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Automotive Classifieds of Interest German Cars For Sale Ramblings

Two 90’s Modern Classic Convertibles for Under $15k: What’s the Worst that Could Happen?

I still haven’t replaced the M Roadster, but as you may have guessed, I’ve been looking at ads almost nonstop since it sold. Our local market within 300-400 miles hasn’t turned up much in that time that I considered a must buy. And when I contemplate long distance spotting’s, not only does the cost of shipping come to mind, but of course the uncertainty and anxiety of buying remotely — without seeing it in person. I know a PPI is usually available by a nearby shop, but another expense to factor in.

Maybe all that this hesitation demonstrates is that I’m not ready to be a committed collector yet. But here are two interesting examples that have popped up for sale (nearby for once), and with asking prices well below my budget for the next enthusiast car in the driveway. Maybe I can be a pretend collector and enthusiast in the meantime as I soak in the details of these two contenders.

$12,500: 1997 Mercedes-Benz 500SL 40th Anniversary Edition for $12,500 with 83k miles

1997 Mercedes-Benz 500SL Anniversary Edition

rare find, 40th Anniversary Edition, 500 made (imported 250 to US), looks new, runs great, crimson metallic ruby red, parchment leathers seats, chestnut wood dash, never wrecked, all options, new soft top and lifts, separate hard top, 81,000 miles, 12,500, garage kept, never driven in winter, excellent maintenance upkeep

Once upon a time, I test drove a 97 500SL Sport in Portland with almost the exact same miles and a mountainous stack of receipts. It was in truly amazing condition inside and out, and I didn’t buy it for the mere $10,500 then asking price because I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to afford to keep it in that shape. It didn’t deserve my ownership. I have regretted making that adult decision for years though. I routinely check the R129 listings around the web and wonder if I should pull the trigger now as they’re just starting to appreciate but still very affordable to attain. Of course these do require a significant amount of maintenance and care to stay in nice condition, but the asking price is barely over $10k to start and already has a new top and hydraulic top cylinders (an expensive and expected cost of doing business with an R129). After owning the W202 C43 AMG of roughly the same period, and enjoying the hell out of it with minimal expense during the two years of ownership, I’m thinking it’s worth budgeting several thousand a year in maintenance and repairs to get one of the best built cars of it’s time.

{if you’ve ever contemplated R129 ownership, this video should do the rest…}


$13,500: 1991 Mazda Miata M Edition with 25k miles

Greetings everybody here’s your situation if you had a bad 2020 make up all for it with this 1991 Mazda Miata hardtop convertible with only 25,000 original miles garage kept four-cylinder manual transmission British racing green rare color combination runs and drives like a dream everything functions clean title time capsule piece

NA Miata Hardtop BRG

If you’ve read this self-indulgent post this far, you are likely the kind of person who has driven, or even owned, an NA Miata in the past and longingly appreciated it as one of the most affordable, best executed, and graceful sports cars of it’s time. How many sports cars in this price range can claim that in the past 30 years of ever expanding safety and emission standards?

This particular example isn’t the nicest I’ve seen but it meets the criteria of being local, low miles, and cheap. You can spot comparable or better examples on Bring A Trailer routinely for about the same price, and being what it is, I’d feel a lot more comfortable about a long range purchase if that’s the best we could do.


One more to consider?

No Reserve: 2002 Porsche Boxster S 6-Speed, 113k miles, sold on Bring A Trailer for $10,250

Another obvious contender in this modern classic segment is the 986 Porsche Boxster S, like this one that sold a few weeks ago on BaT. Definitely an easy car to find in the same price range and condition, many even with the hardtop. This example has more miles than I’d usually consider but was well represented and a fair sale price. But if I’m honest, the one time I test drove one I was really underwhelmed. The journals of the time all basic said the same thing because the 996 Porsche 911 of the era was really the one to have with an appropriate 315hp on tap from the start compared to the Boxster’s 240hp. On the other hand, if one comes up in your backyard at a good price, you should check it out and see if you feel the same way.

Closing thoughts

During this world-wide pandemic I’ve been finding it difficult to pull the trigger when I consider I could be taking advantage of someone’s misfortune or the fact that I’m lucky enough to still hold a rewarding career job that affords me such leisurely considerations. But at this price point I tend to allow myself the opportunity to consider one of these on a Thursday night after work. After all, in 2020, what’s the worst that could happen?

dc

Categories
Automotive Classifieds of Interest

Loaner Car: 1984 Honda CRX

2019 Toyota Tacoma Limited QuicksandOur Tacoma was recently loaned out and without any other cars at the moment, Julie was kind enough to let me borrow her CRX for a few days to get around.

Turns out they reviewed the 1984 Honda CRX on Motorweek back in 1983 or 84, and it’s exactly the same spec and colors as my loaner car:

Julie and I went up to Portland to get her a Honda Civic in February 2011. We wanted a 90’s Civic HF, the super economy model, but even by 2011 these were in high demand because they really were 50+mpg cars. Unfortunately we ended up looking at 3 cars that morning, none of which were HF models, and all were in terrible condition and repair. Embarrassingly so in fact. But we decided to get a late breakfast and take a quick look at Craigslist for new entries before leaving town. That’s when we spotted her CRX for less than half of what were planning to spend. A quick test drive revealed it was by far the nicest car we had seen that day and we quickly paid the asking price, leaving with the same car she drives everyday nearly 10 years later.

After mostly driving the Tacoma since last Thanksgiving, piloting this tiny car is quite the contrast. But it is absolutely hilarious. You are always the smallest car on the road and you sit so low I swear you could reach past the steering wheel and touch the pavement in front of the car. No power steering or brakes actually makes it really easy to understand the car’s capabilities. And the first to second gearing, combined with the super low weight of 1,800lbs, still makes it really fun to whip around town under the speed limit.

Her car shows a mere 160k miles now and is a real time capsule being nearly all original. It was a fun time machine for a few days. Thanks Julie and Nick!

dc

Categories
Automotive Classifieds of Interest Corvallis German Cars For Sale Motorcycles Oregon

Empty Nest: All my enthusiast cars and bikes are sold!

I’ve been a little radio silent since stating I’d try and make a comeback on this site, but I find it’s hard to be inspired during the pandemic. Shana and I take this situation very seriously and we’re both lucky to be able to work our career jobs from home — and I’m truly grateful. But when COVID-19 first hit I thought we’d be working from home a few weeks, maybe a couple of months. Five disciplined and socially distant months later, Oregon is starting to show signs of turning the tide from our first major surge in cases. Even still, it’s pretty clear at this point that life isn’t going to return to normal anytime soon. I’d even go so far as to speculate that we’re likely to see another surge nationally as the winter months set in — but I hold out hope that I’m wrong.


Credit: KGW

Since late March when we were all sent home, I’ve slowly been clearing the stable. I had been thinking about a fresh start on all moto fronts for nearly a year but wanted to wait for spring to get started for best values. My experience has always been that April and May hit the enthusiast buyer sweet spot after a cold winter and sale prices seem to spike early on. While there was some early bargains on the market due to COVID-19, the analytics on both my enthusiast buying sites showed there was more collector marketplace activity than I expected this year. I figured I might as well try to turn over my collection after observing these trends and in the end if for no other reason: to avoid boredom and look forward to shopping again soon!

I started with the sale of the Z4 M Roadster. The market for these models is currently way undervalued compared to the e46 M3 CSL that it shares most of the suspension, braking, engine and drivetrain with. The M Coupe typically commands another $10k over the M Roadster as well. On the other hand this is partly what compelled me to purchase the Z4 M Roadster in the first place as an amazing value then and now. Luckily a very happy father and son agreed, snapping it up pretty quickly for about what I paid for it 3 years ago, then $21k. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t missing it, but what I’m really missing is the convertible sports car, not so much for the awesome 330hp beast that it was.

Next up we sold the 2003 BMW X5. This was a car Shana always wanted since it was new and I had always wanted to get it for her. 6 years ago we found a perfect one in Medford with just 55k miles and we happily bought it for $15k. A little over market at the time but it was by far the best example we had seen in a 300 mile radius. 6 years later the resale plummeted and we ended up selling it for $6k with 100k miles on the nose. It felt like a bit of a gut punch but after averaging out the deprecation and maintenance, it only ended up being about $300/mo. I like to think of it that way anyway as almost any repair on the car was at least four figures and sometimes those came several times a year.

Replacing that vehicle for Shana was a tough choice but we decided we didn’t want to pay that much again just in maintenance. After several out of state trips in 2018 and 2019, we realized most rental cars had far more everyday features that we enjoyed more than having the best SUV BMW ever produced (and the associated cost of ownership). Enter our 2019 Toyota Tacoma Limited in Quicksand:

It’s definitely no BMW, but it has plenty of the everyday features we love and it’s been very helpful already in the first year as a pickup we can put to use.

Back to my stable, the Ducati 750SS was next on the block. I’ve loved owning this bike but it is rarely ridden now. Even during the pandemic when it was used as a housebound pain reliever, I ended up returning home thinking it was time for something new. For starters something fuel injected that wouldn’t be as worse off for sitting long periods without loving care. A great local guy I know from the enthusiast motorcycling circles in Corvallis bought the bike soon after listed and has great plans for it alongside his 900SS/Superlight and other Duc’s in his own collection. Thanks Bert!

So what comes next? We’re still in semi-lockdown to some degree with COVID and I have some time on my hands. But for once I’m entering the off-season with a wad of cash on hand and ready to pounce on a listing that I would usually groan, “if I had the money it would be mine”. This time it will be, and with COVID and a sketchy economy on the horizon, it might be a great time to act. Let’s see what happens next!

dc

Categories
Automotive Classifieds of Interest Corvallis On The Job

My 2001 Honda S2000 AP1 Has Been For Sale for 2 Weeks with No Bites!

Well this hasn’t happened to me before. I think all the cars I’ve offered for sale in the last 10-15 years have all sold in less than 2 weeks. After a full detail from Carlos at Sports Car Shop in Eugene I was confident that my 55k mile AP1 would have lots of attention, especially with the VIN-matched factory hardtop being available as well. Amazingly the only contacts I’ve had are standard issue Craigslist spam farm emails. See to the right for my ad, which I think is priced below book and accurately represented.

And here is my competition:

2001 Honda S2000, 31k miles adult owned – $13900 (Beaverton)

This is a 2001 Honda S2000. It has been adult owned and garaged it’s entire life(sunny day car). It currently shows 31,830 on the odometer though the weather is getting nice so it may get a few more miles on it before the car sells. I hold a clean title in my hand. This car has never been wrecked and the original soft top is still in excellent condition. The interior is also excellent, it looks pretty darn close to brand new. The drivers side seat foam is still perfect which is very hard to find on S2000’s. The exterior has some minor rock chips etc as you’d expect with a used car but still shines and looks VERY good. No dents or door dings. The car will come with all the manuals, aftermarket car cover, both keys w/remotes, convertible boot cover, and front license bracket and plate(not currently on the car). The car is all stock minus the following:

1)Boston Acoustics speakers. The OEM speakers are included so you could go back to stock though I can’t think of any reason you’d want to. The OEM speakers have PAPER cones!!!

2)USA-Spec ipod adaptor. This allows you to plug your ipod in to the OEM stereo and control your playlists via the CD shuttle controls. This is one of the few adaptors that allows full control of your ipod through the OEM stereo. It’s plug and play, so no holes were drilled nor any wires cut. You can simply unplug it and throw it away if you don’t like it.

3)Short antenna. The OEM antenna looked bad and such a sporty car. Again, this is plug and play(it just unscrews). The OEM antenna is included in case you want to go back.

4)K&N air filter. The OEM filter was dirty and I wanted the best replacement so I bought a K&N. It simply drops in the OEM airbox.

5)Updated banjo bolts. Honda changed the bango bolts mid ’02 for better oil flow. This was a recall everywhere else in the world but in the USA. Better safe than sorry so I replaced them.

6)rear suspension tweek. The ’00-01 cars were known for their snap oversteer. Part of this is because they had the stiffest rear sway bar of any other year and part was the suspension geometry. I have corrected the suspenion geometry and replaced the rear sway bar with a ’02-03 model. This is the next stiffest sway bar if you look through all model years. This helps take the ‘edge’ off without changing the feel of the car much. The original sway bar is included.

I’m asking $13900. Cash talks and BS walks. Please don’t contact me if you don’t have he funds available and no test drives without funds either. I can email more pictures on request and I can show the car most evenings. Low ballers will be ignored. I’ve watched the market for two years and I know what these cars sell for and what they are worth. With 31k miles this Honda is barely broke in…


Honda S2000 OEM Hardtop Extras Clean Title – $18500 (vancouver)

2002 S2000. Only 53k miles. Well maintained. Needs nothing.
Sebring silver with RARE red interior/black accents.
Soft top is in excellent condition.
2002 models are by many considered the most desirable. First year with a GLASS rear window in the soft top, suspension updates, cosmetic updates…and it was before the second generation changes, which in my opinion took away a bit of the character of the car. They kind of toned things down a bit too much for my taste.
Anyhow, it includes a lot of great extras that really enhance the appearance and driveability of the car, such as…..

*AP2 Wheels (17″), bigger size than AP1 for better handling and road grip (one of the few knocks on the stock AP1 models)
*OEM matching Honda Hardtop (a few scratches on it but in excellent condition)
*Clear Bra (great for keeping the rock chips away)
*Upgraded Comptech Exhaust/Sounds great
*Upgraded Stereo and Speakers (kenwood excelon with infinity speakers)
*Wheel and Seat locks
*High End Alarm (lots of extra features to keep it safe)
*Honda factory shop manual

So for the time being I think I’m going to pull the car off the market and enjoy it. Almost as soon as I had the car listed the spring weather turned to awesome and we’ve really enjoyed having a convertible for three weekends straight. There’s also an autocross coming up that I’d like to do with my buddy Gary who campaigns his Cadillac!

In the meantime I’m going to assess how much I’d like to keep the car versus shopping for another bike with the equity I have in the car. I miss the hunt and because aside from when the weather is nice, the car really doesn’t get driven much now that I work full time from home.

Decisions, decisions…

dc

Categories
Automotive Classifieds of Interest

Happy New Year: 1 Owner 89 CRX Si with 52k Miles!

Just spotted via the VWVortex forums, here’s a car I’d love to snag: An unmolested, one owner, 52k mile CRX in yellow. Paul and I had a friend in college that had a low mileage car EXACTLY like this one and it was a blast to drive. Spirited acceleration, go cart handling, and great Honda ergos on the inside.

1989 Honda CRX Si on eBay

$11k sounds high to me but they’re accepting bids. Considering super clean MKII GTi’s can fetch 7-9k these days when they surface, I’d put this in a similar category value wise. I’ll be watching to see if it sells for sure!

dc

P.S. New Years Resolution: Post more on this blog! I’m going to be less winded and hopefully more frequent as a result. For anyone still subscribing, thank you for hanging on and I hope to make this a cool place to hang out again this year. Feel free to friend me over at Facebook too if you like, just shoot me a note with the invite so I know who you are 🙂 -dc