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

[Gregory J. Wolters]

Right on!

Steve Jensen wrote:

> 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
> 87 5kcstqw