[V8] V8 Crossroads

[justin.bowers at comcast.net]

Greetings all, 

As the subject line states, I'm at a crossroads with my V8. I've owned the car for 11 years, but I haven't really used it for the last 2.5 years. During that time it has basically sat in the garage with virtually no use. I start it and back it out of the garage about once a month...but that is the extent of its use. I'm at the point now that I need to get rid of it as I realize I'm simply not going to use it again. 

In preparation to let it go, I took it out for a spin so I knew what I would be offering to potential buyers. 

The Good: The car looks fantastic. The interior is near mint, including the drivers seat, and the the exterior looks great as well - it really is a great looking car and cosmetically it is a wonderful example. It started, ran great, and shifted smoothly - which is all good. 

Alas, the test ride reminded me of why I essentially put her to pasture 2.5 years ago...here is the bad: the suspension is soft, especially in the front. I purchased new shocks and struts for it 3 years ago and never installed them...they are still in the box they were delivered in.; it appears that the bomb has lost its charge (although it was replaced shortly before I stopped using the car as my daily driver; the power steering houses are leaking - I think at the tank, but I'm not certain.; when I finished the test drive smoke was wafting out from the engine compartment - something is leaking onto the exhaust and I'm not certain what it is; and finally, it will need to have the timing belt service completed. 

So essentially it would take a fair amount of money to turn this car back into a nice daily driver. Given the state of the car, I really wouldn't feel comfortable seeing it go to anyone other than someone that has experience with these cars and really knows what they are getting into. The car is located in the Seattle area so if there is anyone local that may have interest in bringing her back to life...or heaven forbid, utilize it as a parts car, let me know. 

Beyond that option, I'm not sure what I'll do with her...I'm open to suggestions if anyone has thoughts they would like to share. 

Cheers, 

Justin 
90 V8q 
01 S8