Should I Try To Make This Happen?

"oldestyoungn" (oldestyoungn)
03/18/2014 at 12:41 • Filed to: None

Sell appliance 2013 Mazda3 with little to no loss and transfer to !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! ? It's been up forever.

Why I'm stupid/crazy enough to do this... (A.K.A. my wants)

1) Car with "personality" (Appliance cars feel dead inside.)
2) Satisfy want to be a gearhead and actually understand how cars work.
3) Better driving experience. (I'd test drive to verify this of course.)
4) Have full rights in no more than a year to call this my car. (With the 3 it's going to take a few years.)
5) Dat box shape. (I don't care what you say. 2010-2013 Mazda3 doesn't look as good as this to me.)

But then again I'm afraid

1) Gearhead stuff proves too hard for me (and I try again and again and screw it up multiple times, but my dad wouldn't let me accept defeat I promise.)
2) Challenge of selling 3 fast enough to get this car.
3) Friends I just made 3 weeks ago having no understanding of going from new car to perceived pile of crap.

If this is a stupid idea please save me now. My innate desire is hardly controllable.

Thanks Opponauts for being a car guide. You guys really rock. Also sorry for that horrible $600 Fiero. Keep on being awesome.

DISCUSSION (36)

Brian Silvestro > oldestyoungn
03/17/2014 at 22:22

All of my friend look down on me because of cars I want, they are ignorant. Ignore their judgments. You know what you want, not others.

RMudkips > oldestyoungn
03/17/2014 at 22:24

Those 3's are still nice cars.

Get the GTI, but be warned. "The most expensive car is an old German car".

 > oldestyoungn
03/17/2014 at 22:24

Don't sell your new car for an old project car. If you want an old project car, make sure you also have a reliable new car because like all old cars things will break.

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > oldestyoungn
03/17/2014 at 22:25

If you like it do it o2 sensor is a easy fix but it is riced

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > oldestyoungn
03/17/2014 at 22:26

Don't. I'm trying to get rid of a 1998 Mk3 jetta which uses a lot of the same parts as an 8V GTI. They're great beaterboxes but I don't think the drive will be as good as you think it will be. You will miss the better interior and reliability when your GTI blows a fuse randomly or chews an ignition switch because VW. I'm telling you right now, you only *think* it will be more fun than a very new car. I'm convinced everyone saying they hate new cars are basically those who don't have the means but wish they had it. Not trying to be negative, just saying, a new car like the mazda 3 is infinitely better to rely on than a 200k miata or GTI or whatever. And the 3 is hardly soul crushing.

HOWEVER - save up your spare change and pick one up for cheap to learn how to work on and service cars. I learned a TON and basically "leveled up" as a mechanic on my jetta. I replaced the suspension with coilovers in a single weekend, replaced a caliper, did the dreaded "Mk3 ignition switch" repair to really earn my keep, and just did general repairs and diagnostics as things broke. The Mk2 and Mk3 Golf/Jetta platform is an excellent way to learn how to wrench. The 8v ABA 4-banger is rock solid and simple. Best way to learn how to maintain and repair or upgrade an older car.

Formula4speed > oldestyoungn
03/17/2014 at 22:26

Bad decisions make for good stories. How many times in your life do you honestly expect to go "man, sure wish I could find another mazda3, can't believe I let that one go"?

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > Brian Silvestro
03/17/2014 at 22:28

I am in the same boat my friend loves v8s I think they are great but I perfer 3&4 cylinder engines we can agree on some cars but I like three cylinder fiestas he likes v8 camaros

oldestyoungn >
03/17/2014 at 22:43

Technically I would drive my parents' minivan if it broke, but I can see where at times that would be an issue and I get your point.

oldestyoungn > RMudkips
03/17/2014 at 22:44

Aaaarrrrrggghhhhh.... must research...

oldestyoungn > Vince-The Roadside Mechanic
03/17/2014 at 22:44

What about it is riced to you?

oldestyoungn > Formula4speed
03/17/2014 at 22:45

I have almost no stories due to constantly being saved by my parents. I feel it may happen again...

Brian Silvestro > Vince-The Roadside Mechanic
03/17/2014 at 22:45

Exactly, great example.

oldestyoungn > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles
03/17/2014 at 22:46

What things should I watch for while I'm investigating? The warnings I'm getting are enough to dissuade but not enough to completely stop me.

oldestyoungn > Brian Silvestro
03/17/2014 at 22:48

Sorry for being a stereotypical shy teen. I'm still trying to really develop a relationship and even though no one knows/cares about cars they care just enough to judge you by what you drive.

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > oldestyoungn
03/17/2014 at 22:49

It has so many mods just look at it if you want a wrenching project get a stock example with high miles the fiero is better

Brian Silvestro > oldestyoungn
03/17/2014 at 22:50

Everyone judges everyone by what they drive, some just do it different than others. For example, if I saw a dude my age driving around in a 3Cyl Ecoboost Fiesta, I'd think he's a fucking legend, while some other dude who knows nothing about cars would think he's a little bitch.

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > Brian Silvestro
03/17/2014 at 22:51

Is that your case to

Brian Silvestro > Vince-The Roadside Mechanic
03/17/2014 at 22:52

Pretty much. I'd rather have a 4C than a Corvette, so yeah.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > oldestyoungn
03/17/2014 at 22:53

Clutch, electrics, underbody rust, and odd patterns of warning lights. When my ignition switch was going, the "light" was the emergency brake light would occasionally come on when it acted up. When it did that, I lost my blower motor and headlights too. I believe the Mk2s are the same. Other electrical bits have other warning patterns.

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > Brian Silvestro
03/17/2014 at 22:56

They don't get it there is no replacement for diplacement isn't a thing anymore it is more advance now a three cylinder has the same horse power as an old v8

Brian Silvestro > Vince-The Roadside Mechanic
03/17/2014 at 23:00

That's what makes it so cool

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > Brian Silvestro
03/17/2014 at 23:06

My buddy doesn't believe me when I tell honor makes as much power as a v8 I show him the numbers and he says the v8 is still faster but it is not because it wieghs two horses and 5000 potatoes versus a horse and a half of a Scottish cow

JasonStern911 > oldestyoungn
03/17/2014 at 23:07

needs 02 sensor... non-running

Engine 10/10

Kinja'd!!!

I respect wanting to own a quirky, older car. but this probably isn't the one you should be buying...

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > Vince-The Roadside Mechanic
03/17/2014 at 23:07

Three cylinder got changed to honor

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > oldestyoungn
03/18/2014 at 01:27

if youre going to buy a fun car don't buy another FWD. you'll get bored. I know i have...

oldestyoungn > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles
03/18/2014 at 08:51

Bored on daily driving or track stuff?

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > oldestyoungn
03/18/2014 at 10:11

both. Especially since you don't live in an area that regularly gets snow 4-6 months out of the year. The headache of driving a TWD in the winter is the only reason I keep buying FWD cars, som day I'll man up and get overit, or buy a second car. IMO if you really want an fun fun car it should be RWD. I used to be a believer in FWD one of my favorite cars was a my 91 Honda Civic, and I loved it, but I am so completely bored with FWDs. Especially now that I've driven a few good RWD, and AWD cars.

Here's a few gems I picked out from your CL cuz I was bored.

http://bham.craigslist.org/cto/4369708948…

http://bham.craigslist.org/cto/4373647247…

http://bham.craigslist.org/cto/4349064560…

if you need a 4 door

http://bham.craigslist.org/cto/4356786200…

Or how about keep your reliable Mazda refrigerator, and buy one of these as a very long term project?

http://bham.craigslist.org/cto/4347910007…

http://bham.craigslist.org/cto/4367539036…

oldestyoungn > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles
03/18/2014 at 10:16

I did not see those first two earlier. The Nissan is gorgeous (and on Jalopnik's best cars for learning to hoon list!) and the BMW 635 looks quirky. As for the others I saw them all but just wasn't sure. Nice to see you agree on them.

Thanks for your help, and I'll definitely keep in mind that eventually FWD can become too boring.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > oldestyoungn
03/18/2014 at 10:26

I've always loved the 635. To me BMW sharknose was BMW design at it's best, and the 635 was the cherry on that sundae of beautiful German cars.

and the red interior in that zedX don't even get me started n how much I love it,

oldestyoungn > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles
03/18/2014 at 10:35

Well. Sorry to take you into a mini conversation buuuut...

My parents just texted me "blah blah blah ready for life blah thanks for your help blah but first I counsel you to pursue what makes you happy. We'll talk more when we come home." I'm excited for what this could mean considering we have options to get rid of the 3 and they are finally beginning to understand my car related desires. (appliance car family)

If you had to choose one of these cars with the lower the price the better, reliable for daily driving, and having the occasional autocross which would it be? (just said this on the NPOCP post, I feel repetitive)

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > oldestyoungn
03/18/2014 at 10:49

I'd buy the ZX if you want a car ready to go. It looks like it's bee taken care of, and kept original other than updated audio. IDK about you but I've had bad luck buying cars that the previous owner modified. It looks like the only thing the 300ZX needs is a new steering wheel or the original one reupholstered. So yeah it might the most expensive, but it might end up being the cheapest as far as maintenance goes.

but the E30 if you want something that needs a few weeks worth of work.

oldestyoungn > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles
03/18/2014 at 11:03

Dreaming. Wishing. Hoping.

Thanks for the help. I just now much convince my parents the reasons why it's best out of the local selection.

crowmolly > oldestyoungn
03/18/2014 at 12:53

In my opinion:

No. Owning an older car can certainly be a blast, both to drive and to work on. However it stops being fun when you have to diagnose and fix stuff that's a pain in the ass. Like a fuse that won't stop popping or a vibration that won't go away. Or when a leaky intake needs to be attended to RIGHT THE FUCK NOW and it's 20* and snowing outside, and will take an entire weekend to fix. Or worse, 2 days during the week.

It's also good to be able to take a break if you need to- which you can't if it's your primary transportation. Strip some threads because you are rushed and your ass might be bumming a ride for a little while.

hethoughtofcars > RMudkips
03/18/2014 at 13:02

Prev-gen Mazda3s are still pretty great cars, even if stuck with a slushbox. You've got a warranty, things should be going pretty smoothly even if it's not the car you want right now.

Then again YOLO as they say, right?

I owned an 89 Jetta with that engine. It was fun, tossable, I really liked it. I loved the shift action.....Although I should mention a couple things: Instead of 3 point seatbelt like all cars today, it had the diagonal belt across your chest when you connected to the door, and that door was closed. There was no lap belt. Instead they placed a padded bar to prevent damage to your legs, middle body.

With this car in particular I managed to destroy 2 clutches in 4 months. Maybe it was because I was new-ish to a standard but it didn't happen before and hasn't since. Also, our landloard confronted me one day about how much oil leaking from the engine bay. She declared it a fire hazard and we had to park it on the streets overnight instead of the security of the underground parking lot......

And on top of that!?! No cupholders!

Justino6969 > oldestyoungn
03/18/2014 at 13:26

lolol no. He carved grooves into the head? Wtf. Also, I don't trust any car that someone took the engine apart. Especially a ricer kid like that. If you want a gti, fine. But look elsewhere. Don't buy a modified car.

CKeffer > oldestyoungn
03/18/2014 at 14:11

Yeah....no, bad idea. At least as a primary means of transportation. Yes project cars can be fun, and if you could afford it in addition to your 3, I'd say go for it. However, older cars break, they just do, and if it is your primary means of transport then this can become a huge headache rather than just a minor annoyance. This one you're looking at does LOOK nice, but the term non-running throws up all kinds of red flags about future reliability as does him saying the headers have rust on them. If you are bored with the 3, my suggestion to you is to take it to an autocross event and throw it around the cones. Or buy a couple of mods for it, an intake and cat back exhaust are easy mods to get used to wrenching on cars with, and won't void your warranty. When it becomes time to change the brakes on it, do it yourself instead of taking it to a mech or the dealer, same with oil changes. These are confidence building things that will get you used to doing basic work on cars.