Does anyone really look for a project car?

[Roku35]

I'm really down-founded lately by all these project cars popping up here and there locally in Hawaii. And even as project cars, owners are looking for crazy $$$ for a project car:eek:. Not even running!

I guess I can understand if they had an original 356 Porsche or a original 508 with number matching engines or something similar in stature that needed work, but for run of the mill enthusiast who want popular, reliable, and or historically correct examples, I think that it would be very hard to find that person who WANTS that $30K-$50K project. Are there still people in your circles like this? Just curious as I'm having a hard time playing with my sub $10K toyz.:(

[Mister6er]

It depends on what kind of project car your looking for. I've seen 633-635csi anywhere from $100-2500.

[jbd5015]

i bought a running project car. not the smartest thing if its your only car, but i make it work.

i dont think i would buy a car that didnt need a little work here and there. just my nature i suppose.

-Jeff

[rem83]

Yup, I definitely bought the E24 as a project car, and that it has been!

My E30 was a fortuitous gift which has become a major project, and at the moment is keeping me from working on the E24...

While I do consider these projects, I probably wouldn't have acquired them if they were not running at all or severely damaged.

[BoldUlysses]

A lot of it depends on what's involved in the project vis-a-vis my respective skillset. In other words, for example, I'll tackle almost anything mechanical with little hesitation, but bodywork and upholstery scares me to death. I've bought project cars before (not E24s--yet :D ), and what they needed to get back to 100% was always mechanical in nature (or weighted heavily that way). Other folks might be totally comfortable doing bodywork or refreshing the interior--for them, a project car might run well but have some cancer 'round the wheel wells or trashed seats. All depends on your predilections.

-Matt

[Zack01GC]

There's no such thing as NOT having a project car. Unless you want to drive a 100% stock car and use only factory replacement parts for the rest of the time you own it. Mine is my daily driver, but it's also my project as there are many things I want to do with it still.

It is an investment for many.

[Alex E24 E30]

I think that a lot of it depends on what sort of market you want to play in. I'm nearly always on the lookout for project cars and related items (just the other day I bought a complete engine with accessories for $80!), and what I have noticed is that something like a Jaguar MKx is going to cost $5k for a non-runner or $10k for one that needs a bit of work. Alternatively, if you just want to play with little consequence, you can find old Supra's and Celicas for $500-1000 that will still run. Maybe not well, or they have a number of other things wrong with them, but still. There's a lot of regional stuff too that factors in. Around here, I can find Asian import junk all day long for under $1000 (that still runs), but the cheapest running junky euro is going to set me back $2000-3000.


Alex

[Mike323i]

I think it comes down to the person. Some people are just "project" people. I have clients who are the same way with boats, real estate, etc - they get a lot of satisfaction from making that silk purse out of a sow's ear.

And apparently, I resemble that remark. Projects seem to find me. I guess it's in my nature, to echo Jeff.

I swore I was not buying any more projects at one point and decided to "spend some real money and get a nice car". What did I do? Just buy myself an even more expensive project (ie the Alpina). And you should see the 'found materials' garage it sits in. It's clearly a disease of some sort.

[Layne]

Of course people look for projects. If it's a project in progress that someone gave up on, you'll get it for less than they already spent and increase the overall value. They are not worth crazy money, and you will lose money any time you sell a project, or it just won't sell. Project restoration is sort of like an easy payment plan (besides being something fun to do), you can buy a few parts at a time instead of paying all at once for the restored car you actually want to end up with.

[94ZR1]

I dont look for projects
They look for me

[dm635]

If I keep it on this board, if you own an E24 is it ever done? There's alway's an area somewhere needing attention. I do try to go for the best body condition. I'm comfortable with mech. & electrical & that has led to some great deals. And as already stated, I don't go looking for a new project, it finds me. Any used car (project) I buy I end up spending too much time & money to make it as reliable as possible. I want to be able to get in & drive anywhere if need be, even though I have a daily driver. My 1st 6 came along when I wasn't even looking. Was driving daughter around for a car when a neglected 85 635 popped up. A little negotiation & $500 later it was mine. Still drove it for a while, made a profit & bought my 2nd 6. Now I'm on my 3rd.

[Roku35]

Just when I think about some other project cars...

http://honolulu.craigslist.org/oah/cto/1616732952.html

What do you think? Still Undesireable? :dunno

[rem83]

sigh... there's always something good out there

[tlister67]

My project car found me. I was looking for something better and it was the only thing in the area that came up when I was looking. I really should have waited for a better car but I have had some fun and it keeps me occupied.

[Sparks Factory]

i think the silly money project cars you see are being sold by people who are trying to scrape up cash because times are tight, but still dont really want to sell their 'project'. So they but a rediculous price on it and see if anyone bites. Then they can tell their spouse "well i TRIED to sell it".

[jmitro]

I think it comes down to the person. Some people are just "project" people. I have clients who are the same way with boats, real estate, etc - they get a lot of satisfaction from making that silk purse out of a sow's ear.

And apparently, I resemble that remark. Projects seem to find me. I guess it's in my nature, to echo Jeff.

+1. i've got to have something to "fix" otherwise I don't feel productive. i'm not a sit-and-watch-TV kind of guy.

[smaglik]

i agree with Dave's comment that the e24 is never done. i have 2 E24s right now, and the to do list keeps growing. things break whether you drive them or not. jsut have to enjoy keeping up with it, and have a smile on your face when something new goes south, and you say motherfu....

[Mister6er]

I dont look for projects
They look for me

I know how that goes. They not only find me, but they latch on and don't let go:help

[Roku35]

i agree with Dave's comment that the e24 is never done. i have 2 E24s right now, and the to do list keeps growing. things break whether you drive them or not. jsut have to enjoy keeping up with it, and have a smile on your face when something new goes south, and you say motherfu....

I was warned before I jumped into the bimmer scene for the first time in my life. My best friend (crazy bmw enthusiast) told me those same words "You'll NEVER be finished."(I shrugged it off). Thats just not me, I replied. 18 months later...yup, its ALL me now, always looking for 6er stuff to do.

And just like you Ed, I see projects in double all the time.:eek:

[JRanmann]

I was warned before I jumped into the bimmer scene for the first time in my life. My best friend (crazy bmw enthusiast) told me those same words "You'll NEVER be finished."(I shrugged it off). Thats just not me, I replied. 18 months later...yup, its ALL me now, always looking for 6er stuff to do.

And just like you Ed, I see projects in double all the time.:eek:

Since you apparently haven't retired for the night Roku ... as it's 3 hours behind the times PST/or earlier, tell me,
...this just has to be you right, in the photo.. correct?

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5Ba2dU0C9n0/Sn_CAG8Z65I/AAAAAAAAAVM/Ao7b0dRZ5-4/S220/SamuraiChamploo_sm.jpg

...or at least someone you might wish to meet up with there...in Honolulu?

http://www.blogger.com/profile/05413344583490216720

See the very comprehensive bmw e9 'eating rust' project that's gone on since Christ walked the planet?
Are you all really lulu, or is that just native Hawaiian for passing time as owning a old open-top or sunroof
BMW in a rain forest must have it's drawbacks, surely? (Perhaps this explains the hairstyle?)

lol!

Ran

PS ...and while I am on the subject, what's with all the double vowels and lack of consonants (for the most part anyway) over there dem islands? Some sort of 'local' religious code, right? :D Peace, brother!

[amd4me]

i bought a running project car. not the smartest thing if its your only car, but i make it work.

i dont think i would buy a car that didnt need a little work here and there. just my nature i suppose.

-Jeff
LMAo been there. I had to finish a motor swap in 11 hours because I had a date.:buttrock

[JRanmann]

LMAo been there. I had to finish a motor swap in 11 hours because I had a date.Don't tell me you too began dating the girl you bought the car from, just to get her attention...been there!

lol!

[amd4me]

Don't tell me you too began dating the girl you bought the car from, just to get her attention...been there!

lol!
LMAO, classy bro.

[JRanmann]

LMAO, classy bro.Finally someone here who stays up late, has an IQ (and a post count) above 14 and who's actually been stupid enough just like I was (and still am) to buy that car from her to unknowingly support her meth habit...then drive the girl around everywhere in same fixed up car and also pay for the dates, only to be told later (in marriage)

"Honey don't...! just hold me?"

LMAO too!

Before it's way too late, I CAN recommend with good result a large cinderblock, tied at the ankle (hers) bottom of very deep lake despite her protests for "no swimming today" don't buy it...oh and apparent signs of human consciousness over the past seven years might be a surprise too?

Anybody home in there? She must have been pretty huh?

Figures they always are, much like BMW Coupes...our luck?

Cheers..!

Ran