Just Testing the Waters

[CaptDestruction]

I have an Arctic White 1997 5-speed coupe that I am considering selling because I do not have the money to fix it.

Current engine has a thrown rod, and the car starts, but you can here the rod jumping around the block. Engine has a 12 month parts/labor warranty (started in July 2010), but it only covers the engine replacement at 14.7 hours @ $50 per hour. No shops that I can find will perform this for that rate, and I have no money to cover the additional cost.

The car has gone through quite a bit over the past year. Here are some highlights:

-New Radiator (about 1000 miles)
-New Tires (about 2000 miles on them)
-Recent brakes/Rotors (about 5000 miles on them)
-New Clutch kit with freshly turned flywheel (about 1000 miles )
-1-piece steel drive shaft added (to replace the two piece)
-Interior is decent with minor upgrades (nothing outrageous, only tasteful)
-Body in decent condition for it's age (few dings/dents)
-Paint in pretty good condition for it's age (minor rock chips, clear coat is great)
-Rest of the car is completely stock
-AC does not work, so I deleted the compressor from the drive belt (compressor is still installed)

Issues:
-Rear end has a slow leak (have to add fluid about every 5-7k miles)
-No AC
-The passenger door cylinder lock does not work, rear hatch lock cylinder is missing. Both still function, bu cannot be opened with a key. Hatch has an electronic release button that works fine.

I would like to know if anyone would consider purchasing this car for $1000. Please let me know if you think it would be worth it. Location is Nashville, TN, 37203.

I will not consider parting out, too much hassle and not enough time to manage, so please do not ask.

Thanks all!

[truekoa]

Re: Just Testing the Waters

I'm sorry to hear man, the car looks extremely clean and well taken care of.

I understand you said you will not part it out, but you might want to reconsider it, you might get more for the car than selling it the way it sits. Just my .02 cents.

Free bump for you.

[darkflare999]

Re: Just Testing the Waters

^x2!!....are those seat covers??

[CaptDestruction]

Re: Just Testing the Waters

Not seat covers...they are original from GM when the car was purchased in 1997. Decent condition...some cigarette burns from previous owner, but otherwise, in pretty good condition.

[CaptDestruction]

Re: Just Testing the Waters

New information...

Just spoke with the warranty company, and if they can verify that the engine did not throw a rod due to failure by the installation mechanic, they will ship me a replacement engine. If anyone is willing to purchase the car, I can have them ship the replacement engine directly to you or your shop. However, the warranty will not transfer with the engine.

[kdm212]

Re: Just Testing the Waters

how many miles are on the body? car looks very nice. wonder what it would cost to ship.

[dmw319]

Re: Just Testing the Waters

so you are saying a new engine and that car for 1k?

if so, ill do it.

[CaptDestruction]

Re: Just Testing the Waters

Body currently has 208k miles.

[CaptDestruction]

Re: Just Testing the Waters

Replacement engine (not sure how new it will be) is dependant on the warranty company and their investigation into how the engine died.

Basically, the warranty company contacted the Owner of the shop that put in the last engine that was warrantied. The warranty company asked if the installation technician performed an oil priming procedure. The technician could not confirm. Since he could not confirm, the warranty company wants to inspect the engine to determine the actual cause of the failure. If the cause is not due to the oil not being primed, then they will ship me a new engine.

If they determine that the failure was caused by the engine not being primed, then the warranty claim is rejected and I am stuck haggling with the auto shop to replace the engine.

Either way, I am trying to sell the car, new engine or not. I have listed the car on craigslist for $1500, but would rather sell it to someone here for less, since you all have helped me with it so much over the past 2 years.

[dmw319]

Re: Just Testing the Waters

if you end up getting a replacement engine, and would sell the car and engine for 1,000 let me know and Ill come pick em both up and give you cash.

[CaptDestruction]

Re: Just Testing the Waters

Warranty company and the shop that fixed the car originally are fighting with each other over some childish crap. So, trying to lean on the warranty company to get this resolved asap, so that I can figure out what to do with the car. I will keep this post updated just in case anyone is following and waiting for a replacement engine to be installed and/or shipped.

[CaptDestruction]

Re: Just Testing the Waters

Ok...new update. Got a hold of the warranty company just a few minutes ago, and they are going to honor the claim and replace the engine. So, if anyone wants the car, DMW319, I can have the engine shipped to you or the shop of your choice if you are willing to come pick up the car.

[CaptDestruction]

Re: Just Testing the Waters

Have this posted on craigslist for $1500...so if you want it for $500 less, please post here and let me know.

http://nashville.craigslist.org/cto/1957270001.html

[dmw319]

Re: Just Testing the Waters

sweet! if you still have this car in a few weeks ill try and make a road trip to come get it.

[CaptDestruction]

Re: Just Testing the Waters

Looking to get it out of hair as soon as possible. I will update this post once it is sold. So don't just assume that it is if I haven't updated this in a few days.

When you are ready dmw319, or anyone else for that matter, let me know here and we can get it done.

I am willing to hold the car for anyone with a serious offer for up to 24-48 hours.