89 2ctqa buying advice

[Kent McLean]

"Matt Ammann" <mjammann at yahoo.com> wrote:
> 1. cracked windshield. - ~$500 to fix

That's a bit low, but in the neighborhood.

> 2. bit of smoke at startup, uses ~1qt/800 miles
>   figure this is turbo seals, which will require a
>   rebuild in the not too distant future - thoughts
>   on how much this will cost and the likeli-hood of
>   if grenading?

Maybe turbo seals, maybe valve stem seals,
maybe a neglected car with worn rings burning
oil. 

> 3. rear shocks are a bit worn.  I understand the 
>   replacement options are limited? Anyone have the
>   skinny on what will fit and approximate cost?

No clue.

> 4. Trouble indicator(OK/low fuel/etc) seems broken,
> it doesn't light up at all. Is this likely to be a
> big problem, or just a blown fuse or the like?

Sometimes this is just the ribbon connector
going to the instrument cluster.  A good cleaning
and spray with DeOxit or other good cleaner
(check the archives) might take care of it. 

> Otherwise it is in primo shape, 155Kmiles.  

How are the rear brake calipers, seat heaters, brake 
pressure accumulator (bomb), steering rack (leaks?), 
timing belt service, clutch, radio/speakers, and leather?  
The condition/servicing of those things will affect the
price.

> What do you think it is worth?

Not much, given the cracked windshield. Depending
on the other things, I'd guess about $1K to $1.5K. 
For reference, Chris at Force5Auto.com has an '89
200 TQA for $3200, and an '88 5K TQA for $700.

Kent
'89 200 TQ, "Bad Puppy"