Why buying used sucks sometimes

"MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s" (mastermario)
11/05/2014 at 14:01 • Filed to: Craigslist

Because as an enthusiast it can be incredibly difficult to find a car optioned how you want it within whatever price range you are working with.

In the spring I am planning on selling my two wheeled contraption and buying a cheap fun car. So I spend some time on craigslist just browsing what RWD+manual+>20mpg cars are available. Looking at 90's or newer camaro's or firebirds about 50% seem to be a v6, and 90% of the v8s seem to be auto...it's so aggravating.

Oooo, that looks nice...damn it's an auto. How about this one...nope v6. This one...you provided one picture of the outside and no details? Thanks ass wipe.

Here's a Trans Am for your time

DISCUSSION (12)

Thunderface > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s
11/05/2014 at 14:05

True

If I had a nickel for each auto v6 mustang on Kijiji....

Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s
11/05/2014 at 14:06

LS1 cars are falling down under $7500 even for well-sorted and maintained cars...

Steve in Manhattan > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s
11/05/2014 at 14:12

I've actually thought about this before. The internet makes it possible to find something closer to what you want, perhaps exactly what you want, but then you have to be willing to go get it. When I do my little fantasy car searches (like I need a car in this city) I glibly select "Any" as the distance from me. I suppose if it's an inexpensive fun car you're looking for, there's a limit on how far you'll go. On the other hand, if you want an orange Gallardo with ceramic brakes and a particular appearance package, you might go across the country to get it. And yes - I want one.

Ballzonya > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s
11/05/2014 at 14:16

I feel your pain. I have been looking for a Mini Cooper S for my dad with a stick shift, hard top, in a "manly" color, with under 65K....all for less than $10K. They are out there, but finding the "one" has proven to be quite tough.

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > Steve in Manhattan
11/05/2014 at 14:22

Yea, if you're willing to travel you can find damn near what ever, but if you're trying to not spend more than a few hours in travel time to get something it can get to be a pain. I would probably travel 2 hours at most for what I am looking at. If it were a dream car or maybe something more expensive...say $20k or more, then I wouldn't have issue going far to find it.

camaroboy68ss > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s
11/05/2014 at 14:22

You have to figure out what more important when looking used. In your case of a 4th gen fbody, Ill use what I did as an example.

Are dead set on either a Camaro or Firebird?

V8 or V6?

Only want a V8 then LT1 or LS1?

Stick or Auto?

If a V8 Camaro then Z28 or SS?

Color? SS cars were limited in color options

When I went looking for my 98 SS I knew I wanted a true SS car with low miles. Color and interior were things that were not as important when going through Craigslist. The trans was higher because I wanted a stick but if a super clean auto was found I wouldn't pass it up.

Now another thing to look at is future plans, not going to leave it stock? Then there are years to avoid etc.

If you need help on looking at 4th gens let me know, I'll gladly help since I've gone through this twice with a 97 Z28 and my 98 SS

luvMeSome142 & some Lincoln! > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s
11/05/2014 at 14:25

Searching CL can be an adventure. People don't always fill out the info correctly. It will say manual transmission on the left, but the picture shows it is clearly an auto. Much of the time the drive wheels are wrong, i.e. rwd/fwd/awd. They include ridiculous pictures sometimes, too. Like the guy who was selling his decent looking mercedes with the spare tire sitting on the nice leather back seat.

I've been looking for cheap cars, so I'll use single word search terms and sort by price ascending. Also, use the "gallery" setting to quickly scan the listings. I ignore the $1 listings (mostly) and the "low down payment" listings, but then I can find some good stuff. For instance, try searching for the word "stick" and you'll pull up listings that you might miss if you are searching for "manual".

Darn, I can't find it. There was one listing where the first picture, therefore the one that shows in the thumbnail, was of the interior with a tire sitting on the front seat, a stained booster seat in the back and trash on the floor.

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > camaroboy68ss
11/05/2014 at 14:28

Not dead set on anything yet, just looking at what options I have in the sub $5k price range. Looking at everything from miatas to camaros to mr2s to mustangs. Thanks for the offer, if I decide to go with a camaro or firebird I'll gladly pick your brain before getting one. My thoughts on it though are if I'm getting something American, it damn well better have a V8.

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > luvMeSome142 & some Lincoln!
11/05/2014 at 14:33

Yea...those listings where you are like "sorry that's not rwd, not manual, not a 3 cylinder engine, and not a compact car" always make me laugh and feel sad at the same time (that's actually one i saw recently was an acura 3.0 cl listed with those details)

HammerheadFistpunch > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s
11/05/2014 at 15:02

so true, finding what you want is a case of budget, patience, or options. you never win on all 3

thatguywiththe > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s
11/06/2014 at 15:11

Thank you for posting the car I was just about to list for sale in your image. Might have to hoon it around another 100,000 miles now.

WesBarton89 - The Way to Santa Fe > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s
11/06/2014 at 18:19

http://westmd.craigslist.org/cto/4710632408… Here you go. Relatively cheap, V8, stick.