Looking at Winter Beaters
#21
07-12-2012, 10:13 PM
I appreciate the warning, but I think if I can land the car I ideally want, it will all work out. Without rattling off the full list, I know a bunch of people with v6 '00+ N-bodies (mostly Grand Ams, a couple of Aleros). I know one has 200K on the car, another has 200K on the engine and 300K on the body.
The modern N-bodies have held up pretty good for these people (and most are still running them). No better or worse then my current 3100 Grand Am (which the 3400 still has the same nylon gasket issue seen in my '94). Problems have been far and few inbetween on them. Drive trains run great and the bodies seem a little more tolerant in my location then some of the W-body cars (especially the Grand Prixs).
I also like sticking with an engine I am fairly familiar with (especially when I'm looking to buy something cheap with "high" miles).
The modern N-bodies have held up pretty good for these people (and most are still running them). No better or worse then my current 3100 Grand Am (which the 3400 still has the same nylon gasket issue seen in my '94). Problems have been far and few inbetween on them. Drive trains run great and the bodies seem a little more tolerant in my location then some of the W-body cars (especially the Grand Prixs).
I also like sticking with an engine I am fairly familiar with (especially when I'm looking to buy something cheap with "high" miles).
#22
07-12-2012, 10:18 PM
Guest
Posts: n/a
Oh my goodness, YES! Me, too!
I've driven my 1979 Caprice Classic in the winter since late 2009. Before that, my soon-to-be-sold '87 MC LS.
Mike,
Sorry that Buick is a POS. As for the CV, can't go wrong by taking in the $2200 cash and seeing what the reaction is.
I wouldn't mind having a Roadmaster, though I prefer the 1992 and 1993 dashboard. I'd love to have an '89 CC, too. But, obviously, can't right now.
Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker + cowValve | 5 MCs + 1 Caprice Classic
CHD.MCs.CC + RoadTrips.hobbies.RadioShows.us66 = Cort's Web Pages
"Someday slowly turns to never" __ Tanya Tucker __ 'Soon'
Mike,
Sorry that Buick is a POS. As for the CV, can't go wrong by taking in the $2200 cash and seeing what the reaction is.
I wouldn't mind having a Roadmaster, though I prefer the 1992 and 1993 dashboard. I'd love to have an '89 CC, too. But, obviously, can't right now.
Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker + cowValve | 5 MCs + 1 Caprice Classic
CHD.MCs.CC + RoadTrips.hobbies.RadioShows.us66 = Cort's Web Pages
"Someday slowly turns to never" __ Tanya Tucker __ 'Soon'
#23
07-13-2012, 06:24 AM
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Mentor, Ohio
Posts: 12,236
#24
07-13-2012, 09:10 AM
Im certainly not a fan of either of your choices for a winter beater....
I live here in Michigan..Granted I do preferr rear wheel drive...But I use my 4x4 pickup now...so no worries in winter driveing....If I were you I'd steer away from those vehicles and look for a good 4x4...IMO
I live here in Michigan..Granted I do preferr rear wheel drive...But I use my 4x4 pickup now...so no worries in winter driveing....If I were you I'd steer away from those vehicles and look for a good 4x4...IMO
#25
07-13-2012, 01:55 PM
I think AWD is too overplayed. You'll still loose control and slide with it. You just won't spin as much from overpowering around corners and won't get stuck. But too many people think they're invincible with it.
With that said, I'm 95% sure I'm going to buy the Vic in the morning. I've secured garage storage for the Monte as well. I'm going to have my work cut out detailing the Vic, though.
With that said, I'm 95% sure I'm going to buy the Vic in the morning. I've secured garage storage for the Monte as well. I'm going to have my work cut out detailing the Vic, though.
#26
07-13-2012, 02:57 PM
to input on grand ams, my friend has had 2, his first died at 1xx miles but it wasn't that high i dont think, his 2nd caught on fire and burned up..... I'd love to know the cause of that..
Now the cars i agree with you on the crown vic, they're toughly built cars and usually last a long time and presumably parts are cheap due to the high number of them around and in civil service. good luck
Now the cars i agree with you on the crown vic, they're toughly built cars and usually last a long time and presumably parts are cheap due to the high number of them around and in civil service. good luck
#27
07-14-2012, 08:14 AM
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Mentor, Ohio
Posts: 12,236
@Mike 00LS - I actually store my Monte outside in the driveway for the winter. I've got an AWESOME outdoor cover from Wolf Automotive. Just food for thought.
#29
07-14-2012, 10:32 AM
o well its been done for awhile now.
#30
07-14-2012, 02:16 PM
Crown Vic is still in the air - I'm meeting a guy on Monday to check out a 94 T-Bird with 87k. I didn't get in too deep over the phone with him on what all it had since he was at work - but it's either a 3.8L, a 3.8L S/C or the 4.6L (I believe) V8, same as in the Vic. So we'll see when I meet up with him.