Oppo, which should be my winter car? Cont.

"K-Roll-PorscheTamer" (k-roll390) 07/19/2014 at 13:24 • Filed to: winter car

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BMW 3-series(E36) vs SN-95 Mustang(1994-2004), V6 or V8. Yes, I'm stubborn as hell with this impractical RWD winter car, but I simply cannot be talked out of this with logic and reasoning.

Thanks to the local Craigslist, I've narrowed down my choices to my two favorites that I could find; both of which can be had for well under $3000. Now all I have to do is weigh in the options and figure out which one is best for me.

I need to figure out which is best based on the following criteria:

Engine(power),Handling,Cost to own(maintain and insure), and of course, fun factor. Both cars will have winter tires and will have to be used for the times year-round when the 944 is down; be it in the spring, summer or fall.

So what are we thinking Oppo; which of these would be best for the winter in regards to what I need above? I need whichever is cheapest to run yearly and insure. GT, V6, or E36? With manual and winter tires in mind.

Also, for the last time, I DO NOT WANT A GOD DAMN TRUCK!! NO MATTER HOW PRACTICAL IT IS.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

Brian Silvestro > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/19/2014 at 13:31

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Another 944!!!

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Brian Silvestro 07/19/2014 at 13:32

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NO DAMMIT! PICK ONE OF MY OPTIONS!!

Brian Silvestro > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/19/2014 at 13:33

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nnnnnNO!

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Brian Silvestro 07/19/2014 at 13:34

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DO IT MUTHERFUCKER!! ILL HAVE YOUR HEAD IF YOU DONT!

mazda616 > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/19/2014 at 13:34

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I say Mustang. Cheap to fix and rather reliable. When my car had bad tires, I got stuck in a six inch deep snowdrift (lame, I know), and was rescued by a National Guardsman driving a Mustang.

Brian Silvestro > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/19/2014 at 13:34

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lolno

Dsscats > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/19/2014 at 13:35

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Don't get a Ti E36. They're pretty much crap. Try to get a V8 SN95 stang. You're most likely to 've able to get a V8 if it's the 1993-1998 version. If you wan a more modern engine/chassis arrangement, go for post 1994. Before that, it had the 5.0 (4.9).

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/19/2014 at 13:38

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The Mustang is the smarter choice. Though it doesn't really matter because both of these "winter" cars will spend half the time being varying degrees of stuck.

dogisbadob > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/19/2014 at 13:39

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Some of the E36's were US-made. 318i sedans were made there until the Z3 came out

jkm7680 > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 07/19/2014 at 13:40

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Winter car=Normally AWD.

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/19/2014 at 13:40

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Mustang. Easier to find. Easier to maintain.

Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/19/2014 at 13:45

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An MR-2?

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura 07/19/2014 at 13:45

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I need at least 4 seats..

Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/19/2014 at 13:46

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EFF.

Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/19/2014 at 13:47

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Your boy, BJR > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/19/2014 at 13:47

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get a V8 stang because Detroit, dat doucherumble, the sheer oldschool ness and I bet it will be comfier. Also, every experience I've had with fat murican coupe heaters has been nothing but tropical, which will be nice in MI

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Brian Silvestro 07/19/2014 at 13:47

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Y u do dis?

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > jkm7680 07/19/2014 at 13:48

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It's usually a good idea. If not, FWD.

What K-Roll has in mind:

What's actually gonna happen:

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura 07/19/2014 at 13:49

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No

jkm7680 > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 07/19/2014 at 13:50

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Haha, Correct. FWD is honestly better than RWD in snow.

Then again, with Quattro. Everything is possible. And less time will be spend being stuck.

Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/19/2014 at 13:50

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Leadbull > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/19/2014 at 13:52

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Tell me, K-Roll, do you fear death?

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > jkm7680 07/19/2014 at 13:53

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I can't wait to try mine out this winter. All my friends be stuck and I'm just like:

Brian Silvestro > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/19/2014 at 13:55

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I'm just providing my opinion.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Leadbull 07/19/2014 at 13:55

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What happens if I say yes?....

jkm7680 > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 07/19/2014 at 13:56

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Haha, I can't wait to try my A4 out in the snow also. I'm also planning on some off road driving before I get lowering springs on it.

Mattbob > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/19/2014 at 13:56

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e36 because awesome balance for controlled drifts and the cold weather package is the shit. Heated locks, heater sprayers, heater mirrors, and heated seats. Case closed sir.

Textured Soy Protein > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/19/2014 at 13:59

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This is still a stupid, stupid, stupid idea.

I live in Wisconsin. I drove a Miata as my only car for 4 years. I ran Blizzaks in the winter. It was driveable-ish. The LSD and ABS helped. When the snow got deep, I didn't drive.

The entire point of a winter car, aside from being something you don't care about as much as your main car, is that it's actually, you know, good in winter.

Please, allow me to share with you what makes a good winter car, based on my many years of driving in Wisconsin winter:

1. Traction

2. Ground clearance

3. Room for you to fit inside while wearing a bigass winter coat

You know what your choices have in common? They have absolutely zero of these criteria that make a good winter car.

Leadbull > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/19/2014 at 14:00

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You buy an AWD car.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Leadbull 07/19/2014 at 14:11

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Nah..

blacktruck18 > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/19/2014 at 14:11

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I refuse to pick one of your options. What about an older 4wd extended cab pickup. Because this is going to be your second car. It should be something practical and since it will get driven a lot in snow 4wd would be perfect. Need to haul parts? YAY, bed space. Need to haul parts and 5 friends? YAY bedspace and 2 bench seats. Need to drive in snow or blast 3 foot snowdrifts for the fun of it? YAY 4wd. Go with something practical that you aren't going to want to put a bunch of money into and you will have more money for Porsche parts.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Textured Soy Protein 07/19/2014 at 14:11

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I'm not getting a truck, and I'm not getting an SUV.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > blacktruck18 07/19/2014 at 14:13

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I will reiterate this until the end:

I do NOT want a damn truck.

Vicente Esteve > Brian Silvestro 07/19/2014 at 14:15

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YOUR OPINION IS WRONG!

kidding

Textured Soy Protein > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/19/2014 at 14:15

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Ok then.

m-b-w loves his SUBAROO > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/19/2014 at 14:15

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Why not this

http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/cto/457678…

Or this

http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/cto/447218…

Or this

http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/cto/457495…

They're all manuals btw.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Brian Silvestro 07/19/2014 at 14:17

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Fair enough... :P

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > m-b-w loves his SUBAROO 07/19/2014 at 14:18

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Maybe this one....

http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/cto/447218…

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > jkm7680 07/19/2014 at 14:19

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I don't plan on taking my car even remotely off-road.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Textured Soy Protein 07/19/2014 at 14:19

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Or a wagon, all are too big for me. Sedans, Coupes and Hatches only.

Leadbull > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/19/2014 at 14:20

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blacktruck18 > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/19/2014 at 14:20

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Fine no truck, SUBURBAN!!!!

m-b-w loves his SUBAROO > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/19/2014 at 14:20

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At least you won't have to worry about getting stuck.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Leadbull 07/19/2014 at 14:22

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Then I'll see you in hell!

shop-teacher > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/19/2014 at 14:22

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I'd go with a V6 Mustang. It will be cheaper and easier to maintain, more reliable too. Just make sure you have an LSD. Don't let the haters get ya, I do just fine in Chicago winters with RWD, a locking rear end, and snow tires.

I do recommend carrying a shovel and a tow strap, in case you have a little too much fun. Been a loooong time since I've needed them, but I was damn glad to have them when I did.

Brian Silvestro > Vicente Esteve 07/19/2014 at 14:23

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I AM GOD

Textured Soy Protein > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/19/2014 at 14:23

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A wagon is just a sedan with a thing on the back. Or an extended wheelbase hatchback.

But hey whatever, if you insist on no wagons, then get a damned Subaru sedan/coupe/hatch fer chrissakes.

Leadbull > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/19/2014 at 14:25

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K-Roll-PorscheTamer > blacktruck18 07/19/2014 at 14:26

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...................Really?

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > m-b-w loves his SUBAROO 07/19/2014 at 14:26

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H6?

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Textured Soy Protein 07/19/2014 at 14:30

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Just like a hatch is a sedan/coupe with a bigger thing/butt.

I just don't need all that extra space.

m-b-w loves his SUBAROO > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/19/2014 at 14:31

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Sadly no.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Leadbull 07/19/2014 at 14:32

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Dinner time!

And it makes a for a lukewarm sleeping bag!

Textured Soy Protein > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/19/2014 at 14:34

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Ok, then get a Subaru sedan. They exist. Some of them even have manual transmissions.

Enjoy.

jkm7680 > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 07/19/2014 at 14:34

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Haha, It may be that I'm convinced that my A4 is a rally machine, even though my owners manual says it isn't.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > jkm7680 07/19/2014 at 14:38

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I'm convinced that my car probably has a little warning light that says "Ve are nicht amused by you hooliganism" if you try to off-road.

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/19/2014 at 14:38

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Get something. And by something another 944.

cabarne4 > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/19/2014 at 14:43

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I hear Mustangs aren't that great in the snow.

EDIT:

Jokes aside, between those two I'd get the BMW. As I stated in one of your earlier posts, the 1.9L is a metaphorical tractor motor. Will always run, albeit underpowered. Basic rear suspension means it's fun in the snow, but E36 front goodies means it's easy to keep the nose pointed where you want it to go.

That said, I'd get a Subaru 2.5RS.

Based on your criteria in other comments, this checks all your boxes. It's a small coupe, but it's got a usable backseat (for carrying friends). Practical sized trunk, 5 speed, handles well, AWD for snow fun (traction when you want it, epic power slides when you don't). It's a little 2.5L naturally aspirated beehive. Who doesn't love the Subaru burble noises? And because Subarus are the LEGO bricks of the automotive world, you can do a full STi conversion when you get bored of it.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > m-b-w loves his SUBAROO 07/19/2014 at 14:51

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H4??? :(

m-b-w loves his SUBAROO > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/19/2014 at 14:54

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It is a Boxter 4 cylinder.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Vince-The Roadside Mechanic 07/19/2014 at 14:54

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Brian is that you? :P

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > cabarne4 07/19/2014 at 14:54

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If I could find one! :(

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > m-b-w loves his SUBAROO 07/19/2014 at 14:55

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Meh...Good enough I suppose.

cabarne4 > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/19/2014 at 14:57

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You just have to keep an eye out, they pop up for sale. My roommate bought one once for $3600, drove it for a year, then sold it for $4500. Troll Craigslist (not just your local one, but all the surrounding major metro ones), keep an eye out on the forums, and don't be afraid to go far out of your way to get one if it's the right price.

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/19/2014 at 14:58

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No but I agree with him.

offroadkarter > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/19/2014 at 15:05

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Don't buy a E36

Don't buy a V6 SN95, nobody has ANY excuse to buy an essex powered SN95. The GT's are so cheap now.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Vince-The Roadside Mechanic 07/19/2014 at 15:06

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I just couldn't. I'd rather subject a Mustang or anything else to salt Corrosion than a Porsche, no matter how beat up and old it is. -_-

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > cabarne4 07/19/2014 at 15:07

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How far should I go?

cabarne4 > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/19/2014 at 15:12

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Depends on your area. You said you were in the Detroit area, right?

EDIT: A quick craigslist search of Detroit, Chicago, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Dayton, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh turns up a few results. Not too many GC8 coupes (like pictured above), but plenty of bug-eye and hawk-eye 2.5 sedans. Most seem to be going for under or around $5,000.

blacktruck18 > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/19/2014 at 15:14

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Fine, I voted for the Mustang, I still think you should get something more practical.

GeorgeyBoy > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/19/2014 at 15:23

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Conan > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/19/2014 at 15:32

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That Legacy's not bad at all.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > cabarne4 07/19/2014 at 15:34

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Any for under $3k?

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > blacktruck18 07/19/2014 at 15:34

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Okay.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > GeorgeyBoy 07/19/2014 at 15:35

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What's that?

GeorgeyBoy > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/19/2014 at 15:39

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Second gen LS

cabarne4 > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/19/2014 at 15:49

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http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/4573795231…

Just that one in Columbus, OH that I can find... Though the owner warns of "issues", and it's salvage titled. To get a good 2.5RS, you're looking more around $4-5k (on the "good deals". Average is more like $5-6k).

$3,000 doesn't buy you a whole lot of Mustang or BMW either, so don't look at that as a bad thing. At that price point, expect high mileage anything, maintenance problems, rust, etc.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > GeorgeyBoy 07/19/2014 at 16:06

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What's an LS?

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > cabarne4 07/19/2014 at 16:07

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Then I cannot afford a 2.5RS then. What's the next best thing?

GeorgeyBoy > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/19/2014 at 16:23

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A S-type with a Lincoln badge.

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/19/2014 at 17:00

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You are weak.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Vince-The Roadside Mechanic 07/19/2014 at 17:04

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No, I simply would like to preserve what's left in this world.

I'm going to find something eventually.

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/19/2014 at 17:06

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Cars are meant to be driven all the time everywhere.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Vince-The Roadside Mechanic 07/19/2014 at 18:00

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By that logic, I should drive the 944 I'll will already have year-round until it rots and ends up similar to this:

That is daft and stupid. Cars should be driven as much as possible, but there are limits to how much a car should be driven. With that logic, drive a Veyron in the snow, or a Morgan 3-wheeler in the middle of a bloody storm. Cars like these are meant to be driven all the time, WHEN it is logical and a good time to do so; in order to both enjoy and preserve the car for many more miles, this the best way!

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Dsscats 07/19/2014 at 18:12

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Help me find an SN95 V8 Stang Coupe under $3k in Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, or Indiana please? In manual(prefered) or auto form. That's ready to drive.

Dsscats > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/19/2014 at 18:18

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Give me craigslist links and I'll search!

03mach1 - Now has a Fiesta ST > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/19/2014 at 18:19

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3 grand? Good luck! I couldn't find anything decent for 15! Ended up finding a nearly pristine Mach for 10K, so maybe there's hope. As bad of an idea this is, I would probably pick the Mustang however. Because I love mine. And again, good luck finding one, but don't get your hopes up for a V8 at that price though.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > 03mach1 - Now has a Fiesta ST 07/19/2014 at 18:24

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I've found a couple. They just had some problems that wouldn't be worth dealing with; or they weren't able to be driven home. It must be possible for me to drive them home to be considered.

Dsscats > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/19/2014 at 18:24

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Actually, it was easy.

To talk down:

http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/cto/4525701711…

http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/cto/4483480842…

http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/cto/4530497247…

Within range:

http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/cto/4528717413…

http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/cto/4514689071…

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Dsscats 07/19/2014 at 18:33

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Thanks so much! Here are the first series of locations:

http://detroit.craigslist.org/

http://akroncanton.craigslist.org/

http://annarbor.craigslist.org/

http://ashtabula.craigslist.org/

http://battlecreek.craigslist.org/

http://brantford.en.craigslist.ca/

http://centralmich.craigslist.org/

http://chatham.en.craigslist.ca/

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/

http://erie.craigslist.org/

http://flint.craigslist.org/

http://fortwayne.craigslist.org/

http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/

http://jxn.craigslist.org/

http://kalamazoo.craigslist.org/

http://kitchener.en.craigslist.ca/

http://lansing.craigslist.org/

http://limaohio.craigslist.org/

http://mansfield.craigslist.org/

http://monroemi.craigslist.org/

http://porthuron.craigslist.org/

http://saginaw.craigslist.org/

http://sandusky.craigslist.org/

http://sarnia.en.craigslist.ca/

http://thumb.craigslist.org/

http://toledo.craigslist.org/

http://youngstown.craigslist.org/

http://bloomington.craigslist.org/

http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/

http://tippecanoe.craigslist.org/

http://chicago.craigslist.org/

http://rockford.craigslist.org/

This is everywhere I'd like to look for now.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Dsscats 07/19/2014 at 18:34

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Are salvage titles alright??

Dsscats > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/19/2014 at 18:36

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Depends on what for. I tend to avoid them, but if the car is beater status and it's for theft, I don't think it's a huge deal.

03mach1 - Now has a Fiesta ST > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/19/2014 at 18:36

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Does it matter if it's an auto or manual? Manuals will be even harder because out of the 20 something cars I looked at, there were only two that had good clutches. Also, on insurance, the Mustang didn't cost a whole lot more then a Civic. The big price had to do with my age. However, your insurance may be different. You'll have to check with them.

Dsscats > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/19/2014 at 18:36

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This might sound creepy, but what's your zip code and how many miles are you willing to go?

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Dsscats 07/19/2014 at 18:40

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I don't mind. It's 48076, and I'm not sure. 200-300 miles or so?

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > 03mach1 - Now has a Fiesta ST 07/19/2014 at 18:40

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I'll take whatever I can find if it's good; auto or manual.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Dsscats 07/19/2014 at 18:44

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I mean does it look bad to have a salvage car? There is one GT then.

http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/cto/446603…

Dsscats > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/19/2014 at 18:47

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In about an hour or less, you'll get a list of 150 or so suitable cars.

Dsscats > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/19/2014 at 18:47

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It does look bad for resale. Also, engine knock?

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Dsscats 07/19/2014 at 19:01

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Eh...I'll cross that one off then. Can it become a clean title ever again?