Automotive rant

[Chocaholic]

Having moved recently, and two very close calls while motorcycling (driver crossed center line and only looked up from cell phone in time to save me and an F-150 turned left in front of me going 50 mph...thankfully hit his brakes mid turn), I’ve mothballed my motorcycling gear for the time being.

Considering another hobby car and dismayed that every decent vehicle is priced as though it’s the star of the show at Barret-Jackson. Doesn’t matter what it is if in decent condition. Want a nice TR6? $30-$50k. Early 70’s Camaro? Even more. Mid-year Vet? 6 figures. Heck, a decent Beetle is well north of $20k.

To quote BB King...the thrill is gone. If you’re not willing to spend north of $50k for a car that you’ll still need to invest in...best to stay home.

Rant over.

[Crowbob]

Though admittedly this is an automotive site, why limit your rant to the automotive world? It seems like everything is losing its allure by virtue of pricing the involvement in it out of the reach of prudent people.

Eventually, only whackos and the filthy rich will play.

[Scott Douglas]

I hate to say it Mike but I agree with you 100%.
I follow BaT most every day and it amazes me what cars on that site are going for now.
As for the motorcycling, I would love to have one in my garage but the people around here have a hard enough time driving without hitting cars let alone motorcycles.

[KNS]

I think the cars you see on BaT are through the roof because people have come to realize that relatively simple and fun cars will never be made again. The commuting masses don't care and will buy the latest connected offering or hybrid/EV.

But there's a small (but big enough) segment of drivers who want a fun and simple car and have come to realize they will never be produced again. If you want one you're going to compete ($$) with others who want one.

[NYNick]

You're looking at the wrong cars, or rather, the cars everyone else is looking at. There are plenty of sleepers out there that are great, fun cars that just don't bring 911 money.

Try looking for a well done BMW 2002, non tii. Some great, fast (it's all relative) fun, 02's out there for $25K or less. If that doesn't float your boat, look where everyone else isn't. Don't follow the crowd.

[stomachmonkey]

Are you on Facebook?

There's a neat Kit Car group.

Unfinished & Complete Kitcars, Hand built Cars, Replicas, and Dune Buggies

Some interesting (and dumb) stuff pops up and not for stupid money either.

[jhynesrockmtn]

I think my motorcycle days are over for a few reasons. 914's can still be had for well under $30k. I know they aren't everyone's cup of tea, but take the top off and it is the closest I have come to open air raw feeling of being on a bike. Plenty of aftermarket support and reasonable to maintain.



My Bumblebee and my buddies 74 Ravenna. Not great examples of cheap ones but they are out there.

[908/930]

I think when interest rates go back up some prices will return to where they should be. Have you considered a BRZ?

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by Crowbob

Though admittedly this is an automotive site, why limit your rant to the automotive world? It seems like everything is losing its allure by virtue of pricing the involvement in it out of the reach of prudent people.

Eventually, only whackos and the filthy rich will play.

A point well made...

But there are a few good aspects to being old...one is ignoring all this "status" silliness. (edit) Thinking about it, better than ignoring...laughing at it.

[faverymi]

Miata
S2000
Manual beemer
Z Nissan
80-90 mustang
80 japanese coupes
Manual Volvo

[NYNick]

Originally Posted by faverymi

Miata
S2000
Manual beemer
Z Nissan
80-90 mustang
80 japanese coupes
Manual Volvo

Bingo!

If you want what everyone else wants and try to buy it where everyone else buys it...you'll end up overpaying.

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by NYNick

If you want what everyone else wants and try to buy it where everyone else buys it...you'll end up overpaying.

Where is your 2002 listed for sale?

Choc, what are you really interested in? Sports cars, cruiser, etc?

[sc_rufctr]

[Chocaholic]

Originally Posted by faverymi

Miata
S2000
Manual beemer
Z Nissan
80-90 mustang
80 japanese coupes
Manual Volvo

Sold my mint 2010 Miata with 60k on the odo 2 years ago for $11k. Retractable hardtop, manual, black/black. Lucky to buy one now for $18k+. From what I’ve seen, any 2002 that is rust-free and in overall good condition regardless of year will be north of $30k.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by Chocaholic

Sold my mint 2010 Miata with 60k on the odo 2 years ago for $11k. Retractable hardtop, manual, black/black. Lucky to buy one now for $18k+. From what I’ve seen, any 2002 that is rust-free and in overall good condition regardless of year will be north of $30k.

I'd like another NA, but a cheap one as a toy.

[NYNick]

Originally Posted by Chocaholic

Sold my mint 2010 Miata with 60k on the odo 2 years ago for $11k. Retractable hardtop, manual, black/black. Lucky to buy one now for $18k+. From what I’ve seen, any 2002 that is rust-free and in overall good condition regardless of year will be north of $30k.

Balderdash. I'm in the 02 community everyday. Those owners are frugal, to say the least. You either haven't really been looking for nice carbureted cars or are only looking at BaT.

My car is listed on BMWFAQ and FB. Totally restored tii (fuel injected) asking $45K. tii's bring more money and mine is completely redone.

[Seahawk]

I’ll take a look.

That is the only car I would consider since I had one in HS.

That would be it for me.

[stevej37]

Try selling...instead of buying.

[DonDavis]

Originally Posted by NYNick

…snip…
My car is listed on BMWFAQ and FB. Totally restored tii (fuel injected) asking $45K. tii's bring more money and mine is completely redone.

My dad had a ‘74 2002tii from 1976-1993. I drove it a lot.

I had a ‘76 2002 in the Navy. Drove that thing all over the place.

Couldn’t find your ad, could you please post a link?

[RedBaron]

A decent 986 can still be had for 10-15k all day long.