Pictures of the '75 124 I'm looking at buying...

[Andy]

Here ya go, pics as promised. Whaddya think?

I'm gonna offer him 800 bucks for it...he is a very nice guy, and just happened to LOVE the fact that I am in the Coast Guard (he's a sailboat sailor)...so maybe that'll work for me.

For a 31 year old car originally from Michigan, the body is in most excellent condition.

[ICF]

Andy, I have bought 5 spiders that are still on the road and 3 parts cars, one that is restorable.

Andy, I can tell by your post that you are very excited about the car. I don't want dull your enthusaism for FIATs. They are great cars.

I'd be doing you no favors if I didn't say, however, that even if the car is rust free, knowing from your other thread that the engine requires attention, I'd offer $100- 200 and expect the current owner to ask how soon I could haul it off. If he wants more, walk away.

You'll be $ ahead to buy a better car for more $ anyway.

-Jerry Lee Phillips
North Texas

[Mark_vaughn]

I sold cars for a few years in my life and I will tell ya ANY car that will crank and roll is worth $500-1000 trade-in. If you like it, it could be worth more...
If it runs and you can get it for less than $500, consider it a steal.

And that is my two cents.

[mbouse]

IMHO

There is very little difference between 800 and 3000 when you are talking entry price. You will MORE than make up for the difference in repairs this year alone

$800 is nearly parts car price. You are looking at a SERIOUS fixer upper. And I mean seriously requiring attention.

Take a step back, and analyse the situation. Come to Pontiac this weekend and take a look at what $3,000 could buy you. http://www.flu.org At the very least look at other two seaters, age, condition, asking price.

I know that $800 sounds like a steal, but I can see a paint job, looks like a top, battery corrosion, carpeting need serious immediate attention. Lets see, my last quote for a paint job with minor body work was $3,200. A top costs at least $300 plus installation. Carpeting is at least $200 for quality. Gotta torch and welder handy?

And why, on level ground does the back wheel need to be chocked? Brakes bad? Emergency brake gone? Rebuilt rear calipers are $90 each, plus pads, plus cable.


You asked what we thought.

[mdrburchette]

The car is not in that bad of shape, being a Michigan car. I would be leary of the no start condition and tranny problems though. Here in NC, where Fiats are scarce, I bought mine for $1200, but I drove it home and there was no body rust. The interior was pretty much shot and the engine was an oil sieve. I hate to tell you how much money and time I put into mine...it would scare you, but I didn't do it with resale value in mind. I would take a close look at the car (shock towers, left rear fender has rust through, floor pans, door hinges, etc), then I would ask myself how much I wanted to put into it and what level of restoration I would be happy with. You're already looking at $1000 for the tranny, not to mention the engine problem. In the end, it's your decision. I have been quite happy with mine and have even enjoyed working on it (most of the time), but there are so many better ones out there if you're willing to look and travel.

[Jim DeShon]

I don't know what prices are like there, but on the west coast, for that price, I think it should run. How much work are you willing to do yourself and what can you afford to have done professionally ? What will you have in it when you are satisfied with it ? ...J.D.

[TVST*R]

Andy-
Did you buy the car?
T

[Andy]

Andy-
Did you buy the car?
T

Nope...didn't buy it. On the prowl for something else now...

Thanks for all the advice!
Andy