E34: The Community Rises for a Fallen Brother

[MacR]

Just two months ago, the E34 community set out to raise funds with the goal of helping a brother in need--Rick aka Attack Eagle. Many of you donated as a way to pay for Rick's contributions to the E34 community. Others just felt the need to help. Thanks to everyone who helped organize and donate we have successfully raised and forwarded $2,500 in funds to help Rick in his future needs.

I am truly honored to be among the outstanding brothers of the E34 community. Everyone stand up, right now, and pat yourself on the back. Well done!

[filmy]

I found out about it a li'l too late, but what's the outcome? Did the man get a car or not? BMW or not? The original thread is a bit... verbose. Update please!

[MacR]

I found out about it a li'l too late, but what's the outcome? Did the man get a car or not? BMW or not? The original thread is a bit... verbose. Update please!

From what I gather, Rick is going to use the money to purchase a cheap, efficient, low maintenance econobox so that he can transport himself to and from work, which I believe starts early May. This could jump start his speedy recovery.

Good luck Rick!

[K Fox]

I found out about it a li'l too late, but what's the outcome? Did the man get a car or not? BMW or not? The original thread is a bit... verbose. Update please!

Hey - you're still hanging around here?!??! :D And yeah, the original threads did get a bit lengthy...but logn story short is that he needs a car now, so he's gonna decide instead of us. May not be an E34, because an E34 may not be the best decision right now. It's up to him - we all decided we trusted him. :)

My question to you Mac is - did we get the money transferred yet? I'm going to take the new thread here as a sign that it was, but confirmation would be nice. :)

Fox

[attack eagle]

yes, it was just transferred to my paypal. Waiting on Paypal to release it to the bank so I can use it.

Turns out a decent m50/5 e34 was a little much in terms of maintenance, upfront cost, transportation to here, etc.

I have been working for the last 4 weeks and am 'under the gun' as it were from my boss to be more flexible on the hours I can work(ie 6am shift not possible when the first bus is at 6:20 and it is a 90 minute, 2 transfer ride).


thank you everyone for helping me to keep my job, and making it possible for me to still see my kids when I find a place to live and move out of Jen's house.

[K Fox]

yes, it was just transferred to my paypal. Waiting on Paypal to release it to the bank so I can use it.

Turns out a decent m50/5 e34 was a little much in terms of maintenance, upfront cost, transportation to here, etc.

I have been working for the last 4 weeks and am 'under the gun' as it were from my boss to be more flexible on the hours I can work(ie 6am shift not possible when the first bus is at 6:20 and it is a 90 minute, 2 transfer ride).


thank you everyone for helping me to keep my job, and making it possible for me to still see my kids when I find a place to live and move out of Jen's house.

Cool. And you're welcome.

Fox

[darrenforeal]

glad this worked out. I'm happy i could help. very cool :)

[TouringDan]

Rick - best wishes to you, friend.

[CAPEBOY]

Glad I could help out. Just don't buy a Hyundai, please!

[M Quick]

I'm glad to see that people are so kind! And i'm glad that someone in great need, gets to have this benefit! I hope it turns out great and that it will make your life so much easier!


May i ask why not an e34? Aren't there nice ones out there for like $1.5-2k with maybe some work needed but still perfectly driveable? I'm sure spare parts won't be a problem on this forum as people are so kind and helpfull! So why not an e34? Or maybe you're aiming towards another model bimmer? :)

[me78569]

I am guessing an e34 doesn't meet his needs right now. m50's are good, but they just can't match a honda or something for cheap reliable transportation.

I am sure that someday he will be back in the e34 world.

At any rate I am glad we could help out. Good luck.

[HE53]

:thumbup:

[NikosX]

Glad to help.

[K Fox]

May i ask why not an e34? Aren't there nice ones out there for like $1.5-2k with maybe some work needed but still perfectly driveable? I'm sure spare parts won't be a problem on this forum as people are so kind and helpfull! So why not an e34? Or maybe you're aiming towards another model bimmer? :)

That was the original intention, and we were looking for exactly that, but we couldn't find anything acceptable. Given his needs right now, he needs some form of reliable transportation NOW, so we'll all have to wait to see him back in an M50 powered E34. I'm pretty sure he'll be back in one eventually, as once E34 gets into your blood, it's an incurable disease. :D

Fox

[e34moneypit]

I'm glad to see that people are so kind! And i'm glad that someone in great need, gets to have this benefit! I hope it turns out great and that it will make your life so much easier!


May i ask why not an e34? Aren't there nice ones out there for like $1.5-2k with maybe some work needed but still perfectly driveable? I'm sure spare parts won't be a problem on this forum as people are so kind and helpfull! So why not an e34? Or maybe you're aiming towards another model bimmer? :)

Did you even read the other thread? It's explained in agonizing detail why Rick decided to not get an e34 (right now).

I'm glad to say I could help out. Bf.c ftw.

[RobertV1]

Happy to help!
Please keep us posted on what you get.

[attack eagle]

Just right now while trying to piece some semblance of a life together on a shoestring budget isn't the right time.

yes, eventually I will have the time/funds/location to build up an m50b30nv/6 e34 in CoB, BoB, or OBoB. :)

Or maybe something else m50/5 powered... if only I had a 55 Nash wagon sitting around.

http://www.autotraderclassics.com/images/a/2010/08/17/64524919/0_55_nash_new1.jpg

[M Quick]

That was the original intention, and we were looking for exactly that, but we couldn't find anything acceptable. Given his needs right now, he needs some form of reliable transportation NOW, so we'll all have to wait to see him back in an M50 powered E34. I'm pretty sure he'll be back in one eventually, as once E34 gets into your blood, it's an incurable disease. :D

Fox

I see :)

That's enough as an explaination, all i wanted to know :) And i understand that all that cares is that he gets a car!

And yeah, that sure is true! And i bet that Rick would want a touring again? Hehe.



Did you even read the other thread? It's explained in agonizing detail why Rick decided to not get an e34 (right now).

I'm glad to say I could help out. Bf.c ftw.


No i didn't, so that's why i'm asking man. m

[VwAlex]

I got an m30/e34 as a cheap/reliable transportation until I got my life back together and just got some good news this weekend I hope the same kind of hard decisions bring the same kind of news to you...

[Schneider]

I'm glad I could help and +1 on not getting a Hyundai.

[redimension]

^^+1!!

[WhoNew]

Glad to help.

[VwAlex]

aww shucks... seriously and studiously trying to avoid a kia/hyundai.


Buy a vw!!!:la

[mpaganr34]

You would look really cool in a civic. Like, reeeeally cool.

[jbondbmw]

Don't get a Neon. Every single person I have known that had one had it die from head gasket failure.

Focus isn't bad, it least it is kind of euro.

[mpaganr34]

Latinum comes from Central America, right?
One of the Foci could be a good choice. If they're good enough for Jeremy Clarkson...

[K Fox]

like, people think civics are made of gold-pressed latinum... actually anything with an H on the grill.

92 accord auto, $1800? no thanks.

89 CRX, $2000? ditto.

OK Quark. :D But seriously, the CRX wouldn't be too bad if you talk the guy down - my roommate has one and it's the best damn DD you can find. Simple, very efficient, cheap and easy to work on. Yeah it's a Honduhh, but for what you need it's not bad, just pricey. Fix the pricey - just wave $1500 (or so) under the guys nose in actual cash and watch him/her melt. Money talks...

Fox

[jel]

That E30 PO spent big $ on mods. Car must be so awe inspiring people broke both(all!) inside door handles & P window in desperate escape attempts. If they could afford the V6 conversion imagine the size of the maintenance budget!

Re timing belts, I changed the WP & belt on our E28 in a few hours in my drive way with just basic hand tools. A $14.99 Husky combo tool kit from HD would probably suffice & belts are cheap.

Good luck & glad to help.

[mattrc51]

My buddy & I just sold a 86' 528e that was garage kept since the early 90's and very we'll maintained. We sold it for $750!! Seems like we couldn't give the thing away & it was a nice car with almost no rust that purred like a kitten. So there out there just gotta find them

[attack eagle]

OK Quark. :D But seriously, the CRX wouldn't be too bad if you talk the guy down - my roommate has one and it's the best damn DD you can find. Simple, very efficient, cheap and easy to work on. Yeah it's a Honduhh, but for what you need it's not bad, just pricey. Fix the pricey - just wave $1500 (or so) under the guys nose in actual cash and watch him/her melt. Money talks...

Fox
ah, someone caught the reference.

crx/mr2/vette/etc are no gos because i have TWO (2) children.

[K Fox]

ah, someone caught the reference.

crx/mr2/vette/etc are no gos because i have TWO (2) children.

Yeah, I failed out of Geeks Anonymous. Oh well. :D Hell, I have a box or 3 of the original pilot episode of DS9 (on VHS). Got them over 10 years ago and have been whittling them down over the years. What the hell does one do with several hundred copies of the exact same thing? Answer: eBay. :D

And I forgot about the kits, that does make it slightly more difficult. You'll find something though. Keep us appraised.

Fox

[Meeve]

Seriously. Get a honda civic. You can rebuilt these car with a tooth brush and 5 bucks. It's reliable and cheap as can be to keep in service. Yes its a honda but so what. You want a cheap car or not?

[BoldUlysses]

back to square one.

Are you still taking suggestions? Has anyone recommended a Volvo Brick yet? If not, consider this a recommendation. Dirt cheap for what you get, family-friendly, safe, cheap parts, easy to work on, indestructible. And stylish in a twisted kind of way.

The only thing that sucks is the fuel economy, especially if you get a turbo. Expect mid-low 20s.

[attack eagle]

Seriously. Get a honda civic. You can rebuilt these car with a tooth brush and 5 bucks. It's reliable and cheap as can be to keep in service. Yes its a honda but so what. You want a cheap car or not?

cant AFFORD a honda civic.

they go for over 2grand in decent condition... even the late 80s models.

this is boy racer central, where everyone wants a honda civic.
supply and demand.

[jbondbmw]

and the parts are EXPENSIVE. (our junkyards do not cater to european cars... nor are they cheap when they do have parts)

You don't happen to live around me do you? :D


cant AFFORD a honda civic.

they go for over 2grand in decent condition... even the late 80s models.

this is boy racer central, where everyone wants a honda civic.
supply and demand.

All of the 18 to 21 yr olds in your are watch the Fast and the Furious series with no pants on then?

How about Accord, less desirable to kids and more room for your two kids?

[BoldUlysses]

yep, and there are none here for sale.

only a 240...

and the parts are EXPENSIVE. (our junkyards do not cater to european cars... nor are they cheap when they do have parts)

That sucks. Have you browsed the FS section here?

http://forums.turbobricks.com/index.php

I would do it for you but I forgot where you're located.

Parts are cheap if you get them from fellow Brick owners. At least, that was my experience. The water pump and various wear items I had to buy weren't bad either.

[VwAlex]

cant AFFORD a honda civic.

they go for over 2grand in decent condition... even the late 80s models.

this is boy racer central, where everyone wants a honda civic.
supply and demand.

Vw are cheap, cheap to fix, etc... I just gave away a 99 Golf today. Face it your doomed to end up in a nazi-mobile:D

[Meeve]

Vw are cheap, cheap to fix, etc... I just gave away a 99 Golf today. Face it your doomed to end up in a nazi-mobile:D

Only thing is : There are as reliable as a 100 years old rope bridge over a cliff.

[redimension]

i still vote for a Saturn sc2. Timing chain, bulletproof motor and w a 5spd can easily get 25+ mpg in the city and lots better on the hwy. Good, not great, examples of this car can be had for <$1000(cash in hand)+small personal repair costs. 1500 and you have a reliable vehicle to get you down the road for the next few years! Once again just my .02

[mattrc51]

I had a 91' A2 VW jetta when I was like 16-17 & it was one of the best beaters I have owned. Back then I was a courier for a law firm & drove it all over the Baltimore Washington DC area 5 days week on 1 tank of gas. Cant remember how much gas was @ the time but it was $20 or under to fill it for 300-400 miles to the tank. Also older diesel Mercedes were tanks & got good mileage but diesel used to be the same as regular or less so not sure if that would still be a good buy.

[sfgearhead]

I had a Focus for 3 years, had the best steering feel of any car I've driven recently, period. Loved to rev, had plenty of room in the back seat. interior is cheap, but I too was shocked at how much people wanted for a Honda. I got a 2001 Focus for 1995 Honda prices. Only major issue I had with it was a differential that got noisy eventually, $250 later I swapped in a used tranny and all was fine.

Go drive one. Find a 5-speed, they're cheap and cheap to work on, and fun to drive. Euro Ford's rock.

[attack eagle]

E30 was a pile.

So was the camaro. 3 days left to find something.

[e34moneypit]

I had a Focus for 3 years, had the best steering feel of any car I've driven recently, period. Loved to rev, had plenty of room in the back seat. interior is cheap, but I too was shocked at how much people wanted for a Honda. I got a 2001 Focus for 1995 Honda prices. Only major issue I had with it was a differential that got noisy eventually, $250 later I swapped in a used tranny and all was fine.

Go drive one. Find a 5-speed, they're cheap and cheap to work on, and fun to drive. Euro Ford's rock.

Truth. As much as I loathe my girlfriend's Focus, the damn thing won't die. Trust me, she tries to kill it too. Gets good gas mpg, trunk space is massive, not too bad to work on, has a great stock stereo (couple of amps in the back and a sub [yes, stock]) and, well, here's a big +1 to what sfgearhead says here.

What about a Corolla? http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/ctd/2351858415.html

[mpaganr34]

I just came in to ask about the E30 too :(

[attack eagle]

the e30 was so bad, I didnt even bother trying to test drive it.

hacks, rigs, sunroof handle broken off for 2.5 years... and the sunroof left partially open.
two flat tires, no battery, no coldstart, a socket over the throttle cable to keep it in place.

after he got it started, I just walked. that was a $500 car that would have wound up being an ugly $1500 car... or worse.


Talked to these folks earlier in the week. Older spanish speaking couple, they were asking $2200. 121k IIRC.

http://images.craigslist.org/3n03m83l65Y55Z45P6b4pbc324baf24cb11d9.jpg click pic for ad (http://elpaso.en.craigslist.org/cto/2345943069.html)

$1850 under my pillow. That's all I will spend.


http://images.craigslist.org/3k83m83pc5O55W05U6b4r67ccc5b435041fc9.jpg click pic for ad (http://images.craigslist.org/3k83m83pc5O55W05U6b4r67ccc5b435041fc9.jpg)
Rice patrol is calling but... better price? 135k.
Maybe can use to negotiate a better price on the first one?

Or he can keep the stereo crap for a better price. I'd rather have a bumper than a 'bumpin system' lol.

[VwAlex]

I had a 91' A2 VW jetta when I was like 16-17 & it was one of the best beaters I have owned. Back then I was a courier for a law firm & drove it all over the Baltimore Washington DC area 5 days week on 1 tank of gas. Cant remember how much gas was @ the time but it was $20 or under to fill it for 300-400 miles to the tank. Also older diesel Mercedes were tanks & got good mileage but diesel used to be the same as regular or less so not sure if that would still be a good buy.


Word, I had an a1 jetta diesel, with 500 000miles on it, ran it for a full summer with no prestone and when the engine seized I'd walk half an hour to let it cool and it ran again no issue. Then I had an a2 gti with 300 000miles never left me stranded and front discs where 8$... I don't know of any better beater.

Volkswagen = peoples car, and attackeagle is a person, so get dubbin already:stickoutt

[mpaganr34]

Yeah, you probably made a good call. Anything else on the radar? Sounds like there's some support for foci (although not a whole lot in the $1000 range) and some support for a v dub. Or maybe VwAlex is just posting a lot in this thread :shifty

[VwAlex]

Yeah, you probably made a good call. Anything else on the radar? Sounds like there's some support for foci (although not a whole lot in the $1000 range) and some support for a v dub. Or maybe VwAlex is just posting a lot in this thread :shifty


I'm the french alter/ego of attackeagle, it is my duty to tease him....

[attack eagle]

Yeah, you probably made a good call. Anything else on the radar? Sounds like there's some support for foci (although not a whole lot in the $1000 range) and some support for a v dub. Or maybe VwAlex is just posting a lot in this thread :shifty

He is. and no Dubs. of either type.

[Lord DRIFT]

Wow. Missed this. Makes me feel dumb for complaining about things that aren't important. Hope you bounce back AE...considering..

[atl530i]

Wow. Missed this. Makes me feel dumb for complaining about things that aren't important. Hope you bounce back AE...considering..

+1 Best luck.

[Funk49]

I'm not up on your whole story, but sounds tough from what I hear. I Hope things are getting better for you.

BTW, the guy that owns that yellow Good Guys truck in the backround, lives pretty close to me. I see that truck sitting in his driveway frequently.

http://www.autotraderclassics.com/images/a/2010/08/17/64524919/0_55_nash_new1.jpg

[Funk49]

I don't like to be nebby... but what happened to you A.E. ?

I take it you're in the ElPaso,TX area (based on the CL ad links) ??

[attack eagle]

this is not the weekend to ask that.

Yesterday (28th) was the 11 year anniversary of us meeting for the first time, today (29th) was the one year anniversary of her telling me she wanted a separation and Sunday (1st) is the 1 year anniversary of her telling me she wanted a divorce.

[Lord DRIFT]

:(

[NikosX]

this is not the weekend to ask that.

Yesterday (28th) was the 11 year anniversary of us meeting for the first time, today (29th) was the one year anniversary of her telling me she wanted a separation and Sunday (1st) is the 1 year anniversary of her telling me she wanted a divorce.

I can appreciate that it hurts. But as long as you keep thinking that way these feelings will continue to consume you.

This is your life now. These are your days. None of that matters anymore. Go out and make today the anniversary of something else.

[camaroguy]

^ This is true, though it doesn't happen overnight either...Git yerself a car and take it for a drive...anywhere!

[pushpins]

What is this, and do anyone have any cliff notes?

[e34moneypit]

What is this, and do anyone have any cliff notes?

Attack Eagle doesn't suck, we banded together and pitched in money to help him get back on his feet.

[attack eagle]

Ricer focus sold this morning.
5 speed one was a salvage title, with no ac and no airbags.
It ride nice but the owner didn't even let me drive. F that.
For what he was asking u expected a good well cared for car.




then i called about a slightly more expensive 01 Focus after i got back, guy said come take a look.

drove all the way across town, and there was a focus there, but not the one that I was looking at on CL.

he sold the 01 and was ALSO selling an 05, complete waste of a trip across town. Plus the gas I spent, and the annoyance factor of the wife is super HIGH.
3 minutes later she's on CL:
"here's an 88 chevy pick up"
-umm that gets worse gas mileage than the tahoe, why would i buy a car that i cant afford to drive?
"well, what about a crown victoria?"
-no
"how about a town car?"
-worse
"Here's an 01 mazda millenia, he says he gets 28 mpg"
-check the ratings on fuel economy dot gov. that's a 20 mpg car at best.
"Yep"



2 days left to buy a car...

Actually, only one day.

have to have something by tomorrow night, since I have no way to go see a car on monday.
this is NOT going well.

[ALEX 540i]

http://elpaso.en.craigslist.org/cto/2356281945.html
not the best car but parts are easy to come by.
same with this one:
http://elpaso.en.craigslist.org/cto/2355406882.html

[VacMan]

I'm getting ready to sell my autoX car. It has a fresh 2.7i (supereta motor with I head and goodies), new clutch, lightweight flywheel, real Recaro seats and a ton of mods done to it like brand new H&R Race springs, Bilstein sports, ST sways, JB Racing flywheel, urethane trans and motor bushings, supersprint exhaust, Momo steering wheel, Kosei K1 (13lb.) wheels with brand new Falken Azenis, etc. All hoses, belts, etc. were replaced during the head and clutch swap as well as new master/slave cylinders, resealed trans and 3.73lsd diff. Have receipts for over $4k worth of stuff without the cost of the car.

The paint is rough but it has all the original body panels. I have a replacement front valance and passenger fender that will go with the car if you want to respray it. I wouldn't hesitate to drive it across the country and back. Twice. To become a daddy driver you'd want to put carpet and back seat into it;I have access to both. I'll be asking a bit north of what you're looking to spend but if you're interested we can talk.

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p92/timrmoore/AutoX/IMG00362-20100627-1229.jpg

[VwAlex]

95 maxima? has a bazillion miles though, 188k. asking $2000. and fuel economy is not that good.

95 honda? even more... 205k. asking $2100.



96 sentra sold,98 civic, 01 focus sold, 93 impreza sold, 01 saturn sold, pretty much every car i wanted to look at after work today is already sold.

Gott want' s Sie, zum von einem Dieselvolkswagen zu kaufen. Alle Zeichen sagen so. :evil2

[auto da fe]

AE, buy VacMan's car so we can end this nonsense.

[K Fox]

AE, buy VacMan's car so we can end this nonsense.

^^ This. It solves the problems, and he's obviously willing to work with you since he knows the situation. :D Agree problem solved?

Fox

[attack eagle]

AE, buy VacMan's car so we can end this nonsense.

Since you dislike these threads soooo much, why do you read them AND take the time to post in them?

these are not the droids you are looking for.
move along, move along.



http://elpaso.en.craigslist.org/cto/2355406882.html

he's a dealer/ detailer-flipper. i called this afternoon about 2 other cars he had posted for sale yesterday and they were both sold, so who knows. that's when I figured out he was a small time 'from home' dealer. :D

I'll have to call and make sure it isn't the 3 speed automatic. Otherwise I wouldn't mind one bit.

[auto da fe]

One can't take one's eyes off of the train wreck. Or, it's like bodies strewn along the roadside after a pileup on the interstate. Either one works.

[googone20]

AE, I know you are in a bind and need something fast. I just can't believe you willing to jump in a older Cavalier over a sorted E30. I agree that this is completely your choice, but a E30 is a legendary chassis and would also net you excellent gas mileage. I suggest calling VacMan and see if you guys can work it out. It is also a matter of pay now, or pay later. These beat up cars on CL won't be nearly as sorted as a known members car.

[BoldUlysses]

AE, I know you are in a bind and need something fast. I just can't believe you willing to jump in a older Cavalier over a sorted E30. I agree that this is completely your choice, but a E30 is a legendary chassis and would also net you excellent gas mileage. I suggest calling VacMan and see if you guys can work it out. It is also a matter of pay now, or pay later. These beat up cars on CL won't be nearly as sorted as a known members car.

Maybe it's a mental thing. Maybe he doesn't feel like he belongs back in a BMW at this point in his life. Or maybe he thinks it will be too tempting to mod (a legitimate concern for many of us, myself included).

There's something to be said for cars that are basic transportation appliances and will never, ever be anything other than that. I drove a Saturn station wagon for 3 years, and there was something oddly "liberating" about it.

[attack eagle]

One can't take one's eyes off of the train wreck. Or, it's like bodies strewn along the roadside after a pileup on the interstate. Either one works.

What train wreck?


i hope you enjoy my upcoming 'looking for an apartment' thread.
Or 'interior decorating' thread.
Or 'i need GF' thread.

[attack eagle]

AE, I know you are in a bind and need something fast.
I just can't believe you willing to jump in a older Cavalier over a sorted E30.
I agree that this is completely your choice, but a E30 is a legendary chassis and would also net you excellent gas mileage.
I suggest calling VacMan and see if you guys can work it out.
It is also a matter of pay now, or pay later. These beat up cars on CL won't be nearly as sorted as a known members car.

then apparently you don't know how much of a bind I am in.
TONIGHT. not next week, not friday, not wednesday, not in two weeks.
I got the funds in the bank late tuesday afternoon which was my last day off, but I worked until today.
Tomorrow I need a car in my driveway.
Jen was nice enough to come get me from work this weekend while she was off so I could go lok for cars before it got late, instead of getting home at 7:30 or 8 pm.
So I am calling sellers and asking them to bring their car by my ex wife's house so I can see it.

Guy with the 01 elantra with 200k and a 5 speed is driving over from the other side of town, he will be here in about 1/2 an hour.


And VacMan knows how much we raised and indicated it was going to cost more.
I have exactly what i was given, and nothing more to spend, nor will I have more later to 'pay later'.

When we grow up, we make hard choices.
i need a reliable gas saver car that is cheap by tomorrow morning.
Cars I would LIKE to have had were expensive or not local.

[googone20]

Yeah, totally understand. I just want to see you in something you will enjoy driving and be proud of in the long run. You ultimately just need transportation at this point so you will have to choose what is available.

[attack eagle]

sucks that i missed out on the good foci and the e30 was a pile. I even called about the e30 IC that ws posted earlier, but the guy's phone was disconnected (guess he didn't sell it fast enough?).

guy with the hyundai was supposed to call me about 15 minutes ago when he got on this side of town... ah well. time to start calling other people.

928 is tempting but not practical. at all. lol.

[jbondbmw]

I can see why A/E doesn't want the E30.

- Looks to be to expensive
- It's track prepped so I am sure it isn't comfy
- It has no back seat, where is he going to put his kids?


I wish you the best of luck finding something safe, reliable, and economical.

I also have to agree with what Matt said. The fact that when you are driving a car you are not enthusiastic about, it is more relaxing/freeing/liberating. At this point I think that is what A/E needs.

[attack eagle]

Well, looked at a 98 contour. Decent car, drove/rode well but the od switch was busted, needed ac topped up,
ATF was low, and had 98k but no record of timing belt change.

Offered 1800, guy countered with 2k and wouldn't budge lower.
He insisted that was already $1000 off the $2950 price on the window (despite it being on cl for $2450)
wouldn't go to even $1900.

So I walked.



I can see why A/E doesn't want the E30.

- Looks to be to expensive
- It's track prepped so I am sure it isn't comfy
- It has no back seat, where is he going to put his kids?
I wish you the best of luck finding something safe, reliable, and economical.


its the former. and the fact that it isn't local. the rest i don't care about, I could get a back seat from vacman I am sure.

[spyrot1]

This is like an episode of the Amazing Race... it's coming down to the wire!

:eatpop:

Can you rent a car until you find a purchase?

[VacMan]

Not the worst choice for inexpensive transportation.

I only offered my car as a last ditch solution knowing it was way too far away to do in a short period of time. It's actually a very decent street car...lots of people run the same suspension on their street E30's. :) I would have accepted the raised amount to help you out as long as I got first right of refusal when you sold it.

Hell, if you were closer you could use it for free...I'm sick of it sitting in the side driveway. It gets in the way every time I pull my bicycle out and I think "Ugh, I should sell this car." That said I drove it for a while today and it is SO much fun around town, albeit loud without an interior.

I've been keeping an eye on cars for you out here as well because I travel a lot for work and I'm going to be in PHX this week. I could have driven it to PHX for you and then you could figure out how to get it from there. Oh well. Glad you found something.

Tim

EDIT: Err, nice ninja edit AE. I assume you re-changed your mind? :D

[Racerhoze]

EDIT: Err, nice ninja edit AE. I assume you re-changed your mind? :D

E30 time????

AE, I think it would be worth it to rent a car for a few days and find a way to get Vac's e30.

Disclaimer: I am not in the position you are in, so I am just throwing in my .02. Just think you would be much happier in the e30.

[attack eagle]

YUP, ninja edit ftw.

I did get the Mondeo/Contour SE.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b106/AttackEagle/IMG_1111.jpg

They called me from work shortly after I posted (pre ninja edit) and asked me to pick up a full shift tomorrow... instead of 5-11. OK. Of course i will.
then he called and backed it up 30 minutes. OK sure.

then called again and backed it up to 12 noon-9pm. OK sure
(aka i need this job, so i am going to smile and pick up hours when offered, and work the shifts I am asked to without complaints...)

So my tomorrow was shot, and after looking at another car and calling about 2 others, I said ____ it.

Figured, why let the only decent condition car I had seen go because of a $100 difference and stress myself out further?
I made em work for the grudging extra $100 though.
Made em come pick me and the boys up from the house and close the deal after hours.
:D
Zetec is a NON-interference motor. once I found that out, I was at ease about it.
2k is not a steal, but it was in better shape than they thought it was after I dickered about the timing belt, OD not working, a/c not cooling, etc.
It's an ecu trans... the momentary switch tells the computer to turn it off, not turn it on.
Afer I bought it, i touched the wires together, OD off.
Did it again and OD on.
they even added it on the bill of sale, "AS-IS overdrive not working"
lol. it is fine. just tucked the wires away under the shifter.

this thing is a grown up, practical, functional, "don't have to give a huge shhh about it" small car
with second gen airbags, rated for good mpg (21/30), rides decent, handles better than expected.
And the kids like it fine.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b106/AttackEagle/IMG_1110.jpg

So: time for ---
Accounting Of BF.C funds:

$40 in the Tahoe on Friday to pay for all the gas I was using running around in it this weekend looking at cars.

total "out the door" on the mondeo, with TT&L was $2270.80

Add in one freon charge kit, + one quart of ATF and we are at $2300 for the car.

$45 to fill the tank,
$9.00 for a 16" pizza for the boys & I since they were running around with me until 9 pm at autozone/walmart and needed feeding,
and I got insurance for it online, w/ uninsured motorist coverage (near mandatory here)... $41

2300 + 40 + 45 + 9 + $41 = $2435 from $2500.

the change left over is going into my "first month's deposit/rent on an apartment" fund.
I hope everyone that donated is satisfied that i spent the money wisely and judiciously.
and not on tats, beer, strippers, etc...
Despite how appealing growing the local economy is.



Status of Mondeo (can I call it that instead of 'contour'?):

I just charged the A/C a little, but will have to wait until it is warmer outside (still cold at night) to check it better.
Got a quart of Mercon V in case the trans needs it, might get one of those siphon thru the dipstick things and change the fluid that way,
it is only 4 quarts capacity.

Car runs pretty well, could eventually use a door seal/windlace on the driver's side, slightly noisy/worn down.
Some interior vacuuming needed, Ford parts-bin cassette head (need to find a cassette!),
but it works fine, the speakers are all ok, headlights need a restoration...
but no drips, no stains on the engine, shifts and drives fine, no puffs of smoke,
a little P/S noise under load near full lock,
will check the fluid level once i find out what type of fluid it actually is (atf? P/S? something else?).

runs a little warmer indicated than I like with the ac off/ heater off, though within the normal range on the dial,
but with either one on it is fine.
Already know a trick to make the ecu trigger the high speed on the fan all the time, and the sensor is $28 from autozone.
I will do that Friday after I confirm it is just that the low speed resistor has failed, which is my guess right now.


I'm actually fixing the shift lever/knob right now, as soon as I find some tape to tighten the fitment.

And since 3 of 4 plastic lug covers look like butt with paint missing, I will either take them off, or paint them graphite.
Also thinking of blacking out the grill and headlights.

thing NEEDS driving lights, low beams suck.

[Racerhoze]

ah, ninja edit ftw.

I got the Mondeo/Contour.

not a steal, but I knew the OD was working, and they didn't.

I just charged the A/C a little, will have to wait until it is warmer outside (still cold at night) to check it better. Got a quart of Mercon V incase the trans needs it, might get one of those siphon thru the dipstick things and change the fluid that way, it is only 4 quarts.

http://www.andysautosport.com/ford/1995_1997_contour/suspension/coilovers/full_coilover_systems/d2/

http://www.3lduratec.com/engines.html

wait wait, no modding. Mods- bad.

take it off any sweet jumps?

[Sherman]

Nice choice. For this price it should serve you well. Glad you went back for it and that they honored your last price. Congrats.

[Sam Son]

congrats ..glad to see you got something. Good luck with it and any future endeavors

[attack eagle]

http://www.3lduratec.com/engines.html

wait wait, no modding. Mods- bad.

take it off any sweet jumps?

LOL. right?

"no mods no mods no mods"

I was at walmart looking at meguire's headlight restore kit, oven cleaner, and Fusion paint earlier in the evening.

"no mods no mods no mods"

and looking for fog lights on ebay.

"no mods no mods no mods"

Keep reminding myself of that same mantra.
At least for now, until I get my own place, a bed, and other assorted stuff to make it a home.

[NikosX]

Glad you got a ride Rick. Use it in good health.

[attack eagle]

thank you nick. you got the ball rolling.

[Sir Montalbon]

Congratulations! Hope everything works out for you. Now, you need to update your "Cars" in the header ;)

[BoldUlysses]

Congrats. Absolutely you can call it a Mondeo. The Top Gear guys would approve. :thumbup:

I hear those cars are really underrated, handling-wise. Bummer you didn't get a stickshift, though.

Moar pics? :D

[E34nication]

Pretty damn nice for $2k man! Hopefully you have the same luck with fords that my family has had (250k miles without a hiccup).

[cornflakecwl]

Not a bad pickup at all for 2k + the small fixups it needs. Congrats Rick, hope she serves you well and glad to have been a part of the AE Relief fund!!

[attack eagle]

i think the contour forums are owned by the same guy as the tahoeyukon forums.

[spyrot1]

Wow... it's finally over!

This was like the Odyssey... one long trip... to get beater!

What are we going to do now?

We have to start a new thread... AE's Excellent (or Bogus) Contour Adventure!

[samteezy]

Congrats AE! I'd been following this thread eagerly and I'm glad you've got a ride.

I'm a big believer that in the end all things work out for the best. Hope you're feeling the same way too.

[attack eagle]

Just dropped a can of r134a in. Still needs about1/2 acan and a fan temp sensor, but I think it's good for now. Back to work!

[BoldUlysses]

Just dropped a can of r134a in. Still needs about1/2 acan and a fan temp sensor, but I think it's good for now. Back to work!

Happy for you. There's nothing like getting grease under your fingernails again after a long hiatus. :thumbup:

[Meeve]

Good to see you got one in time! Keep it clean, fix it and use it, and when you are back in business with a new place and stuff, sell it and get an e34.

[K Fox]

Glad to hear that you finally got wheels to use. Now we can all relax! :stickoutt But seriously, it's good to know you got this done in time, now you can concentrate on making everything else better. Good times.

And on the headlight restoration - that's not a mod. It's safety. And FYI, the turtle wax kit seems to work better - a buddy of mine did that recently and I had a 3M one laying around, and after using it he wasn't happy so he tried the Turtle Wax one. It was better, I'll admit. And the difference in ability to see at night is awesome. So do the headlights - it's OK.

Fox

[Elekta]

Congratulations! Hope everything works out for you. Now, you need to update your "Cars" in the header ;)

Just put 'yes'

congrats friend. keep grinding

[Racerhoze]

I cleared the haze off some mustang plastic headlights with just some buffing compound paste. I suppose some sealer or protectant after that would be good. But the "kits" seem to cost an assload, while the compound costs like 4 dollars.

[attack eagle]

I think the turtle wax kit is like $8?

Would like to have one that uses a drill, cause the hand buffing is fatiguing and doesn't give as good a result, in my experience.

The last set I had to do that to, we did it with a big buffer and compound in about 5 minutes.

RE: fan
apparently there are two sensors and a resistor for the thing.
:Shrug:
I'll figure it out eventually when I have some time to mess around.
Sure miss having a (free) shop manual and ETM, lol!

BTW, bf.c E34 forum? Best on the net. Hands down.

[Chinman]

Glad to see you mobile again.
Nothing wrong with calling it a Mondeo. It sounds better than Contour.
FYI, my uncle had one of those and he said it would do better than 30 on the highway at a 70mph cruise.

[Racerhoze]

I think the turtle wax kit is like $8?

Would like to have one that uses a drill, cause the hand buffing is fatiguing and doesn't give as good a result, in my experience.

The last set I had to do that to, we did it with a big buffer and compound in about 5 minutes.

RE: fan
apparently there are two sensors and a resistor for the thing.
:Shrug:
I'll figure it out eventually when I have some time to mess around.
Sure miss having a (free) shop manual and ETM, lol!

BTW, bf.c E34 forum? Best on the net. Hands down.

Hmm, I just remember stopping by the auto parts store and seeing the 3M one with the drill attachment for like 30 bucks.

[attack eagle]

it's an interesting car.

pretty cleanly laid out under the hood, especially for a 'domestic'.
there is some very obvious germanic/european engineering under there. things like OD doesn't kick in until 55, wires tucked away, mostly.



Hmm, I just remember stopping by the auto parts store and seeing the 3M one with the drill attachment for like 30 bucks.

mequire's kit is $20 at walmart.

[ShapeShifter]

Congrats!
IMHO, any car tagged and on the road for under $2500 aint bad at all.

Hopefully everything else starts to fall into place for you..

[RobZR]

Glad eveything is working out.

The 'tour is an od bird for the US. in Europe its up against some real nice cars. The z-tec has potential and is a robust motor. The chassis is quite rigid and handles well for a FWD.
When Ford brought it over to replace the Tempo (ha!). they didn't market it, and complained it didn't sell. then they found out it cost to much to produce and started to strip it of any content.

I owned a '95 SE and drove the hell out of it for 10years. I put 170K on it and sold it to my niece. she drove it to 210K before trading it in. still with the original clutch.
Autocrossed it in G-stock with a pair of koni's and race tires. supprised the hell out of alot of Honda and VW drivers.

Things to look for are plastic impeller waterpump and a weak Diff on US cars. The wheel bearings are a PITA to replace.

When you get settled I got as set of 15" Moda Sports gathering dust that will kill the grocery getter look.

Good luck

RobZR

MKE

[attack eagle]

The 'tour is an od bird for the US.
When Ford brought it over to replace the Tempo (ha!). they didn't market it, and complained it didn't sell. then they found out it cost to much to produce and started to strip it of any content.


Things to look for are plastic impeller waterpump and a weak Diff on US cars. The wheel bearings are a PITA to replace.

When you get settled I got as set of 15" Moda Sports gathering dust that will kill the grocery getter look.RobZR


Rob, you just became my new best friend... lol.
I'm actually thinking of painting the 'centercaps' in graphite or charcoal after stripping what is left of the paint off. Its all damaged and or bubbly. they'd look a little like the old NICHE wheels...
now i know who to ask questions of, when I get some new ones.
I kept reading that it was 'too small' the focus was bigger inside etc.
Seems plenty big enough to me.


Crosspost from e34 OT:

BF.C Mondeo update:

I'm doing a head and changer install tonight in the Mondeo. Might as well. I got sent home from work, got sick while I was there.

well, after I get a harness from walmart. Fords with single din Cassette/base system are so brutally easy to swap out.

Changer is now mounted hanging in the trunk from the package tray in an OEM looking location, + it's my old Clarion that was in the touring (round 1) so the Changer shell is already painted black to look super OEM. If I wanted to be super-anal, I could even put a ford labeled cartridge in it (clarion made their changers).
I am not.
It has an Aiwa cartridge (cheaper, and yes, clarion made their changers too)

thought it was funny that the head unit and changer "match." They are also 1998 models. I got one of the very first rx755dz (serial number 237) to come out (proaudio 7575 with a 'best buy only' more oem looking face, instead of the clarion's glowing green oval preset buttons, rounded face), and one of the first CeNet changers. I will have to save up for the $$$ for a PIE CLR-AUX to jack in the ipod. I can make a few mix cds in the mean time. maybe even figure out how ot make a CD that uses sonys titling so the clarion will display song titles like ipods do...


comparison for any geeks interested
755dz
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b106/AttackEagle/100_0358.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b106/AttackEagle/bimmer/100_1541.jpg

7575
http://www.tuningmania.com.br/autosom/manuais/clarion/DRX7575z.jpg


--------"repairs" update-----------

Also figured out why the trunk wouldn't open from the inside handle... but only after i took the trunk trim + mechanism apart. Little red lever isn't a child safety/entrapment lever. It is the lever to deactivate the interior release. flipped lever, now works fine. LOL!!! only 20 minutes wasted, just glad that was all it was.


also confirmed the fan temp switch works. Whoopie!
When I got home I left it running for a while with the a/c off, fan kicked on low when it passed the L in "normal".
unplugged the switch, and about a second later, the ecu commanded the fans to high. plugged back in, it shut them off.

just an unnerving design choice IMO, why they have the temp set to 214 and 230 for low and high respectively I dunno. fuel economy is my guess.

looked at the water pump (it is external + serpentine driven, not Timing belt driven/hidden) and it looks a lot newer than the block. VC does too. Air filter was brand spanking new. ATF was fine when I checked it, oil was clean. still needs about 1/2 a can of r134a more, but I got the low side pressure up enough (25psi) to where the compressor isn't cycling on max cool anymore as the low pressure sensor gets tripped. its good enough for now. nearly freeze ya out in a couple of minutes.

just needs matching tires, I have a Pilot sport on one front corner, bfg on another and two different Korean brands on the rear. serviceable for around town, but kinda old. And yes, it has a spare (with air), jack, jack handle, and lug wrench... I checked! :) the Jetta and Priz-olla didn't so and that was the first thing i checked.
I'll do that before end of year, and probably the serpentine belt just to be safe. it has the normal age cracking so it is 2-4 years old.

I think I got a decent deal. maybe a better one than I thought, certainly better than they thought.
I didn't have to fix anything... at all.


(btw: i want so bad... so bad. miss having a tach already)
http://www.usacceleratorcorp.com/images/AUTO/2011/y2252.jpg

[AquilaBMW]

I am just joining in this again and updating myself. I am glad you are getting things back together - one piece at a time my man.

The most important thing was to get you mobile again and that primary objective was achieved. Keep climbing back, you will reach the top again.

All the best, glad we as a community could help.

[cornflakecwl]

Nice work AE, sounds like you are making it your own already. I almost bought a new contour when they first came out, but was just short of comfortably affording the V6 and the the 4 banger wasn't enough for me, nice car regardless. My cousing had an SVT that he ended up destroying too bad, it was a SWEET ass car, burnt orange.

[attack eagle]

oh no, radio is about it. i got other things to spend money on/save money for.