a low total cost of ownership, and a great value now that the platform is officially one-generation old (still quite modern, don't get the wrong idea).So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright 'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life Make light! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wmw999 2,447 #18 January 31, 2003 A Nissan Maxima could also be a good choice -- they're as common as dirt around here, and seem to last forever. The early 90's models are all over the place. Try looking at the repair costs and individual-opinion reviews at Car Talk for more information. It's a real gold mine. Wendy W.There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflyz 0 #19 January 31, 2003 Toyota,easy to fix and runs for ever! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jwilson 0 #20 January 31, 2003 Toyoyas, hondas, vw's and mazda all will run for a really long time even if you don't take care of them .Something to check out on all these frontwheel drive cars is the CV joints especially in the older ones . Volvo's are pretty reliable too , I have a 1986 volvo thats got around 250,000 miles on it and it takes my broke ass anywhere I need to go with no problems ever. Good luck!! Jay Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
