I finally got one! For Cheap! :D

solei

Mk3 Specialist wannabe
Feb 4, 2007
44
0
0
40
Sunnyvale, CA
www.tehintarweb.com
I found a posting on Craigslist a few days ago for a 1987 Turbo Targa with 265,000 miles, some minor body damage that "runs good" for $1,700. Skeptical, I talked to the owner over email for a bit, and found that he was given the car for free, and didn't have the time or money to dedicate to repairing it, and just wanted to sell it.

I just got my tax return, and the money was burning a hole in my pocket... so I drove to Sacramento from Sunnyvale today (130 miles or so) to give it a test drive. It ran really nicely. I fell in love instantly with the sound of the engine... the power was intoxicating. The interior is far from perfect- it has no radio, the cruise control is broken, and it's got some scuffs... but other then that... Perfect.

I bought the car, figuring anything seriously wrong with it would bring the total of the purchase up to the $3,000 to 4,000 I was figuring I'd have to pay to get one in good shape.

I drove it the three hours back home (God traffic today was bad!), and noticed three key things on the way, which I will be creating another post about under the 7-MGTE section- [edit: posted! ( http://www.supramania.com/forums/showthread.php?p=520136#post520136 )] from what I can tell, it sounds like it needs a drive shaft and plugs and wires- possibly coil packs?

All in all, for $1,700, I'm really happy with it. :D I'll post pics when it gets light outside again.

Edit: Pictures! :D (click to see a bigger one!)
TO DO:
*Remove tint from back and side windows (in progress)
*Change Air filter
*Touch up paint on back bumper, spots on car
*Repair interior (oh jesus god that'll be a project)

DONE:
*Change Spark Plugs
*Change Oil
*Change Oil filter
*Change Differential Oil
*Diagnosed problems
*Ran Fuel System Cleaner
*Planned maintenance work (how tos and eyeballing)
*Purchased Ramen to eat until I get paid again so I can afford all of this >.>
*Grind down, Bondo up, Sand down, and Paint body damage
 
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jetjock

creepy-ass cracka
Jul 11, 2005
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Redacted per Title 18 USC Section 798
Good deal. In addition change all the fluids, inspect the belts and hoses, and go buy a genuine service manual. And whatever you do don't buy a distributor ;)

You should also increase your witholding...tax refunds are bad deals.
 

solei

Mk3 Specialist wannabe
Feb 4, 2007
44
0
0
40
Sunnyvale, CA
www.tehintarweb.com
jetjock said:
Good deal. In addition change all the fluids, inspect the belts and hoses, and go buy a genuine service manual. And whatever you do don't buy a distributor ;)

You should also increase your witholding...tax refunds are bad deals.
I intend to do all of those things tomorrow. :D


themadhatter said:
if its a turbo it doesn't have a distributor it has coil packs lol so what the dizzy for?
Okay, coil packs then! I've never had a non N/A car before. :)

edit:
And what for? Check http://www.supramania.com/forums/showthread.php?p=520136#post520136 - It's hiccupping and not wanting to start properly.
 
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solei

Mk3 Specialist wannabe
Feb 4, 2007
44
0
0
40
Sunnyvale, CA
www.tehintarweb.com
spoolme said:
damn...lots of miles...you should write him back and asked him Everything he knows about the car

He didn't know much about it, so I'm going to try to get in contact with the previous previous owner (heh), which was his brother, I think.

Either way, I intend to get a full history of what's been done to it so I have a good idea of where to begin. I figure a timing belt is in there somewhere, too.
 

solei

Mk3 Specialist wannabe
Feb 4, 2007
44
0
0
40
Sunnyvale, CA
www.tehintarweb.com
Update!

The problems inside the engine, after some looking and driving and whatnot, can be mostly singled out to a need for spark plugs, and bad gas (I think this was sitting for 6 months or so before I got it).

It's running like a dream now.

The driveshaft is fine- but the differential might be hosed. I'll be working on that tomorrow.

Oh- also, pictures on the first post. :D