Type 44: The Sickness was What Do I Look For...

[Steve Jensen]

I have to laugh because I understand both sides of the ongoing argument
(spirited discussion?).  The guy's innocent question was what to look for on
a 5000, and the answers IMHO are:

1) buy the best possible example you can find, a maintenance deferred
example will bleed you dry.

2) yes, they are wonderful great/fun/exciting cars HOWEVER they are NOT for
those who:

- have limited inherent mechanical skills and can't/won't turn a wrench.

- have limited funds for the exciting times when something unique and
expensive breaks (steering racks, afterrun coolant pumps, bombs, etc.).

- want to drive an appliance.  Type 44s are an adventure!

I now view trips to the junkyard as a necessary evil and now happily look
upon them as scavenger hunts.  I stock up on things I know the cars will end
up needing, and I accept that with a smile on my face.  I make it a point to
tell my wife "hey, you know that nearly new fuel pump relay I bought at the
junkyard for $4.00, well the old one failed and I just saved us $40.00 by
not going to the dealers!".

I love both my Type 44s.  Any car that can look that good after 14 years,
have engines and drivetrains that are extremely robust, can cruise at 80 mph
without breaking a sweat, and feel as comfortable as your favorite pair of
jeans when you get in, well, I'm hooked.  Yeah, they have their weaknesses
(as some have pointed out) but for me the pros outweigh the cons.

I think DeWitt said it the best "You need to have a lot of Love to withstand
the pain."

I'm sick, but the key is I acknowledge it, I accept it, and no twelve step
program is going to put me in a mindnumbingly dull H*nda with a car payment!

-Steve Jensen
(currently planning his next trip to the junkyard)
87 5kcstq
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