...and thus commences my first post.

[Christopher Ritchie]

Shan T King writes (in part):

OK, I need some help. I'm looking at buying an '86 5000 CS Turbo


Run away.  $2600 is too much money.  But that's nothing compared to what it 
will need every month.  Usually you spend $500 on these cars and they 
quickly require $2100 worth of work.  The price is too much, but it's the 
upkeep that'll kill ya.

The engines are bulletproof.  It'll easily go 300k with no problem.  The 
body is galvanized, so it won't rust.  The styling is still good.  It is a 
luxury car, and it is German.

But everything else on the car will break constantly.  It is 15 years old.  
What do you want out of a car?  Do you mind scrounging for parts; keeping up 
with this list; and, wrenching on the car most weekends?  Owning these 
things is more a hobby and lifestyle choice.  These cars do not have the 
reliability of Japanese or American cars.  Parts from the dealers are 
expensive.  You can afford them only if you do most of the work yourself; 
follow this list; and, cultivate a source of used parts.  Only you can 
decide.  Do you feel like doing that?  Or, do you, at this point in your 
life, want to own a more reliable but more appliance like car?


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