Tag: low-mileage

30-YEAR OWNERSHIP: 1984 Jeep Grand Wagoneer with 71,500 Miles

May 23, 2015 / moto+match / 0 Comments

If you’ve been looking for a really nice Grand Wagoneer with low miles, here it is. One owner from new until 2014. Beautiful Deep Night Blue exterior with excellent “wood” siding and nearly new looking Caramel leather interior. Carpet and headliner both original and excellent. Car was rustproofed when purchased by dealer and it shows. Original Sticker included – car listed at over $20,000 in 1984. This was the first year of the Jeep Grand Wagoneer line. Highly sought after.

Only 71,500 miles. This is a stunning driver that turns heads everywhere you go. You can pay a little less for a lot less car. Car is located in New Hampshire with clean title reflecting the correct miles. This car belongs on LI, Block Island, the Cape, Nantucket or Martha’s (or wherever you happen to live).

$24,900

http://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/5038829664.html

PICK OF THE DAY: Pristine One-Owner 8,600-Mile Opel GT

August 15, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Often referred to as a “Mini Vette,” at least in the US, the Opel GT in fact pre-dates the car to which it’s likened, the C3 “coke-bottle” Corvette, by some three years. It, and the Big Vette, take their styling cues from the Ferrari GTO as well as the Pontiac Banshee show car, but to label the Opel GT as a smaller version of a 300+ horsepower American icon is probably off the mark. This is especially true in that, despite the smaller exterior dimensions, they are about the same inside. Furthermore, “Mini Vette” to some extent discredits the GT for what it is: a comfortable, economical, affordable and fun people’s sports car. In that respect, it is much more Karmann Ghia or Alfa Giulietta than Corvette. They were peppy enough and handling took some getting used to, but was decent. Yet they never earned any credentials in motorsport so were missing that true sport in their sports-carness. On top of that, their relative low price opened them to neglect, not worth restoring. Looking at current values, there is some validity to that. What few Opel GTs come on the market, are typically those that have spent some considerable time in a field or the back of a barn. Most are advertised in such a state or strapped to a flatbed. In any case, their decay would take some rather ambitious restoration. For anyone truly interested in an Opel GT, finding one in original, well-preserved condition is the way to go. This is seemingly a needle in a haystack, yet two such examples have come on the market in the last week. This example is especially unique in that, with the exception of some proper maintenance items, it is completely original through the stewardship of a single loving owner. With just a tick over 8,600 miles on the clock, it is as close to a showroom fresh Opel GT as anyone is likely to find. Its Chrome Yellow is also a nice alternative to the typical red and looks especially smart against the black interior (where later models were white). When taking into account where other German cars of this vintage—and ok, the C3 Corvette too—are headed, the Opel GT may just be the sleeper in the bunch. This pristine example, priced at $9,500, may turn out to be an extraordinary bargain to boot. Find it here on Craigslist in West Orange, NJ.

PICK OF THE DAY: Tidy Original MK I Capri

August 1, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

The story of the Ford Capri is one not so much of invention as reinvention. With the immense success of the Mustang in the US, Ford identified that a pony car market could exist on foreign shores, namely Europe. Its project name was in fact Colt. Using the already sporty Cortina as a mechanical basis, Ford wrapped it in a handsome fastback coupé body. By the time of its introduction in 1969, the Mustang had grown into something closer resembling a draft horse than a pony. When the Capri went on sale in the US through Lincoln-Mercury dealers, the marketing boffins labeled it “The Sexy European.” This virtually insured that rather than recapture the spirit of the pony car of the mid-‘60s, it would instead be forevermore labeled a chick car. Having been established prior to the fuel crisis, it wasn’t until a few years later, when the Mustang II would replace its goliath predecessor (and itself be one of history’s chickiest of chick cars), that the Capri would be seen as a viable alternative to its European contemporaries from BMW, Fiat and even Alfa Romeo. Its dealer/service network was a huge bonus, but aside from that, it was a decent performer and a favorite or weekend autocrossers and gymkhanists. The US-version 2.8-liter motor was one of the most balanced, revvy, dependable V6s of the time. With a relatively-good-for-its-day 90-hp output, the smoothness of its delivery made the car feel much more powerful. The first-gen Capris would go on to sell reasonably well and merged seamlessly into their second reinvention as a more refined, cavalier (read: chick-y) twin to the Fox-bodied Mustang. The Capri name took a brief hiatus in the late 80s before being reinvented one last time as a front-drive roadster (befittingly, reclaiming its chick car badge) built by Ford Australia. Plagued by perceived quality and safety issues, the Capri finally came to rest in 1994. Today, however, we return to perhaps its most masculine iteration, the Mk I. And we do so in a good way, with a 62,700-mile example that has been remarkably preserved where others have literally crumbled from rust and neglect. Its àpropos ‘70s Copper paint has held up well, though there is a fair amount of oxidation on the leading edge of the hood. Inside, upholstery and dash look to be in nice shape with only some small tears in the driver‘s seat. Seller discloses some other issues need to be addressed, but the mere fact that one of these still exists in captivity, much less one that is original down to the clock, radio and window sticker, is undoubtedly worth a look. Find it here on Craigslist in Pennsburg PA for a reasonable $5,000.

IN THE GARAGE: 1990 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet

July 29, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments


VIN	WP0CB2968LS470358
Exterior	[L700] Black
Interior	[LC] Beige Partial Leather
Motor	3.6 L H6 rated at 247+ bhp
Gearbox	5-Speed Manual
Odometer	71,815 mi.

THE PROOF IS IN THE PAMPERING. Bridging the gap between the classic “impact bumper” 911s like the SC and Carrera 3.2 and the more modern 993, the 964 is considered by many to be the best of both worlds. It closely resembles the iconic shape that dates back to the 911’s debut in 1964 while incorporating the sleek styling of the modern Porsches. It looks like a more aerodynamic Carrera 3.2 but according to Porsche, the 964 is over 90% new components; therefore it represents a milestone in the 911s history. Yet it naturally maintains the air-cooled motor (now enlarged to 3.6 liters and developing 247 bhp in stock form) with further air cooling provided by the convertible top. With meticulous records including original window sticker, this is an impeccably maintained, original, low-mileage car that exemplifies the 964 as every bit 911, but decidedly unique in character from those that came before or since.

OVERALL CONDITION
The first thing we notice about the car is its paint. It maintains an outstanding gloss and depth and has never seen any accident damage. It is perfectly straight with no dings, scratches or signs of rust whatsoever. A tremendous amount of care has been given throughout its ownership to preserve its integrity. The top is all original with clear rear window and canvas in near new condition, with only one small (1/2″) snag. Rubber is like new all around and was clearly kept out of heat and dryness. Inside, we find a partial leather interior that shows very little wear. There is just the right amount of patina, but no bolster wear and no cracks or tears. Controls and instruments all work properly including cold AC. Carpets are deep and thick. The motor, like any 3.6, is a beautiful piece of machinery, but one with under 72,000 original miles and fresh service is exceptionally beautiful. There are no valve guide issues or unusual pings, tings or other noises. With a Porsche-engineered intentional omission of head gaskets, early 964s were notorious leakers. As part of full disclosure, this one is no exception. However it is minimal, with only about a spoonful after sitting a few days. There is no smoke on startup and fires immediately, even after periods of dormancy. The transmission has also been serviced on schedule and is very solid with smooth, crisp linkages up and down through all gears. The factory D90 wheels are perhaps some of the nicest to feature on any 911 and these are in near flawless condition with no curb rash and excellent finish. They are shod with Bridgestone Potenzas that show very good life (80+% tread). This is an exceptionally nice and properly kept example of a 964.

Options

070	Tonneau cover – Cabriolet
220	Locking differential
286	High intensity windscreen washer
288	Headlight washer
437	Comfort seat left
438	Comfort seat right
454	Automatic speed control
494	2 speakers on back shelf
513	Lumbar support – right seat
586	Lumbar support – left seat
691	CD-Player “CD-1” with Radio (since replaced)
C02	Equipped with catalytic converter

DRIVING IMPRESSIONS
I’ve said it before. 911s are made to be driven. Like any 911, this one is loads of fun to drive. Put your foot in it and its seats will hug you. Show it a twisty road and it will dance with you. If you’re feeling a little racy, that’s fine too. Everything on it it silky and tight. The 3.6 liter motor fires up and pulls strong while the 5-speed transmission is crisp and sure with so play and no sync issues. Steering is very responsive and the road feel is excellent through a tight suspension and excellent Bridgestone tires. Braking is firm and solid. This is a car that feels classic but completely fresh and relevant. In other words, it’s a true 911.

PICK OF THE DAY: Pampered Mercedes-Benz 250 SE Coupé

July 25, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

There are few cars that evoke the kind of refined establishment as the Mercedes-Benz W111 Heckflosse Coupé and Cabriolet. With its traditional grille, cathedral headlamps and subtle tail fins, combined with the individuality of its two-door body, it’s a car that even today turns heads to see who might be behind the wheel. At the top of the chain are the 280 se 3.5 Cabriolets, with values rocketing nearly 40% within the last year. While the fixed roof coupés aren’t in that sort of investment category—at least not yet—they offer most of the same panache, albeit without the St. Tropez vibe. More importantly, they do it for about 20% of what it would take to get into a 3.5 Cab. This example is a mid-generation 250 SE. The 250 SE, sandwiched between the early 220 SEb and the 280 SE, featured some driver-oriented improvements to it predecessor with a very capable 150-hp motor, four-wheel independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes. As such it would be an ideal entry in a vintage rally, such as this weekend’s Northwest Classic Rally. It is said to have been garaged and pampered, with an extensive amount of reconditioning since 2008. It has had a color change over a rust-free body. It isn’t original, but looks very smart over its handsome Dark Red interior, which seller discloses needs some minor cosmetic flaws addressed. Excellent maintenance on its 78,000-mile drivetrain certainly add to its adeptness as a quality driver’s car. Find it here on Craigslist in Great Falls VA for $33,000.

PICK OF THE DAY: Original One-Owner 50,000 Mile BMW Bavaria

July 1, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

As it was when it was new, the BMW Bavaria is a much-loved classic sport sedan. The Bavaria was the US version of the E3 and was well-equipped with full leather interior, air conditioning, and power accessories. On top of its comforts, the Bavaria is every bit Ultimate Driving Machine. With a 3.0-litre inline six, shared with the legendary CS Coupé, power comes on strong and works through a smooth, crisp 4-speed gearbox, typical of BMW. Steering is tight and suspension—biased toward handling over ride—is nevertheless silken and makes for a proper touring car. With nearly 35,000 Bavarias imported between 1971 and 1977, they aren’t particularly hard to find. Many however have succumbed to rust and, despite—or perhaps because of—having an ardent following, those that survived have been driven routinely—habitually even— without much regard for preservation. Finding a low-mileage, rust-free example is rare, but here is one that is not only that, but an original, one-owner 3.0 Bavaria. Though it wears a few battle scars, paint is said to be all original. Interior could do with some sorting, but is also original and shows no decay. Drivetrain is also original, with only the Zenith carbs swapped for Webers. With just over 50,000 miles, it should be a strong, durable performer. Trunk-mounted toolkit is not pictured, but it does have its original books in the pouch. With very little work, this is a classic BMW sedan that will turn heads and upturned smiles. Find it here on Craigslist in Laguna Beach CA for $8,500

PICK OF THE DAY: One Owner 79,000-Mile Chevrolet Vega GT Kammback

June 17, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

This is not a story about a ‘74 Vega becoming the next Dino 246GT. Nor is anyone suggesting that we overlook the series of recalls and failures that earned the Vega its rightful place as being one of the all-time crappiest of crap cars. This isn’t a Cosworth Vega, with its twin-cam fuel injected all-alluminum engine. It’s not a more relaible, better appointed later model. This is a simple 1974 Vega Kammback with GT trim. Yet it’s been pampered as though it were a six-figure LS6 Chevelle. Paint shines without any evidence of a respray and no signs of rust. Interior has been kept as new thanks to seat covers that look as though they were put on shortly after the car was bought. Carpets appear to have very little wear. Glass and brightwork don’t appear to have any pitting or other blemishes. There’s an awkward coolness to the Kammback’s styling; like it’s begging for a surfboard or carbon-fibre road bike to be placed upon it, if for no other reason than to be parked in front of the brewpub for conversation. In the end, this is about the very essence of this car love thing: that even a very basic crap car, when given love and exceptional preservation—by a single owner through 40 years—can be elevated into something… desirable? Find it here on Craigslist in Santa Clara CA for $4,600.

PICK OF THE DAY: Sterling 76,000 Mile Saab 99 EMS

June 16, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Before the Saab 99 even went out of production after a 16-year run, it was already a classic. Earlier Saabs, like the 92,93, 95, and 96 built a following for their advances in engineering , safety, toughness, and aerodynamics. Later Saabs like the 900 would be more sophisticated and offer more creature comforts around the same basic shape, but it was the 99 that cemented Saab’s place in the automotive landscape. It was built like a tank, yet agile and peppy; practical yet quirky; a people’s car but not mainstream. With the 99 EMS, performance and handling were dialed up a notch with a fuel-injected 2.0 litre developing 108 hp, along with quicker steering, stiffer suspension, front air dam, and the now-iconic “soccer ball” wheels. With most 99s lasting a half million miles or more, this 76,000-mile EMS looks to have benefited from spare driving not only mechanically, but as a long-time Florida car, it retains a well-preserved, rust-free Sterling Silver body and tidy interior as well. With a great deal of recent service, it promises to be as loyal as its next owner will be to it and the Saab story yet to be told. Find it here on the Saabnet Classifieds for a very reasonable $4,800