How do I decide?

[Tgood]

Well, I did just sell a motorcycle that I bought for 500, spent another 1500 on it, and sold it for 1000, and I was really happy to get that much!

I didn't get to take the day off today. For some reason, people get annoyed when you try to tell them you aren't going to show up the meetings you called for your own projects. Geesh, the nerve of some people.

I may still try to do it this evening, depends on how the day goes.

But now this is available. Just across town. Before you click, realize it is not a fiat...

http://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/cto/1690650617.html

Ahhh! And no, I have no room for both. I already have a car in my buddies garage, and I think he is getting tired of working on his cars in the rain...

[baltobernie]

See those wacky tail lamps? He installed them because OE replacements now cost Five Hundred Dollars. Double that $15k estimate earlier for an Alfa. Although I must admit, the "round tail" Spiders are one of my Top Ten cars, easily.

[Tgood]

Just got back from taking a look. I can't upload the pictures yet, but I will describe what I have seen.

It looks like it has had previous front end damage. It was fixed alright, but it would need work. Hood is okay, probably should be replaced. Be easier than fixing it.
The paint is okay, but it has at least three coats on it. Looks like it was originally geen/blue, then red and now metallic grey. There are spots that I can see body filler cracking under the paint. I forgot to bring a magnet, so I don't know how much filler is on it.
Passenger rocker has rust holes. Bubbles around the wheel arches, but not that bad. Overall, I was impressed at the lack of rust on the car. Body looked pretty straight overall, but again, it could be sculpted out of bondo... Shock towers looked rust free.
Trunk lid was missing the bar to hold it open. Trunk, what I could see of it, looks to be just primered. Badly...

Windshield was perfect, which is nice.

Drivers door window handle was missing. Minor, I am sure. Hinges looked okay.

They say it runs, but I didn't get to hear it run. Driveline is in the trunk. I guess that would make it easier to tow.

Rear bumpers are straight, the front is bent and would need to be rechromed.

Vinyl top is in good shape. Interior is pretty good also. Dash is warped, carpet need replacement. The seats had covers on them, but from what I could see, it looks like there is only one seam split on the drivers seat. Sunvisors are missing. No clock? What year did the clock start? Various trim pieces missing. Is there a piece that goes under the steering column? Looks like there should be, but it was gone. Both locks for the wing windows gone. Guess I really don't care about that too much.

Steel wheels with hubcaps. Not sure if that is good or not.

So, overall body not bad. But I don't know if any of the driveline is good at all. Engine, transmission and rear end may be bad. Just don't know. Well, I do know the driveline is out, and the clutch is bad. Probably needs a new guibo. Aftermarket ignition unit, I dont' know what that means yet. Timing belt may be original for all I know! looks like it has been leaking oil pretty good, but I am sure that can be fixed pretty easily.

Rubber trim looked pretty shot.

I will post up some pictures this evening. I am getting ready to go see the alfa. He did say he had the proper tailights. The spica fuel system is going to be the big deal. If it needs work, there is only one guy that rebuilds them, and it is about 800 bucks, if I recall correctly. For those of you not familliar with spica, basicallhy it is a modified diesel fuel maniford. Insanely complex. But they are great when they are working correctly...

Thanks,

Tom

[Tgood]

Well, the alfa owner flaked on me. Fate maybe?

Here is a link to the pictures of the fiat. Either my camera sucks, or I am a terrible photographer. And I have a good camera...

http://s1016.photobucket.com/albums/af2 ... cket/Fiat/

What do you all think? Go for it, or avoid like the plague?
Non-runner with unknown issues. I think I am going to offer much less than they are asking. Hope I don't insult them. If so, then the search continues! Maybe I will just spend more money on a well sorted car.

[Exit98]

Hi Tom,

Tough call. I'll just say this about this car. If you are not wedded to a small bumper car I'd be inclined to take a pass on this one. Too many unknowns for me.

Looks like you want to get a car quick. I looked for months before pulling the trigger. Move fast or drag the search out, to each his own, but I do think it shouldn't be a totally rational decision. What I mean is that the car has to provide an emotional pull too.

I will say though the more cars you see the better you'll be able to decide when the right one for you comes along. Here are two north of Seattle, a bit of a ride but they happen to be close to each other. An early one, which is pretty cool, looks OK in the little pictures (of course) and you sure don't see many of them. And a later one that also has some promise.

http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/cto/1684897715.html

http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/cto/1696075524.html

[2ndwind]

Tom,

The small bumper cars are appealing. I wouldn't buy a non-running car for much $$. In most cases I've bought non-running cars for $75-$150. These were not Fiats though. So you have to think of all the $$ and time you have to put into it to get it running or replace the engine. On top of that you've got a front end rebuild as the bushings are clearly toast. The brake hoses also need to be replaced, and many, many, more known and unknown issues.

This is NOT a car that was well-maintained, all POs have taken the value out of it and put none back. It won't nickel and dime you to death, think $100 bills per second. That's OK if your up to it, buy it for <$500, and have the cash and TIME ready to pour into it.

It all depends on WHEN you want to drive it and what condition you want it in when you drive it. My time has become so valuable to me that I'd rather spend more $$ upfront for a car that was reasonably maintained over the years but still needs some work that I'm willing to do. I bought mine last October with full anticipation of driving this spring. Finished getting it roadworthy this past week and have really enjoyed it.

Good luck in your search and look at some more like those in northern Oregon.