Sold OMG gas guzzler Yank tank: Bid accepted, car delivered!

[eddyramrod]

Well, I've now been using this thing daily for over a week, including two shows already!  It's bloody lovely.  I took it to meet Martin at the garage, where we assessed the front suspension between us and decided the whole lot was shot.  So I've ordered a pair of coil springs and a pair of front struts, and Martin will fit them when they get here.  On the way home I shot a few more pics...

For a car with knackered suspension, she looks pretty good.  You really only notice on a poor road, or over speed bumps.  Unfortunately we have an overdose of both in Barrow!

Anyway, first Sunday I took her to Stars'n'Stripes, which was great, renewing old friendships and my membership of the AACNW.  Strangely I failed to take a snap of the car on display, though I did get many others.

Sunday just gone was the next one, and I took Sable in place of the MR2 which is what I'd booked.  That caused a minor hiccup in the admin, but nothing to write home about.  This time I did get the money shot...

Today I've been photographing it again, because I needed some for the insurance.  Naturally the pics I have were all at the wrong angles for them.

The suspension is going to break 500 for parts and labour, but I think it'll be worthwhile.  If the car needs nothing major come the next MoT (12 months away!) then by the end of that one it'll be bloody cheap motoring.

I had an email from the seller the other day.  The day after I collected the car, he went on holiday, so he must be back now... I had emailed him and told him my impressions (not quibbling, not wanting anything back, still keen on the car...) and NOW he tells me his brother-in-law, who had owned it for several months, had tried to slam it.  Probably cut the coils too short, and tried to make up the difference with rubber blocks.  That explains a lot.  Martin agrees with me that the new parts will transform it, given that information.  And yet, on a smooth surface, it's still lovely.  It's going to be better!

[eddyramrod]

I can't believe I haven't updated this thread since I ordered the new springs!  They did indeed transform the ride, and came in just

under £400 all told.  I was happy with that.  I've taken it to several shows, used it for my little commute and even done a daytrip north o'the border to look at a car for someone else.  It's been bloody gorgeous, tbh.

However...

As it turned 100,000 miles it decided to stop recording the mileage, intermittently, and at the same time, fail to display the speed.  When it does that it just displays a zero.  So I took it to Martin and he diagnosed the speedo drive sensor.  It has a sensor???  Bloody technology.  OK, so I ordered one, £55.  Martin fitted it, but that doesn't seem to have solved the problem.  We now think it must be the wiring from sensor to dash, but Martin isn't equipped to test it further so he's passed me on to another garage.  I've made an appointment.

I've also reached a decision, that I've been flirting with for a while here.  It needs to go.  It needs to be replaced by something older, something that a proper mechanic can fix with a spanner rather than a laptop.  And preferably American.  My budget is almost non-existant (not allowed to touch the savings, they are for our holiday in September) and anyway, I can't get away with two bloody big cars in this road.  So, the Mercury will be available the moment it comes back from the autosparky bloke next week.  MoT June, ready to enjoy assuming we can get the display issue sorted. 

How much?  I'd like £1k, but Shiter discount will obviously apply.  Even more so if we're still struggling with the sensor feed.  If you have something like a 1980 Buick V6 kicking around that you don't really want, I'm up for px activity, cash either way.

[Junkman]

What you need to do, sir, is raid your savings and buy a Caprice, before they disappear into Escort MKII Land.

You won't regret this decision. You'll enjoy the Chev for the rest of your life, and there will be many other occasions for a holiday upcoming.

[messerschmitt owner]

I think you need a small car - European, semi automatic (two pedals, but with a clutch), two seats and space in back for the dog, easy to park, good on fuel, tallist seats for mrs ramrod, decent speed, good spares availability ...

 

I give you ...

 

 

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201502070762920/sort/default/onesearchad/used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew/postcode/gl11ad/radius/1500/price-to/1500/usedcars/make/smart/quicksearch/true/page/1?logcode=p

[danthecapriman]

Shame your thinking of selling the Mercury on Eddy, but I totally see where your coming from wanting something older. I don't really get on with newer stuff and all the associated electrical shit either, inspite of some (like the crown vic etc) being very appealing to me!

You can't beat the old traditionally built stuff.

 

The Junkman's got the right idea, screw the holidays, once it's over you've nothing to show for it but buy an awesome car and you can see and keep what your money bought you for years. Get a Caprice or similar! Or ideally be a bit more elite and stay with the Ford theme, instead of the GM riff raff!

Infact I'm sure there's a Mercury like mine on ebay at the moment.....

[UltraWomble]

Im just disappointed you didnt buy the Neon.

[eddyramrod]

I think you need a small car - European, semi automatic (two pedals, but with a clutch), two seats and space in back for the dog, easy to park, good on fuel, tallist seats for mrs ramrod, decent speed, good spares availability ...

 

I give you ...

 

 

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201502070762920/sort/default/onesearchad/used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew/postcode/gl11ad/radius/1500/price-to/1500/usedcars/make/smart/quicksearch/true/page/1?logcode=p

I'm sure that was a joke.

 

At least I hope it was!  Small cars are not me.  I enjoy them for short periods for their rollerskateness and their parking ability, but long-term, and as a daily, it doesn't work, I've proved it.  If I can get something suitable it won't be my daily, it'll only go to work a couple of times a week; rest of the time I'll use the Tacuma.  It wasn't getting enough use anyway.

 

Caprice would be a strong contender if something turned up at the right sort of price.  I love my GM body-on-frame cars, they are ideal.  However, I really do have to guard the holiday fund.  MrsR turns 60 this year so I've promised her a trip to New England.  And no, I can't hang on long enough to buy something off the roadside there and ship it back!  (Immensely appealing as the idea might be...)

 

Something like this would be great...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271770258332?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

javascript:;

...except this is already over budget and hasn't reached reserve.  I know I'm not going to get this kind of condition, but you know what?  I don't mind a bit of scruff as long as it's legal and reliable.  My cars live on the street, scruff is good.

[messerschmitt owner]

 

 

MrsR turns 60 this year so I've promised her a trip to New England. 

There's an election in May, you'll get a New England then!

 

Save the cash, buy  a car!

[danthecapriman]

That Thunderbird looks very nice, I would if I had more space!

 

What about looking in Europe for something? May be more choice on the continent and possibly cheaper, plus it's already in the EU.

It's not much help I know but last year I spotted a 1985 Ford Crown Vic, parked roadside, for sale. It wasn't perfect but looked good and was clearly in regular use. They wanted £1000 for it. I was about to do it (based purely on impulse!) but stopped myself because of imminent Mercury arrival! So stuff is about.

[Asimo]

Oooh but that Thunderbird http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271770258332?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AITis rather nice, Not much there to dislike except the sunroof. I bet it is epically shite and I think I NEED it!

[danthecapriman]

Oooh but that Thunderbird http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271770258332?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AITis rather nice, Not much there to dislike except the sunroof. I bet it is epically shite and I think I NEED it!

Yeah, that's the spirit!!

[eddyramrod]

1985 Crown Vic would be entirely acceptable especially at that price, and Europe is quite a good shout.  Slight issue though, in that I need to be able to get to the car and bring it home within a day (without knackering myself!) so not really viable at the moment.  My Mercury was 100 miles away, which was ok.  Come to that, so were the Blazer, Cherry and MR2, and the Volvo wasn't much short given the route we had to take.

[danthecapriman]

I suppose if distance was the issue, for example the right car was in Europe, you could take the Mrs on a one way plane ticket then make a short break (weekend away?) out of it at same time. Pick up the car then drive it home?

[eddyramrod]

That possibility does exist, yes.  It isn't quite as straightforward as it looks (so what is?) but the big issue, and at my budget it really is an issue, is buying the thing blind.  I mean the MR2 was only in Yorkshire and I bought that blind!  In fact I bought the Cherry blind too, although obviously coming from a Shiter I had more confidence in it than from a stranger.  How much confidence would I have in Jean-Paul and his Thunderbird? (Other examples may be available).

[danthecapriman]

Good point! I guess at that budget the chances of buying a rotter are high if you can't have a good look first.

 

Wasn't there a V6 Buick on the ebay thread? I'm sure I looked on the listing and it was located in East Sussex? That's not that far from me....

[eddyramrod]

I just had a dig through for that Buick, because I did check out the listing.  It appears to have been ended because "no longer available" so maybe he got an offer he liked.  It was younger than I really want anyway, almost as young as the Sable, and listed for spares or repair.  IIRC it had some kind of running issue which might have made the drive home exciting!

 

Am I asking for the moon on a stick?  I didn't think so, because I'm only looking at the kind of things I've already had; but apparently since I last sold one (my 1962 Cadillac) prices for even scrappers have shot through the roof.  Should have kept that thing and not gone to Cyprus, maybe...

[oman5]

Late model crown vics have a lot to offer. Built like tanks, hugely long lived with proper body on frame RWD v8 layout as God intented. They also seem to crop up for sale in the UK quite frequently at not out of the way prices(imo)

Any of the caprices are good, even the 90s bubble shape ones which are unloved at the moment.

There's also a plethora of chevrolets, buicks and Oldsmobiles that had the frankly awesome 3800 Buick V6

[danthecapriman]

I think you'll get something for the money you want to spend and there's definitely stuff out there because I've seen a few myself. Just as usual when your looking there's nothing available!

 

There's a Cadillac Seville sedan not far from me too, no idea if they'd sell it but I don't think these are all that valuable and maybe a possible model contender?

 

There's an Oldsmobile Cutlass, 1978 in Leeds (I think) on ebay for £1200 or offers that's possibly the sort of thing your after but the problem is it's got no MOT.

 

And there's an AMC Eagle on the bay too, but maybe not the sort of thing your looking for?

[eddyramrod]

Eagle I've seen in the ebay thread, yes; but it's brown.  It's also over budget by some distance.

Leeds Olds would be a strong contender if it had MoT.  I don't have the space, time, money or skills to take on a project.  I absolutely HAVE to be able to drive it home from wherever it is, park it on-street immediately and legally drive it the very next day.

Seville, tell me more?  If it's RWD I could well be interested.

 

While I'd like another from the beginning of the 60s, I believe the beginning of the 80s is as far back as I can realistically go and I will be happy enough with that.  What I have now is just too young.

 

And yes, the Buick 3.8 is a tough, simple engine that I've already experienced, and happily would again!

[danthecapriman]

The Leeds Olds is a shame, again if I had room I'd have it as I have a drive, mig set and no need to use it straight away. It does look like it would need some mig attention for the test aswell.

 

The next time I'm in the area, I'll go try to find that Seville. It's been around the area some time. It's the original square shape one.

 

What about the late 70's early 80's type Lincoln Towncar/Continentals? They seem fairly cheap for the amount of car you get.

It's just a case of keeping an eye out when one comes up!

[eddyramrod]

Good call on the Lincolns, both of them.  That black one on the ebay thread would be fine, but again, as so often, over budget by so far that I don't even have to duck.

 

And yes, if you can get a snap of the Seville and/or any info, that could be very enticing.  I do prefer the luxury models (two Cadillacs and a Buick behind me already).

[danthecapriman]

I know what you said about going to Europe for one, but I've just been looking on Leboncoin.fr! There's a lot of stuff there in or around your price range and it's only France.

 

http://www.leboncoin.fr/voitures/756914833.htm?ca=4_s

As an example!

 

There was a tasty looking Buick Regal too, in a very shite shade of vomit green!

 

Although I can't read a word of French and I don't know what the euro to sterling exchange is at the moment. But I'm sure you'll have better luck in Europeshire with this!

[Lacquer Peel]

 

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C577791

 

"has been converted in to a 2.5 diesel manual"

[eddyramrod]

Good example!  I've looked on leboncoin before and as you say, the language barrier is something to work on... I did spot a nice-looking Plymouth Volare station wagon, much like the blue one that's on ebay.  Appears to be in the Somme region, which is north, right?  Like, just off the boat?  Same price as the Olds in your link, so about £800-ish.

[hairnet]

pound to euro is ace at the mo

 

ps france is easy do it

 

holiday meh spend it on something you can see everyday

[eddyramrod]

I am... the wife!

[UltraWomble]

Hahahahaah. Mrs RamRod hijacks husbands account.

 

Im so glad me and Mrs Womble dont share computers and she has no interest in cars (and thinks AS is full of silly old men)

[hairnet]

womble shes 100% right

 

get her on here

[Junkman]

Late model crown vics have a lot to offer. Built like tanks, hugely long lived with proper body on frame RWD v8 layout as God intented. They also seem to crop up for sale in the UK quite frequently at not out of the way prices(imo)

Any of the caprices are good, even the 90s bubble shape ones which are unloved at the moment.

There's also a plethora of chevrolets, buicks and Oldsmobiles that had the frankly awesome 3800 Buick V6

 

The Caprice drives and handles better than the Crown Vic, but the Ford has the better ride and is better built.

 

Don't dismiss the armada of 3.8 FWDs built from the mid Eighties right up well into the Naughties. Make no mistake,

they are darn good cars that still provide the typically septic feel of driving and despite having nominally the same engines,

pack the individual characteristics attributed to the various divisions.

What I'm trying to say with this, is that the Buicks are the softest and smoothest of the bunch, the Oldsmobiles go like stink,

the Chevies are the dullest and the Ponchos the barry boyest.

 

One of the finest packages of those must be the 90s Buick Park Avenue, which could be had even in supercharged flavour.

I had an N/A one, a 1993. I drove a hired one over 4,000 miles on a holiday in Yoosay, came back home, went to the

dealer the next day and bought one. It cost less than a 3 litre Omega at the time, thanks to a favourable exchange rate,

so they sold like mad.

Despite being by no means small cars, they are still just about practical in size and can now be had for shiter money over in

.fr and .benelux. Check out Leboncoin and that Belgian chod site.

[eddyramrod]

Hahahahaah. Mrs RamRod hijacks husbands account.

 

Im so glad me and Mrs Womble dont share computers and she has no interest in cars (and thinks AS is full of silly old men)

Perhaps what I should have typed there was, "I am spending it on something I can see every day, which is the wife."  MrsR is like MrsW, no interest.

 

Junkman, the only thing(s) wrong with the 3.8FWD generation is, they are FWD and have electronics.  I'd be no further forward than I am in the Mercury.  I have to agree with your assessments of them: Buick is the one I would instantly choose, because soft ride.  I love a soft ride.  I had a 2000 Park Avenue on our first trip over there and it was lovely, even if it did look like a big Rover 600.  Since then I've owned a Chevy Lumina sedan and a leBaron convertible, and of course the Sable, all of the 90s generation.  They're still lovely, but the younger they are, the more electronics they have to go wrong, and it's unnecessary.  Also, they're FWD, which automatically puts them at a disadvantage.