General XR2 Questions

The Alfetta looks pretty awesome to me. I don't really need a ton of power as much as I would like something to learn on and not worry too much about breaking something or finding tires lol. I have plenty of money, and plenty of time, I just don't want to waste either! You guys are great. All these photos of cars I have never even heard of is an inspiration.

So next question would be, where do you guys generally look for cars? Craigslist is a joke and honestly pains me to think I would do business with some of the people there. I was going to take a day and go to some of the small car dealerships around here, get an idea of what is available now.

I've looked into the Rx7's already and basically ruled them out unless I find one which I know the owner, and he would be the only owner. Too many problems I've read coming from the rotary motors if not taken care of properly. I guess that goes for just about anything though haha.

oats123 wrote: So next question would be, where do you guys generally look for cars? Craigslist is a joke and honestly pains me to think I would do business with some of the people there. I was going to take a day and go to some of the small car dealerships around here, get an idea of what is available now.

You have it backwards...if you look around, no dealership is going to carry the interesting old cars you are looking for, and if they do, you will be paying a ridiculous premium. Dealers exist to turn a profit on regular people; regular people don't want Alfa Romeos or Merkurs. eBay Motors and brand-specific forums are good, but virtually every car on this board's for sale section is either from craigslist or also listed on craigslist. Not all craigslist people are sketchy, and it helps to look in major cities in your surrounding area to find the really good deals. But If it pains you to associate with lowlifes like us, maybe weird old cars isn't the best hobby for you...

Where exactly are you, what is your local craigslist? I'm sure we can find some interesting candidates in your area.

oats123 wrote: I've looked into the Rx7's already and basically ruled them out unless I find one which I know the owner, and he would be the only owner. Too many problems I've read coming from the rotary motors if not taken care of properly. I guess that goes for just about anything though haha.

Really old N/A rotaries are very reliable. It is the turbos that suffer from problems.

oats123 wrote: So I am going to drive down to Sarasota tomorrow to talk with the guys at B.A.T inc. ...

Slick, it looks like he might be in Florida

http://orlando.craigslist.org/cto/4007716766.html

Atlanta!

http://orlando.craigslist.org/cto/4014273013.html

Fiero could even be the answer. All the running gear parts were used in other GMs also so not really rare. They have a decent following so there is aftermarket support. They can be used as a fun Daily Driver but have some sporting ability as well. Not too common on the road these days but no so uncommon that the prices are outrageous.
http://spacecoast.craigslist.org/cto/3996296609.html

Haha! I didn't mean ALL craigslisters were low lifes. Just the ones I have had the pleasure of trying to buy a truck from. You guys must be genies at finding cars on CL. I have the hardest time, A. Knowing what to look for, and B. Knowing what price to pay for it haha. I am in the Tampa Bay area of FL. I figured I would just troll the forums here for a while once I finally made up my mind about which car I would like so I can keep it in the community.

The fiero actually looks pretty cool haha. Like the body style. Will for sure be keeping my eyes out for them!

Fieros suck to work on, and you'll only want one with a V6.

As ancient as 1st gen RX-7s are now, I wouldn't be wild about one either.

I shop eBay, Craigslist (with little success), and lots of car forums. Repair shops that work on older imports usually have an abandoned car or two that someone didn't want to put money into. I've made lists of cars I'd consider, then whittle them down as I learn about their good and bad points until I am left with a half dozen good candidates. Then I shop.

Don't get a Fiero unless it is an '88 V6. They really aren't that great and GM canceled them right after they got it right (in '88). An MR2 or X1/9 will be around the same price and a much MUCH better car.

I've owned both 87 and 88 at the same time and agree that the 88 is much better!

I still own an 88 GT (although I have breathed on it a bit - it is lots more fun with double the stock power output!)