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Used Car Blues

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skiP.E.I.
Posts: 7887 - Karma: 22,459
Any suggestions for shopping for older vehicles? I know everyone loves Toyota, particularly the Hilux/T100/4Runner, but are there any other reliable older vehicles that have less of a reputation that drives up the cost? I've only driven Toyota Echos, which are fantastic, reliable cheap and punch above their weight, but I'm looking for something larger now.
Anyone have experience with the Ford transit connect or the Econoline series?
Let's hear all those opinions, informed and otherwise!
Budget is about $4000 CAD

**This thread was edited on Aug 14th 2020 at 5:06:19pm
Aug 14 2020 4:45PM
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yungona
Posts: 2374 - Karma: -5,799
skiP.E.I.Any suggestions for shopping for older vehicles? I know everyone loves Toyota, particularly the Hilux/T100/4Runner, but are there any other reliable older vehicles that have less of a reputation that drives up the cost? I've only driven Toyota Echos, which are fantastic, reliable cheap and punch above their weight, but I'm looking for something larger now.
Anyone have experience with the Ford transit connect or the Econoline series?
Let's hear all those opinions, informed and otherwise!

subaru outback / subaru forester
Aug 14 2020 4:47PM
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skiP.E.I.
Posts: 7887 - Karma: 22,459
yungonasubaru outback / subaru forester


I appreciate the AWD and driveability of Subarus but I've seen too many blown head gaskets, busted strut mounts, random non-starts and higher than expected repair bills to be excited about subaru
Aug 14 2020 4:51PM
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little1337
Posts: 8304 - Karma: 49,144
I think Subaru outback/ forester/ crosstrek (if you can find a good price) and Toyota are your best bets, are you looking for something for like winter driving and stuff or just a normal car?
Aug 14 2020 4:51PM
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skiP.E.I.
Posts: 7887 - Karma: 22,459
little1337I think Subaru outback/ forester/ crosstrek (if you can find a good price) and Toyota are your best bets, are you looking for something for like winter driving and stuff or just a normal car?

Looking at vans that I can haul stuff in and sleep in, but also open to any kind of car. Not into Subaru for reasons stated above, even though I'm aware they are the Maine State Car, but there's not many of them used around where I live, and certainly none that don't need work. I feel pretty confident about driving anything in the winter. I took my road test on the snowiest day of 2007 on PEI near the end of a 4+ foot dump and 70-80% of my driving since then has been in the winter, everywhere from Finland to Newfoundland to the Canadian Rockies.
Kind of interested in Hyundai Elantra touring. Seems economical and a decent amount of cargo space.
Aug 14 2020 4:56PM
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little1337
Posts: 8304 - Karma: 49,144
skiP.E.I.Looking at vans that I can haul stuff in and sleep in, but also open to any kind of car. Not into Subaru for reasons stated above, even though I'm aware they are the Maine State Car, but there's not many of them used around where I live, and certainly none that don't need work. I feel pretty confident about driving anything in the winter. I took my road test on the snowiest day of 2007 on PEI near the end of a 4+ foot dump and 70-80% of my driving since then has been in the winter, everywhere from Finland to Newfoundland to the Canadian Rockies.
Kind of interested in Hyundai Elantra touring. Seems economical and a decent amount of cargo space.


Lol yup there are a lot around Maine. I've heard good things about the Honda pilot, I think the back folds all the way down and gives you room to sleep and is relatively fuel efficient for what you're getting.
Aug 14 2020 5:00PM
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yungona
Posts: 2374 - Karma: -5,799
skiP.E.I.I appreciate the AWD and driveability of Subarus but I've seen too many blown head gaskets, busted strut mounts, random non-starts and higher than expected repair bills to be excited about subaru


head gaskets are only a problem in older subies
Aug 14 2020 5:02PM
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skiP.E.I.
Posts: 7887 - Karma: 22,459
yungonahead gaskets are only a problem in older subies

If I had the budget for I newer one, I'd buy an older Tundra.
Aug 14 2020 5:05PM
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yungona
Posts: 2374 - Karma: -5,799
skiP.E.I.If I had the budget for I newer one, I'd buy an older Tundra.

maybe look at volkswagen if you dont need AWD they hold value pretty well, are reliable, cheap to repair, great MPG depending on model as well
Aug 14 2020 5:15PM
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skiP.E.I.
Posts: 7887 - Karma: 22,459
Convince me not to buy an 01 Crown Vic Hearse with 4.6 L V8.
Aug 14 2020 5:15PM
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r00kie
Posts: 5238 - Karma: 59,587
yungonamaybe look at volkswagen if you dont need AWD they hold value pretty well, are reliable, cheap to repair, great MPG depending on model as well

Might be able to find a Passat wagon with the 4motion awd if you think that is necessary. Passats are massive inside too.
Aug 14 2020 5:21PM
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theabortionator
Posts: 52146 - Karma: 168,477
skiP.E.I.I appreciate the AWD and driveability of Subarus but I've seen too many blown head gaskets, busted strut mounts, random non-starts and higher than expected repair bills to be excited about subaru


I mean every car has issues. If you can find somebody to do the head gaskets for cheap ish before it's an issue it's not that bad. Other wise they don't really have more issues than other cars.

As far as random non starts I havent seen or heard of anything more than any other car. Also at least in the states in mountains towns there are a lot of subarus, and you can find cheap parts, some places even specialize in just subs.

Subarus are a pretty good winter/ski car which is why you see so many of them in ski towns.
Aug 14 2020 5:37PM
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Biffbarf
Posts: 7008 - Karma: 74,168
E46 325xi (or 330xi? I don't remember the trims)

Honda crv

Old rav 4

Mazda B series pickup/ford ranger.

All underrated, inexpensive, and bombproof.

If someone told me I'd have to choose between a used Subaru and syphilis, I'd pick the one that can actually be fixed so I can go on with my life.

**This post was edited on Aug 14th 2020 at 6:08:00pm
Aug 14 2020 6:06PM
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freestyler540
Posts: 13150 - Karma: 19,455
yungonasubaru outback / subaru forester

i agree. You see them all over BC. You might have to travel to pick up the right car. Autotraders is a good start
Aug 14 2020 6:37PM
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Non_State_Actor
Posts: 4985 - Karma: 17,925
yungonahead gaskets are only a problem in older subies


Not really true and if anything it's because the boosted one's are more likely to blow and now Subaru doesn't make everything boosted so they're all super boring cvt equipped appliance cars.
Aug 14 2020 7:46PM
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OregonDead
Posts: 6969 - Karma: 25,403
skiP.E.I.Convince me not to buy an 01 Crown Vic Hearse with 4.6 L V8.


get that and an extra set of steel wheels with some new now tires. Neil Young is also from Canada and drove a herse. lots of people drive pretty ordinary station wagons and they mostly end up less successful than Neil Young
Aug 14 2020 8:06PM
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ScaryDumpTruck
Posts: 584 - Karma: 3,391
skiP.E.I.I appreciate the AWD and driveability of Subarus but I've seen too many blown head gaskets, busted strut mounts, random non-starts and higher than expected repair bills to be excited about subaru

To minimize the repair bills, buy a manual because all automatic subarus suck.

**This post was edited on Aug 14th 2020 at 10:08:29pm
Aug 14 2020 8:09PM
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skiP.E.I.
Posts: 7887 - Karma: 22,459
What advice would you give for buying a used vehicle, regardless what it is, beyond taking it to get inspected?
Aug 14 2020 8:16PM
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Non_State_Actor
Posts: 4985 - Karma: 17,925
skiP.E.I.What advice would you give for buying a used vehicle, regardless what it is, beyond taking it to get inspected?


Pre-purchase inspection is key, also look around online to see if there's a good enthusiast's forum to find information and parts if you'll be doing repair work yourself. Or ask a mechanic you trust in your area what they recommend or drive themselves.
Aug 14 2020 8:23PM
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Biffbarf
Posts: 7008 - Karma: 74,168
skiP.E.I.What advice would you give for buying a used vehicle, regardless what it is, beyond taking it to get inspected?


Idk if there's carfax in canada, but it is well worth the price. Service records and owner history is almost more important than miles to a point. Look for obvious red flags, avoid shit like cars with cold air intakes, aftermarket wheels, non-oem wiring under the hood, dumbass stickers, etc.

Also, drive around your local area. Boomers who keep their cars in immaculate condition sometimes don't know how to internet and resort to parking their cars with a 'for sale' sign.

Sometimes local mechanics will have info on decent used cars as well. My current ride is a car a mechanic bought from a dude because it needed some expensive work, mechanic fixed it on his own time drove it for a while and then sold it to me
Aug 14 2020 8:28PM
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BedBugDoug
Posts: 590 - Karma: 2,253
skiP.E.I.Convince me not to buy an 01 Crown Vic Hearse with 4.6 L V8.


Definitely buy that. Tons of space, power, and it's a pussy magnet
Aug 14 2020 8:54PM
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skiP.E.I.
Posts: 7887 - Karma: 22,459
BedBugDougDefinitely buy that. Tons of space, power, and it's a pussy magnet


Yeah I'm thinking it might be a crucial step in obtaining Goth GF
Aug 14 2020 9:07PM
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yungona
Posts: 2374 - Karma: -5,799
mystery3Not really true and if anything it's because the boosted one's are more likely to blow and now Subaru doesn't make everything boosted so they're all super boring cvt equipped appliance cars.


the head gaskets are usually only an issue in the older gens. they pretty much fixed the issue with new models. what do you mean they arent boosted? the new legacy has turbo option again and im pretty sure the outback does too
Aug 14 2020 9:09PM
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elcheapo
Posts: 3449 - Karma: 13,979
had a ford ranger 4x4 for a while and only had one repair a transmission .American car parts are typically cheaper imo
Aug 14 2020 10:46PM
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.FRY.
Posts: 5620 - Karma: 22,864
jetta/golf tdi. You can buy them with any mileage just look out for body rust

**This post was edited on Aug 15th 2020 at 3:42:13am
Aug 15 2020 3:41AM
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TRVP_ANGEL
Posts: 12562 - Karma: 117,096
p o n t i a c s u n f i r e
Aug 15 2020 3:53AM
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dolanslebensraum
Posts: 5959 - Karma: -13,100
anything japanese will be more reliable than anything else. Get a used civic or corolla. I dont think you can afford a pickup like a hilux for 4k unless its got a cuntload of miles on it.

why do you want a pickup anyways?
Aug 15 2020 7:13AM
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skiP.E.I.
Posts: 7887 - Karma: 22,459
DolanReloadedwhy do you want a pickup anyways?

I am always moving firewood, lumber, farm materials, hay etc. in the summer and fall. Also good for sports equipment and bike shuttling. I would build a sleeper to put in the box too for road trips.
Aug 15 2020 9:08AM
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Titus69
Posts: 9329 - Karma: 17,826
skiP.E.I.I appreciate the AWD and driveability of Subarus but I've seen too many blown head gaskets, busted strut mounts, random non-starts and higher than expected repair bills to be excited about subaru


I recently bought a used 2007 Impreza, recently had the gasket, pump and belt done but recently noticed my serpentine belts squeaking with the AC on which is great, $5k and I could’ve found something way better.

look at 4x4 rangers if you can find a solid cheaper one they can go for a long time with good maintenance history which there’s plenty of with older people owning them often.
Aug 15 2020 12:22PM
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skiP.E.I.
Posts: 7887 - Karma: 22,459
Titus69I recently bought a used 2007 Impreza, recently had the gasket, pump and belt done but recently noticed my serpentine belts squeaking with the AC on which is great, $5k and I could’ve found something way better.

look at 4x4 rangers if you can find a solid cheaper one they can go for a long time with good maintenance history which there’s plenty of with older people owning them often.

Yeah for a while I've had an irrational loathing of Rangers but I'm overcoming it.There certainly are a lot of them around. It would be nice to find one with the old square styling in good condition.
Aug 15 2020 12:27PM
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Titus69
Posts: 9329 - Karma: 17,826
skiP.E.I.Yeah for a while I've had an irrational loathing of Rangers but I'm overcoming it.There certainly are a lot of them around. It would be nice to find one with the old square styling in good condition.


I almost got a beautiful ‘96 for $5k 120k miles owned by a technician, would’ve bought it if it wasn’t a single cab and toppers for that era were so hard to find. Need that extra interior space so my gear doesn’t freeze on the drive to the mountain along with the homies.
Aug 15 2020 1:50PM
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VT_scratch
Posts: 8809 - Karma: 6,348
im importing a 2004 hilux surf from japan right now. you can get low KM gas ones for a great price, but im going for the diesel engine! hyped. anyone else have a hilux?
Oct 28 2021 6:52PM
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skiP.E.I.
Posts: 7887 - Karma: 22,459
VT_scratchim importing a 2004 hilux surf from japan right now. you can get low KM gas ones for a great price, but im going for the diesel engine! hyped. anyone else have a hilux?

That's a cool truck for sure. Right hand drive will be more expensive to insure though.

Update: This time last year I ended up buying a 2004 Civic LX with 75000 km for $1800 CAD. Everything mint on it except a bit of rust on one quarter panel. Has been a good ride.
Oct 28 2021 7:30PM
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skiP.E.I.
Posts: 7887 - Karma: 22,459
https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/1015632/Sore---Buck-65
Oct 28 2021 7:34PM
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VT_scratch
Posts: 8809 - Karma: 6,348
skiP.E.I.That's a cool truck for sure. Right hand drive will be more expensive to insure though.

Update: This time last year I ended up buying a 2004 Civic LX with 75000 km for $1800 CAD. Everything mint on it except a bit of rust on one quarter panel. Has been a good ride.


nice! it's actually about the same in BC to insure. Ontario is a whole other story.





Oct 28 2021 8:10PM
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Lonely
Posts: 6870 - Karma: 64,404
skiP.E.I.I appreciate the AWD and driveability of Subarus but I've seen too many blown head gaskets, busted strut mounts, random non-starts and higher than expected repair bills to be excited about subaru


Subarus are always broken, but they will still get you where you need to go, but it will always be broken.

they come with the check engine light on from the factory

early 2010s cvts and anything with a turbo is something to be wary of
Oct 28 2021 10:04PM
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drifts
Posts: 620 - Karma: 4,494
the older e250s and e350s are good, dont get a v10 one and somehow buy one without paying the "#vanlife" tax on it and you are set. the awd hondas are pretty good and aren't as expensive as toyotas
Oct 28 2021 10:51PM
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DominatorJacques
Posts: 11240 - Karma: 76,395
I have a 2003 Forester with manual trans. Over 200,000 on it now. No problems. Key=it's made entirely in Japan. Plus I do the maintenance myself. Don't ignore coolant changing.
Had great luck with Honda's.
I have an '89 Accord I bought Oct. 1988. 348,000 plus and I can't kill it.
Have a 2005 Accord EX with 200,000 too. No problems.

https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/940199/1989-Honda-Accord-Lxi-Coupe-340-000-Miles-Just-Like-My-Skis-
Oct 28 2021 11:41PM
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Non_State_Actor
Posts: 4985 - Karma: 17,925
VT_scratchim importing a 2004 hilux surf from japan right now. you can get low KM gas ones for a great price, but im going for the diesel engine! hyped. anyone else have a hilux?


VT_scratchnice! it's actually about the same in BC to insure. Ontario is a whole other story.







Looks clean. I imported a decommissioned Toyota Dyna fire truck a few months back. I love 4-Runners/Hilux surf. If they were sold here with manual transmissions and a third row I'd probably own one.

Did you work with a broker on the import?
Oct 29 2021 1:35AM
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VT_scratch
Posts: 8809 - Karma: 6,348
mystery3Looks clean. I imported a decommissioned Toyota Dyna fire truck a few months back. I love 4-Runners/Hilux surf. If they were sold here with manual transmissions and a third row I'd probably own one.

Did you work with a broker on the import?


thats sick dude! I went through a private guy that my friend has imported two vehicles with, he hooked it up with a rate of $800 for his time / work on getting it on. should be here at the end of november.
Oct 29 2021 12:36PM
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SendyMcSendyface
Posts: 2966 - Karma: 25,927
VT_scratchthats sick dude! I went through a private guy that my friend has imported two vehicles with, he hooked it up with a rate of $800 for his time / work on getting it on. should be here at the end of november.


Any recommendations for importers to look for/stay away from? I'm thinking of doing something like that myself, car prices in BC (and the rest of Canada) are fucking insane right now.
Oct 29 2021 3:38PM
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VT_scratch
Posts: 8809 - Karma: 6,348
SendyMcSendyfaceAny recommendations for importers to look for/stay away from? I'm thinking of doing something like that myself, car prices in BC (and the rest of Canada) are fucking insane right now.


I've heard mostly good things about b-pro auto, and not the best things about velocity (both in vancouver area).
Oct 29 2021 4:32PM
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jompcock
Posts: 1571 - Karma: 11,708
B8 Audi A4 if it has a 2013+ timing chain tensioner installed. Very good 4wd and you can get them real cheap rn.
Oct 30 2021 4:00PM
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DominatorJacques
Posts: 11240 - Karma: 76,395
jompcockB8 Audi A4 if it has a 2013+ timing chain tensioner installed. Very good 4wd and you can get them real cheap rn.

Money pit!
https://www.quattrodaily.com/b8-audi-a4-among-cars-most-likely-to-blow-their-engines/
Oct 30 2021 4:14PM
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Non_State_Actor
Posts: 4985 - Karma: 17,925
jompcockB8 Audi A4 if it has a 2013+ timing chain tensioner installed. Very good 4wd and you can get them real cheap rn.


DominatorJacquesMoney pit!
https://www.quattrodaily.com/b8-audi-a4-among-cars-most-likely-to-blow-their-engines/


I believe the issue jomp is referencing is the unreliable part of those earlier B8, the tensioner assembly catastrophically fails and the pistons and valves become one.

Though I don't recommend audis for folks who aren't mechanically inclined and willing to get hands dirty.
Oct 30 2021 5:48PM
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jompcock
Posts: 1571 - Karma: 11,708
DominatorJacquesMoney pit!
https://www.quattrodaily.com/b8-audi-a4-among-cars-most-likely-to-blow-their-engines/


"waa german car bad". The 2 liter EA888 in Audi and VW's has been a pretty reliable engine since having its cylinder ring and timing chain tensioner failures resolved in later/warrantied engines. Mine is at 150k, which has had zero issues in the last 90k. I keep thinking about trading it in for something newer but I it's so useful for how little it currently costs to operate.

Alternatively my Toyota Land Cruiser gives me more problems and costs about $75 to fill with gas.
Oct 30 2021 5:50PM
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DominatorJacques
Posts: 11240 - Karma: 76,395
mystery3I believe the issue jomp is referencing is the unreliable part of those earlier B8, the tensioner assembly catastrophically fails and the pistons and valves become one.

Though I don't recommend audis for folks who aren't mechanically inclined and willing to get hands dirty.


jompcock"waa german car bad". The 2 liter EA888 in Audi and VW's has been a pretty reliable engine since having its cylinder ring and timing chain tensioner failures resolved in later/warrantied engines. Mine is at 150k, which has had zero issues in the last 90k. I keep thinking about trading it in for something newer but I it's so useful for how little it currently costs to operate.

Alternatively my Toyota Land Cruiser gives me more problems and costs about $75 to fill with gas.

Good points on both counts ^^
Some Audi's can be good, but once stuff starts going bad, it cost a small fortune.
The link I had posted above in my reply to the Audi deal, was not all bad. They did resolve some issues, as jompcock said.
Really Audi's kick some serious ass, but unless one has an ass wipe of money, it's best to avoid.
Oct 30 2021 8:02PM
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Casey
Posts: 7899 - Karma: 25,064
About to list my 89 4Runner for 20k. Ten years ago I figured I might get 5500 bucks. It’s a bad time to buy a car right now
Oct 30 2021 8:29PM
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3mania
Posts: 2629 - Karma: 10,542
Infinity makes some sweet rigs. you can pick on of these up pretty cheap. FX35
Oct 30 2021 9:00PM
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gravel
Posts: 5524 - Karma: 42,378
CaseyAbout to list my 89 4Runner for 20k. Ten years ago I figured I might get 5500 bucks. It’s a bad time to buy a car right now


i have an 86 i bought a year and a half ago for 10k, figure i'll keep it going a while cause that shit will not lose its value by the time i want to sell it.
Oct 31 2021 2:12PM
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