I've been after these cars for a couple years now and am finally in a position good enough to look for one rather seriously(talking 14k or less). I've visited a few and am sure its the car I want, but I feel easily put off. Years of thinking about owning one I guess has made me rather ideological about my future ride. I'm most actively looking for one now (seeing as winter season drops their prices 1-2,000$). I wanted to discuss the last one I've come across new to the winter season to see if you guys think I'm being too picky/etc.

I came across one, 2k3 with 54k miles, seller was asking 12k obo. I thought about it long, and its not to late to go back to it, but I was quickly put off by some possibly minor problems with it: It had a good bit of scratches lower on the body and a nickel sized ding by the front right wheel. From 10 yards back, it would look fine. It also had a patched hole in the soft top, the slit about the width of a wallet. These things were expected though at 12k$. Other smaller issues were it had an upgraded short throw in it, which isn't too bothersome, but I look towards stock. Its also missing the cover for the soft top when its down. Also since he's had it the driver side controls for the stereo don't work, the previous owner probably had his own system installed, not that big a concern, maybe as easy as plugging it in.

The real thing that got to me is the car seems to be lowered about 1.5" The wheels in the front are gently higher than the edge of the wheel well. This would explain the deal of scratches to the lower body, especially the front. I have no idea how much it would cost to raise one of these vehicles as I have a semi steep driveway and would be concerned about it during casual driving. Its current owner doesn't really seem to informed about it. He had no idea it was lowered or had a short throw in it. Also he claimed that he's once taken it to 9k and it turned off, which really confused me, I think he thought of it as a safety feature, but I was puzzled. All in all I could tell one owner before the guy I was dealing with it did not destroy the vehicle, but he far from babied it.

So if you read nothing else, heh, I'm basically curious what to and not to be put off with these vehicles when working on a bit of a budget. Is a lowered vehicle a big deal? Should be not be so picky about scratches/etc at this price range? I know what I want and I know the prices on them pretty well, I just can't gauge how easily I am or am not being put off by these things.

 

If I were you I'd just wait till a better deal comes around. AP1s are getting much cheaper nowadays.

 

wait for a good deal Bro!!! Ive seen a lot of reddic. deals & if you just be patient, a deal will find its way too you. longer u wait better deal youll find. Also make sure you get the color you want, if you settle for a color u dont you might regret it. just some food for though.

 

Just wait. think about it. You will be putting a good bit of money into it. it will come up 14k plus. why dont you just spend that 14k into a better condition and nicer one. you will save so much time and having a problem free car is worth a lot more than what you could've saved.

the money you spent can be earned again. but the time you lost will be lost forever.

 

After reading your post, I would say wait for another one. Seems like the current owner is not the 1st owner of the car and does not know everything that has been done to the car. Especially with a car like this that was probably driven hard. Keep looking for one that is closer to stock, especially with the mechanical components (like engine, drivetrain and suspension). Good luck.

 

I guess I'll wait till a better condition one comes along for about the same price, if you guys really think I can get a good conditioned one for less than 14k. As far as colour is concerned, I don't have any preference at all. I guess what i fell in love with first was the specs, so any colour would be fine. I have a guy looking at auction for me right now, there seem to be good deals to be had there, I'll probably be jumping on the first really decent deal I get this winter though. Any other good places to look?

 

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showforum=109

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