beater car

[Vulcanbill]

2005 y/o mini cooper S - manual trans sub 100k miles.  Anything to look out for unique to that car?

I want a 2011 ish outback sport wagon.  Basically a WRX hatch by another name. 

Anybody got something you wanna sell? 

[Bounce]

We have had: 2003 WRX, 2008 STi (stage 2), and a 2013 Impreza Limited Sport ("Wagon"). "Sport" has no bearing on anything other than it's name. CVT POS makes even a relatively-spunky car where it can't get out of its own weight. And the Outback would be heavier. 

[Vulcanbill]

We have had: 2003 WRX, 2008 STi (stage 2), and a 2013 Impreza Limited Sport ("Wagon"). "Sport" has no bearing on anything other than it's name. CVT POS makes even a relatively-spunky car where it can't get out of its own weight. And the Outback would be heavier.

Yeah...  CVT is now in the nevermore category.  Looking for a stick.  Many sub 100k cars show new clutch in the list of fixes.  What's that about?

[Bounce]

We have had: 2003 WRX, 2008 STi (stage 2), and a 2013 Impreza Limited Sport ("Wagon"). "Sport" has no bearing on anything other than it's name. CVT POS makes even a relatively-spunky car where it can't get out of its own weight. And the Outback would be heavier.

Yeah...  CVT is now in the nevermore category.  Looking for a stick.  Many sub 100k cars show new clutch in the list of fixes.  What's that about?

On the STi at least, the flywheel is light weight so the motor spins up really quickly and makes it easy to slip the clutch too much from just a standard start.  Lots of burned clutches from that (not for me). Earlier models (like the Bugeye 03 WRX) are reported to have "transmissions like glass". I never had an issue because my goals have always been "smooth is fast". My brother OTOH is a sledge-hammer-shifting demon. He messed up several clutches/transmissions on a 68 Chevelle (blue w/black stripes) because of how rough he is.

[garry]

I think I ended up putting two clutches in my Impreza 2.5 RS over the 150K miles I had it due to clutch shudder. I don't think I'm hard on clutches and never had to replace one in any of my other manual transmission cars, even ones with high miles.

[sleazy rider]

If that’s the Mini supercharged engine, they get sold just before 100k miles because that service is outrageously expensive.  Supercharger needs to come out for servicing.  Last estimate I heard was in the $2000 range.

[melville]

If that’s the Mini supercharged engine, they get sold just before 100k miles because that service is outrageously expensive.  Supercharger needs to come out for servicing.  Last estimate I heard was in the $2000 range.

My 19 year old has a 2003 Cooper S as his first car.  Yes, I know.

While I still lived in Old melvilleville we were bonding over tools.

It took him a few months after I moved to get to the point where he felt comfortable driving it the 200 miles to New melvilleville.  Where we get to bond over tools, some more!

He's learning a lot about leaks.  He's got the intake and boost leaks dealt with.  Now it's all about the oil leaks.


It is a buncha fun to drive, though!  Quicker on a tight road than my Z3M, if a bit harder to balance due to the FWD.

[jadziadax8]

We have had: 2003 WRX, 2008 STi (stage 2), and a 2013 Impreza Limited Sport ("Wagon"). "Sport" has no bearing on anything other than it's name. CVT POS makes even a relatively-spunky car where it can't get out of its own weight. And the Outback would be heavier.

Yeah...  CVT is now in the nevermore category.  Looking for a stick.

Honda Civic SI

[/thread]

[Vulcanbill]

We have had: 2003 WRX, 2008 STi (stage 2), and a 2013 Impreza Limited Sport ("Wagon"). "Sport" has no bearing on anything other than it's name. CVT POS makes even a relatively-spunky car where it can't get out of its own weight. And the Outback would be heavier.

Yeah...  CVT is now in the nevermore category.  Looking for a stick.

Honda Civic SI

[/thread]

finding one that hasn't been frankenstein'd by some wannabe is tough.  add low miles and you have a unicorn with hen's teeth

[miles]

I think I ended up putting two clutches in my Impreza 2.5 RS over the 150K miles I had it due to clutch shudder. I don't think I'm hard on clutches and never had to replace one in any of my other manual transmission cars, even ones with high miles.

My 2002 Nissan Frontier is still on its original clutch at 215,000 miles.

[Vulcanbill]

Might go look at this on Saturday

https://www.autonetworkmotors.com/used-2010-MAZDA-MAZDA6-i-Touring-chantilly-virginia-20152/vd/280968

[miles]

The worst car I've ever owned was a Mazda 6 from the generation before that one.

If you take it for a test drive, make sure you hit some decent bumps to check the suspension and try to make a U turn.

The fuel mileage was unbelievably bad (16mpg average), the car had the turning radius of a Greyhound bus and after two years the rear suspension on ours was shot.

[Vulcanbill]

The worst car I've ever owned was a Mazda 6 from the generation before that one.

If you take it for a test drive, make sure you hit some decent bumps to check the suspension and try to make a U turn.

The fuel mileage was unbelievably bad (16mpg average), the car had the turning radius of a Greyhound bus and after two years the rear suspension on ours was shot.

Noted. This is why this thread exists. Tks.

[bungie4]

Weird, I had 2006 Mazda 6 GT/GS loaded. I put about 75K on it, and I bought it used. No problems. I sold it for a lovingly kept Speed6.  No problems with that one either except my license would vibrate and I'd feel it getting hot.

[Vulcanbill]

https://royalpikemotors.com/202286/2012-Chevrolet-Cruze-LS-Sedan-4D

[Black Hills]

I can't help you with your search, but the best beater I ever had was an old mid 80's jetta. finally gave it up when it needed brakes (like the entire brake system)  at 475,000 miles that thing just wouldn't die.

[Vulcanbill]

I can't help you with your search, but the best beater I ever had was an old mid 80's jetta. finally gave it up when it needed brakes (like the entire brake system)  at 475,000 miles that thing just wouldn't die.

TDI?

[Black Hills]

I can't help you with your search, but the best beater I ever had was an old mid 80's jetta. finally gave it up when it needed brakes (like the entire brake system)  at 475,000 miles that thing just wouldn't die.

TDI?

no, it was gas with a manual trans.

[stevent]

I can't help you with your search, but the best beater I ever had was an old mid 80's jetta. finally gave it up when it needed brakes (like the entire brake system)  at 475,000 miles that thing just wouldn't die.

My dad had a late 70's Dasher like that. Those earlier water cooled VW's would simply not die. His 2nd ex had it last I heard, in Traverse City Michigan. It had well over 200k when she took off with it and she wasn't the type to do something as plebeian as actually buy a car so she probably still drives it. The SOB is probably still chugging along now with God knows how many miles on it. 

[Vulcanbill]

Well, we're gonna go check this out in the morning.  Rear drum brakes and 116 HP.  Oooof. 

https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/cto/d/chantilly-2012-volkswagen-jetta-w/7246134650.html

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[stevent]

My retirement plans are to distill moonshine and rebuild air cooled VW'S and old Japanese cars and bikes. That should keep me busy and out of trouble.

[Black Hills]

Sounds like a good plan, but I would suggest a marijuana grow operation as well.  All the good VW mechanics were stoned. 

[sleazy rider]

Well, we're gonna go check this out in the morning.  Rear drum brakes and 116 HP.  Oooof. 

https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/cto/d/chantilly-2012-volkswagen-jetta-w/7246134650.html

Either you bought it or you’re too late.  Posting deleted.

[stevent]

Sounds like a good plan, but I would suggest a marijuana grow operation as well.  All the good VW mechanics were stoned.

I'm over that. I smoked my weight in weed a few times over, 30 years ago, but I just can't do it any more. Hard to get anything done when you're sitting on your work bench drooling..

[Vulcanbill]

Well, we're gonna go check this out in the morning.  Rear drum brakes and 116 HP.  Oooof. 

https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/cto/d/chantilly-2012-volkswagen-jetta-w/7246134650.html

Either you bought it or you’re too late.  Posting deleted.

Gentleman's agreement. Gave him 100 bucks, he deleted the posting. Pick up tomorrow night.  Then meeting another guy and buying a set of TDI wheels because vanity.  Beaters don't need to look the part, just play the part.

[sleazy rider]

Well, we're gonna go check this out in the morning.  Rear drum brakes and 116 HP.  Oooof. 

https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/cto/d/chantilly-2012-volkswagen-jetta-w/7246134650.html

Either you bought it or you’re too late.  Posting deleted.

Gentleman's agreement. Gave him 100 bucks, he deleted the posting. Pick up tomorrow night.  Then meeting another guy and buying a set of TDI wheels because vanity.  Beaters don't need to look the part, just play the part.

 

[Vulcanbill]

Well, we're gonna go check this out in the morning.  Rear drum brakes and 116 HP.  Oooof. 

https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/cto/d/chantilly-2012-volkswagen-jetta-w/7246134650.html

Either you bought it or you’re too late.  Posting deleted.

Gentleman's agreement. Gave him 100 bucks, he deleted the posting. Pick up tomorrow night.  Then meeting another guy and buying a set of TDI wheels because vanity.  Beaters don't need to look the part, just play the part.

 

There's 2 up yonder.  That's the actual car and the actual condition.  Given the foot and a half of snow we're likely to get tomorrow, pics might be a while.    Guess I could link to the pics he took from the CL ad that I saved.  Lazy. 

[Max Wedge]

I think it is the user and use. My Jeep wrangler had 150,000 on it, was used for snowplowing, when I replaced the clutch. It still had life in it, but I replaced it because I figured it was due.

[Vulcanbill]

I think it is the user and use. My Jeep wrangler had 150,000 on it, was used for snowplowing, when I replaced the clutch. It still had life in it, but I replaced it because I figured it was due.

I replaced the truck clutch back in the day cuz I diagnosed it as a clutch going bad.  When we took it apart, it was at 50%.  Later found out that a hole in a 5cent piece of hose was causing what I thought was a clutch going bad.  I'm a freaking idiot.  But, luckily, there are fees associated with that level of stupidity and I have, in some cases, learned from said fees being charged over and over again.  Stupid fees I call them. 

[Vulcanbill]

Well, we're gonna go check this out in the morning.  Rear drum brakes and 116 HP.  Oooof. 

https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/cto/d/chantilly-2012-volkswagen-jetta-w/7246134650.html

Either you bought it or you’re too late.  Posting deleted.

Gentleman's agreement. Gave him 100 bucks, he deleted the posting. Pick up tomorrow night.  Then meeting another guy and buying a set of TDI wheels because vanity.  Beaters don't need to look the part, just play the part.

 

Should look like this when we get the wheels and tires on...  minus the fogs

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[Leanintree]

2005 y/o mini cooper S - manual trans sub 100k miles.  Anything to look out for unique to that car?

I want a 2011 ish outback sport wagon.  Basically a WRX hatch by another name. 

Anybody got something you wanna sell? 

Yes. When we purchased out 2011 Mini, we specifically got the Non-S version because the Turbos began to need rebuild just past 60k. Per statistical info. Personal info was every one of 3 S models we looked at had drooling turbo gaskets. As a heavy equipment operator in my youth, I felt that the Mini's were tuned like heavy machinery. Tuned for boost starting at about 2000 rpms, just barely off idle and lower than driving rpm. So the blowers are spinning for the life of the motor at much higher rpm, leading to power and breakdowns.

My luddite $.02 of course. But I will say that our non-forced induction car just turned over 80085 (Boobs!) miles without anything more significant than brakes and a leaky coolant hose. And it's a bundle of fun to drive fast, just have to be cognizant of gear choice. And on the non-turbo cars, the entire motor is built expecting the that extra power, and the turbo is just... missing. Covered with a block-off plate, and no associated plumbing. I feel that it very well may make it even tougher as an understressed component. Again, gut feeling.

LT

edit: Ooops... cardinal mistake, answering thread without completely reading thread. Fait acompli!

Edit 2: 1999 manual F150 got a new clutch a few years ago only because of proximity. Slave cylinder going out meant pulling the whole drivetrain apart. Since it was 4 inches away, I replaced the whole clutch set with a bunch of life left in it. It's all part of not squidding your manual!

[Vulcanbill]

AAAaaaaaand....we're out. 

Dude flaked on me twice.  Looked at the car on Sunday.  Agreed to go pick it up on Monday.  He sent a text late in the day saying he couldn't make Monday and needed to push to Tue.  Kim got up early, took me to work, came and picked me up and right before I left  work, I asked him for an address.  He flaked again saying he went to get the title and it was the wrong one.  He guaranteed me he had it and asked what he could do to make this right.  I said give us the car, we keep the money, you bring me the title when you get it.  He asked for half the money.  At this point we were driving in his direction (cuz we still had to meet the other dude to buy the wheels.)  When we got to his house (we'd kept him aprised of our progress the whole way), he said he was still 40 minutes out.  He said if you want, I'll just have my wife bring you out your $100 dollars.  We agreed to that.  We then said if you still want to sell the car, you bring it to us with a clear title and we'll have the money but we're assuming zero risk at this point.  He agreed to do that Thu.  Then as we were driving to Cabela's to meet the guy to buy the wheels which I now have no need for...  we basically talked ourselves out of this deal completely.  We found someone to fix the Crosstrek for 1700 bucks.  Total investment in the Jetta would have been like 4200 bucks w/ tax, tag, title, insurance, tires, brakes etc.  Throw in the double flake out and the uncertainty of the title and we're just going to walk away and call it a teaching moment.  Seemed like a really nice guy and it could have just been the perfect storm for him but I can't ignore the what ifs as they pop up.  Wasn't excited about the car anyway, just tolerant of moving on to a dry, boring, gutless sedan.  I already have a dry, boring, gutless hatchback but at least I know it's history and title status. 

Anyone need some nice 16" TDI wheels?   

[Andrew]

Soooo  this was a craigslist deal deal, Yes?

And you were expecting ......

[Vulcanbill]

Soooo  this was a craigslist deal deal, Yes?

And you were expecting ......

This is my first bad CL experience.  I was never expecting.  I was hoping. 

I got my C note back.  Coulda been worse. 

[Stripes]

Anyone need some nice 16" TDI wheels?   

These are for a VW Jetta?

[Vulcanbill]

Anyone need some nice 16" TDI wheels?   

These are for a VW Jetta?

Yep.  Came stock on a TDI but I think they'll fit all Jettas. 

[Vulcanbill]

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[Flyer]

I always liked those “mags”.
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[Stripes]

Anyone need some nice 16" TDI wheels?   

These are for a VW Jetta?

Yep.  Came stock on a TDI but I think they'll fit all Jettas.

Hmmm...  let me double check the size on my car and I'll get back to you soon. Those would look cool, better than my stock steel rims w/ hubcaps! Thanks.

[Vulcanbill]

Anyone need some nice 16" TDI wheels?   

These are for a VW Jetta?

Yep.  Came stock on a TDI but I think they'll fit all Jettas.

Hmmm...  let me double check the size on my car and I'll get back to you soon. Those would look cool, better than my stock steel rims w/ hubcaps! Thanks.

Where are you?  Shipping would be prohibitively expensive.

[ChrisFZ1]

My 2007 Toyota Corolla with 276k miles just died.  I replaced it with a 2009 Honda Fit with 106k miles. Both are sticks.

[Baxter]

My 2007 Toyota Corolla with 276k miles just died.  I replaced it with a 2009 Honda Fit with 106k miles. Both are sticks.

I've liked driving a stick, but my wife doesn't and we agree that each of us should be able to drive both cars.  They have paddle shifters, but that just feels wrong to me.  I'd probably not like a quickshifter either.  It's probably why I like motorcycles so much.

[Andrew]

The paddles on a Fit are not really shifters, more like engine rpm control. With the CVT one can put the engine in a higher RPM range for faster acceleration witht the paddles.

I am considering a FIT for the wife, her 05 Scion XB is getting a bit long in the tooth so to say. The Fit seems to cover all the bases, an the CVT works for her (never learned to row the trans down the road, and has no intention to learn). We test drove one at the local dealer a few weeks back, nice little car good fit and finish (Honda). I got a line on a EX-L, but not in a rush so might wait a bit. 

[Vulcanbill]

Just sold the wheels.  Made 105 bucks on that deal so it takes some of the pain away.  The crosstrek has paddles.  Cracks me up.