You say money pit, I say wise investment. But with general knowledge, you should already know that all old[er] cars will have their share of problems. However all the little crap has already broken, and it'* down to the big stuff once they get that age [why I hate new cars.. all the stupid little things that break..].


-justin

Well, thanks to all for all the constructive comments I see a couple big problems with an older car, though:

1. Worst problem: Convincing my mom to let me buy an 18 year old car that'* only one year newer than my former beloved, but problem-prone '85 Caddy DeVille. I know the differences, but they'd be lost on her. She can be quite close-minded on certain things, this being one of them
2. Money pit possibility, yes, but also the fact that this car'* main strength is the ease of repair and upgrade by the home mechanic. I definitely am not, but my dad is. Problem there is I'm going off to college in 6 months. So that makes those strengths a moot issue. Out-of-the-box power and ability in general is pretty tepid from what i've heard anyway, something like 116 hp, I think, so upgrading it at that point would be a necessity.
3. Low miles could actually be a problem, for the indicated reasons of possible neglect and not being run for a while. Leaving an engine sit is just as bad as running it ragged, from what I've heard, anyway.

So...
I probably will go to look at it, eventually, if it'* still there, but it would have to be damned impressive to overcome these problems. So most likely it'* out, but we'll just have to see Thanks again to all for the comments!

just find a 3.8 bonneville. even the first model years with FWD last and last and last and last.

Easier said then done, my friend :?

Well, for now, at least, it'* more an issue of time and family crap that'* keeping me from fixing it. I'm just gonna keep it as in for another 6 months, methinks, then just get rid of it. My mom hinted she might be willing to let me get a new car before I go off to college, so I'm thinking newer Bonne with less miles . Anyways, for a college I'm also looking at Flagler as well as UNF, so I would pretty near you at that point I'll keep anyone who'* interested (in other words, 3 people) updated, don't worry Thanks again for the advice

BTW, what do you think of the '92 Firebird Formulas? One'* being advertised for sale on my college'* bulletin board; looks nice, and it has the 5.7 V8 Says good condition, color picture on the flyer seems to show it as being really nice, and he'* only asking $2,800! What do you think? And how much would the insurance be? Oy vey :(

I betcha any money, that guy is selling it, BECAUSE of the insurance cost [hinted from college advertisement]. Imagine the cost you will pay for the car, then add $200, and that will be your yearly cost, without liability [in other words, if you total your car, your car is gone].


-justin

Well, I pay about $450 for a half-year right now with the Bonne, so that'* where I'm at right now. My step brother got a Camaro a little while back (since toasted), same year, with a 305, and he said his insurance didn't actually go up all that much. Sure it did a little, but he said the insurance agent he talked to actually said that was a big myth, that insurance went up ridiculously high on sports cars like that. I don't know... time to call Esurance! Thanks again for the replies

Dude. $5 increase from my current car for the Firebird! So much for that myth

I think he meant that it was actually a huge increase and not a small one. (if I'm correct that he was using sarcasm.. maybe not.)