I am on the hunt for a new old car to replace two that I currently own. It must be a convertible. It must be fun to drive. It must qualify for Cruisin' the Coast (1989 model or older). It must have A/C (it's hot down here), an automatic transmission (so Sandy can drive it with her bad ankle.) And it must be well maintained. Not necessarily a show car. Just mechanically sound, rust free, and with an interior in good condition.

I almost had that car when I bid on a 1989 E30 BMW 325is that ticked all the boxes on BaT. I stayed in against one other bidder but at 10,500, it was pretty clear from our bidding war that the other bidder was not going to let this one go. Rather than just continue to jack up the cost to him, I finally cried uncle and let him have it.

My research into that car, and the fact that those early three-series models have always interested me, have me looking for another 3 series that meets my goals. But I would definitely consider other cars if they also tick all the boxes.

Anybody got or know someone who has what I am looking for, who might be willing to part with it for a reasonable offer?

 

Late 80s Audi cabrio or a Saab??? Sourcing Saab parts might be an issue, though.

 

My impression is that late 80s Audi reliability is not good. Anybody have experience there?

 

Mercedes 500 or 550. Luxurious, fast with the AMG version and very comfortable. Very pricy when new but tons less now. Poor MPG with the V8 and reliability has been decent. I was looking at a black 2009 550 AMG in beautiful condition with decent mileage for around 30K. Older years would be much less. Good Luck.

 

https://www.cafr.ebay.ca/itm/Mercede...cAAOSwQl1e9onm

 

Car must be pre-1990 which basically means a 560. That is a car I have long kept an eye on and done some research on in the past. The two things that make me nervous are the engine (timing chain guides and tensioner, head and valve cover gaskets) and the vacuum controls for HVAC outlet control. Also, it is a heavy car, especially for the period. Still the build quality and luxury do hold an appeal and the 560 is on my list of cars that I might consider if the right one came along. It would have to be local, though, as I would want to personally conduct a detailed inspection in addition to a PPI by a third party.

 

Yeah, the post 2000 AMG SL550s have the ABC suspension that will always need repairing and is very expensive to fix. (I had one and know what I'm talking about) I'll bet the pre 90s would be easier to work on too.

 

https://us.auto-data.org/mercedes-be...24-061-220-hp/

or
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/19...enz-560sl-145/ this is really pretty.

 

Here's a cheaper one, but not local to you. 560SL

 

Of course the other way to go is drop down on power and get a 380 sl.
not a bad car either.
https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds...l/2412453.html
more leisurely 0-60 10 seconds but a nice smooth car.