Today I read that the first batch of Economic Stimulus checks have been released by Uncle Sam. The entire process will apparently take several months for some reason. For those not within our borders, the way it supposedly works is like this – Every person in the U.S. that has a gross adjusted income under $75,000 and has filed a tax return within the last two years will receive a check for $1,200, double that income limit and check size for couples and add $500 for every child. The median income last year was $63,688 and the median family had 3.14 members which rounds up to four. So let’s assume that every one of you out there is a median earner and in a family of four and will thus receive a total stimulus check for $3,400. I personally think that those that don’t really need the money for whatever reason will just bank the money and those that have been seriously affected so far will hopefully budget it for food and living expenses for whatever length of time it may last but am sure there are some that will decide to spend it on a new TV or whatever. But us Curbivores don’t watch much TV, instead we go to Craigslist for entertainment.
So let’s assume we got our check as a direct deposit today and it’s already burning a hole in our pocket. Today’s (Saturday, April the 11th) Fort Collins, Colorado area Craigslist shows a grand total of eleven vehicles being sold by the owner and asking less than $3,400. Since few people are working and nobody is supposed to be driving around even those cars that need work may be an option this time around. So let’s see what we have, surely something will tickle your irresponsible fancy, which one will it be?
First up is a lovely 1999 Saab 9-5 sedan in what I think is Midnight Blue Metallic. It has just over 159,000 miles on it, is in “Fair” condition, an automatic, and can be yours for $999, such a deal!
Here’s what the seller has to say about it: “Hi! This car is a nice car with lots of upgrades for what year it is. It runs fine, but has some issues, so that is why it is being sold as is. It has leather seats, heated and cooling seats, a sun roof, and a ski rack. It had some brake work done, but more is needed. Work is also needed on the headlights and tail lights, and it does have hail damage. If you are good with cars, this is the car for you. Cash please.”
It’s got leather, the seats are hugely comfortable, power everything, and also includes an air freshener, likely the “Black Ice” flavor/scent.
The leather doesn’t seem torn or anything, the hail damage is probably minor (not uncommon in these parts). The ski rack will come in handy when the snow starts again in six months and it’s had some brake work done. It needs a little more brake work and perhaps some minor electrical to the lights, surely just a bulb or two, right?…Will this Scandinavian seductress win your heart (here’s the ad) or should we head on to door #2? (These are presented in order of being on CL, I didn’t do anything to mess with that, so it’s random.)
Chevy C/K series trucks from this era are always popular around CC, so this is a treat to see. It gets close to our budget limit at a $3,000 ask but just look at what you get for that….
Yes, a full CrewCab like everybody is driving these days but for a lot less money. It has sidesteps even though trucks back then weren’t tall like today’s (or perhaps they were, Mr. Shafer will enlighten us if needed), and even has a hood ornament for the Brougham touch. Sadly the ad doesn’t state the mileage but since these last forever, who cares.
The tailgate is clearly not original but at least it has one, let’s see what the seller has to say: “1984 chevy 4 door 350 crate motor auto runs drives good long bed $3000 obo“. Hmm, a man of few words but he’s succinct and to the point. It drives good.
Dammit, we all know how I love me some red interior and I was thinking of saving this one for myself and not sharing it with you all, but then I remembered the contributor credo of “CC Über Alles” and couldn’t hold it back. That velour looks super cozy, power locks and windows, a column shifter, and a full set of gauges from what I can see. Daddy likes.
The back seat looks even better than the front. In fact it looks untouched. This might be just the place to be. Your view forward is unimpeded by front seat headrests and there’s no tint on the windows to get in the way either. I could think of worse ways to spend $3,000 (obo), and with gas prices as low as they are, your extra $400 will take you some distance. Here’s the ad if you want more details But perhaps you aren’t a Chevy man…
For half the money of the Chevy you could have a 1963 Ford F100! Sure, it’s half the money but you only get half the doors. But maybe that’s OK, the 1.14 (round up to two) median kids can ride in the bed like the old days.
Lookin’ pretty good so far, eh? 8-spoke slotted white wheels, likely added some time in the early ’80’s, Jetzon Revenger tires (new one for me, anyone?) what looks like a rust free body and a cozy cab along with what seems like a 6.5 foot bed.
The tailgate’s been replaced with a custom job, it even has a rear bumper, and the spare is handy in the bed rather than underneath. Methinks the wheels are wider than stock and the stance looks good.
The passenger side looks clean as well, the chrome and badges are still there, this thing just screams honest truck. The seller says: “1963 ford f100 short bed 6 cylinder 4speed runs and yard drives needs hood hinges has some rust good project truck $1500 obo” Alright, so maybe there is some rust after all but if you can’t see it, it doesn’t count and for $1500 obo what are you expecting. These 6’s run forever so that’s why it doesn’t have hood hinges, you don’t need ’em.
Everything you need, nothing you don’t. Bring your own saddle blanket to put on the seat and you are good to go. Here’s the ad, the early bird gets the worm. Git ‘er dun!
Alright, enough with the trucks, everyone knows trucks are overpriced. When on a budget, mid-size sedans are where it’s at. Like this 2004 Buick LeSabre from when GM still built its Buicks in the USA and this thing topped the reliability charts. For $950 this could be yours even though it’s slightly too new to be a true CC. Perhaps a Future CC…
Yes, it may have 236,546 miles but those are Buick 3800 V6 miles so they don’t hardly count. White’s a popular color these days, alloy wheels, side skirts, I think I even see a trailer hitch!
It looks showroom fresh and probably smells just like a Ponderosa Pine with that little Air Fresh’ner dangling from the rear-view. Rubber mats, genuine imitation wood trim, and enough panel gaps in which to lose your fat stack of twenty-four Benjamin’s and change that you’ll have left over after paying the man. The man, by the way, is quite detailed in his ad: “Used Buick Lesabre 2004 , fair condition, 236546 miles.
-Bluetooth Audio, Good Sound System
-Drives Well
-New battery (12/09/2019)
-Brakes got repaired October 2018
-Driver window doesn’t roll-down
-Dent on Passenger Side
-Broken Arm Rest”
What is it with GM rear seats that look like new today? This one looks just as good as the truck, if not better and is even trimmed in leather. Could this be the one? For more pix and deets, go here.
For the true enthusiast, nothing but an Alfa will do. Never mind that the seller is advertising it as an Alfa Romero, it’s still red, Italian, and has a sweet twin-cam four. Yes, an Alfa Alfetta GTV, these don’t pop up every day!
It’s a 1979, which is the last year that cars were still good without all that computer crap of the ’80’s, I don’t see any rust, and did I mention it’s an Alfa? I know Roger Carr is already scrolling down to see the ad link to add this to his stable.
The seller is quite verbose, to wit: “This is a solid little Alfa I have for sale. It has 70,000 miles and is in pretty good shape for its age. 100% original. The GTV is a pretty special car. Had a bigger 2.0 engine and it was in the Front but the 5speed transmission is a transaxle style and is located in the rear. This makes for perfect weight ratios and even better handling. New tires. It starts and runs but won’t accelerate. I put a fuel pump in because the fuel pressure light is on but that didn’t fix the problem. Still just starts and runs. Perfect car if you know how to work on spica systems. Has all the original emissions equipment and lots of extra parts in the trunk. All the gauges and lights work. Come check it out. I bought it on Copart with no title so it does not have a title. NO TITLE. I cannot get one. You will have to apply for a bonded one at the title office. (Not a big deal ). Don’t miss this once in a lifetime opportunity to own a very special little Italian sports car. Alfetta”
Yes, never mind that it doesn’t have a title, it’s no big deal to get one according to the ad, I’m sure the seller just hasn’t gotten one due only to social distancing. While you wait for a new title, you could perhaps reupholster the seats. It may need a little engine work, the fact that it “doesn’t accelerate” is perhaps a problem, that’s kind of the point of an Alfa, but it could be that it’s a 1979 and the seller is used to a modern car, compared to which anything from 1979 may just feel like it isn’t accelerating.
Still, the seller is asking $2,700 which seems just about right for an almost sorted GTV without a title that doesn’t accelerate. Perhaps you know which minor fuse to replace to right it all. Or it could be a great project for the next few months. Or years. While you wait for the title to arrive.
The instrument cluster is kind of like a Scion with the speedo and auxiliaries in the middle of the car. The RPM gauge is the only one that really matters, so that’s why it’s in front of the driver. Here’s the ad with more pix but no more info.
These Chevy Malibus seem to be regarded fairly well here, so it was good to see this 2009 make an appearance today even though it too is only halfway to CCness. Offered at $2,800, it has traversed 159,000 miles and is an LT trim level, so about middle of the line. The tires look good, that dent may or may not buff out but at least the seller isn’t hiding it, this was the first pic in the ad.
The ‘Bu is so big it doesn’t even fit in the pictures, that’s a fairly innocuous shade of Greige, and the alloy wheels (or covers?) snazz it up a bit. Roomy in back, comfy in front, the four cylinder in this one should return decent economy and parts should be plentiful if needed.
Is this the spare or were those wheel covers after all? Either way that looks a lot like a rally wheel that GM used to put on everything and I kind of like it, perhaps to the point of removing the chrome covers if that’s what they are and running Rally Steelies…Here’s the sellers’s take on it: “09 Chevy Malibu Runs and drives good, Very clean, Automatic transmission, power windows, locks, driver seat, Tires in good condition, Smooth comfortable ride, this car is in good condition, You are welcome to bring you mechanic to check it out, Make your offer the worst I can say is no, Clean title”
He seems flexible on price, the worst he can say is “no”. The interior looks pretty decent as well and look, another air freshener, is that blue raspberry? That cloth looks quite durable, actually, this could be a contender, if you’re serious give it a shot.
I’m not really known as a Pontiac man in general but this opening pic kind of grabbed me, it may be the first time that I somewhat eagerly clicked through on a GrandAm of all things to see more. Turns out this is a 2001 Pontiac GrandAm GT, with the 175hp 3.4l V6, in black over gray and probably made someone’s day when they picked it out from the showroom floor.
The back bumper can be easily replaced, these are all over the junkyards, and I think I see Arizona plates so probably no rust on this one. For $1,500 and only 115,000 miles (per the ad at least), this might be tempting. How many years might be left in this one with minimal maintenance?
Jesus-rays in a photo always add gravitas and red-letter gauges, hooded instrument binnacles, and a faux leather shift knob and e-brake scrotum-style boots spell one word “Excitement”! No wonder Pontiac sold about a gajillion of these. The seller seems quite factual: “3.4 liter v6 engine automatic transmission runs and drives perfect has 115,000 miles no leaks no mechanical issues power windows sunroof power locks heater AC stereo everything works great good all season tires new serpentine belt new battery super dependable clean title in hand $1,500 firm call” He’s firm on the price so no dickering but at least he has the title in hand.
GM rear seat. ‘Nuff said. That material actually looks pretty good, I tend to go on about older Honda seat material but this stuff doesn’t seem half bad either. If you gotta have it, here you go.
$1,100 for a Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited with a lift kit? Yeah, ok, it doesn’t start but how hard could it be to fix? We all have time. Everybody and their mother wants an SUV these days and this was always one of the best or at least most popular ones.
It’s a V8, has 166,000 miles, the tranny was rebuilt a few years ago but the seller can’t find the paperwork, and it’s had a bunch of other stuff done so it’s apparently almost ready to go. Except it still won’t start.
Just raise that hood and get to work. Here’s the very detailed (comparatively speaking) ad: “1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited, 5.2 V8 AT, AWD, PS, PB, power seats, A/C and heat works good, tan leather interior. Tires in good shape. Body is straight, paint has faded on the hood.
The Bad: Does not start: turns over, fuel pressure is good as is spark. Can’t figure out why and my daughter needs something that runs. Will need towed or trailer.
The Good: New fuel pump, fuel regulator, distributor cap and rotor, newer plugs and wires, upgraded stereo and speakers, all new front and headlight and side marker lights, all front end steering components, lift and decent interior. Mileage is 166,000 and trans was rebuilt a few years ago, although I do not have the paperwork.
Price is firm, will not part out.
Do not need help selling.”
It’s too bad that’s the only interior picture, even the newest CC contributor can do better than that. But the leather does look comfortable, it’s like button-tufted sans buttons. Just tufted. If you think you know what’s wrong with it, tell us or find the man’s number here. But if not, there is one more choice!
Yes, pure indulgence in the form of a 1997 Cadillac Eldorado. Powered by 4.6 liters of Northstar V8 magnificence with only 116,785 miles on the clock, this can be yours for $2,500. Take it home today.
I kind of like these “refreshed” ones, the styling works for me (although I do prefer the Seville STS more), I remember a great trip to Lake Tahoe in one that a coworker/friend owned from new (he was 25 at the time, clearly skewing the average buyer age down significantly). It was smooth, comfortable, fast, quiet, and he paid for all the gas.
The seller here has apparently tired of it, I’m trying to figure out what he replaced it with in the background: “I have a 97 Cadillac Eldorado, burgundy with tan leather interior. Pretty clean inside and out. Body is in good condition and interior has no damage. Power windows and locks. Has an alarm system. No key fob. I’ve owned this car for 2 years. Purchased from a man who was selling for his son who had left for college. I drove it every day for the first year but then got a new car. It’s time to let go of this beauty.
Other info: AC seized so I took it in and they bypassed it. Could easily have a new one installed. They quoted me about $1200. None of the windows have any damage. Heater works great. Drives great. She’s nice and heavy so I loved driving in the winter. Tires are in good shape all lights and blinkers work. Some hail damage to the body but you can hardly tell. Older car so it didn’t ding it up like a gold ball. I’m asking $2500 obo.”
If you are looking for style, here’s your link. You know the back seat will be in as-new condition.
So what’s it gonna be? The black Poncho? Caddy style? Or perhaps practicality with one of the pick-em-ups? Or something smooth, debonair and European? Feeling like a project and have some downtime to work on something or perhaps something more suited to a roadtrip tomorrow? There’s something for everyone here, check your account for the money, it may already have arrived! Stay safe, everyone.
All 1973–1975 Grand Ams were built in Pontiac, Michigan at Pontiac’s main assembly plant. The 1978-1980 Grand Ams were built in Pontiac, Michiganat Pontiac’s main assembly plant and in Atlanta, Georgia at GMAD Lakewood. All Grand Ams between 1985 and 2005 were built in Lansing, Michigan at the Lansing Car Assembly.
That Old Ford truck would sell for double back East, that’d be my pick. The Saab, Buick, and Jeep all look like decent options as well, although with the Jeep you’re gambling. Buying non-runners can net you a steal due to some minor overlooked issue, or it could need a new EVERYTHING. Can’t listen for ticks/knocks or check transmission health, you’re taking the seller at their word.
The F100 would sell – or at least be advertised – for 3x that price in the greater SF or LA areas. At this price, it’s my choice.
It would be advertised at the default price for all older vehicles in the Bay Area now cause everyone is a “classic.” That default price is $5000.
omg i want that alfa….
Available in late spring 1998, the basic design of the fifth-generation Grand Am was shared with the Oldsmobile Alero (also new for 1999) and Chevrolet Malibu (introduced in 1996). The length was shortened slightly, but the wheelbase grew by more than three inches (76 mm). The suspension was now fully independent, with a revised MacPherson-Strut design up front. The rear suspension is a more refined Multi-link design. The new Grand Am was offered in five trim levels: SE, SE1, SE2, GT, and GT1. The 2.4 L Twin Cam engine was carried over, with 150 hp and 155 lb⋅ft of torque. GM’s 3400 V6, previously exclusive to their minivans, became available as an option on the SE and SE1, and was standard on all other trim levels.
Love the Caddy. I had a black STS. Bought with 28k. Great running car. Problems really started after it passed the 100k mark. I’ve considered an Eldo like this but might opt for the more reliable and easier to work on 4.9 motor. That would have to be ’92 or older. I test drove one and it had plenty of power, 200 horses. But that NorthStar was a screamer
Past research into two previous stimulus checks show that you are pretty much right. Either it went into savings just because. Or it went into savings to replenish the account. Or it went to the necessities like rent and food. Only a minority spent it on consumer goods. Being self-employed and shut down effectively since March 12 with no more revenue booked mine will not be spent on any consumer item. In fact thing I had planned like an engine rebuild, new tires for two classics and a vacation have all been postponed to next year. That is if I don’t have to close up as some in my field might end up having to do that.
Now as to the cars. Mention a 90s era Saab and the word issues is enough for me. A truck with velour seats? Enough said there too. A 2004 Le Sabre I already have. The 63 Slick I am prepared to beat you all off with a steel pole. The Alfa, Jeep and Caddy say work, more work, and more money which defeats being under $3400.
1999–2005: 4-speed automatic with overdrive (4T40-E for four cylinder engines, 4T45-E for V6 engines)
The original Gran Am was indeed a product of this golden age of Pontiac, first appearing for 1973 as a premium luxury/performance companion offering to the Pontiac LeMans. A product that actually brought excitement and specialness to the table, this is the idea of Pontiac that so many enthusiasts remember, cherish, and embrace. Nonetheless, to those of us born just a bit later, the perception of Pontiac can be quite different.
I drive a 1995 Chevy ‘Burban with a 454 and a thurst for dinofuel. My stimulus money is going towards more juice for my ‘Burban. I’m not sitting inside all day. My America needs me making a living, making my family comfortable, and making America stronger. I’m proud to drive my American Chevy to work, to Costco, to the gym, and the beach.
My Grand Am.
Is it just me, or do the Malibu and 9-5 use the same interior door handles? I guess it would make sense…
No panther chassis based Ford/Mercury/Town Car?
Nope, those were the only eleven vehicles for sale yesterday under the dollar limit…The Buick is as close as you’re going to get to that “smooth boulevard ride” this time around.
Crown Vics, Grand Marquis, and Town Cars are getting thin on the ground even out here in the Bay Area. Several years ago you had lots to pick from same with Taurus and Sable. Now there are way, way more in the Pick & Pull lots then there for sale minus the Police Interceptors.
LOL!!! Jim you are hilarious!! Loved your writing style. The sarcasm was so funny. I was smiling through the whole thing. I started laughing a little bit at the “scrotum style boots”, then minutes later I kept going back to that sentence and would laugh harder and harder each time. I will always think of your comment every time I see a shitty vinyl boot. Hahahaha.
Nice one man
This has been Jim “Linn Burton” Klein, for Bert Weinman, your tv Ford man, located at 3535 North, on Ashland Avenue. Now, back to those lovable loser Cubs at unlighted Wrigley Field…
I believe I got that bit from William Stopford some time ago, but I haven’t been able to look at a boot the same way again since. 🙂 And thank you!
Cheers from up here in Ontario 🙂
Millions in Canada have already received in their accounts the $2,000 a month the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) provides for up to 4 months. Though they will likely have to expand the program to cover students, and those currently not eligible for the CERB.
Thanks for compiling this smorgasbord of cars I would normally never risk considering. I’m with gtemnykh and dman in the ’63 Ford being the only one I would consider. For their simple mechanicals, and assured desirability. Though I am not taken by their styling. The ’84 Chev is nice, but beyond the Ford, they each seem like glorious money pits.
Wow, after four months you and yours could travel down here and buy ALL the cars if you were feeling frivolous! Assuming you could get past the border of course. 🙂
Thankfully, the border is closed to non-essential travel. Trump wanted to post US military at the Canada-US border several weeks ago. Most of us in Canada figured it was to keep Americans from escaping to here. 😉
I don’t get to play, unfortunately. The F-100 would be my pick otherwise.
Make mine the “Alfa Romero”. I’ve never seen one like that before, and it looks very unique and idiosyncratic. It will have to wait, though, until I get a yard where I can stash it for the next decade before I have time to give it the attention it deserves 😉
It might take that long to get a title!
Happy Motoring, Mark
To drag for sale to Wisconsin when we go there this summer: Ford F-100
To get through the next three months (no A/C needed in high plains): Caddy
I would definitely buy the Pontiac, but I’m a low-risk individual. It’s easily the safest choice.
But I sincerely, absolutely hope that someone spends their Stimulus Check on that Alfa.
Earlier this year I learned about the child tax credit expiring at age 17; same applies for this stimulus (I prefer to call it “income tax refund”, but whatever) so Mrs. Jason and I are at the $2400 level.
Ponying up the balance, I think I’d go for the crew-cab Chevrolet. Shocking, I know. It’s got the most utility, is the heaviest duty, and will be the easiest to re-sell when I tire of it. Besides, it’s not like it will ever really wear out unlike some of the other featured treasures.
Anyway, you did get me to look at cars but on FB marketplace. The most intriguing, due to rarity that does not equate to value, is a red ’76 AMC Matador wagon.
The crew cab now has dropped to $2000 obo. Might get it down to around $1500.
Well, I just had to check my local Craigslist, and whaddya know… here’s a chance to own a Genuine Curbside Classic:
I had written up a CC on this very car back in 2015…now it’s available for just $2,500 – with just a few more dents than it had five years ago. Plus a bad transmission. CC is here:
https://www.curbsideclassic.com/curbside-classics-american/curbside-classic-1983-chevrolet-camaro-berlinetta-the-gold-trimmed-camaro-with-an-italian-name/
I’ve seen this car advertised on CL before, and I suspect that it was bought once and is now being resold. The seller says it “gets lots of smiles and thumbs up.” And he does have the Title!
I know that JPC is a secret fan of the Berlinetta. He likes the way the word rolls off the tongue, this could be right up his alley as a potential replacement for that little Japanese crapcan that is starting to rust around the wheel arches. 🙂
If you like the Alfa, this website might help with the Spica injection:
https://www.wesingram.com/hp.htm
Spica injection–had it on a 1978 Spider. Easy-peasy, just like a carburator
I like the Caddy. Reminds me of uncle Paulie.
This article could use some music to accentuate the powerful 90s vibe. 🙂
That ‘84 Chevy crew cab does it for me. It’s in good shape and as soon as I read “350 crate motor” I thought…SOLD!. Unfortunately I don’t have anywhere to park it. Oh well.
1963 F 100 with a bullet. I would like 4 wheel drive because it snows where I live, but this truck would live through whatever I do. I need a wood hauler / stuff hauler way more than I need a people mover. I would drive this to work. Never mind that I work at a Porsche Audi VW dealership. This would be in employee parking often enough.
I loved the 99 Grand am when it came out. i was only 19 at the time. By the time I could afford one I had moved on.
63 Ford pickup for sure. I don’t mind the wheels or the tailgate.
I’m in the wrong country for this program, there’s been a lot of Canadian relief and stimulus announced but as these things are generally geared to income (same as baby bonus Jason) since our family still has two incomes we can expect to receive zero at this point. Which is fine.
Generally, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) is available to anyone who lives in Canada (over the age of 15), who earned at least $5,000 last year, and has lost their source of income due to the pandemic. And who has not quit their job voluntarily. Not means-tested to income, rather whether people have lost their source of income, and are not otherwise eligible for employment insurance. This would cover the self-employed, contractors, and freelancers for example. Full details here:
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/cerb-application.html
I am past the point of wanting to buy an old vehicle and perform whatever is needed to make it roadworthy and reliable. If we get our money (and I’m certainly not counting on it before we receive it) I think we are just going to put it towards our next vacation, whenever that might be. The old “3+3” might be the best bet but I don’t think it would fit in our garage.
Wrong country for me. The Canadian stimulus is a little more needs based so happily I will not qualify as I am still working but from home.
Out of that bunch I’d go for Alfa Romeo as I am a sucker for a hopeless project.
If I were to buy local I would be tempted by this NSU Prinz for $2200 Cdn.
My friend at work inherited a Prinz from his Father…who bought it for the motor as a never completed project to put in a tractor. It’s now at a friend’s house where his wife is restoring the Prinz.
He said it was so light, when it got stuck in snow, they would just get out and lift it up to an area with better traction.
I’ll never cease to be amused by how little effort people put into their Craigslist ads, even for high-cost items like cars. How much time would it have taken to remove the used tissues, old food wrappers, and such before shooting the photo? And would a little punctuation in the description hurt?
I’m not a truck person so I’ll pass on the pickups, nice as they both are. The Jeep tugs at my heart – the early Grand Cherokees are amongst the best-looking SUVs ever, and it’s quite capable and practical too. The pillowy interior was intended for the Grand Wagoneer where it made its debut – remember the one-year-only 1993 model that failed to sway the tony clientele the previous 1963-vintage Wagoneer had so charmed? Most of its interior bits were moved to the Grand Cherokee in 1994. Old Alfas are always cool – I had no idea the GTV’s dashboard was that awesome – but this one looks rough and if “no title” were really “not a big deal”, the owner would have obtained one himself. The Caddy could be a nice ride though the Northstar scares me (but being located in LaSalle is a nice touch!). The 9-5 is the last Saab that had any vestige of Saabness, but in too many respects it seemed inferior to the 9000 sedan it replaced. I burned out on the Malibu and Grand Am when I had a road job that required three car rentals each week. That leaves me the Buick – not the most exciting car here, unless you find competence exciting which I do. It ranks with Toyota Camrys as the least scary used-car buys, with the sweet and indestructible 3800, roomy cabin, huge trunk, and easygoing personality. It’s not as pretty as the previous-generation LeSabre, and the grey color scheme only helps to bring out the dull plasticy GM interiors of this era, but there’s no other vehicle here I’d be less fretful about taking on a road trip, and none that would leave me and my friends as refreshed upon reaching our destination.
What, no Malibu love?
I’d go for the Malibu. The drivers seat looks good and bodes well. These are reliable cars, more Toyota than GM.
The LeSabre is stout, but I just like the Malibu so much more… and 100k fewer miles
I’d run away from the Eldorado….very quickly!!!
The Chevy pick up is good too, but will gas stay at $1.50? That truck drinks a lot…
I would go for the ‘Bu, but there was a Grand Am GT in the same article, so…
I think this one is a 1LT, which is to say that it’s not terribly highly optioned. OTOH, less stuff to break. But these cars were pretty stout and there tons of these thing still on the road all this time later.
Now that I think about it more, maybe I should go for the ‘Bu. It’s a lot newer and considering it looks like the average car, it probably suffered less abuse than some young guy’s racer Pontiac…
I’m a little late here, having just come back from our first major mountain hike of the season. But fortunately, it looks like the Eldorado is still available, and you all know how much I love these. I just got to have me a genuine GM DS in my driveway, and this is the one.
And I don’t need another old Ford pickup. It’s rusting in the same place mine is, on the roof right above the door, on the passenger side. Actually, mine is rusting on both side there. Odd place, but I’ve seen it on others. It’s condensation from the inside of the roof that rolls down the side and gets trapped there.
Have you ever looked at the old seam sealer Ford put into the gutter? That stuff cracks badly over the years and lets water get undeneath to the bare metal. When I did my 65 all that was removed and then used a 2K seam sealer to flow in and remain pliable. Every truck from that era did that Chevy, Ford, or Dodge.
That may well be it. It has cracks.
Here is an ad under the price and these pics will inspire confidence and credibility.
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/d/sunnyvale-2007-mazdaspeed3/7107379518.html
This caught my eye first because it was a Ford with a blown engine, at $2500, but second because of the background.
So what is it when photographing cars that people can’t fit the whole car into the frame?
Interesting collection of cars though, especially what appears to be the pièce de résistance, a 65 LeMans or GTO ragtop.
LeMans
I’d have to go for one of the pickups, probably the Ford since I’m not a big fan of 4 door trucks. I’ve never understood why people cover up license plates in online ads. They’re license plates, everywhere you drive the car people see them.
And the odd thing is the front plate was obscured but not the back one!
Isn’t that the truth
Eldo for me. Can’t pass up a good PLC. It’s wrong wheel drive but still pimp. I wouldnt mind one as a daily when I’m tired of my current mark viii
The Ford is gone. Dangit, I would have drove it back on a trailer this week.
Our care package is different its $854 per week for enployed people being kept home, I like the 63 Pickup nothing else really is of much interest and cheap cars are everywhere here I already have one car with the instruments mounted where I cant see them, my Hillman I dont need another the speedo is on the passegers side of the dash on 3As just to scare them they moved it the following year on the 3B and shorened the speedo cable to suit, I know this because I recently got a new inner cable.
Okay, I’ll bite: Is that the prior generation truck bed on the ’63 Ford?
Yes, it is and that is original.
Full story here: https://www.curbsideclassic.com/curbside-classics-american/curbside-classic-1963-ford-f100-ford-pulls-a-studebaker/
Not a truck guy, but I was wondering about that too.
The problem with the Alfa, as tempting as it is, is it looks beat to hell, even if you could fix the title thing, which by no means guaranteed. Since it is all the “little bits” on the Alfa that are troublesome, you are going to be nickle-and-dimed to death, over-and-over again, if you want the little bits to work. So you might just live with all the bits not working. And the kind of people who might spend “good money” on an Alfa are also the kind of people who would only be interested if it was perfect, or close to perfect. Which means it would always be a beater, I think.
The nice thing about the Ford is that it is already kind of perfect as it is. I’d take it, but only if it was a Dodge, and only if I had room, neither of which is the case.
“I know Roger Carr is already scrolling down to see the ad link to add this to his stable.” You weren’t wrong.
I’ll be choosing this for the Mid West office that’s opening soon….and thank fully it’s not Greige.
So, the Alfa and the Chevy truck to run around collecting the bits we’ll need
You had me at the opening pic… Love those GAGTs. When we had our first Aztek in 2001, a BCM went bad and we had to wait for GM get us a new one. Our old Pontiac dealer, Orson Coe in Grand Rapids, MI, now long gone, lent us a brand new Grand Am GT with RAM AIR(!) for a week. In a British Racing-like green with a black interior.
With the V6 the car was pretty zippy. Disable traction control and a wet spot and I was showing the kids how to do smoky FWD burnouts… LOL! Being that the car is from Colorado, it would probably be a whole lot less rusty than anything I would get here. The question is, how do I get it home?
Oooh, another 63 F-100 with a 4 speed is just what I need.
The Saab, Alfa and Cadillac would require that follow-up checks be sent at regular annual intervals, which is not likely to happen, so they are out.
The Chevy crew cab is intriguing – and Power windows!
The Malibu or Lesabre would be the lowest maintenance picks here. The 3.8 Series 3 only had belt tensioner, plastic intake, and minor lower intake gasket issues. And the 4T65 is pretty bulletproof. Parts are dirt cheap for it. The Malibu has the crap 2.4 Ecotec with VVT, timing chain, and PCV/oil use issues. The trans cooler lines always leak (assuming its the 6 speed), the front lower control arms are made of tin foil, and the steering shafts always clunk, but theres plenty still on the road in so so condition with more miles. The Saab is an orphan, the Alfa is too old for a daily, the Grand Am has the 3.4 lower intake destroyer, the Eldo has the pre-2000 original Deathstar, insane water cooled alternator, and the slightly more failure-prone 4T80E. And if it’s optioned liberally it might have the unobtainable CVRSS (the rear is squatting; maybe just leaking air shocks which are cheap). The trucks are interesting but impractical as daily drivers. The Jeep is either totally unuseable as a vehicle due to major rust or something, or will sell in 5 seconds. Or both. The 318 should be solid. A rebuilt trans is always a crapshoot. People pay huge money for those first gen GCs in much worse apparent shape, at least here. It doesn’t seem like a realistic option to me, as an experienced cheap used car shopper.
Neat thought experiment!! I enjoyed this.
I didn’t realize the Malibu’s 2.4 Ecotec in particular, and Maibu in general had so many issues. I had virtually none.
I bought a new 2011 Malibu, and the only mechanical problem was a the intake cam sensor, at 88k miles….just before the 90k emissions warranty expired.
And a two broken driver seat springs (that is a bizarre issue, as I weigh well under 200…). That is the only repair I ever paid for. I’d say it boded well for the future.
I changed the one headlamp bulb myself. I would NOT do that again, and see why it cost $250 or so…
I sold it at 102k miles. There are days I wish I had it. It was a very competent car. My only complaint was the weak A/C.
If I’d kept it, it would now have 130k. Economically, I’m sure it would have been less costly alternative.
Nothing really does much for me. I guess the only one that might be worth going to take a look at is the Jeep. It would at least be worth sniffing the oil and coolant, putting the jumper box on and seeing how it spins. I’d say there is a reasonable enough chance that fixing the fixing the owner did may make it run.
Many years ago when looking for my next project car I came across a 69 Thunderbird for cheap. The story was that it didn’t run well, but that it did start and drive. When I got there he did say it was running pretty good, until I tuned it up. I did start it up for a few seconds and the fact that it wasn’t running on all 8 was obvious. Looked at the plug wires saw an adjacent pair that didn’t look like they were following the curves that had been baked in over the years. Pulled out my cash, did the deal and headed down the road…..and around the corner. Pulled over, swapped those two plug wires and drove home on all 8 cylinders, but still not as strong as it should have been. Once I got it home and adjusted the points, timing and carb and it purred like a kitten once again.
Well, in Nevada at least, you can buy a car but you can’t register it and therefore can’t operate it. So I’m not buying. Probably just use the cash to cover my mortgage for 3 months.
Evan, I am curious why one can buy a vehicle in Nevada, but can’t register it. Thnx!
The DMV is closed. If you buy a car from a private party, it must be registered *in person*. which is impossible.
*edit for clarification*
Any business involving new registration, which includes turning in the PO’s title, must be done in person. In my particular case, I’ve bought a vehicle with an out-of-state title, which then means I must have a state VIN inspection… which can only happen at the DMV. Which is closed “until further notice”.
FT Collins!!! Not withstanding that several of the cars, Buick included, are at top of my list….Saab would also be there if air bags where available to retire the recall, are very decent buys for the short-term. Great n relevant piece! Some what of a non-sequitur, but Ft COLLINS is our favorite place to R&R. It also has been a manual transmission-rich market from which we have purchased two manual trans CRVs, and my wifes’s 2014 Cayenne w/(6) spd manual. My 4.7L 2008 (6) spd manual trans Big Horn QuadCab 4X4 came from Centennial, CO. My F.B. shows a pic of me running over the sandstone margins of Horse Tooth Reservoir. Well worth the mind-numbing I-70 cruise. Headed back East, leaving the Rockies behind is always a bummer.
Correction…the 3pedal Cayenne was bought new from Littleton, CO. We drove it to Ft Collins and spent several daz before heading home.
If it was closer to home that Buick would be perfect replacement for my son’s rather tired 2003 LeSabre and apart from the horrendous gas mileage the Chevy crew cab would be great. My area has lots of CC worthy trucks and the occasional car for sale so a few weeks ago I scored a relatively low mileage 2002 F150 so my big red truck itch is scratched, and the 5.4 Triton gives better mileage than a 350 SBC.
Since I forgot to downsize, here’s the truck, I think the aero body F-150 deserves more attention since it’s normally overshadowed by the square body trucks and the later super duty styled F-150
That is a nice looking truck, however the crash test videos of that generation of F-150 are truly frightening.
After all is said and done. I’ll take the Buick. It’s a Buick for cryin’ out loud! The Caddy? Nope. One word. Northstar. The Jeep? Doesn’t run? Gotta love Craigslist. Chrysler Corp? Why am I not surprised? The Grand Am and Malibu seem like good 2nd choices, but there’s no passion. But it’s hard to think about passion when all you got is $3400, right? The old Ford is interesting, but driving a ‘63 model truck around daily will get old really fast. That crew cab Chevy seems like a good pick, as long as the nickel and dime expenses and 8 mpg doesn’t eat you alive. The Saab? I really like it, but it has one thing wrong with it. It’s a Saab. That leaves the Alfa GTV, or actually Sprint Veloce. How do I know that. That’s only my most desired car of all time. Really. No rust? How is that even remotely possible? I’ve got a good mind to say hell with the Buick, and hello you sexy little Alfa thing. I’ll just get a bicycle and a bus pass. While I wait on the title.