(A hearty CC welcome to Steve Lang)
I just sold a 21 year old Tercel that came in with a blueberry paint job. This was followed by a 30 year old Mercedes 300D in ‘paint me again’ silver, and a 1982 Chrysler Lebaron Convertible that I never imagined would find a diehard Chrysler convertible enthusiast from two states away.
The year may be 2013, but some of the cars I’m selling these days are almost as old as an Atari 2600.
Not too far from leaving my barn full of oldies — I also have a 1993 Volvo 940 wagon, a 1988 Volvo 740 turbo sedan, and even a 1974 Chevy C10 pickup that I can’t bear to finance due to the prior owner’s upkeep.
Those old Toyotas, Volvos and Chevy trucks are well known for their durability at the wholesale auctions. Rarely will they make a second trip around the auction block. When I buy em’ there, I fix em’ quick for folks who need a reliable ride to earn their living.
In a market where the roads are smooth and rust is non-existent, the boogieman that is age doesn’t factor strongly into the buying equation. When folks come to finance a car, $50 a week is an easy payment for those who have 40 hours of work and 0 savings on a Walmart card. I take care of whatever hiccups come along the way and so long as they pay their weekly contribution, the relationship works.
In fact it’s starting to work all too well. The finance side of the market has come to the point where even unsellable 20 year old cars whose disappearance I would have prayed for in the past are now finding a home these days.
(Note: Mine was better looking than this one… by just a tad.)
A 20 year old Cadillac Deville with a landau roof, peeling red paint, and a trombone case red interior? Sold! Or at least financed for $500 down and $50 a week. I am arranging for monthly inspections by my mechanic and $20 oil changes for the customer to help that car ‘make the note’ along with the rest of my not so old vehicles.
That Cadillac of a deal from two weeks ago was followed by a far more pristine 1994 Infiniti Q45 which had perfect paint, an immaculate interior, and only 130k original miles. A little wear on the driver side bolster was the only defect to be had after 19 years of synthetic oils and high dollar dealer maintenance. That 1st generation Q45 went down the road for $700 down and $60 a week for 24 months.
Finally, I had a ’95 Mazda Miata that could have easily passed as a five to seven year old convertible. It only had 100k miles, and the prior owners had come a good three hours to pick it up. The fact that it didn’t have the common 1st gen lifter noise helped this Miata out quite a bit. I sold it for $3756 which was exactly how much I was owed by the prior person who had financed it from me the year before.
When I repoed that car earlier in May, I found out that someone else had been driving it. Sometimes my customers will either lose a job or move out of state. When that happens, the car gets farmed out to the next friend or relative that needs it.
To keep this in perspective, imagine if a person renting your house decided to let their deranged in-law move in, skedaddled out of state, and left your property in the complete care of a stranger. A kick to the groin may be a better outcome than a stranger with your valuable property.
In my business, few things can scare you like a ‘phantom driver’. They have no skin in keeping the car maintained since their name is not on the title. Thankfully I was able to get that Miata back quick and it didn’t even need an oil change. Phew!
The blueberry Tercel, diesel Benz, Deville, Q45s, and the Miata may collectively yield a $20k profit for me. Or, I may experience a constant stream of expenses that negate it all. Only time will tell.
Have enjoyed you at TTAC. Hope you post here often.
+1
x10!
Nothing to add…but WELCOME!
YES!!!!!!!!!!! Another great ‘get’ for CC! Welcome, Steven.
Agreed.
It is amazing what people are financing these days. On some of the accounts I collect from formerly uninsured drivers, it is not at all uncommon for someone to finance a 96 Pontiac Bonneville or a 98 Chevy Venture. These folks are just willing to make a monthly payment until a car dies, then roll it into another deal. I understand making car payments for life, and I understand driving an old POS, but it is hard to get used to the idea of doing both at the same time. But, when you have no money and no credit and no car, whaddyagonnado?
Also, I still envy you people who do not live in rust country.
1993 cars today are like 1973 cars in 1978.
Welcome! Now where are Sajeev and his Panthers?
Yes.
Let Sajeev do a profile of an Original Panther…and the fascinating backstory.
I’m not a Panther fan, but I always love the story behind the model…and the Panther, the infighting at Ford behind it, and how the Panther was a stopgap compromise intended to carry until Ford righted itself; and how it became THE full-size Ford for almost 20 years…the finest of automotive high drama.
Henry Ford II fought against downsizing, even though GM hit a home run with their 77’s. But the writing was on the wall.
The 79-81 Panthers sold poorly due to the economy and almost were killed off. But the end of ‘malaise era’ and older buyers getting “used to” the size made them come back to life huge by 1983-85.
One TV ad that helped had a middle aged couple in the front seat of an LTD on an assembly line. “Ford that’s incedible” jingle. The hubby goes “Dear, I thought all new cars were small?” “No honey, Ford found a way to make big cars more efficient” [as if they were first to downsize]
I thought about getting a dealer license and selling cars on the side at the garage to give me more to do in my advancing age, but since few people can pay outright for a car, even a cheap one, I wasn’t sure I wanted the trouble of chasing people down for payment. I am fortunate to have stable renters in our one rental home. Climate around here is nice like in Atlanta so cars usually get scrapped for either wrecks or major component failure.
Dangalang, I’d love to find a first-gen Miata in good enough nick for #3756
Keep looking, that’s about what I paid for the ’93 I drove to work today, similar mileage and condition. All I’ve had to do so far is the clutch slave cylinder, which is ridiculously easy to reach thru the wheel well.
1st-gen Miatas are the most fun per dollar on four wheels.
Those little Mazda sports cars are getting real cheap you can pick them up here for under 2k, ok they are usually the Eunos model and ex JDM but they were good no matter the badge.
There are definitely sub-$2k miatas out there, but they’re almost always clapped out. As soon as you have a basic set of desirables (ex, sub 100k miles, 1.8 liter engine, torsen diff, decent paint, not red 🙂 ), they become much harder to find. Still, deals are out there.
“1st-gen Miatas are the most fun per dollar on four wheels”
Really? I’ve heard Neons (like my avatar) take that title.
I’ll go with the Miata….
I’m glad to read you here on CC too, Steve!
Thanks so much! This is a wonderful community and I look forward to becoming a small part of it in the times ahead.
In fact, I have already spent a good 20+ hours in the last couple of weeks scouring through a small part of the good work that is done here. You guys make the world of older vehicles come alive, and I look forward to having another good reason to smile while I live the unique life of a third generation mule trader.
All the best!
How about giving us part 2 of the Crown Vic story you started at “that other site” right before Bertel jumped the shark?
Will do. in due time.
Thanks you kind of left me and I’m betting some others hanging.
“trombone case red interior” — keep lines like that comin’!
Great to see your name in the byline, Mr. Lang. Eagerly awaiting more!
Great grab, guys. Welcome, Steven! We’re glad you’re here.
Now, let’s see if “Mrs.” Martin is willing to jump the TTAC ship.
I’m very glad to see you over here, Steven! I suspect your blood pressure will lower considerably, as mine has since I stopped checking out TTAC.
For a car with such a checkered history, that’s one damn nice Miata. Sounds like the previous customer (and even the “sublet”) really tried to keep the car in good condition.
Hello Steven! It’s great to see Hammer Time again, it has always been one of my favorite reads.
That C10 is in wonderful shape and brings back a lot of great memories. My father had a 74 C20 that saw a lot of duty with my family over the years and despite the best of care in a salt free environment eventually rusted away into nothingness. The one shown here must have been garage kept for most of its life.
It is just plain awesome to see both best contributors at this wonderful community! Please write and post more! Onegai itashimas!
That ’73 is a peach! The absence of a grille emblem makes me think it’s got the 6 or 307. The bed reveals just now nice a truck it is.
I sure hope some scrapper doesn’t wind up with it and beat it to a pulp. It would be nice to see someone restore it while keeping it original….(except the color maybe!)
+1. That gen of Chevy truck doesn’t get much love. This one deserves to be preserved.
But is that not the most awful color ever sprayed on a pickup truck? If neon could barf, this is what it would look like.
The 70s had an awful color palette for cars.
@ Jim Grey, agreed, they don’t get much love, at least from the preservation/restoration movement. When I do see them saved, they’re either lowered or raised; never with stock hubcaps, and typically sporting a gaudy paint job.
I agree that the color on this one isn’t exactly beautiful, but it looks original and correct for the year. You won’t see many others in that shade! I’d keep it.
I agree.
I can only take so much of the Chevy forums…Restoration threads are initially exciting when someone scores an original big block or nicely optioned truck in one of those fantastic two-tones…I have to leave when the bagging, dropping, candy-painting, sound-system, & LS-whatever mods start ruining the poor subject.
There’s a staggering combination of colors and options on these things over the years (just like their car cousins) and their character can vary widely because of just that. Hop into a low-option 6-cylinder model with the full foam seat, automatic and you are in for a smooth, quiet, comfortable ride… Order the F44 heavy duty chassis package, 3.73 gears, and a 454 and you’ve got a monster..
I believe there are seven examples on the property here and all but the C30 are a pleasure to drive (when they’re running that is! 🙂 )
I kind of like the color, it’s so…70s.
My dad had a metallic green one and if it weren’t for the fact that I *do* live in rust country and remember what became of dad’s, I’d seriously consider making an offer.
Correction: I do see a grille emblem so it’s most likely got a 350. Could be a 454 but that would be an extremely rare option for a non-Cheyenne 1/2 ton job.
Welcome Steve! I’m always fascinated by what sells and what doesn’t. Out here in Portland old cars survive quite nicely, and it’s great to see so many old Volvos, Chevy’s and other cars still on the road doing daily duty.
Looking forward to more!
Hello Steven and welcome to the site! I have realized in the short time I’ve been coming to these blogs that “barn” is the operative word when it comes to keeping a fleet of old cars. I have three keepers spread over three family households and needless to say it is a hassle for all involved. I am therefore working on a barn idea to be completed in about 2-3 years time.
I have one spot reserved for a low-mileage Volvo 740T, ideally a wagon with 5-speed. I know, I know who wouldn’t want that and there is one on eBay with a BIN of $11,500 (gulp).
It would have to be a pre-90 with the square headlights as I have a “thing” for the Seville look + black trim. That silver one in your post caught my eye immediately. I’ve looked for a while now and most seem to have very high mileage.
I’ve heard to avoid the early 740 due to wiring harness issues. Head gaskets seem to blow on the turbos, several I’ve seen for sale have been parked for that reason.
I supposed the 940s would be the way to go but again I want that classic early front end.
Can you give me any advice on the 740 turbo bricks? Best years, deal breaker repairs needed, mileage limit? I think your perspective would be invaluable and augment what I’ve already learned from the Volvo sites as I want to keep it stock and am more worried about reliability and repair costs.
Do you ever fall in love with your auction finds and stash them in a barn? Is that where the Volvos and C10 are? Which have been your favorites and why?
Wow, what a ton of questions!
As with any old car, you are not buying the vehicle as much as you’re buying the prior owner’s maintenance standards.
For daily commuting the 940 would be the best of em’. But keep in mind the newest version of this vehicle is 18 years old and will slowly break the bank of someone who isn’t willing to learn the basics of auto maintenance.
The 240 models are more awkwardly endearing and the 740 is a good fit for those who do plenty of highway driving. For all around utility and general ease of repair, I would pick a 940 model. I have owned about 50 of these three models over the years… but having said that…
I only love them until I find someone else who can love them more. At that point my profit and good deed are made and i can look forward to the next vehicle.
Barns make cars rot. Selling a good vehicle to a hardcore enthusiast gives them a second life. I always enjoy the later.
“I have owned about 50 of these three models over the years…” Wow I am impressed and yes the vehicle would be used to commute from said barn to LA so I am still motivated to find one. Appreciate the “go 940” advice, you confirmed what I had heard from others.
Also appreciated the perspective of owning for a while then passing it on. I can totally see that happening as I rarely drive a couple of my old cars these days. I guess the buying and selling becomes a hobby unto itself, one that can cover expenses and give a profit.
No more questions, just a thanks and suggestion. How about… a Top 10 bang for the buck or similar post some day. Or a ranking of the most or least durable brands. Or a list of notorious deal breaker repairs on popular classic models. Or an Achilles Heel by brand or model.
You would have a year’s supply of articles right there. (And a ton of reads and probably too many comments!)
I second the “bang for the buck” idea. I love to talk about Broughams and whatnot, but when it comes to what Actually Mike actually drives, I look at the previous owner as much as I look at the car, and I don’t give a hoot about status. That blueberry Tercel is right up my alley.
Wasnt it the 740 turbo brick the one that was raced by Robbie Francevic it was amazingly fast for a Volvo but was said to handle like an apartment block, no idea what goes wrong with them you just sparked a memory.
Many older Volvos are still in the hands of their original owners but that’s rarely the case with 740 and newer models. By the mid 80s Volvo was attracting a different kind of buyer, someone looking for a hip alternative to a Mercedes or BMW, and not a Volvo per se.
The cars were still real Volvos and lasted a long time but the ones you see for sale are nearly all 4th or 5th owner beaters priced between $1-2K. 200K+ miles is the norm. They were popular surf vehicles out here and the kids figured out how to turn up the boost which invariably lead to early engine failure. No big deal when you paid $1K for the whole car.
Properly built these engines can take a lot of boost and are very fast.
You don’t fix things that break you replace them with savage parts. That’s fine for now but what happens when the junkyards run short of old Volvos? I mentioned the Turbo head gasket and wiring harness issues but there seems to also be a problem passing emission on these, more so than on most cars.
Still I was willing to take a chance and looked at a couple before buying the Brougham. The only 700-series I had driven previously was in the late 80s and it was a new 760. The car felt like a smaller B-body with soft suspension, loads of suspension travel and great big comfortable seats. It made me feel old but had its charms.
Never drove a 740T until a few months ago. This one was an A/T. The first thing I noticed was how low the roof was. The doors are tiny by today’s standards and getting in wasn’t easy (I’m tall). The door closing sound was closer to Ford than Mercedes, they make a sort of slapping sound. The outside door handle triggers felt a bit loose all around.
The seats felt as good as I remembered and the turning circle was super tight. The HVAC was vacuum controlled which is scary on an older car but the visibility was excellent. The ride was smooth and solid, like Steve said these are good highway cruisers.
The handling was dull – slow steering and too much roll. I’ve learned that’s easy to fix with the right bolt-on parts from ipd. Apparently there isn’t much difference underneath between the 700 and 200 series. I believe the 240s were more popular in racing.
I thought the 850s, before they played around with the name and front end, looked every bit as nice as the 700/900s but apparently these did not have the longevity of the RWD models and are dirt cheap now.
Rarely do you see one with more than 130K miles. I test drove a new one once and the dash made a ticking sound from the body structure flex and that was it for me. The 740s don’t do that. They changed the type of leather on the seats to the kind the Japanese use, where it gets really shiny with age. The older leather would just crack nicely.
Sorry for the long winded posts but I would like to have one of these some day and my name is calibrick 🙂
Calibrick,
Nice to see another Volvo enthusiast on here. I’m the owner of a 1991 740 sedan (naturally-aspirated base, non-turbo) that I purchased from its original owner last year. I paid $950 for the whole car. It has 156k miles, is in immaculate condition (which is what I highly prefer) and runs like a top.
Have you ever owned a 960? I’m about to obtain one, and it’s also a one-owner car – the owner happens to be my dentist. It’s a 1995 960 wagon, and has 170k miles on it. I won’t be paying much for it either. Personally, I think the 960 was the pinnacle of RWD Volvos – I love everything about them!
One owner with records is the only way to go, worth at least 50% more in my book. So hard to find 740s like that in Calif. at any price, let alone $950. You are a lucky guy!
I gave up trying to find a low-mile 5-speed wagon and am completely open to sedans and non-Turbo wagons now, even with the A/T. I just have to have that early AM Lagonda style front end. I’m still amazed how many times they changed that for US models after 89. The first one lasted what eight years and the ones that followed one at the most?
I’m sure you’ve done your due diligence on the 960. I too hear they are fine cars but, more so than usual, maintenance is the key. I’ve bought four old hobby cars, each time researching heavily before buying. That’s part of the fun for me, learning about a “new old” car that I’ve always liked. I can honestly say I have never been disappointed or surprised after owning. I used this site for education on the Cadillac Brougham, in fact that’s how I found CC. The only surprises on the Caddy have been pleasant ones.
For Volvos I’ve been using Brickboard, maybe you have too. This link to the 700/900 buyers guide has been my bible. Turbobricks is also a great site for these cars.
http://www.brickboard.com/FAQ/700-900/BuyingUsed7xx.htm#BuyingaUsed760withV6
I was daydreaming the other day and searched Autotrader for a V90 wagon – there’s a few out there in pretty spectacular shape.
In ’98 my wife and I got married and she needed a car. The end-of-year deals got us in a loaded S70 for around $28k; for another $2k we could have gotten the year (and model) end S90. I really pushed for the S90, but she preferred the S70.
With the money the S70 cost us over the years in needs and repairs, it wasn’t the first time in our marriage I was right…
Man, this is pretty cool to see you on here, Mr. Lang, welcome! I don’t know what’s going on over at TTAC, but these are still the only car-related sites I go on. No time for any others.
Ditto Zackman…well TTAC, CC and I’ll add Autoextremist, which is updated weekly.
Steven, I always enjoyed Hammer Time at TTAC…look forward to MUCH more from you over here at CC!
Steve, I’ve enjoyed your “Hammer Time” pieces since I can’t remember. You’ve taught me more about the car biz than I ever thought I’d learn. Very glad you, as have I, landed here.
From one North Georgian to another, welcome!
Thank you very much! It’s a pleasure to have such a wonderful group of people to share my experiences with. Feel free to hang out for a while.
Hammer Time again!
I never knew you kept up with the maintenance of financed cars like this. It definitely makes sense, keeping your asset’s value intact. Is this common in the used car world? I’ve never heard of it, but then I’ve never financed a car. I could definitely see preferring a setup like this, as a customer especially, back when I all I could afford was a $3000 car and the bare minimum in maintenance.
Welcome to CC Steve! Looking forward to more.
That truck does look great. I had a ’76 when I was in high school; the body was rusted thru in many areas….and it was “only” 14 years old at the time! But the 350 with 2.02 heads sure was fun.
That ’74 pickup was probably a grandpaw’s truck and garage ( or, at least carport) stored for the bulk of its near 40 year age…
Wow no perp coaches? Usually lots of ex cop cars make the rounds of the Buy Here lots because while they may have miles on them but were well kept. Lots of urban types around here riding in large cars. No SUVS?
There is a lot here that will provide free labor on any fix provided the customer pays for the part or buys it or brings it with the car until the note is paid. I suppose it is an incentive to help the customer keep paying and keeping things fixed on car if repo’d.
I wonder how many repo cars disappear when it comes time to collect…
Steve, glad to see you have landed at CC. It made my day.
BTW, that Q45 will make somebody very happy. Very underrated, understated car.
SSSSSSSTTTTTEEEEEEEEEVVVVVE!!!!!!
Yes! Glad to see you here Steve, as I’ve read all your post-CC articles on the other site.
Keep ’em coming…..
Terrific piece! I don’t think I ever read you over “there” but this was very good and a welcome addition. Hammer Time fits in perfectly here.
Welcome, Steven!
I’ve enjoyed your writing for quite some time at TTAC, and glad to see you’ve moved over to CC.
Steve
Welcome from Windsor, Ontario. I would like to join the chorus to say that I’m really tickled pink that you’ve decided to post on this site. I’ve always enjoyed/followed your work on the “other site”. I have owned exactly 0 Volvo’s so far, but have the poor cousin of your truck since 1999.
Sorry, original didn’t post
I have nothing to add to the conversation. Just wanted to say that I am, like everyone else, really happy to read your work again.
Steven….So glad to see you here. I have not even read the post yet, no time. I still check into TTAC because I think Derek has some great potential. They have also picked up some good writers.
Sooner or later the B.S will be gone and TTAC will be better of for it.
Wonderfull to read your stuff again
Steve, glad to see you landed here. I think it will be a good fit.
Best of luck!
geozinger
Thank you all very much, I loved seeing your handles at the other site and I hope I’ll see them here as well. All the best!
Nice ter see you here Steve its a while since I visited TTAC and your hammer time real glad to see it reappear here.
WOOOHOOO, WE GOT STEVE!!!!!!!
So glad to have you here 🙂
-Richard, AKA Supremebrougham.
Mr. Lang, I am absolutely thrilled to see you here. This place had your name on it from day 1. Funny how the universe works, sometimes….
To be writing on the same site as Steven Lang…it is quite the honor! Can’t wait to see more of your stuff here at CC.
Welcome Steve! I wondered what happaned on TTAC, your absence was missed. I am about to throw a 1998 Toyota Avalon on Craigslist. AC compressor bad, struts bad, parking brake bad, windshield cracked….but still runs and drives like a dream even with 172k miles!. Let’s see if I can find someone to give it a nice home! What do you think I should ask?
Yay, Steve Lang! Awesome!
It’s great to see Mr. Lang here! He is among the best people imaginable to provide the bridges between “(near-)classics within living memory” and “still drivable enough to let a person make a living not just a style statement” today, and that largely defines my concept of the best “curbside classics” – never mind his many other virtues, whose absence will further diminish TTAC.
Steven, please don’t let that ’93 945 go to an unappreciative home! I still miss ours. A drunk in a Volvo XC90(!) totaled it 5 years ago. Those 7xx/9xx bricks were splendid cars with a mix of as much safety as was achievable at the time, rust-resistance learned from the failures of the 140’s/240’s, yet with the durability of the red-block engines. Oh, and orthopedically-designed front seats to keep the adults up front happily throwing money into the maintenance of these classics.
Dang, someone got a great deal on that Q45, at least as long as the transmission holds up, which I have read is the weak point on those.
Also, Steve, you were great in Manhunter.
The Ill-fated Freddy Lounds………..and he was good in Crime Story too…..
Glad to read you again. I really liked the Chevy truck and the Tercel.
That little thing can be made into a beatie with a Starlet GT powertrain swap.
Welcome, Steven, it’s about time!
Looking forward to your Insight Steve – here are mine
If you are in the US, is the Citrus Yellow Insight for sale (sorry, but I’m a sucker for a 1st gen Insight, especially in Citrus Yellow).
He’s down here, in VIC
Welcome to CC, Steven! Looking forward to learn more from you….:)
Way late to the party (busy p*ssing on some broughams), but welcome Steve. It’ll be good to be reading you again.
Welcome to Curbside Classic!
I’ve got a weird addiction to old cars. I don’t have to own them but I do, just because I like having something around to tinker with. I’ve got an ’11 Focus and a ’12 Mustang V6 for daily driver duty but I’ve also got an ’88 Thunderbird LX (which I’ve owned for almost 11 years) and a ’91 Mark VII I just picked up this past November for a song. Those 20+ year old cars have more of a personality, and give me something to tinker with. They are fine as toys/projects but I don’t know how much fun it is to daily drive a 20+ year old car that hasn’t recieved and mechanical attention in years. They’re fine if they’ve been kept up, but you have to be careful as to what you buy when you’re looking at old cars.
Remember when you could step on to a new car dealership and around back was the used car corral where everything was 3995.00 or less? And looked liked it went from trade in to back lot same day. Sort of the island of misfit toys for cars, with 3 older brothers my Dad spent a lot of time in those back lots. I assume the note lots have become that business?
This Infiniti q45 is my exact car. I bought THIS car from Lexus of Richmond for 3400 back in 2009. This car was not sold to me for $700. The picture of it above is when it was sitting on Lexus of Richmond’s used car lot. And the year is not a 1994, but instead a 1996. Also, another correction is the miles. The miles were 95,000 then and not 130,000. To this date, the odometer only reads 110,000 miles. Nonetheless, there is clearly a mix up in Infiniti Q45s.