New or relatively new buy, long note

M

Marj

New member
I would like some suggestions from anyone out there. I have owned number of vehicles in my life time, and one of the pleasures besides detailing the sh**t out of them is the ability to work on them to a certain extent. For instance I own a MB 300CE with 190K, which I bough used a few years back, but when ever a part goes bad, I get killed on labor costs, because its requires so much taking apart other things, just to get to the defective part. Water pump replaced at $900, replace oil pan $1300. and this is a independent garage (my neighbor) In previous cars I could get to the part and replace it myself and save a bundle on labor. I am not talking about rebuilding an engine, servicing the transmission or sorting out electrical problems, but most everything else I have at one time or another gotten the pleasure of saving money by doing it myself. My '96 Explorer l have done some work on and its because theres room to work, most things are somewhat accessible.

My question or dilemma is, I am thinking about purchasing another vehicle, but I would like to be able to work on it for a lot of regular maintenance, has to look great, not an old vehicle (will be used as a daily)and when it comes time to sell, it might be worth more than what I bought it for or at least will not have depreciated that much. I have owned and worked on '68 Charger (owned 30years), Austin Healey, TR6, Ferrari 308, '68 & '66 Shelby, Chev. Barretta. I been thinking about a Corvette Z06 and the Mustang Bullitt, (fits the bill as a looker and perhaps future return on the money) but have not really looked into the engine compartments on either car or talked to anyone with experience. I always liked the e-type jag, not to purchase, but as an example of accessibility, because the whole engine bay was exposed when you lifted the front end.

Sorry for the length.
 
Kinda hard to figure out what you're looking for. That's prolly because you haven't figured it out for yourself. No probs, it's a process, right?



Seems to me the first thing to do is create a list of cars you want, then create a list of things you want to do with a car. There doesn't have to be any sense or logic to this; just start jotting down what you want. I think after you have these two lists some commonalities will pop out at you. Whether you want to follow these clues or not is up to you. Its just a starting point.



One thing I noticed from the cars you listed was a sort of macho, hairy chest image thing. Except for the Beretta which I can't figure out why you bought that car.....:D And the Benz doesn't really fit except for the "body builder in an Armani suit" image. But all the others project a vivid, extroverted, semi-tough guy street image. Since it's clear to me this is the style and image you want to project, why not stick with it? Seems this is the look that turns you on, right?



As for what cars to buy, its a lot easier on you and your wallet to stick with American cars like Mustangs, Camaros, Corvettes, etc. Lots of support, affordable, plenty of mechanics to do work you can't do, won't take you to the cleaners if you need major work. Old Jaguars can be money pits and need constant attention but provide a nice reward when all is well. Best thing to do with them is buy the best car possible instead of a fixer-upper. Ferraris are like this to but even more extreme. You really need deep pockets to keep them running their best. There's lots of support for moderns like Vettes and Mustangs and that usually depends on what you can afford to mod. There's also a sizeable aftermarket for BMW's, Audi's, and VW's.



I'd be interested to see what list of cars you come up with. It's always fascinating to hear from people why they're into a certain type of car. Keep us posted.
 
Man, I am kinda going thru this right now too....dunno what I want to do or what I want to buy. Do I keep the Bonneville for another 100k, buy a Mustang, buy a BMW....:confused:



I hear ya totally! It is nice to do your own work....



But I vote for you getting a Mustang! (that will help inspire me!)



Good luck!



:up
 
The baretta was my wife's car, but surpisingly I could work on it. It was cramped but I could get to the more common parts that normally wear out on vehicles. On the MB, that was a day and half for mechanics that work only on bimmers and MB. The MB was a buy that I was pressed for time in. I owned an Aspire (thats another story) and it got totaled. I like cars that you don't see on every corner, like Honda's. Thats why I liked the 300CE, it was or is not a common MB. If depreciation was not a factor, then I probaby have an easier time to figure out what to buy.
 
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