[gazzerr]

Sorry I didn't mean 30K cost ownership I meant 30K minus cost of purchase to bring it up to snuff and make it a 30K car. Crazy year over year increase in values would probably offset that somewhat.

Back when I was in the market for an SC (4 years ago) the rule of thumb was that if you paid 15K for it you were going to budget to spend 5K on it. I'd say I'd have probaby 2K in parts in it right now and at least 3K of my own labour.

If the engine needs major work you are looking at 8 to 12K right away if you have a pro do it for you hence the PPI warnings.

You'll never know what you are dealing with until a compression test is done and the rocker covers are removed and the motor is inspected for broken head studs. If the engine has never been rebuilt there's a very good chance it's got at least one broken head stud.

I paid 15K for my car with a worn out CIS system, swiss cheese exhaust and all kinds of wiring issues in the front end. The engine and gearbox had been a complete rebuild 10 years prior with all the good parts. Generally speaking you can count on it that lots of plastic and rubber parts are worn out and will need to be replaced. It's not so much the parts cost but the labor cost for pro help.

If it's a great car you won't regret the purchase. There's nothing else like it. And it's an OK investment too. You'll *probably* get your money back at least.